Contracts Receivables (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Retainages	$ 65,248	$ 63,558
Unbilled	5,650	12,697
Less allowances	(24,682)	(29,561)	(42,246)
Accounts receivable-trade, net	445,808	323,497
Total continuing operations
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable-trade, net	445,808	323,497
Contracts in progress
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Contracts Receivable	371,223	191,216
Completed contracts
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Contracts Receivable	$ 28,369	$ 85,587