The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) disclosures [Line Items]
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), initial shares in ESOP | shares	120,000
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), shares adjusted for stock splits | shares	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	1 year
Employee retirement plan, employer match | $	$ 3,661	$ 3,373	$ 3,055
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, percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | First 1% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | 1% to 4% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	4.00%