10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

OR

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
	Commission File Number: 1-12911

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

State of Incorporation:	I.R.S. Employer Identification Number:
Delaware	77-0239383

Address of principal executive offices:

585 W. Beach Street

Watsonville, California 95076

(831) 724-1011

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes x No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of October 25, 2011.

Class	Outstanding
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	38,668,940 shares

Index

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Financial Statements
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
		Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities
	Item 4.	Reserved
	Item 5.	Other Information
	Item 6.	Exhibits
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32
EXHIBIT 101.INS
EXHIBIT 101.SCH
EXHIBIT 101.CAL
EXHIBIT 101.LAB
EXHIBIT 101.PRE

2

PARTI.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited - in thousands, except share and per share data)
	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	193,099	$	252,022	$	257,854
Short-term marketable securities	77,389		109,447		80,962
Receivables, net	357,807		243,986		375,914
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	45,884		10,519		34,448
Inventories	57,987		51,018		45,224
Real estate held for development and sale	79,173		75,716		151,638
Deferred income taxes	52,714		53,877		31,035
Equity in construction joint ventures	97,415		74,716		80,496
Other current assets	29,526		42,555		42,409
Total current assets	990,994		913,856		1,099,980
Property and equipment, net	453,822		473,607		491,363
Long-term marketable securities	59,509		34,259		49,502
Investments in affiliates	33,435		31,410		32,515
Other noncurrent assets	80,709		82,401		78,611
Total assets	$	1,618,469	$	1,535,533	$	1,751,971
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	8,351	$	8,359	$	8,444
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	16,690		29,760		39,157
Accounts payable	216,600		129,700		206,993
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	89,505		120,185		157,233
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	185,624		150,773		173,547
Total current liabilities	516,770		438,777		585,374
Long-term debt	208,519		217,014		216,870
Long-term non-recourse debt	27,755		25,337		16,420
Other long-term liabilities	46,985		47,996		48,764
Deferred income taxes	10,330		10,774		27,883
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares, none outstanding	—		—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 38,664,403 shares as of September 30, 2011, 38,745,542 shares as of December 31, 2010 and 38,769,787 shares as of September 30, 2010	387		387		388
Additional paid-in capital	108,096		104,232		101,567
Retained earnings	673,626		656,412		711,497
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders’ equity	782,109		761,031		813,452
Noncontrolling interests	26,001		34,604		43,208
Total equity	808,110		795,635		856,660
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,618,469	$	1,535,533	$	1,751,971

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Revenue
Construction	$	431,101		$	409,989		$	784,393		$	729,118
Large project construction	213,320			169,972			513,478			429,625
Construction materials	83,171			88,128			165,083			175,381
Real estate	986			2,761			7,029			11,613
Total revenue	728,578			670,850			1,469,983			1,345,737
Cost of revenue
Construction	372,561			365,323			696,911			659,705
Large project construction	187,763			151,656			443,965			379,991
Construction materials	73,617			75,991			154,329			165,889
Real estate	744			1,725			5,941			8,585
Total cost of revenue	634,685			594,695			1,301,146			1,214,170
Gross profit	93,893			76,155			168,837			131,567
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,112			47,160			121,277			153,809
Gain on sales of property and equipment	5,598			3,165			11,572			11,417
Operating income (loss)	60,379			32,160			59,132			(10,825		)
Other (expense) income
Interest income	476			2,110			2,295			4,147
Interest expense	(3,418		)	(547		)	(7,653		)	(7,294		)
Equity in income (loss) of affiliates	1,881			529			1,443			(177		)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,833		)	1,023			(1,951		)	5,854
Total other (expense) income	(2,894		)	3,115			(5,866		)	2,530
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	57,485			35,275			53,266			(8,295		)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	15,109			(8,026		)	11,973			(11,233		)
Net income	42,376			43,301			41,293			2,938
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,908		)	(4,620		)	(8,886		)	(11,902		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	$	36,468		$	38,681		$	32,407		$	(8,964	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 14)
Basic	$	0.94		$	1.00		$	0.84		$	(0.24	)
Diluted	$	0.93		$	0.99		$	0.83		$	(0.24	)
Weighted average shares of common stock
Basic	38,172			37,865			38,092			37,802
Diluted	38,598			38,071			38,428			37,802
Dividends per common share	$	0.13		$	0.13		$	0.39		$	0.39

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited - in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,	2011			2010
Operating activities
Net income	$	41,293		$	2,938
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	45,691			54,169
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(11,572		)	(11,417		)
Stock-based compensation	8,994			10,241
Loss (gain) on company owned life insurance	639			(2,655		)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of consolidations:
Receivables	(112,790		)	(90,764		)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	(66,045		)	(22,637		)
Inventories	(6,969		)	576
Real estate held for development and sale	(1,725		)	(9,982		)
Equity in construction joint ventures	(22,699		)	(14,010		)
Other assets, net	9,359			7,136
Accounts payable	86,900			75,422
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net	30,942			11,549
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,018			10,566
Investing activities
Purchases of marketable securities	(115,146		)	(78,355		)
Maturities of marketable securities	85,875			50,900
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	33,268			10,000
Additions to property and equipment	(34,748		)	(30,182		)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	20,071			17,225
Purchase of private preferred stock	(50		)	(6,400		)
Other investing activities, net	2,363			2,407
Net cash used in investing activities	(8,367		)	(34,405		)
Financing activities
Long-term debt principal payments	(17,293		)	(18,472		)
Cash dividends paid	(15,090		)	(15,110		)
Purchase of common stock	(3,840		)	(3,374		)
Distributions to noncontrolling partners, net	(17,489		)	(20,940		)
Other financing activities	1,138			633
Net cash used in financing activities	(52,574		)	(57,263		)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(58,923		)	(81,102		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	252,022			338,956
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	193,099		$	257,854

Supplementary Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	9,718	$	8,196
Income taxes	905		469
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted stock/units issued, net of forfeitures	$	6,896	$	6,763
Accrued cash dividends	5,026		5,040
Debt payments out of escrow from sale of assets	3,446		5,487

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Granite Construction Incorporated (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Granite”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted, although we believe the disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Further, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position at September 30, 2011 and 2010 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2010 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements. Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  

2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This ASU clarifies the application of certain existing fair value measurement guidance as well as expands the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs and for assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. This ASU will be effective for our quarter ending March 31, 2012. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires the presentation of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements rather than as a footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements, where it is currently disclosed. This ASU will be effective for our quarter ending March 31, 2012. Except for the presentation requirement, the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This ASU gives companies the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value when assessing goodwill for impairment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, further impairment analysis is not necessary. However, if it is concluded otherwise, we are required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test. This ASU will be effective for our quarter ending March 31, 2012. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-09, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan. This ASU requires employers that participate in multiemployer pension plans to provide additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures. The additional disclosures include, but are not limited to, information on significant multiemployer plans in which we participate, such as plan names and identifying numbers, the amount of contributions to the plan, whether our contributions represent more than five percent of the total contributions made to the plan, funded status, whether funding improvement plans are pending or implemented, whether the plan has imposed surcharges and the expiration dates of the plans. This ASU is effective for our year ending December 31, 2011. Except for the additional disclosures, the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

6

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. Revisions in Estimates

Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary in the normal course of business as projects progress and uncertainties are resolved. We do not recognize revenue on contract change orders or claims until we have a signed agreement; however, we do recognize costs as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Approved change orders and claims, as well as changes in related estimates of costs to complete, are considered revisions in estimates. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this option, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. As of September 30, 2011, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

Construction

The net change in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit was a net decrease of $1.3 million and a net increase of $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The net change in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit was a net increase of $0.7 million and a net decrease of $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		2		2		4		3
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.3 - 1.4	$	2.2 - 2.9	$	1.1 - 2.9	$	1.0 - 2.9
Increase on project profitability	$	2.7	$	5.1	$	7.0	$	6.5

The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were primarily due to improved salvage prices for excess material, the settlement of outstanding cost issues and owner directed scope changes. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to the resolution of certain project uncertainties and owner directed scope changes.

Decreases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		2		2		3		3
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.4 - 2.6	$	2.2 - 2.2	$	1.4 - 2.6	$	1.9 - 2.7
Decrease on project profitability	$	4.0	$	4.4	$	5.4	$	6.9

The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were due to lower productivity than anticipated and unanticipated rework costs. The downward estimate changes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to lower productivity than anticipated, disputed materials performance issues and unanticipated rework costs.

7

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Large Project Construction

The net changes in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit were net increases of $2.7 million and $7.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The net change for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was a net decrease of $0.1 million and a net increase of $6.5 million, respectively. Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests were $1.0 million and $0.6 million of the net increases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, $0.1 million of the net decrease for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2010 and $1.5 million of the net increase for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		5		2		6		6
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.0 - 2.6	$	1.4 - 2.8	$	1.4 - 4.2	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability	$	8.8	$	4.2	$	17.7	$	11.6

The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were due to the settlement of outstanding issues with a contract owner, owner directed scope changes, lower than anticipated construction costs and the resolution of a project claim. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to the settlement of design issues with a subcontractor, resolution of project uncertainties, owner directed scope changes and higher productivity than anticipated.  

8

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Decreases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		September 30, 2010		2011		September 30, 2010
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		3		2		2		2
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.7 - 2.4	$	1.9 - 2.4	$	4.2 - 5.6	$	2.2 - 2.9
Decrease on project profitability	$	6.1	$	4.3	$	9.8	$	5.1

The downward estimate changes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were due to increased costs to resolve project uncertainties and lower productivity than anticipated. The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to issues with contract owners as well as lower productivity than anticipated.

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is contracted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of U.S. Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. In addition to previous geologic landslide movements, the project site experienced unanticipated ground movement at several hillsides beginning in 2010. In some locations, the ground movements have caused damage to completed portions of bridge structures. Although design work towards a new mitigation plan on the project is continuing, the corrective work required to complete the project has not yet been determined.  YRC and ODOT are engaged in the contractual dispute resolution process to determine the parties’ responsibilities for design issues and which party bears the financial responsibility for the corrective work.  At this time, the Company cannot predict the timing of the resolution of the contractual disputes, including the design determination issue, nor reasonably estimate the impact the final resolution will have on the projected financial results for this project. If the required corrective work is determined to be substantial, and YRC is determined to bear the financial responsibility for the corrective work, the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for one or more future periods could be materially and adversely affected. Until the dispute is resolved, we will incur additional costs to maintain the job site. While we believe we are entitled to receive compensation for these additional costs, the contractual dispute resolution process will determine which party bears the financial responsibility for maintaining the job site. During the year ended December 31, 2010, a $10.2 million revision in estimate was recorded in our consolidated statements of operations primarily related to additional costs to maintain the project site until the beginning of the 2012 construction season. In addition, provisions for the estimated total cost of this contract in excess of its estimated total revenue have been made in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Due to the uncertainties described above, no revisions in this project’s estimates were made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 related to the disputed work.

9

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

4. Marketable Securities

The carrying amounts of marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2011	Held-to-Maturity		Trading		Total
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	40,218	$	—	$	40,218
Commercial paper	29,978		—		29,978
Municipal bonds	4,036		—		4,036
Corporate bonds	3,157		—		3,157
Total short-term marketable securities	77,389		—		77,389
U.S. Government and agency obligations	45,268		—		45,268
Municipal bonds	8,952		—		8,952
Corporate bonds	5,289		—		5,289
Total long-term marketable securities	59,509		—		59,509
Total marketable securities	$	136,898	$	—	$	136,898

December 31, 2010
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	40,047	$	—	$	40,047
Commercial paper	33,971		—		33,971
Municipal bonds	10,896		—		10,896
Corporate bonds	10,122		—		10,122
Equity securities - mutual funds	—		14,411		14,411
Total short-term marketable securities	95,036		14,411		109,447
U.S. Government and agency obligations	30,618		—		30,618
Municipal bonds	3,641		—		3,641
Total long-term marketable securities	34,259		—		34,259
Total marketable securities	$	129,295	$	14,411	$	143,706

September 30, 2010
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	44,407	$	—	$	44,407
Commercial paper	19,971		—		19,971
Municipal bonds	11,204		—		11,204
Equity securities - mutual funds	—		5,380		5,380
Total short-term marketable securities	75,582		5,380		80,962
U.S. Government and agency obligations	45,844		—		45,844
Municipal bonds	3,658		—		3,658
Total long-term marketable securities	49,502		—		49,502
Total marketable securities	$	125,084	$	5,380	$	130,464

Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2011
Due within one year	$	77,389
Due in one to five years	59,509
Total	$	136,898

10

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

5. Fair Value Measurement

The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: 

September 30, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	149,966	$	—	$	—	$	149,966
Total	$	149,966	$	—	$	—	$	149,966

December 31, 2010	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	226,009	$	—	$	—	$	226,009
Trading securities
Equity securities - mutual funds	14,411		—		—		14,411
Total	$	240,420	$	—	$	—	$	240,420

September 30, 2010	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	210,189	$	—	$	—	$	210,189
Trading securities
Equity securities - mutual funds	5,380		—		—		5,380
Total	$	215,569	$	—	$	—	$	215,569

¹Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

²Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

³Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

A reconciliation of money market funds to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Money market funds	$	149,966	$	226,009	$	210,189
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		14,997
Cash	38,136		21,014		32,668
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	193,099	$	252,022	$	257,854

11

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

We believe the carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and other current liabilities approximate their fair values. The fair value of the senior notes payable was based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term loans with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of senior notes payable, including current maturities, were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Carrying amount
Senior notes payable	$	216,667	$	225,000	$	225,000
Fair value
Senior notes payable	$	246,844	$	245,911	$	256,556

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we did not record any significant fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

6. Receivables, Net

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	223,292	$	121,664	$	226,192
Retentions	74,795		96,333		92,614
Total construction contracts	298,087		217,997		318,806
Construction material sales	52,157		17,674		51,114
Other	10,177		11,612		9,325
Total gross receivables	360,421		247,283		379,245
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	2,614		3,297		3,331
Total net receivables	$	357,807	$	243,986	$	375,914

Included in other receivables at September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 were items such as notes receivable, interest receivable, fuel tax refunds and income tax refunds. No such receivables individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of these dates.

