CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 154,544	$ 95,822	$ 45,292
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	1,424	(2,623)	2,026
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,273	(261)	(3,214)
Unrealized gain (loss) in fair value of investments	(2)	(340)	766
Unrealized loss in fair value of interest rate swap		(24)	(125)
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX	2,695	(3,248)	(547)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	157,239	92,574	44,745
LESS: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	(6,162)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO TUTOR PERINI CORPORATION	$ 151,077	$ 92,574	$ 44,745