Cover Page Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Mar. 08, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document type	10-K
Document annual report	true
Document period end date	Dec. 31, 2023
Document transition report	false
Entity file number	000-11917
Entity registrant name	THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
Entity well-known seasoned issuer	No
Entity voluntary filers	No
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity interactive data current	Yes
Entity filer category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity emerging growth company	false
Entity small business	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]	false
Entity shell company	false
Entity common stock, shares outstanding		41,366,167
Entity public float	$ 780,899,259
Entity central index key	0000277638
Current fiscal year end date	--12-31
Document fiscal year focus	2023
Document fiscal period focus	FY
Amendment flag	false
Entity incorporation, state or country code	OH
Entity tax identification number	34-0176110
Entity address, address description	1500 North Mantua Street
Entity address, address line one	P.O. Box 5193
Entity address, city or town	Kent
Entity address, state or province	OH
Entity address, postal zip code	44240
City area code	330
Local phone number	673-9511
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.50