Financing receivables consisted of long-term notes receivable and retentions receivable. As of September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, long-term notes receivable outstanding were $2.1 million, $1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively, and primarily related to loans made to employees and were included in other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

12

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow and the balances in each category were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Escrow	$	38,517	$	43,841	$	38,312
Non-escrow	36,278		52,492		54,302
Total retention receivables	$	74,795	$	96,333	$	92,614

The escrow receivables include amounts due to Granite which have been deposited into an escrow account and bear interest. Typically, escrow retention receivables are held until work on a project is complete and has been accepted by the owner who then releases those funds, along with accrued interest, to us. There is minimal risk of not collecting on these amounts.

Non-escrow retention receivables are amounts that the project owner has contractually withheld that will be paid upon owner acceptance of contract completion. We evaluate our non-escrow retention receivables for collectability using certain customer information that includes the following:

• Federal - includes federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The obligations of these agencies are backed by the federal government. Consequently there is minimal risk of not collecting the amounts we are entitled to receive.    

• State - primarily state departments of transportation. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as states have struggled with budget issues.

• Local - these customers include local agencies such as cities, counties and other local municipal agencies. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as some local agencies have struggled to deal with budget issues.       

• Private - includes individuals, developers and corporations. The majority of our collection risk is associated with these customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law provides us certain remedies, including, but not limited to, the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such customers.

The following table summarizes the amount of our non-escrow retention receivables within each category:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Federal	$	2,148	$	3,080	$	2,175
State	6,046		9,507		10,792
Local	17,666		29,451		30,409
Private	10,418		10,454		10,926
Total	$	36,278	$	52,492	$	54,302

13

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

We regularly review our accounts receivable, including past due amounts, to determine their probability of collection. If it is probable that an amount is uncollectible, it is charged to bad debt expense and a corresponding reserve is established in allowance for doubtful accounts. If it is deemed certain that an amount is uncollectible, the amount is written off. Based on contract terms, non-escrow retention receivables are typically due within 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion. We consider retention amounts beyond 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion to be past due. The following tables present the aging of our non-escrow retention receivables (in thousands):

September 30, 2011	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,976	$	77	$	95	$	2,148
State	3,880		1,397		769		6,046
Local	13,801		1,465		2,400		17,666
Private	9,911		108		399		10,418
Total	$	29,568	$	3,047	$	3,663	$	36,278

December 31, 2010	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,587	$	174	$	319	$	3,080
State	4,443		628		4,436		9,507
Local	22,641		2,800		4,010		29,451
Private	9,243		175		1,036		10,454
Total	$	38,914	$	3,777	$	9,801	$	52,492

September 30, 2010	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,921	$	22	$	232	$	2,175
State	9,227		131		1,434		10,792
Local	23,850		2,489		4,070		30,409
Private	9,689		243		994		10,926
Total	$	44,687	$	2,885	$	6,730	$	54,302

Federal, state and local agencies generally require several approvals to release payments, and these approvals often take over 90 days past contractual due dates to obtain. Amounts past due from government agencies primarily result from delays caused by paperwork processing and obtaining proper agency approvals rather than lack of funds. As of September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, our allowance for doubtful accounts contained no material provision related to non-escrow retention receivables as we determined there were no significant collectibility issues.

14

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

7. Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

We participate in various construction joint venture partnerships. We also participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each partner is responsible for performing certain discrete items of the total scope of contracted work.

Our agreements with our joint venture partners for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures provide that each party will pay for any losses it is responsible for under the joint venture agreement. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under our joint venture arrangements beyond our stated ownership interest include the failure of a partner to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur should a partner fail to provide the services and resources that it had committed to provide in the joint venture agreement. Due to the joint and several nature of the obligations under our joint venture arrangements, if one of our joint venture partners fails to perform, we and the remaining joint venture partners would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work.

At September 30, 2011, there was approximately $1.7 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $0.6 billion represented our share and the remaining $1.1 billion represented our partners’ share. We are not able to estimate amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by billings to the customer or by proceeds from our partners’ corporate and/or other guarantees.

Construction Joint Ventures

Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to complete a specific contract and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. The joint venture agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities resulting from the performance of the contracts are limited to our stated percentage interest in the project. We have no significant commitments beyond completion of the contracts. Under our contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, partners dedicate resources to the ventures necessary to complete the contracts and are reimbursed for their cost. The operational risks of each construction joint venture are passed along to the joint venture partners. As we absorb our share of these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential losses.

We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners.

Based on our primary beneficiary assessment during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we determined no change was required to the accounting for existing construction joint ventures.

15

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	65,350	$	109,380	$	103,367
Other current assets2	31,215		50,344		44,351
Total current assets	96,565		159,724		147,718
Noncurrent assets	9,821		2,561		894
Total assets3	$	106,386	$	162,285	$	148,612
Accounts payable	$	36,660	$	33,078	$	33,934
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	17,116		46,475		63,783
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,997		11,633		11,195
Total current liabilities	59,773		91,186		108,912
Noncurrent liabilities	33		3		5
Total liabilities3	$	59,806	$	91,189	$	108,917

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

²Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to current year presentation. The revisions had no impact on the consolidated balances or on the accounting for consolidated construction joint ventures.

³The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

At September 30, 2011, we were engaged in two active consolidated construction joint venture projects with total contract values of $227.6 million and $312.1 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures was 45.0% and 60.0%, respectively.

Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures

We account for our share of construction joint ventures that we are not required to consolidate on a pro rata basis in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2011, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in nine active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $57.6 million to $975.4 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures was between 20.0% and 49.0%. As of September 30, 2011, we had between $2.4 million and $196.1 million of revenue per project remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures.

16

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	356,399	$	318,408	$	273,173
Other assets	265,549		212,911		192,606
Less partners’ interest	378,523		324,485		287,616
Granite’s interest	243,425		206,834		178,163
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	85,602		72,658		49,767
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	302,039		282,702		211,822
Other liabilities	9,460		8,893		13,837
Less partners’ interest	251,091		232,135		177,759
Granite’s interest	146,010		132,118		97,667
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	97,415	$	74,716	$	80,496

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Revenue:
Total	$	243,654	$	168,981	$	667,920	$	427,379
Less partners’ interest1	158,079		120,790		448,357		300,425
Granite’s interest	85,575		48,191		219,563		126,954
Cost of revenue:
Total	212,485		157,932		546,495		386,316
Less partners’ interest1	140,506		111,578		370,865		261,508
Granite’s interest	71,979		46,354		175,630		124,808
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	13,596	$	1,837	$	43,933	$	2,146

¹Partners’ interest represents amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies.

Line Item Joint Ventures

The revenue for each line item joint venture partner’s discrete items of work is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture partner bears the profitability risk associated with its own work. There is not a single set of books and records for a line item joint venture. Each partner accounts for its items of work individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We account for our portion of these contracts as project revenues and costs in our accounting system and include receivables and payables associated with our work in our condensed consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2011, we had four active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values between $52.9 million and $154.9 million of which our portions were between $21.1 million and $71.3 million. As of September 30, 2011, we had between $0.9 million and $43.8 million of revenue per project remaining to be recognized on these line item joint ventures.

17

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

8. Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

The operations of our Real Estate segment are conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Land Company (“GLC”). Generally, GLC participates with third-party partners in entities that are formed to accomplish specific real estate development projects. The agreements with GLC’s partners in these real estate entities define each partner’s management role and financial responsibility in the project. If one of GLC’s partners is unable to fulfill its management role or make its required financial contribution, GLC may assume full management or financial responsibility for the project. This may result in the consolidation of entities that are accounted for under the equity method in our consolidated financial statements. The amount of GLC’s exposure is limited to GLC’s equity investment in the real estate joint venture.

Substantially all the assets of these real estate entities in which we are participants through our GLC subsidiary are classified as real estate held for development and sale or real estate held for use. All outstanding debt of these entities is non-recourse to Granite. However, there is recourse to our real estate affiliates that incurred the debt. Our real estate affiliates include limited partnerships or limited liability companies of which we are a limited partner or member. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we publicly announced our work in progress on our Enterprise Improvement Plan which includes business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business through the end of 2013, subject to market conditions. 

GLC receives authorization to provide additional financial support for certain of its real estate entities in increments as they achieve entitlement or development milestones, or to address changes in business plans.  During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011, GLC was authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated land entities by a total of $12.0 million on three separate projects. This compares to an increase of $13.5 million on three projects for the same period in 2010. The authorization will allow GLC entities to refinance debt and complete entitlements necessary to sell these projects in keeping with the Company’s plans to orderly divest its real estate investment business. As of September 30, 2011, $7.9 million of the total authorized investment had yet to be contributed to the consolidated entities.

We have determined that certain of the real estate joint ventures are VIEs as defined by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners. Based on our ongoing primary beneficiary assessments, there were no changes to our determinations of whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary for existing real estate entities during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010.

To determine if impairment charges should be recognized, the carrying amount of each consolidated real estate development project is reviewed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and each real estate development project accounted for under the equity method of accounting is reviewed in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures.  The review of each project includes an evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to each project to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the undiscounted future cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount.  In the event that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of a project, it is written down to its estimated fair value.

Based on our quarterly evaluations of each project’s business plan and our review of each project, we recorded no significant impairment charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

18

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Consolidated Real Estate Entities

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of real estate entities we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Real estate held for development and sale	$	79,173	$	75,716	$	151,638
Other current assets	2,801		2,453		2,858
Total current assets	81,974		78,169		154,496
Property and equipment, net	—		3,771		8,156
Other noncurrent assets	—		1,095		2,005
Total assets	$	81,974	$	83,035	$	164,657
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	16,190	$	29,760	$	39,157
Other current liabilities	1,901		2,619		3,083
Total current liabilities	18,091		32,379		42,240
Long-term non-recourse debt	27,755		25,337		16,420
Other noncurrent liabilities	278		404		443
Total liabilities	$	46,124	$	58,120	$	59,103

Substantially all of the consolidated real estate entities’ real estate held for development and sale as well as property and equipment are pledged as collateral for the debt of the real estate entities. All outstanding debt of the real estate entities is recourse only to the real estate affiliate that incurred the debt (i.e. the limited partnership or limited liability company of which we are a limited partner or member). Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

19

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Included in current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets is real estate held for development and sale. The breakdown by type and location of our real estate held for development and sale is summarized below:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010			September 30, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	55,672	5	$	55,289	5	$	129,618	6
Commercial1	23,501		7	20,427		5	22,020		5
Total	$	79,173	12	$	75,716	10	$	151,638	11
Washington	$	47,109	2	$	44,598	2	$	87,194	2
California1	16,382		8	13,437		6	25,815		7
Texas	8,859		1	8,859		1	8,716		1
Oregon	6,823		1	8,822		1	29,913		1
Total	$	79,173	12	$	75,716	10	$	151,638	11

¹The increase in the number of projects from December 31, 2010 to September 30, 2011 is due to the reclassification of two projects from property and equipment to real estate held for development and sale. The reclassifications were due to a change in business plans for the projects in connection with our Enterprise Improvement Plan.

Investments in Affiliates

We account for our share of unconsolidated real estate entities in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as investments in affiliates. At September 30, 2011, these entities were engaged in real estate development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $3.1 million to $48.4 million. Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

Additionally, we have investments in non-real estate affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method. The most significant of these investments is a 50% interest in a limited liability company which owns and operates an asphalt terminal in Nevada. We also have a cost method investment in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment.

20

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	15,856	$	12,128	$	14,290
Equity method investments in other affiliates	11,129		12,882		11,825
Total equity method investments	26,985		25,010		26,115
Cost method investments	6,450		6,400		6,400
Total investments in affiliates	$	33,435	$	31,410	$	32,515

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate ventures is summarized below:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010			September 30, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	11,511	2	$	9,029	2	$	8,893	2
Commercial	4,345		3	3,099		3	5,397		3
Total	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5
Texas	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5
Total	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5

The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a 100% combined basis:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Total assets	$	157,054	$	156,868	$	165,653
Net assets	80,306		84,368		88,530
Granite’s share of net assets	26,985		25,010		26,115

9. Property and Equipment, net

Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Land and land improvements	$	122,728	$	120,342	$	123,278
Quarry property	175,431		174,231		175,048
Buildings and leasehold improvements	81,217		85,655		89,401
Equipment and vehicles	753,776		778,443		791,449
Office furniture and equipment	48,996		42,509		41,354
Property and equipment	1,182,148		1,201,180		1,220,530
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	728,326		727,573		729,167
Property and equipment, net	$	453,822	$	473,607	$	491,363

21

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

10. Intangible Assets

The balances of the following intangible assets are included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	1,319		1,319		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	11,219	$	11,219	$	11,219

¹Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.

