The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), initial shares in ESOP	120,000
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), shares adjusted for stock splits	11,520,000
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), initial value in ESOP	$ 2,700
Defined contribution plan, eligible age	21
Defined contribution plan, service requirement for eligibility	P1Y
Employee retirement plan, employer match	$ 2,643	$ 2,473	$ 2,293
First 1% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	100.00%
1% to 4% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	50.00%
Minimum [Member] | 1% to 4% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution threshold, percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | First 1% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution threshold, percent	100.00%
Maximum [Member] | 1% to 4% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution threshold, percent	4.00%