Amortized Intangible Assets:

September 30, 2011			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,205	)	$	22,508
Customer lists	2,198		(1,885		)	313
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,439		)	149
Other	871		(545		)	326
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,074	)	$	23,296

December 31, 2010
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,100	)	$	23,613
Customer lists	2,198		(1,715		)	483
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,325		)	263
Other	871		(432		)	439
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(9,572	)	$	24,798

September 30, 2010
(in thousands)
Permits	$	33,582	$	(6,401	)	$	27,181
Customer lists	2,198		(1,658		)	540
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,286		)	302
Other	1,082		(606		)	476
Total amortized intangible assets	$	38,450	$	(9,951	)	$	28,499

Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and approximately $0.6 million and $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets balance at September 30, 2011, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $0.5 million for the balance of 2011; $1.9 million in 2012; $1.6 million in 2013; $1.5 million in 2014; $1.5 million in 2015; and $16.3 million thereafter.

22

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

11. Restructuring

We had no significant restructuring charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. During 2011 and beyond, we expect to record between $2.0 million and $11.0 million of restructuring charges, primarily related to previously planned additional consolidation efforts and assets to be held-for-sale as part of our Enterprise Improvement Plan. The ultimate amount and timing of future restructuring charges is subject to our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us.

12. Covenants and Events of Default

Our debt and credit agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt or credit agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our agreements) may constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt or credit agreements. Default under our debt and credit agreements could result in (1) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements, (2) termination of the agreements, (3) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized, (4) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements and (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entities, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements. As of September 30, 2011, two of our consolidated and two of our unconsolidated real estate entities were in default under debt agreements as a result of their failure to make timely required principal and/or interest payments. Subsequent to September 30, 2011, defaults under the debt agreements of one of our consolidated real estate entities has been cured. The affected loans are non-recourse to Granite and these defaults do not result in cross-defaults under other debt agreements under which Granite is the obligor; however, there is recourse to the real estate entity that incurred the debt. The real estate entities remaining in default are currently in discussions with lenders to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

23

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

13. Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011	2010	2011	2010
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,669	38,773	38,678	38,747
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	497	908	586	945
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	426	206	336	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,598	38,071	38,428	37,802

¹Due to the net loss for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010, 146,000 common stock options and restricted stock units have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted loss per share, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

24

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

14. Earnings Per Share

We calculate earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method by allocating earnings to both common shares and unvested restricted stock which are considered participating securities. However, net losses are not allocated to participating securities for purposes of computing EPS under the two-class method. The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Granite and related weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share using the two-class method:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Basic
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	36,468	$	38,681	$	32,407	$	(8,964	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	469		903		491		—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation	$	35,999	$	37,778	$	31,916	$	(8,964	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	38,172		37,865		38,092		37,802
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	0.94	$	1.00	$	0.84	$	(0.24	)
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	36,468	$	38,681	$	32,407	$	(8,964	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	462		898		487		—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for diluted calculation	$	36,006	$	37,783	$	31,920	$	(8,964	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	38,598		38,071		38,428		37,802
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.93	$	0.99	$	0.83	$	(0.24	)

25

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

15. Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 26.3% and 22.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and was (22.8)% and 135.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  The changes from prior year periods were primarily due to the effect from noncontrolling interests as a percent of net income (loss), as noncontrolling interests are not subject to income taxes on a stand-alone basis. Included in the tax rate for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 is the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes. The recognition and measurement of these tax benefits was the result of a favorable settlement of an income tax examination conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, our effective tax rate for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010 was affected by non-taxable life insurance proceeds which were considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes.

16. Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented:

(in thousands)	Granite Construction Incorporated			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock1	(3,840		)	—			(3,840		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	7,589			—			7,589
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(17,489		)	(17,489		)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	32,407			8,886			41,293
Total comprehensive income	32,407			8,886			41,293
Dividends on common stock	(15,078		)	—			(15,078		)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	782,109		$	26,001		$	808,110

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	830,651		$	51,905		$	882,556
Purchase of common stock2	(3,374		)	—			(3,374		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	10,266			—			10,266
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(20,599		)	(20,599		)
Comprehensive (loss) income:
Net (loss) income	(8,964		)	11,902			2,938
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(8,964		)	11,902			2,938
Dividends on common stock	(15,127		)	—			(15,127		)
Balance at September 30, 2010	$	813,452		$	43,208		$	856,660

¹Represents 138,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 122,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

³Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

⁴Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.

26

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

17. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings that are pending against us and our affiliates alleging, among other things, breach of contract or tort in connection with the performance of professional services, the various outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. The most significant of these proceedings are as follows:

• Hiawatha Project DBE Issues: The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (“HLRT”) project was performed by Minnesota Transit Constructors (“MnTC”), a joint venture that consisted of our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”), and other unrelated companies. GCCO was the managing partner of the joint venture. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (“MnDOT”), which was the contracting agency, the Metropolitan Council, which was the local agency conduit for providing federal funds to MnDOT for the HLRT project, and the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Justice made certain claims that MnTC had not complied with certain contract and legal requirements regarding the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) firms on the project. All agencies and MnTC reached a negotiated settlement of all claims asserted. In return for a release from the agencies of their asserted claims, and to avoid the additional expense and uncertainty of pursuing a formal resolution of the claims, MnTC agreed to make a payment to the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”). Granite's portion of the settlement is approximately $1.1 million and had been reserved in prior period financial statements. However, in the settlement MnTC did not admit to, and continued to dispute, the agencies' claims. There were no civil or criminal actions filed in this matter. There are no special requirements or limitations on GCCO or the MnTC joint venture partners regarding future contracts with the federal government or MnDOT arising out of this matter or the settlement.

• US Highway 20 Project: Our wholly owned subsidiaries, GCCO and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is contracted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of US Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. The project involves constructing seven miles of new road through steep and forested terrain in the Coast Range Mountains. During the fall and winter of 2006, extraordinary rain events produced runoff that overwhelmed installed erosion control measures and resulted in discharges to surface water resulting in alleged violations of YRC’s stormwater permit. In June 2009, YRC was informed that the USDOJ had assumed the criminal investigation that the Oregon Department of Justice initiated in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. YRC and its members are fully cooperating in the investigation. We continue to communicate with the USDOJ about the agency’s possible penalties against GCCO. We do not know whether any criminal charges, civil lawsuits or fines will be brought against GCCO as a result of the USDOJ’s investigation. Under certain circumstances the resolution of this matter could have direct or indirect consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flow and liquidity.

27

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

• Grand Avenue Project DBE Issues: On March 6, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) served upon our wholly-owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. (“Granite Northeast”), a United States District Court Eastern District of New York subpoena to testify before a grand jury by producing documents. The subpoena seeks all documents pertaining to the use of a DBE firm (the “Subcontractor”), and the Subcontractor's use of a non-DBE lower tier subcontractor/consultant, on the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility for the Borough of Queens Project (the “Grand Avenue Project”), a Granite Northeast project.  The subpoena also seeks any documents regarding the use of the Subcontractor as a DBE on any other projects and any other documents related to the Subcontractor or to the lower-tier subcontractor/consultant.  We have complied with the subpoena and are fully cooperating with the OIG's investigation. To date, Granite Northeast has not been notified that it is either a subject or target of the OIG's investigation. Accordingly, we do not know whether any criminal charges or civil lawsuits will be brought or against whom, as a result of the investigation. We cannot, however, rule out the possibility of civil or criminal actions or administrative sanctions being brought against Granite Northeast.

• Other Legal Proceedings/Government Inquiries: We are a party to a number of other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. From time to time, we also receive inquiries from public agencies seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and related laws and regulations. We believe that the nature and number of these proceedings and compliance inquiries are typical for a construction firm of our size and scope. Our litigation typically involves claims regarding public liability or contract related issues. While management currently believes, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate outcome of pending proceedings and compliance inquiries, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on our financial position or overall trends in results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Were one or more unfavorable rulings to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and/or liquidity for the period in which the ruling occurs. In addition, our government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended or debarred, or payment of our costs disallowed. While any one of our pending legal proceedings is subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to settle, whether or when any legal proceeding will be resolved through settlement is neither predictable nor guaranteed.

We record amounts in our condensed consolidated balance sheets representing our estimated liability relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, there were no significant additions or revisions to the estimated liability that were recorded in our condensed consolidated statements of operations, or significant changes to our accrual for such ligation loss contingencies on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

28

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

18. Business Segment Information

Our reportable segments are: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate. 

The Construction segment performs various heavy civil construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, bridges, site work and other infrastructure projects. These projects are typically bid-build projects completed within two years with a contract value of less than $75 million.

The Large Project Construction segment focuses on large, complex infrastructure projects which typically have longer duration than our Construction segment work. These projects include major highways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, waterway locks and dams, pipelines, canals and airport infrastructure. This segment primarily includes bid-build, design-build and construction management/general contractor contracts, generally with contract values in excess of $75 million.

The Construction Materials segment mines and processes aggregates and operates plants that produce construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties.

The Real Estate segment purchases, develops, operates, sells and invests in real estate related projects and provides real estate services for the Company’s operations. The Real Estate segment’s current portfolio consists of residential, retail and office site development projects for sale to home and commercial property developers in Washington, Oregon, California and Texas. In October 2010, we announced our Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business consistent with our strategy to focus on our core business.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies contained in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate segment performance based on gross profit or loss, and do not include overhead and non-operating income or expense. Segment assets include property and equipment, intangibles, inventory, equity in construction joint ventures and real estate held for development and sale.

29

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	431,101	$	213,320	$	170,574		$	986	$	815,981
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(87,403		)	—		(87,403		)
Revenue from external customers	431,101		213,320		83,171			986		728,578
Gross profit	58,540		25,557		9,554			242		93,893
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,437		1,259		7,487			46		12,229
2010
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	409,989	$	169,972	$	193,578		$	2,761	$	776,300
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(105,450		)	—		(105,450		)
Revenue from external customers	409,989		169,972		88,128			2,761		670,850
Gross profit	44,666		18,316		12,137			1,036		76,155
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,432		678		9,433			82		13,625

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	784,393	$	513,478	$	309,846		$	7,029	$	1,614,746
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(144,763		)	—		(144,763		)
Revenue from external customers	784,393		513,478		165,083			7,029		1,469,983
Gross profit	87,482		69,513		10,754			1,088		168,837
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	11,362		3,316		21,594			143		36,415
Segment assets	114,359		108,272		368,141			87,232		678,004
2010
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	729,118	$	429,625	$	335,896		$	11,613	$	1,506,252
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(160,515		)	—		(160,515		)
Revenue from external customers	729,118		429,625		175,381			11,613		1,345,737
Gross profit	69,413		49,634		9,492			3,028		131,567
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	14,058		2,147		24,985			412		41,602
Segment assets	127,445		88,752		376,312			168,041		760,550

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010		2011			2010
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	93,893		$	76,155	$	168,837		$	131,567
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,112			47,160		121,277			153,809
Gain on sales of property and equipment	5,598			3,165		11,572			11,417
Other (expense) income, net	(2,894		)	3,115		(5,866		)	2,530
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	57,485		$	35,275	$	53,266		$	(8,295	)

30

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ANDRESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Disclosure

From time to time, Granite makes certain comments and disclosures in reports and statements, including in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or statements made by its officers or directors, that are not based on historical facts, including statements regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results, that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “future,” “outlook,” “assumes,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “appears,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” and the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology or by the context in which they are made. In addition, other written or oral statements which constitute forward-looking statements have been made and may in the future be made by or on behalf of Granite.  These forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the best judgment of senior management and are based on our current expectations regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results.  These expectations may or may not be realized.  Some of these expectations may be based on beliefs, assumptions or estimates that may prove to be incorrect.  In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those more specifically described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A. Risk Factors”and in “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.Due to the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our forward-looking statements, the reader is cautioned not to place reliance on them.  The reader is also cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

31

Overview

We are one of the largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers in the United States, engaged in the construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, bridges, dams and other infrastructure-related projects. We own aggregate reserves and plant facilities to produce construction materials for use in our construction business and for sale to third parties. We also operate a real estate investment and development company. Our permanent offices are located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. We have four reportable business segments: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate (see Note 18 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”). In October 2010, we announced our Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business consistent with our business strategy to focus on our core business. 

Our construction contracts are obtained through competitive bidding in response to advertisements and other general solicitations by both public agencies and private parties and on a negotiated basis as a result of direct solicitation by private parties. Our bidding activity is affected by such factors as the nature and volume of advertising and other solicitations, contract backlog, available personnel, current utilization of equipment and other resources, our ability to obtain necessary surety bonds and competitive considerations. Our contract review process includes identifying risks and opportunities during the bidding process and managing these risks through mitigation efforts such as insurance and pricing. Contracts fitting certain criteria of size and complexity are reviewed by various levels of management and, in some cases, by the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors. Bidding activity, contract backlog and revenue resulting from the award of new contracts may vary significantly from period to period.

Our typical construction project begins with the preparation and submission of a bid to a customer. If selected as the successful bidder, we generally enter into a contract with the customer that provides for payment upon completion of specified work or units of work as identified in the contract. We usually invoice our customers on a monthly basis. Our contracts frequently call for retention that is a specified percentage withheld from each payment until the contract is completed and the work accepted by the customer. Additionally, we defer recognition of profit on projects until they reach at least 25% completion (see “Gross Profit” section below) and our profit recognition is based on estimates that change over time. Our revenue, gross margin and cash flows can differ significantly from period to period due to a variety of factors including the projects’ stage of completion, the mix of early and late stage projects, our estimates of contract costs and the payment terms of our contracts. The timing differences between our cash inflows and outflows require us to maintain adequate levels of working capital.

The three primary economic drivers of our business are (1) the overall health of the economy, (2) federal, state and local public funding levels, and (3) population growth resulting in public and private development. A stagnant or declining economy will generally result in reduced demand for construction and construction materials in the private sector. This reduced demand increases competition for private sector projects and will ultimately also increase competition in the public sector as companies migrate from bidding on scarce private sector work to projects in the public sector. Greater competition can reduce our revenues and/or have a downward impact on our gross profit margins. In addition, a stagnant or declining economy tends to produce less tax revenue for public agencies, thereby decreasing a source of funds available for spending on public infrastructure improvements. Some funding sources that have been specifically earmarked for infrastructure spending, such as diesel and gasoline taxes, are not as directly affected by a stagnant or declining economy, unless actual consumption is reduced. However, even these can be temporarily at risk as state and local governments struggle to balance their budgets. Additionally, high fuel prices can have a dampening effect on consumption, resulting in overall lower tax revenue. Conversely, increased levels of public funding as well as an expanding or robust economy will generally increase demand for our services and provide opportunities for revenue growth and margin improvement.

Our market sector information reflects three regions defined as follows: 1) California; 2) Northwest, which includes our offices in Alaska, Nevada, Utah and Washington; and 3) East which includes our offices in Arizona, Florida, New York and Texas. Each of these regions includes operations from our Construction, Large Project Construction, and Construction Materials lines of business.

32

Current Economic Environment and Outlook

Our year-over-year operating results have improved for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. However, intense competition continues to have a negative impact on construction and large project construction gross margins. In addition, funding issues for public sector infrastructure projects coupled with weak demand for commercial and residential development in many of our markets has had a negative impact on sales of construction materials. While we continue to have a significant amount of work to bid across the country, lower tax revenues, budget deficits, financing constraints and competing priorities have impacted the timing and volume of public infrastructure projects. In addition, the number of new commercial and residential construction projects has been adversely affected by an oversupply of existing inventories of commercial and residential properties, declining property values and subsequent financing restrictions. We expect these challenging conditions to persist throughout the remainder of 2011, and into 2012, pending improvement in the overall level of economic activity, the level of tax revenue collected by public agencies, the competitive landscape and the availability of financing.

The current extension of the federal surface transportation program authorization expires in March 2012 and the continuing resolution of appropriations to fund federal government programs for the 2012 fiscal year expires in November 2011. While the full Senate has passed legislation appropriating full funding for surface transportation for the 2012 fiscal year, the full House has yet to act on the transportation budget. In September 2011, the President of the U.S. proposed a $447 billion American Jobs Act, which is a proposal that will make an immediate investment of $50 billion in our nation’s surface transportation infrastructure and a $10 billion investment to create a bipartisan National Infrastructure bank. While it has received mixed reviews in Congress, the policy leadership in both houses has responded by advocating for full funding for transportation infrastructure going forward. While there has been no resolution to the funding debate in Congress, we are pleased that infrastructure funding has taken a higher priority on the federal agenda.

In response to the challenging market conditions, we continue to seek opportunities in our traditional markets while leveraging our capabilities and further diversifying into rail, energy and federal government opportunities. In addition, last fall, we implemented the Enterprise Improvement Plan to reduce our cost structure. The majority of restructuring charges associated with the Enterprise Improvement Plan were recorded in 2010. During 2011 and beyond, we expect to record between $2.0 million and $11.0 million of restructuring charges, primarily related to previously planned additional consolidation efforts and assets to be held-for-sale as part of our Enterprise Improvement Plan. The ultimate amount and timing of future restructuring charges is subject to our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us. We had no material restructuring charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

Results of Operations

Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Comparative Financial Summary	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Total revenue	$	728,578	$	670,850	$	1,469,983	$	1,345,737
Gross profit	93,893		76,155		168,837		131,567
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,112		47,160		121,277		153,809
Operating income (loss)	60,379		32,160		59,132		(10,825		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	36,468		38,681		32,407		(8,964		)

33

Revenue

Total Revenue by Segment	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2011				2010				2011				2010
Construction	$	431,101	59.2	%	$	409,989	61.1	%	$	784,393	53.4	%	$	729,118	54.2	%
Large Project Construction	213,320		29.3		169,972		25.4		513,478		34.9		429,625		31.9
Construction Materials	83,171		11.4		88,128		13.1		165,083		11.2		175,381		13.0
Real Estate	986		0.1		2,761		0.4		7,029		0.5		11,613		0.9
Total	$	728,578	100.0	%	$	670,850	100.0	%	$	1,469,983	100.0	%	$	1,345,737	100.0	%

Construction Revenue	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2011				2010				2011				2010
California:
Public sector	$	172,064	39.9	%	$	163,272	39.9	%	$	327,576	41.7	%	$	272,553	37.3	%
Private sector	11,668		2.7		7,864		1.9		33,711		4.3		24,887		3.4
Northwest:
Public sector	197,513		45.8		199,711		48.7		316,700		40.4		339,419		46.6
Private sector	14,904		3.5		10,005		2.4		24,830		3.2		17,419		2.4
East:
Public sector	34,531		8.0		28,603		7.0		80,299		10.2		72,963		10.0
Private sector	421		0.1		534		0.1		1,277		0.2		1,877		0.3
Total	$	431,101	100.0	%	$	409,989	100.0	%	$	784,393	100.0	%	$	729,118	100.0	%

Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased by $21.1 million, or 5.1%, and $55.3 million, or 7.6%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. These increases were due to improved construction activity in our California sector as a result of entering the year with greater contract backlog.

Large Project Construction Revenue1	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2011				2010				2011				2010
California	$	24,599	11.5	%	$	11,305	6.7	%	$	56,625	11.0	%	$	38,103	8.9	%
Northwest	71,609		33.6		17,940		10.6		132,982		25.9		37,928		8.8
East	117,112		54.9		140,727		82.7		323,871		63.1		353,594		82.3
Total	$	213,320	100.0	%	$	169,972	100.0	%	$	513,478	100.0	%	$	429,625	100.0	%

¹For the periods presented, all Large Project Construction revenue was earned from the public sector.

Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased by $43.3 million, or 25.5%, and $83.9 million, or 19.5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010, due to increases in revenue of our California and Northwest sectors partially offset by decreases in our East sector. Revenue in California increased due to progress on jobs that were awarded in late 2010 and early 2011. Revenue in the Northwest was significantly higher in 2011 as a result of work completed on two projects that were awarded in 2010. Revenue decreased in the East in 2011 when compared to 2010 primarily due to projects nearing completion.

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Construction Materials Revenue	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2011				2010				2011				2010
California	$	46,759	56.2	%	$	45,491	51.6	%	$	103,832	62.9	%	$	105,737	60.3	%
Northwest	31,492		37.9		35,440		40.2		48,277		29.2		53,581		30.5
East	4,920		5.9		7,197		8.2		12,974		7.9		16,063		9.2
Total	$	83,171	100.0	%	$	88,128	100.0	%	$	165,083	100.0	%	$	175,381	100.0	%

Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased by $5.0 million, or 5.6%, and $10.3 million, or 5.9%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. The decreases were primarily due to continued weakness in the commercial and residential development markets.

Real Estate Revenue

Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased by $1.8 million and $4.6 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2010. The decrease during the three months was due to land sales in Texas and home sales in Oregon during the third quarter of 2010 with limited corresponding sales in 2011. The decrease during the nine months was attributable to the sale of a commercial property in California during the first quarter of 2010 with limited corresponding sales in 2011. Factors that contribute to real estate revenue fluctuations include national and local market conditions, entitlement status and buyers access to capital.

Contract Backlog

Our contract backlog consists of the remaining unearned revenue on awarded contracts, including 100% of our consolidated joint venture contracts and our proportionate share of unconsolidated joint venture contracts. We generally include a project in our contract backlog at the time it is awarded and funding is in place. Certain federal government contracts where funding is appropriated on a periodic basis are included in contract backlog at the time of the award. Substantially all of the contracts in our contract backlog may be canceled or modified at the election of the customer; however, we have not been materially adversely affected by contract cancellations or modifications in the past.

The following tables illustrate our contract backlog as of the respective dates:

Total Contract Backlog by Segment
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2011				June 30, 2011				September 30, 2010
Construction	$	562,705	30.5	%	$	800,434	38.0	%	$	497,089	30.3	%
Large Project Construction	1,280,945		69.5		1,306,961		62.0		1,141,453		69.7
Total	$	1,843,650	100.0	%	$	2,107,395	100.0	%	$	1,638,542	100.0	%

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Construction Contract Backlog
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2011				June 30, 2011				September 30, 2010
California:
Public sector	$	334,795	59.5	%	$	445,686	55.7	%	$	194,889	39.2	%
Private sector	14,937		2.7		8,334		1.0		9,488		1.9
Northwest:
Public sector	151,916		27.0		282,693		35.3		205,992		41.4
Private sector	23,211		4.1		18,280		2.3		9,611		2.0
East:
Public sector	37,210		6.6		44,555		5.6		75,416		15.2
Private sector	636		0.1		886		0.1		1,693		0.3
Total	$	562,705	100.0	%	$	800,434	100.0	%	$	497,089	100.0	%

Construction contract backlog of $562.7 million at September 30, 2011 was $237.7 million, or 29.7%, lower than at June 30, 2011 and $65.6 million, or 13.2%, higher than at September 30, 2010. The decrease from June 30, 2011 was primarily due to progress on existing projects partially offset by new awards in California. The increase from September 30, 2010 was primarily due to improved success rate on bidding activity in California offset by progress on existing projects in the Northwest and the East.

Large Project Construction Contract Backlog1
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2011				June 30, 2011				September 30, 2010
California	$	221,501	17.3	%	$	170,203	13.0	%	$	176,189	15.4	%
Northwest	455,558		35.6		520,367		39.8		138,138		12.1
East	603,886		47.1		616,391		47.2		827,126		72.5
Total	$	1,280,945	100.0	%	$	1,306,961	100.0	%	$	1,141,453	100.0	%

¹For all dates presented, Large Project Construction contract backlog is related to contracts with public agencies.

Large project construction contract backlog of $1.3 billion at September 30, 2011 was $26.0 million, or 2.0%, lower than at June 30, 2011, and $139.5 million, or 12.2%, higher than at September 30, 2010. The decrease in backlog from June 30, 2011 was primarily due to work completed during the quarter partially offset by new awards, including a $64.4 million bridge widening and re-decking design-build project in Florida as well as awards for our portion of a utility and site improvement design-build project in Guam and an airport taxiway renovation design-build project in California. Our share of the Guam project is 49% or approximately $44.0 million and our share of the California project is 25% or approximately $24.3 million. The increase in contract backlog from September 30, 2010 was primarily due to improved success rate on bidding activity in the West, including awards of $306.3 million for a highway expansion and reconstruction project in Washington, $220.2 million for a new freeway, transit and trail system in Utah and $125.9 million for an auxiliary spillway control structure in California. The increase in awards in the West was partially offset by progress made on large construction projects in the East.

Noncontrolling interests included in large project construction contract backlog as of September 30, 2011, June 30, 2011, and September 30, 2010 were $178.2 million, $210.4 million and $98.0 million, respectively.

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Gross Profit

The following table presents gross profit by business segment for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Construction	$	58,540		$	44,666		$	87,482		$	69,413
Percent of segment revenue	13.6		%	10.9		%	11.2		%	9.5		%
Large Project Construction	25,557			18,316			69,513			49,634
Percent of segment revenue	12.0			10.8			13.5			11.6
Construction Materials	9,554			12,137			10,754			9,492
Percent of segment revenue	11.5			13.8			6.5			5.4
Real Estate	242			1,036			1,088			3,028
Percent of segment revenue	24.5			37.5			15.5			26.1
Total gross profit	$	93,893		$	76,155		$	168,837		$	131,567
Percent of total revenue	12.9		%	11.4		%	11.5		%	9.8		%

We defer profit recognition until a project reaches at least 25% completion. In the case of large, complex design-build projects, we may defer profit recognition beyond the point of 25% completion until such time as we believe we have enough information to make a reasonably dependable estimate of contract revenue and cost. Because we have a large number of smaller projects at various stages of completion in our Construction segment, this policy generally does not impact gross profit significantly on a quarterly or annual basis. However, our Large Project Construction segment has fewer projects at any given time; therefore, gross profit can vary significantly in periods where one or more projects reach our percentage of completion threshold and the deferred profit is recognized or, conversely, in periods where contract backlog is growing rapidly and a higher percentage of projects are in their early stages with no associated gross profit recognition.

The following table presents revenue from projects that have not yet reached our profit recognition threshold:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Construction	$	38,215	$	20,434	$	45,288	$	21,176
Large Project Construction	64,725		44,069		138,348		105,589
Total revenue from contracts with deferred profit	$	102,940	$	64,503	$	183,636	$	126,765

We do not recognize revenue from contract claims until we have a signed agreement and payment is assured, nor do we recognize revenue from contract change orders until the owner has agreed to the change order in writing. However, we do recognize the costs related to any contract claims or pending change orders in our forecasts when costs are incurred and revisions to estimated total costs are reflected as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. As a result, our gross profit as a percent of revenue can vary depending on the magnitude and timing of settlement claims and change orders.

When we experience significant contract forecast changes, we undergo a process that includes reviewing the nature of the changes to ensure that there are no material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period rather than as a change in estimate for the current period. In our review of these changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period.

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Construction gross profit increased $13.9 million and $18.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. Construction gross profit as a percent of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased to 13.6% and 11.2%, respectively, from 10.9% and 9.5%, respectively, for the same periods in 2010. The increases were due to successful execution of overlay and highway rebuild projects in Arizona, improved cost management of our equipment fleet and increased revenues.

Large Project Construction gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased $7.2 million and $19.9 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. Large project construction gross profit as a percent of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased to 12.0% and 13.5%, respectively, from 10.8% and 11.6%, respectively, for the same periods in 2010. The increase in gross profit during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was primarily due to the recognition of $12.2 million in profit on a transportation project in New York and a new freeway, transit and trail system in Utah that both reached the profit recognition threshold in the third quarter of 2011. Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests for these projects were $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in gross profit during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 also included the recognition of deferred profit on a project that reached the profit recognition threshold in the first quarter of 2011. Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is contracted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of U.S. Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. In addition to previous geologic landslide movements, the project site experienced unanticipated ground movement at several hillsides beginning in 2010. In some locations, the ground movements have caused damage to completed portions of bridge structures. Although design work towards a new mitigation plan on the project is continuing, the corrective work required to complete the project has not yet been determined.  YRC and ODOT are engaged in the contractual dispute resolution process to determine the parties’ responsibilities for design issues and which party bears the financial responsibility for the corrective work.  At this time, the Company cannot predict the timing of the resolution of the contractual disputes, including the design determination issue, nor reasonably estimate the impact the final resolution will have on the projected financial results for this project. If the required corrective work is determined to be substantial, and YRC is determined to bear the financial responsibility for the corrective work, the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for one or more future periods could be materially and adversely affected. Until the dispute is resolved, we will incur additional costs to maintain the job site. While we believe we are entitled to receive compensation for these additional costs, the contractual dispute resolution process will determine which party bears the financial responsibility for maintaining the job site. During the year ended December 31, 2010, a $10.2 million revision in estimate was recorded in our consolidated statements of operations primarily related to additional costs to maintain the project site until the beginning of the 2012 construction season. In addition, provisions for the estimated total cost of this contract in excess of its estimated total revenue have been made in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Due to the uncertainties described above, no revisions in this project’s estimates were made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 related to the disputed work.

Construction Materials and Real Estate gross profit remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in 2010 as the residential, commercial and private markets remained depressed. Factors that contribute to real estate revenue fluctuations include national and local market conditions, entitlement status and buyers access to capital.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table presents the components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Selling
Salaries and related expenses	$	7,050		$	9,671		$	25,846		$	35,925
Other selling expenses	2,360			3,428			6,901			8,850
Total selling	9,410			13,099			32,747			44,775
General and administrative
Salaries and related expenses	12,076			13,556			38,278			51,090
Restricted stock amortization and incentive compensation	6,339			5,911			16,252			15,574
Other general and administrative expenses	11,287			14,594			34,000			42,370
Total general and administrative	29,702			34,061			88,530			109,034
Total selling, general and administrative	$	39,112		$	47,160		$	121,277		$	153,809
Percent of revenue	5.4		%	7.0		%	8.3		%	11.4		%

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased $8.0 million, or 17.1%, and $32.5 million, or 21.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses include the costs of business and aggregate resource development, estimating and bidding. Selling compensation can vary depending on the volume of projects in process and the number of employees assigned to estimating and bidding activities. As projects are completed or the volume of work slows down, we temporarily redeploy project employees to bid on new projects, moving their salaries and related costs from cost of revenue to selling expenses.

Total selling expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased $3.7 million, or 28.2%, and $12.0 million, or 26.9%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010, primarily due to workforce reductions associated with our Enterprise Improvement Plan.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include costs related to our operational offices that are not allocated to direct contract costs and expenses related to our corporate functions. These costs include variable cash and restricted stock performance-based incentives for select management personnel on which our compensation strategy heavily relies. The cash portion of these incentives is expensed when earned while the restricted stock portion is expensed over the vesting period of the restricted stock award (generally three years).

Total general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased $4.4 million and $20.5 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. Salaries and related expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased $1.5 million and $12.8 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of 2010 primarily due to the reduction in workforce associated with our Enterprise Improvement Plan, as well as other ongoing efforts to reduce our cost structure. 

Other general and administrative expenses include information technology, occupancy, office supplies, depreciation, travel and entertainment, outside services, training and other miscellaneous expenses none of which individually exceeded 10% of total selling, general and administrative expenses.

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Other (Expense) Income

The following table presents the components of other (expense) income for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Interest income	$	476		$	2,110		$	2,295		$	4,147
Interest expense	(3,418		)	(547		)	(7,653		)	(7,294		)
Equity in income (loss) of affiliates	1,881			529			1,443			(177		)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,833		)	1,023			(1,951		)	5,854
Total other (expense) income	$	(2,894	)	$	3,115		$	(5,866	)	$	2,530

Interest income decreased $1.6 million and interest expense increased $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 from the same periods in 2010, respectively, primarily related to changes in federal and state look back interest income and expense. Look back interest is the interest due or receivable on income tax related to revisions in estimated profitability on long-term contracts. The change in equity in income (loss) of affiliates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 from the same periods in 2011 was primarily related to a gain of $1.4 million on the sale of an equity method investment during the third quarter of 2011. The change in other (expense) income, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 from the same periods in 2010 was primarily due to unrealized losses on our company owned life insurance. Additionally, other (expense) income, net for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010 included a $1.7 million gain related to life insurance proceeds and a $2.9 million gain related to the sale of a cost method investment.

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Income Taxes

The following table presents the provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	15,109		$	(8,026	)	$	11,973		$	(11,233	)
Effective tax rate	26.3		%	(22.8		)%	22.5		%	135.4		%

We calculate our income tax provision (benefit) at the end of each interim period by estimating our annual effective tax rate and applying that rate to our year-to-date ordinary earnings. The effect of changes in enacted tax laws, tax rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.

Our effective tax rate was 26.3% and 22.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and was (22.8)% and 135.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  The changes from prior year periods were primarily due to the effect from noncontrolling interests as a percent of net income (loss), as noncontrolling interests are not subject to income taxes on a stand-alone basis. Included in the tax rate for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 is the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes. The recognition and measurement of these tax benefits was the result of a favorable settlement of an income tax examination conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, our effective tax rate for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010 was affected by non-taxable life insurance proceeds which were considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes.

Noncontrolling Interests

The following table presents the amount attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(5,908	)	$	(4,620	)	$	(8,886	)	$	(11,902	)

The amount attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the noncontrolling owners’ share of the income or loss of our consolidated construction joint ventures and real estate development entities. The balance for the three months ended September 30, 2011 increased compared to the same periods in 2010 due to the settlement of claims on one project. The balance for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 decreased as activity on one joint venture project neared completion and one new consolidated joint venture had not yet reached profit recognition.

Certain Legal Proceedings

As discussed in Note 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report and in Item 1A of Part II of this report (Risk Factors), under certain circumstances the resolution of certain legal proceedings to which we are subject could have direct or indirect consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital needs, capital expenditures, financial commitments, cash dividend payments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations through the next twelve months. We maintain a secured revolving credit facility of $100.0 million primarily to provide capital needs to fund growth opportunities, either internally or generated through acquisition (see “Credit Agreement” section below for further discussion). We do not anticipate that this credit facility will be required to fund future operations. If we experience a prolonged change in our business operating results or make a significant acquisition, we may need to acquire additional sources of financing, which, if available, may be limited by the terms of our existing debt covenants, or may require the amendment of our existing debt agreements.

The following table presents our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including amounts from our consolidated joint ventures, as of the respective dates:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents excluding consolidated joint ventures	$	127,749	$	142,642	$	154,487
Consolidated construction joint venture cash and cash equivalents1	65,350		109,380		103,367
Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents	193,099		252,022		257,854
Short-term and long-term marketable securities2	136,898		143,706		130,464
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	329,997	$	395,728	$	388,318

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in joint venture cash and cash equivalents between periods.

²See Note 4 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for the composition of our marketable securities.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We may also from time to time issue and sell equity, debt or hybrid securities or engage in other capital markets transactions.

Our cash and cash equivalents consisted of commercial paper, deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions. Marketable securities consist of U.S. government and agency obligations, commercial paper, municipal bonds and corporate bonds. Cash and cash equivalents held by our consolidated joint ventures represent the working capital needs of each joint venture’s project. The decision to distribute joint venture cash must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these funds generally are not available for the working capital or other liquidity needs of Granite.

Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with our operations, servicing outstanding indebtedness, making capital expenditures and paying dividends on our capital stock.  We may also from time to time prepay or repurchase outstanding indebtedness, and acquire assets or businesses that are complementary to our operations.

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Cash Flows (in thousands)	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2011			2010
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	2,018		$	10,566
Investing activities	(8,367		)	(34,405		)
Financing activities	(52,574		)	(57,263		)

Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased $8.5 million when compared to the same period in 2010. This decrease was primarily driven by an unfavorable change in working capital items in 2011 as compared to 2010, the most significant of which was the change in net cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings. This was primarily driven by the fluctuation in the stage of completion of contracts related to our consolidated and unconsolidated construction joint ventures. These decreases in cash flow were partially offset by an overall increase in net income.

Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $26.0 million lower than the same period in 2010 primarily due to a $21.5 million increase in net proceeds from marketable securities. Additionally, 2010 included a $6.4 million investment made in a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation and equipment systems with no corresponding investment in 2011.

Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased $4.7 million compared to the same period in 2010. The primary reason for this change was a $3.5 million decrease in net distributions to noncontrolling partners.

Capital Expenditures

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we had capital expenditures of $34.7 million compared to $30.2 million during the same period in 2010. Major capital expenditures are typically for aggregate and asphalt production facilities, aggregate reserves, construction equipment, buildings and leasehold improvements and investments in our information technology systems. The timing and amount of such expenditures can vary based on the progress of planned capital projects, the type and size of construction projects, changes in business outlook and other factors. We currently anticipate investing up to $45.0 million in capital expenditures during 2011.

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Credit Agreement

We have a $100.0 million committed secured revolving credit facility, with a sublimit for letters of credit of $50.0 million (“Credit Agreement”), which expires on June 22, 2013. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin. LIBOR varies based on the applicable loan term. The applicable margin is based upon certain financial ratios calculated quarterly and was 2.75% at September 30, 2011. Accordingly, the effective interest rate was between 2.99% and 3.61% at September 30, 2011. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of Granite Construction Incorporated and our subsidiaries that are guarantors or co-borrowers under the Credit Agreement, excluding any owned or leased real property subject to an existing mortgage. At September 30, 2011, there were no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement, but there were standby letters of credit totaling approximately $3.2 million. The letters of credit will expire between March 2012 and October 2012. These letters of credit will be replaced upon expiration. 

The most significant restrictive covenants under the terms of our Credit Agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The calculations and terms of such covenants are defined by Amendment No. 1 of the Credit Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2010. As of September 30, 2011 and pursuant to the definitions in the Credit Agreement, our Consolidated Tangible Net Worth was $738.5 million, which exceeded the minimum of $650.7 million, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 7.12, which exceeded the minimum of 4.00 and the Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 1.92, which did not exceed the maximum of 4.00. The maximum Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio subsequently decreases in 0.25 increments until reaching 3.00 for the quarter ending March 31, 2013.

Senior Notes Payable

As of September 30, 2011, senior notes payable in the amount of $16.7 million were due to a group of institutional holders in nine equal annual installments which began in 2005 and bear interest at 6.96% per annum. The most significant covenants under the terms of the related agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Net Worth, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the related agreement filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2001. As of September 30, 2011 and pursuant to the definitions in the note agreement, our Consolidated Net Worth was $782.1 million, which exceeded the minimum of $677.1 million.

In addition, as of September 30, 2011, senior notes payable in the amount of $200.0 million were due to a second group of institutional holders in five equal annual installments beginning in 2015 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum. The most significant covenants under the terms of the related agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Net Worth, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the related agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed January 31, 2008. As of September 30, 2011 and pursuant to the definitions in the note agreement, our Consolidated Net Worth was $782.1 million, which exceeded the minimum of $688.0 million.

Surety Bonds and Real Estate Mortgages

We are generally required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide an additional measure of security under certain public and private sector contracts. At September 30, 2011, approximately $1.6 billion of our contract backlog was bonded. Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are generally released from the bonds after the owner accepts the work performed under contract. The ability to maintain bonding capacity to support our current and future level of contracting requires that we maintain cash and working capital balances satisfactory to our sureties.

A significant portion of our real estate held for development and sale is subject to mortgage indebtedness. All of this indebtedness is non-recourse to Granite but is recourse to the real estate entities that incurred the indebtedness. The terms of this indebtedness are typically renegotiated to reflect the evolving nature of the real estate projects as they progress through acquisition, entitlement and development. Modification of these terms may include changes in loan-to-value ratios requiring the real estate entities to repay portions of the debt. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, we provided funding of $0.3 million and $8.0 million, respectively, to our real estate entities to either pay off or refinance certain real estate loans. As of September 30, 2011, the principal amount of debt of our real estate entities secured by mortgages was $44.0 million, of which $16.2 million was included in current liabilities and $27.8 million was included in long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

44

Covenants and Events of Default

Our debt and credit agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants, including the financial covenants described above. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt or credit agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our agreements) may constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt or credit agreements. Default under our debt and credit agreements could result in (1) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements, (2) termination of the agreements, (3) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized, (4) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements and (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entities, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements. As of September 30, 2011, two of our consolidated and two of our unconsolidated real estate entities were in default under debt agreements as a result of their failure to make timely required principal and/or interest payments. Subsequent to September 30, 2011, defaults under the debt agreements of one of our consolidated real estate entities has been cured. The affected loans are non-recourse to Granite and these defaults do not result in cross-defaults under other debt agreements under which Granite is the obligor; however, there is recourse to the real estate entity that incurred the debt. The real estate entities remaining in default are currently in discussions with lenders to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

Share Purchase Program

In 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to $200.0 million of our common stock at management’s discretion. As of September 30, 2011, $64.1 million was available for purchase. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase program in any of the periods presented.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and effects on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows.

Website Access

Our website address is www.graniteconstruction.com. On our website we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information on our website is not incorporated into, and is not part of, this report. These reports, and any amendments to them, are also available at the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, www.sec.gov.

45

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has been no significant change in our exposure to market risks since December 31, 2010.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management carried out, as of September 30, 2011, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the third quarter of 2011, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

46

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The description of the matters set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Report under “Note 17 - Legal Proceedings” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 except for the addition of the following:

Possible further deterioration of the United States economy could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Congress’ inability to substantially lower United States debt could result in an additional downgrade of the United States credit rating and a decrease in government spending, which could negatively impact the ability of government agencies to fund existing or new infrastructure projects. In addition, such actions could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets and economic conditions in the United States as well as throughout the world, which may limit our ability and the ability of our customers to obtain financing. Deterioration in general economic activity and infrastructure spending, as well as other potential consequences of additional credit downgrades or Congress’ deficit reduction measures could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

Government contractors are subject to suspension or debarment from government contracting. Our substantial dependence on government contracts exposes us to a variety of risks that differ from those associated with private sector contracts. Various statutes to which our operations are subject, including the Davis-Bacon Act (which regulates wages and benefits), the Walsh-Healy Act (which prescribes a minimum wage and regulates overtime and working conditions), Executive Order 11246 (which establishes equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, provide for mandatory suspension and debarment of contractors in certain circumstances involving statutory violations. In addition, the Federal Acquisition Regulation and various state statutes provide for discretionary suspension and debarment in certain circumstances that might call into question a contractor’s willingness or ability to act responsibly, including as a result of being convicted of, or being found civilly liable for, fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain or performing public contract or subcontract. The scope and duration of any suspension or debarment may vary depending upon the facts and the statutory or regulatory grounds for debarment and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

47

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we did not sell any of our equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The following table sets forth information regarding the repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2011:

Period	Total number of shares purchased1	Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs	Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs2
July 1, 2011 through July 31, 2011	2,197	$	25.09	—	$	64,065,401
August 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011	—	$	—	—	$	64,065,401
September 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011	6,030	$	20.63	—	$	64,065,401
	8,227	$	21.82	—

¹The number of shares purchased is in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²In October 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase, at management’s discretion, up to $200.0 million of our common stock. Under this purchase program, the Company may purchase shares from time to time on the open market or in private transactions. The specific timing and amount of purchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. Purchases under the share purchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time and from time to time without prior notice. 

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

Item 4. RESERVED

48

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Pursuant to Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), operators of a coal or other mine that are also required to file reports under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act must include in each periodic report filed with the SEC certain information regarding health and safety violations at its mines.

We operate surface mines in the western United States to produce construction aggregates. The operation of our mines is subject to regulation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). MSHA conducted 25 inspections at 19 of our mines during the three months ended September 30, 2011. There were no reportable citations or orders following 22 of those inspections during the three months ended September 30, 2011. The chart below contains information regarding certain mining safety and health citations or orders that MSHA issued during the three months ended September 30, 2011 associated with our mining operations. With respect to this information, it should be noted that: (i) the number of citations and orders will vary depending on the size of the mine, (ii) the number of citations issued will vary from inspector to inspector and mine to mine, and (iii) citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and in that process, may be reduced in severity and amount or dismissed.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Name of Mine	Section 1041
Coalinga Pit and Mill	3
Circle T Ranch Pit	2
Total	5

¹The total number of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard under Section 104 of the Mine Act for which the operator received a citation from the MSHA.

During the three months endedSeptember 30, 2011, with respect to our mines, MSHA did not issue any orders requiring persons to be withdrawn from the areas affected by the alleged violations of mandatory health or safety standards under Section 104(b) of the Mine Act, did not issue any citations or orders for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to comply with mandatory health or safety standards under section104(d) of the Mine Act, did not identify any flagrant violations under Section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act and did not issue any imminent danger orders requiring immediate withdrawal from the affected areas under Section 107(a) of the Mine Act. During the three months endedSeptember 30, 2011, there were no proposed assessments from the MSHA. We did not experience any mining-related fatalities during the three months endedSeptember 30, 2011. Furthermore, during the three months endedSeptember 30, 2011, we did not receive written notice of a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards from MSHA under Section 104(e) of the Mine Act or of the potential to have a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards from MSHA.

49

Item 6. EXHIBITS

31.1	†	Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2	†	Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32	††	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS	††	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
	†	Filed herewith
	††	Furnished herewith

50

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

			GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Date:	November 3, 2011	By:	/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
			Laurel J. Krzeminski
			Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

51

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, James H. Roberts, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Granite Construction Incorporated;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:	November 3, 2011	/s/ James H. Roberts
		James H. Roberts
		President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Laurel J. Krzeminski, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Granite Construction Incorporated;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:	November 3, 2011	/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned officers of Granite Construction Incorporated (the “Company”) does hereby certify that, to such officers' knowledge:

(i) The report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods expressed in the report on Form 10-Q.

Dated:	November 3, 2011	/s/ James H. Roberts
		James H. Roberts
		President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated:	November 3, 2011	/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signatures that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Granite Construction Incorporated and will be retained by Granite Construction Incorporated and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Intangible Assets - Finite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	$ 34,370,000	$ 38,450,000	$ 34,370,000	$ 38,450,000	$ 34,370,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(11,074,000)	(9,951,000)	(11,074,000)	(9,951,000)	(9,572,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	23,296,000	28,499,000	23,296,000	28,499,000	24,798,000
Amortization expense	500,000	600,000	1,500,000	1,800,000
Future amortization expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year			500,000
Future amortization expense, Year One			1,900,000
Future amortization expense, Year Two			1,600,000
Future amortization expense, Year Three			1,500,000
Future amortization expense, Year Four			1,500,000
Future amortization expense, after Year Four			16,300,000
Permits [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	29,713,000	33,582,000	29,713,000	33,582,000	29,713,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(7,205,000)	(6,401,000)	(7,205,000)	(6,401,000)	(6,100,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	22,508,000	27,181,000	22,508,000	27,181,000	23,613,000
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	2,198,000	2,198,000	2,198,000	2,198,000	2,198,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,885,000)	(1,658,000)	(1,885,000)	(1,658,000)	(1,715,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	313,000	540,000	313,000	540,000	483,000
Covenants not to compete [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	1,588,000	1,588,000	1,588,000	1,588,000	1,588,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,439,000)	(1,286,000)	(1,439,000)	(1,286,000)	(1,325,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	149,000	302,000	149,000	302,000	263,000
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	871,000	1,082,000	871,000	1,082,000	871,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(545,000)	(606,000)	(545,000)	(606,000)	(432,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	$ 326,000	$ 476,000	$ 326,000	$ 476,000	$ 439,000

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	38,664,403	38,745,542	38,769,787
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	38,664,403	38,745,542	38,769,787

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Revenue
Construction	$ 431,101	$ 409,989	$ 784,393	$ 729,118
Large project construction	213,320	169,972	513,478	429,625
Construction materials	83,171	88,128	165,083	175,381
Real estate	986	2,761	7,029	11,613
Total revenue	728,578	670,850	1,469,983	1,345,737
Cost of revenue
Construction	372,561	365,323	696,911	659,705
Large project construction	187,763	151,656	443,965	379,991
Construction materials	73,617	75,991	154,329	165,889
Real estate	744	1,725	5,941	8,585
Total cost of revenue	634,685	594,695	1,301,146	1,214,170
Gross profit	93,893	76,155	168,837	131,567
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,112	47,160	121,277	153,809
Gain on sales of property and equipment	5,598	3,165	11,572	11,417
Operating income (loss)	60,379	32,160	59,132	(10,825)
Other expense
Interest income	476	2,110	2,295	4,147
Interest expense	(3,418)	(547)	(7,653)	(7,294)
Equity in loss of affiliates	1,881	529	1,443	(177)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,833)	1,023	(1,951)	5,854
Total other expense	(2,894)	3,115	(5,866)	2,530
Income (loss) before provisin for (benefit from) income taxes	57,485	35,275	53,266	(8,295)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	15,109	(8,026)	11,973	(11,233)
Net income	42,376	43,301	41,293	2,938
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,908)	(4,620)	(8,886)	(11,902)
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	$ 36,468	$ 38,681	$ 32,407	$ (8,964)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 14)
Basic	$ 0.94	$ 1	$ 0.84	$ (0.24)
Diluted	$ 0.93	$ 0.99	$ 0.83	$ (0.24)
Weighted average shares of common stock
Basic	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Diluted	38,598	38,071	38,428	37,802
Dividends per common share	$ 0.13	$ 0.13	$ 0.39	$ 0.39

XML

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,669,000		38,773,000		38,678,000		38,747,000
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	497,000		908,000		586,000		945,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	38,172,000		37,865,000		38,092,000		37,802,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted units excluded from calculation	426,000	[1]	206,000	[1]	336,000	[1]	0	[1]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,172,000		37,865,000		38,092,000		37,802,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted units excluded from calculation	426,000	[1]	206,000	[1]	336,000	[1]	0	[1]
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,598,000		38,071,000		38,428,000		37,802,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share							146,000

[1] Due to the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, 146,000 common stock options and restricted stock units have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted loss per share, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

XML

Business Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information

Our reportable segments are: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate. 

The Construction segment performs various heavy civil construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, bridges, site work and other infrastructure projects. These projects are typically bid-build projects completed within two years with a contract value of less than $75 million.

The Large Project Construction segment focuses on large, complex infrastructure projects which typically have longer duration than our Construction segment work. These projects include major highways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, waterway locks and dams, pipelines, canals and airport infrastructure. This segment primarily includes bid-build, design-build and construction management/general contractor contracts, generally with contract values in excess of $75 million.

The Construction Materials segment mines and processes aggregates and operates plants that produce construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties.

The Real Estate segment purchases, develops, operates, sells and invests in real estate related projects and provides real estate services for the Company’s operations. The Real Estate segment’s current portfolio consists of residential, retail and office site development projects for sale to home and commercial property developers in Washington, Oregon, California and Texas. In October 2010, we announced our Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business consistent with our strategy to focus on our core business.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies contained in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate segment performance based on gross profit or loss, and do not include overhead and non-operating income or expense. Segment assets include property and equipment, intangibles, inventory, equity in construction joint ventures and real estate held for development and sale.

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	431,101	$	213,320	$	170,574		$	986	$	815,981
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(87,403		)	—		(87,403		)
Revenue from external customers	431,101		213,320		83,171			986		728,578
Gross profit	58,540		25,557		9,554			242		93,893
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,437		1,259		7,487			46		12,229
2010
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	409,989	$	169,972	$	193,578		$	2,761	$	776,300
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(105,450		)	—		(105,450		)
Revenue from external customers	409,989		169,972		88,128			2,761		670,850
Gross profit	44,666		18,316		12,137			1,036		76,155
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,432		678		9,433			82		13,625

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	784,393	$	513,478	$	309,846		$	7,029	$	1,614,746
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(144,763		)	—		(144,763		)
Revenue from external customers	784,393		513,478		165,083			7,029		1,469,983
Gross profit	87,482		69,513		10,754			1,088		168,837
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	11,362		3,316		21,594			143		36,415
Segment assets	114,359		108,272		368,141			87,232		678,004
2010
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	729,118	$	429,625	$	335,896		$	11,613	$	1,506,252
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(160,515		)	—		(160,515		)
Revenue from external customers	729,118		429,625		175,381			11,613		1,345,737
Gross profit	69,413		49,634		9,492			3,028		131,567
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	14,058		2,147		24,985			412		41,602
Segment assets	127,445		88,752		376,312			168,041		760,550

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010		2011			2010
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	93,893		$	76,155	$	168,837		$	131,567
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,112			47,160		121,277			153,809
Gain on sales of property and equipment	5,598			3,165		11,572			11,417
Other (expense) income, net	(2,894		)	3,115		(5,866		)	2,530
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	57,485		$	35,275	$	53,266		$	(8,295	)

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Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 25, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000861459
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,668,940

XML

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,182,148	$ 1,201,180	$ 1,220,530
Accumulated depreciation and depletion	728,326	727,573	729,167
Property and equipment, net	453,822	473,607	491,363
Land and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	122,728	120,342	123,278
Quarry property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	175,431	174,231	175,048
Building and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	81,217	85,655	89,401
Equipment and vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	753,776	778,443	791,449
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 48,996	$ 42,509	$ 41,354

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Marketable Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of Marketable Securities

The carrying amounts of marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2011	Held-to-Maturity		Trading		Total
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	40,218	$	—	$	40,218
Commercial paper	29,978		—		29,978
Municipal bonds	4,036		—		4,036
Corporate bonds	3,157		—		3,157
Total short-term marketable securities	77,389		—		77,389
U.S. Government and agency obligations	45,268		—		45,268
Municipal bonds	8,952		—		8,952
Corporate bonds	5,289		—		5,289
Total long-term marketable securities	59,509		—		59,509
Total marketable securities	$	136,898	$	—	$	136,898

December 31, 2010
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	40,047	$	—	$	40,047
Commercial paper	33,971		—		33,971
Municipal bonds	10,896		—		10,896
Corporate bonds	10,122		—		10,122
Equity securities - mutual funds	—		14,411		14,411
Total short-term marketable securities	95,036		14,411		109,447
U.S. Government and agency obligations	30,618		—		30,618
Municipal bonds	3,641		—		3,641
Total long-term marketable securities	34,259		—		34,259
Total marketable securities	$	129,295	$	14,411	$	143,706

September 30, 2010
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	44,407	$	—	$	44,407
Commercial paper	19,971		—		19,971
Municipal bonds	11,204		—		11,204
Equity securities - mutual funds	—		5,380		5,380
Total short-term marketable securities	75,582		5,380		80,962
U.S. Government and agency obligations	45,844		—		45,844
Municipal bonds	3,658		—		3,658
Total long-term marketable securities	49,502		—		49,502
Total marketable securities	$	125,084	$	5,380	$	130,464

Held-to-maturity Securities

Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2011
Due within one year	$	77,389
Due in one to five years	59,509
Total	$	136,898

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates - Investments in Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Sep. 30, 2010
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$ 33,435,000		$ 31,410,000		$ 32,515,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Real Estate Development Projects Range of Total Assets	3,100,000
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Real Estate Development Projects Range of Total Assets	48,400,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | WASHINGTON | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	2		2		2
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | OREGON | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	1		1		1
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | CALIFORNIA | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	8	[1]	6	[1]	7	[1]
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | TEXAS | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	1		1		1
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	7	[1]	5	[1]	5	[1]
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Residential real estate [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	5		5		6
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	12		10		11
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | TEXAS | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	15,856,000		12,128,000		14,290,000
Number of projects	5		5		5
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	4,345,000		3,099,000		5,397,000
Number of projects	3		3		3
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Residential real estate [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	11,511,000		9,029,000		8,893,000
Number of projects	2		2		2
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Real Estate Segment [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	15,856,000		12,128,000		14,290,000
Number of projects	5		5		5
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	157,054,000		156,868,000		165,653,000
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Net Assets	80,306,000		84,368,000		88,530,000
Cost Method Investments	6,450,000		6,400,000		6,400,000
Investments in affiliates	33,435,000		31,410,000		32,515,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	26,985,000		25,010,000		26,115,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Equity Method Investments in Non Real Estate Affiliate [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 11,129,000		$ 12,882,000		$ 11,825,000

[1] The increase in the number of projects from December 31, 2010 to September 30, 2011 is due to the reclassification of two projects from property and equipment to real estate held for development and sale. The reclassifications were due to a change in business plans for the projects in connection with our Enterprise Improvement Plan.

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

We participate in various construction joint venture partnerships. We also participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each partner is responsible for performing certain discrete items of the total scope of contracted work.

Our agreements with our joint venture partners for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures provide that each party will pay for any losses it is responsible for under the joint venture agreement. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under our joint venture arrangements beyond our stated ownership interest include the failure of a partner to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur should a partner fail to provide the services and resources that it had committed to provide in the joint venture agreement. Due to the joint and several nature of the obligations under our joint venture arrangements, if one of our joint venture partners fails to perform, we and the remaining joint venture partners would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work.

At September 30, 2011, there was approximately $1.7 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $0.6 billion represented our share and the remaining $1.1 billion represented our partners’ share. We are not able to estimate amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by billings to the customer or by proceeds from our partners’ corporate and/or other guarantees.

Construction Joint Ventures

Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to complete a specific contract and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. The joint venture agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities resulting from the performance of the contracts are limited to our stated percentage interest in the project. We have no significant commitments beyond completion of the contracts. Under our contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, partners dedicate resources to the ventures necessary to complete the contracts and are reimbursed for their cost. The operational risks of each construction joint venture are passed along to the joint venture partners. As we absorb our share of these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential losses.

We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners.

Based on our primary beneficiary assessment during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we determined no change was required to the accounting for existing construction joint ventures.

Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	65,350	$	109,380	$	103,367
Other current assets2	31,215		50,344		44,351
Total current assets	96,565		159,724		147,718
Noncurrent assets	9,821		2,561		894
Total assets3	$	106,386	$	162,285	$	148,612
Accounts payable	$	36,660	$	33,078	$	33,934
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	17,116		46,475		63,783
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,997		11,633		11,195
Total current liabilities	59,773		91,186		108,912
Noncurrent liabilities	33		3		5
Total liabilities3	$	59,806	$	91,189	$	108,917

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

²Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to current year presentation. The revisions had no impact on the consolidated balances or on the accounting for consolidated construction joint ventures.

³The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

At September 30, 2011, we were engaged in two active consolidated construction joint venture projects with total contract values of $227.6 million and $312.1 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures was 45.0% and 60.0%, respectively.

Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures

We account for our share of construction joint ventures that we are not required to consolidate on a pro rata basis in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2011, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in nine active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $57.6 million to $975.4 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures was between 20.0% and 49.0%. As of September 30, 2011, we had between $2.4 million and $196.1 million of revenue per project remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures.

Following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	356,399	$	318,408	$	273,173
Other assets	265,549		212,911		192,606
Less partners’ interest	378,523		324,485		287,616
Granite’s interest	243,425		206,834		178,163
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	85,602		72,658		49,767
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	302,039		282,702		211,822
Other liabilities	9,460		8,893		13,837
Less partners’ interest	251,091		232,135		177,759
Granite’s interest	146,010		132,118		97,667
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	97,415	$	74,716	$	80,496

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Revenue:
Total	$	243,654	$	168,981	$	667,920	$	427,379
Less partners’ interest1	158,079		120,790		448,357		300,425
Granite’s interest	85,575		48,191		219,563		126,954
Cost of revenue:
Total	212,485		157,932		546,495		386,316
Less partners’ interest1	140,506		111,578		370,865		261,508
Granite’s interest	71,979		46,354		175,630		124,808
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	13,596	$	1,837	$	43,933	$	2,146

¹Partners’ interest represents amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies.

Line Item Joint Ventures

The revenue for each line item joint venture partner’s discrete items of work is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture partner bears the profitability risk associated with its own work. There is not a single set of books and records for a line item joint venture. Each partner accounts for its items of work individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We account for our portion of these contracts as project revenues and costs in our accounting system and include receivables and payables associated with our work in our condensed consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2011, we had four active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values between $52.9 million and $154.9 million of which our portions were between $21.1 million and $71.3 million. As of September 30, 2011, we had between $0.9 million and $43.8 million of revenue per project remaining to be recognized on these line item joint venture

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Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

September 30, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	149,966	$	—	$	—	$	149,966
Total	$	149,966	$	—	$	—	$	149,966

December 31, 2010	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	226,009	$	—	$	—	$	226,009
Trading securities
Equity securities - mutual funds	14,411		—		—		14,411
Total	$	240,420	$	—	$	—	$	240,420

September 30, 2010	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	210,189	$	—	$	—	$	210,189
Trading securities
Equity securities - mutual funds	5,380		—		—		5,380
Total	$	215,569	$	—	$	—	$	215,569

¹Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

²Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

³Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of money market funds to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Money market funds	$	149,966	$	226,009	$	210,189
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		14,997
Cash	38,136		21,014		32,668
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	193,099	$	252,022	$	257,854

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of senior notes payable, including current maturities, were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Carrying amount
Senior notes payable	$	216,667	$	225,000	$	225,000
Fair value
Senior notes payable	$	246,844	$	245,911	$	256,556

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Receivables, Net (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	$ 360,421,000	$ 247,283,000	$ 379,245,000
Allowance for Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current	2,614,000	3,297,000	3,331,000
Receivables, net	357,807,000	243,986,000	375,914,000
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	2,100,000	1,800,000	2,100,000
Federal [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	2,148,000	3,080,000	2,175,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	1,976,000	2,587,000	1,921,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	77,000	174,000	22,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	95,000	319,000	232,000
State [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	6,046,000	9,507,000	10,792,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	3,880,000	4,443,000	9,227,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	1,397,000	628,000	131,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	769,000	4,436,000	1,434,000
Local [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	17,666,000	29,451,000	30,409,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	13,801,000	22,641,000	23,850,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	1,465,000	2,800,000	2,489,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	2,400,000	4,010,000	4,070,000
Private [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	10,418,000	10,454,000	10,926,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	9,911,000	9,243,000	9,689,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	108,000	175,000	243,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	399,000	1,036,000	994,000
Construction Contracts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	298,087,000	217,997,000	318,806,000
Completed and in Progress [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	223,292,000	121,664,000	226,192,000
Retentions [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	74,795,000	96,333,000	92,614,000
Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	38,517,000	43,841,000	38,312,000
Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	36,278,000	52,492,000	54,302,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	29,568,000	38,914,000	44,687,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	3,047,000	3,777,000	2,885,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	3,663,000	9,801,000	6,730,000
Construction Material Sales [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	52,157,000	17,674,000	51,114,000
Other Business Products and Services [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	$ 10,177,000	$ 11,612,000	$ 9,325,000

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Marketable Securities - Carrying Amounts of Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	$ 77,389	$ 109,447	$ 80,962
Long-term marketable securities	59,509	34,259	49,502
Total marketable securities	136,898	143,706	130,464
U.S. Government and agency obligations [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	40,218	40,047	44,407
Long-term marketable securities	45,268	30,618	45,844
U.S. Government and agency obligations [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	40,218	40,047	44,407
Long-term marketable securities	45,268	30,618	45,844
U.S. Government and agency obligations [Member] | Trading [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	0	0	0
Long-term marketable securities	0	0	0
Commercial paper [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	29,978	33,971	19,971
Commercial paper [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	29,978	33,971	19,971
Commercial paper [Member] | Trading [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	0	0	0
Municipal bonds [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	4,036	10,896	11,204
Long-term marketable securities	8,952	3,641	3,658
Municipal bonds [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	4,036	10,896	11,204
Long-term marketable securities	8,952	3,641	3,658
Municipal bonds [Member] | Trading [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	0	0	0
Long-term marketable securities	0	0	0
Corporate bonds [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	3,157	10,122
Long-term marketable securities	5,289
Corporate bonds [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	3,157	10,122
Long-term marketable securities	5,289
Corporate bonds [Member] | Trading [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	0	0
Long-term marketable securities	0
Equity securities - mutual funds [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities		14,411	5,380
Equity securities - mutual funds [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities		0	0
Equity securities - mutual funds [Member] | Trading [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities		14,411	5,380
Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	77,389	95,036	75,582
Long-term marketable securities	59,509	34,259	49,502
Total marketable securities	136,898	129,295	125,084
Trading [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	0	14,411	5,380
Long-term marketable securities	0	0	0
Total marketable securities	$ 0	$ 14,411	$ 5,380

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Revisions in Estimates (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Large Project Construction [Member]

Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]

Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate

Increases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		5		2		6		6
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.0 - 2.6	$	1.4 - 2.8	$	1.4 - 4.2	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability	$	8.8	$	4.2	$	17.7	$	11.6

Decreases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		September 30, 2010		2011		September 30, 2010
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		3		2		2		2
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.7 - 2.4	$	1.9 - 2.4	$	4.2 - 5.6	$	2.2 - 2.9
Decrease on project profitability	$	6.1	$	4.3	$	9.8	$	5.1

Construction [Member]

Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]

Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate

Increases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		2		2		4		3
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.3 - 1.4	$	2.2 - 2.9	$	1.1 - 2.9	$	1.0 - 2.9
Increase on project profitability	$	2.7	$	5.1	$	7.0	$	6.5

Decreases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		2		2		3		3
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.4 - 2.6	$	2.2 - 2.2	$	1.4 - 2.6	$	1.9 - 2.7
Decrease on project profitability	$	4.0	$	4.4	$	5.4	$	6.9

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Covenants and Events of Default

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements

Covenants and Events of Default

Our debt and credit agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt or credit agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our agreements) may constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt or credit agreements. Default under our debt and credit agreements could result in (1) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements, (2) termination of the agreements, (3) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized, (4) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements and (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entities, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements. As of September 30, 2011, two of our consolidated and two of our unconsolidated real estate entities were in default under debt agreements as a result of their failure to make timely required principal and/or interest payments. Subsequent to September 30, 2011, defaults under the debt agreements of one of our consolidated real estate entities has been cured. The affected loans are non-recourse to Granite and these defaults do not result in cross-defaults under other debt agreements under which Granite is the obligor; however, there is recourse to the real estate entity that incurred the debt. The real estate entities remaining in default are currently in discussions with lenders to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

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Revisions in Estimates

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Change in Accounting Estimate [Abstract]

Change In Accounting Estimate [Text Block]

Revisions in Estimates

Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary in the normal course of business as projects progress and uncertainties are resolved. We do not recognize revenue on contract change orders or claims until we have a signed agreement; however, we do recognize costs as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Approved change orders and claims, as well as changes in related estimates of costs to complete, are considered revisions in estimates. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this option, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. As of September 30, 2011, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

Construction

The net change in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit was a net decrease of $1.3 million and a net increase of $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The net change in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit was a net increase of $0.7 million and a net decrease of $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		2		2		4		3
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.3 - 1.4	$	2.2 - 2.9	$	1.1 - 2.9	$	1.0 - 2.9
Increase on project profitability	$	2.7	$	5.1	$	7.0	$	6.5

The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were primarily due to improved salvage prices for excess material, the settlement of outstanding cost issues and owner directed scope changes. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to the resolution of certain project uncertainties and owner directed scope changes.

Decreases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		2		2		3		3
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.4 - 2.6	$	2.2 - 2.2	$	1.4 - 2.6	$	1.9 - 2.7
Decrease on project profitability	$	4.0	$	4.4	$	5.4	$	6.9

The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were due to lower productivity than anticipated and unanticipated rework costs. The downward estimate changes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to lower productivity than anticipated, disputed materials performance issues and unanticipated rework costs.

Large Project Construction

The net changes in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit were net increases of $2.7 million and $7.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The net change for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was a net decrease of $0.1 million and a net increase of $6.5 million, respectively. Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests were $1.0 million and $0.6 million of the net increases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, $0.1 million of the net decrease for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2010 and $1.5 million of the net increase for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		5		2		6		6
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.0 - 2.6	$	1.4 - 2.8	$	1.4 - 4.2	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability	$	8.8	$	4.2	$	17.7	$	11.6

The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were due to the settlement of outstanding issues with a contract owner, owner directed scope changes, lower than anticipated construction costs and the resolution of a project claim. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to the settlement of design issues with a subcontractor, resolution of project uncertainties, owner directed scope changes and higher productivity than anticipated.  

Decreases

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2011		September 30, 2010		2011		September 30, 2010
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		3		2		2		2
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.7 - 2.4	$	1.9 - 2.4	$	4.2 - 5.6	$	2.2 - 2.9
Decrease on project profitability	$	6.1	$	4.3	$	9.8	$	5.1

The downward estimate changes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were due to increased costs to resolve project uncertainties and lower productivity than anticipated. The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to issues with contract owners as well as lower productivity than anticipated.

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is contracted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of U.S. Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. In addition to previous geologic landslide movements, the project site experienced unanticipated ground movement at several hillsides beginning in 2010. In some locations, the ground movements have caused damage to completed portions of bridge structures. Although design work towards a new mitigation plan on the project is continuing, the corrective work required to complete the project has not yet been determined.  YRC and ODOT are engaged in the contractual dispute resolution process to determine the parties’ responsibilities for design issues and which party bears the financial responsibility for the corrective work.  At this time, the Company cannot predict the timing of the resolution of the contractual disputes, including the design determination issue, nor reasonably estimate the impact the final resolution will have on the projected financial results for this project. If the required corrective work is determined to be substantial, and YRC is determined to bear the financial responsibility for the corrective work, the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for one or more future periods could be materially and adversely affected. Until the dispute is resolved, we will incur additional costs to maintain the job site. While we believe we are entitled to receive compensation for these additional costs, the contractual dispute resolution process will determine which party bears the financial responsibility for maintaining the job site. During the year ended December 31, 2010, a $10.2 million revision in estimate was recorded in our consolidated statements of operations primarily related to additional costs to maintain the project site until the beginning of the 2012 construction season. In addition, provisions for the estimated total cost of this contract in excess of its estimated total revenue have been made in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Due to the uncertainties described above, no revisions in this project’s estimates were made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 related to the disputed work.

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Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity

The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented:

(in thousands)	Granite Construction Incorporated			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock1	(3,840		)	—			(3,840		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	7,589			—			7,589
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(17,489		)	(17,489		)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	32,407			8,886			41,293
Total comprehensive income	32,407			8,886			41,293
Dividends on common stock	(15,078		)	—			(15,078		)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	782,109		$	26,001		$	808,110

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	830,651		$	51,905		$	882,556
Purchase of common stock2	(3,374		)	—			(3,374		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	10,266			—			10,266
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(20,599		)	(20,599		)
Comprehensive (loss) income:
Net (loss) income	(8,964		)	11,902			2,938
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(8,964		)	11,902			2,938
Dividends on common stock	(15,127		)	—			(15,127		)
Balance at September 30, 2010	$	813,452		$	43,208		$	856,660

¹Represents 138,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 122,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

³Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

⁴Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partner

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Property and Equipment, Net

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, net

Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Land and land improvements	$	122,728	$	120,342	$	123,278
Quarry property	175,431		174,231		175,048
Buildings and leasehold improvements	81,217		85,655		89,401
Equipment and vehicles	753,776		778,443		791,449
Office furniture and equipment	48,996		42,509		41,354
Property and equipment	1,182,148		1,201,180		1,220,530
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	728,326		727,573		729,167
Property and equipment, net	$	453,822	$	473,607	$	491,363

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Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

We calculate earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method by allocating earnings to both common shares and unvested restricted stock which are considered participating securities. However, net losses are not allocated to participating securities for purposes of computing EPS under the two-class method. The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Granite and related weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share using the two-class method:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Basic
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	36,468	$	38,681	$	32,407	$	(8,964	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	469		903		491		—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation	$	35,999	$	37,778	$	31,916	$	(8,964	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	38,172		37,865		38,092		37,802
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	0.94	$	1.00	$	0.84	$	(0.24	)
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	36,468	$	38,681	$	32,407	$	(8,964	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	462		898		487		—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for diluted calculation	$	36,006	$	37,783	$	31,920	$	(8,964	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	38,598		38,071		38,428		37,802
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.93	$	0.99	$	0.83	$	(0.24	)

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Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

The balances of the following intangible assets are included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	1,319		1,319		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	11,219	$	11,219	$	11,219

¹Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.

Amortized Intangible Assets:

September 30, 2011			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,205	)	$	22,508
Customer lists	2,198		(1,885		)	313
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,439		)	149
Other	871		(545		)	326
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,074	)	$	23,296

December 31, 2010
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,100	)	$	23,613
Customer lists	2,198		(1,715		)	483
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,325		)	263
Other	871		(432		)	439
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(9,572	)	$	24,798

September 30, 2010
(in thousands)
Permits	$	33,582	$	(6,401	)	$	27,181
Customer lists	2,198		(1,658		)	540
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,286		)	302
Other	1,082		(606		)	476
Total amortized intangible assets	$	38,450	$	(9,951	)	$	28,499

Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and approximately $0.6 million and $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets balance at September 30, 2011, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $0.5 million for the balance of 2011; $1.9 million in 2012; $1.6 million in 2013; $1.5 million in 2014; $1.5 million in 2015; and $16.3 million thereafter.

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Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Table Text Block]

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	1,319		1,319		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	11,219	$	11,219	$	11,219

¹Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

Amortized Intangible Assets:

September 30, 2011			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,205	)	$	22,508
Customer lists	2,198		(1,885		)	313
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,439		)	149
Other	871		(545		)	326
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,074	)	$	23,296

December 31, 2010
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,100	)	$	23,613
Customer lists	2,198		(1,715		)	483
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,325		)	263
Other	871		(432		)	439
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(9,572	)	$	24,798

September 30, 2010
(in thousands)
Permits	$	33,582	$	(6,401	)	$	27,181
Customer lists	2,198		(1,658		)	540
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,286		)	302
Other	1,082		(606		)	476
Total amortized intangible assets	$	38,450	$	(9,951	)	$	28,499

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

The operations of our Real Estate segment are conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Land Company (“GLC”). Generally, GLC participates with third-party partners in entities that are formed to accomplish specific real estate development projects. The agreements with GLC’s partners in these real estate entities define each partner’s management role and financial responsibility in the project. If one of GLC’s partners is unable to fulfill its management role or make its required financial contribution, GLC may assume full management or financial responsibility for the project. This may result in the consolidation of entities that are accounted for under the equity method in our consolidated financial statements. The amount of GLC’s exposure is limited to GLC’s equity investment in the real estate joint venture.

Substantially all the assets of these real estate entities in which we are participants through our GLC subsidiary are classified as real estate held for development and sale or real estate held for use. All outstanding debt of these entities is non-recourse to Granite. However, there is recourse to our real estate affiliates that incurred the debt. Our real estate affiliates include limited partnerships or limited liability companies of which we are a limited partner or member. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we publicly announced our work in progress on our Enterprise Improvement Plan which includes business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business through the end of 2013, subject to market conditions. 

GLC receives authorization to provide additional financial support for certain of its real estate entities in increments as they achieve entitlement or development milestones, or to address changes in business plans.  During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011, GLC was authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated land entities by a total of $12.0 million on three separate projects. This compares to an increase of $13.5 million on three projects for the same period in 2010. The authorization will allow GLC entities to refinance debt and complete entitlements necessary to sell these projects in keeping with the Company’s plans to orderly divest its real estate investment business. As of September 30, 2011, $7.9 million of the total authorized investment had yet to be contributed to the consolidated entities.

We have determined that certain of the real estate joint ventures are VIEs as defined by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners. Based on our ongoing primary beneficiary assessments, there were no changes to our determinations of whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary for existing real estate entities during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010.

To determine if impairment charges should be recognized, the carrying amount of each consolidated real estate development project is reviewed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and each real estate development project accounted for under the equity method of accounting is reviewed in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures.  The review of each project includes an evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to each project to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the undiscounted future cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount.  In the event that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of a project, it is written down to its estimated fair value.

Based on our quarterly evaluations of each project’s business plan and our review of each project, we recorded no significant impairment charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

Consolidated Real Estate Entities

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of real estate entities we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Real estate held for development and sale	$	79,173	$	75,716	$	151,638
Other current assets	2,801		2,453		2,858
Total current assets	81,974		78,169		154,496
Property and equipment, net	—		3,771		8,156
Other noncurrent assets	—		1,095		2,005
Total assets	$	81,974	$	83,035	$	164,657
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	16,190	$	29,760	$	39,157
Other current liabilities	1,901		2,619		3,083
Total current liabilities	18,091		32,379		42,240
Long-term non-recourse debt	27,755		25,337		16,420
Other noncurrent liabilities	278		404		443
Total liabilities	$	46,124	$	58,120	$	59,103

Substantially all of the consolidated real estate entities’ real estate held for development and sale as well as property and equipment are pledged as collateral for the debt of the real estate entities. All outstanding debt of the real estate entities is recourse only to the real estate affiliate that incurred the debt (i.e. the limited partnership or limited liability company of which we are a limited partner or member). Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

Included in current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets is real estate held for development and sale. The breakdown by type and location of our real estate held for development and sale is summarized below:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010			September 30, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	55,672	5	$	55,289	5	$	129,618	6
Commercial1	23,501		7	20,427		5	22,020		5
Total	$	79,173	12	$	75,716	10	$	151,638	11
Washington	$	47,109	2	$	44,598	2	$	87,194	2
California1	16,382		8	13,437		6	25,815		7
Texas	8,859		1	8,859		1	8,716		1
Oregon	6,823		1	8,822		1	29,913		1
Total	$	79,173	12	$	75,716	10	$	151,638	11

¹The increase in the number of projects from December 31, 2010 to September 30, 2011 is due to the reclassification of two projects from property and equipment to real estate held for development and sale. The reclassifications were due to a change in business plans for the projects in connection with our Enterprise Improvement Plan.

Investments in Affiliates

We account for our share of unconsolidated real estate entities in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as investments in affiliates. At September 30, 2011, these entities were engaged in real estate development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $3.1 million to $48.4 million. Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

Additionally, we have investments in non-real estate affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method. The most significant of these investments is a 50% interest in a limited liability company which owns and operates an asphalt terminal in Nevada. We also have a cost method investment in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment.

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	15,856	$	12,128	$	14,290
Equity method investments in other affiliates	11,129		12,882		11,825
Total equity method investments	26,985		25,010		26,115
Cost method investments	6,450		6,400		6,400
Total investments in affiliates	$	33,435	$	31,410	$	32,515

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate ventures is summarized below:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010			September 30, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	11,511	2	$	9,029	2	$	8,893	2
Commercial	4,345		3	3,099		3	5,397		3
Total	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5
Texas	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5
Total	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5

The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a 100% combined basis:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Total assets	$	157,054	$	156,868	$	165,653
Net assets	80,306		84,368		88,530
Granite’s share of net assets	26,985		25,010		26,115

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Covenants and Events of Default (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Covenant Compliance	We were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

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Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Granite Construction Incorporated (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Granite”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted, although we believe the disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Further, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position at September 30, 2011 and 2010 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2010 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements. Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

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Marketable Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities

The carrying amounts of marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2011	Held-to-Maturity		Trading		Total
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	40,218	$	—	$	40,218
Commercial paper	29,978		—		29,978
Municipal bonds	4,036		—		4,036
Corporate bonds	3,157		—		3,157
Total short-term marketable securities	77,389		—		77,389
U.S. Government and agency obligations	45,268		—		45,268
Municipal bonds	8,952		—		8,952
Corporate bonds	5,289		—		5,289
Total long-term marketable securities	59,509		—		59,509
Total marketable securities	$	136,898	$	—	$	136,898

December 31, 2010
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	40,047	$	—	$	40,047
Commercial paper	33,971		—		33,971
Municipal bonds	10,896		—		10,896
Corporate bonds	10,122		—		10,122
Equity securities - mutual funds	—		14,411		14,411
Total short-term marketable securities	95,036		14,411		109,447
U.S. Government and agency obligations	30,618		—		30,618
Municipal bonds	3,641		—		3,641
Total long-term marketable securities	34,259		—		34,259
Total marketable securities	$	129,295	$	14,411	$	143,706

September 30, 2010
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	44,407	$	—	$	44,407
Commercial paper	19,971		—		19,971
Municipal bonds	11,204		—		11,204
Equity securities - mutual funds	—		5,380		5,380
Total short-term marketable securities	75,582		5,380		80,962
U.S. Government and agency obligations	45,844		—		45,844
Municipal bonds	3,658		—		3,658
Total long-term marketable securities	49,502		—		49,502
Total marketable securities	$	125,084	$	5,380	$	130,464

Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):

September 30, 2011
Due within one year	$	77,389
Due in one to five years	59,509
Total	$	136,898

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Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Sep. 30, 2010
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	$ 149,966	[1]	$ 226,009	[1]	$ 210,189	[1]
Equity securities - mutual funds			14,411	[1]	5,380	[1]
Total	149,966	[1]	240,420	[1]	215,569	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Equity securities - mutual funds			0	[2]	0	[2]
Total	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Equity securities - mutual funds			0	[3]	0	[3]
Total	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	149,966		226,009		210,189
Equity securities - mutual funds			14,411		5,380
Total	$ 149,966		$ 240,420		$ 215,569

[1] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

[2] Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

[3] Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

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Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Land and land improvements	$	122,728	$	120,342	$	123,278
Quarry property	175,431		174,231		175,048
Buildings and leasehold improvements	81,217		85,655		89,401
Equipment and vehicles	753,776		778,443		791,449
Office furniture and equipment	48,996		42,509		41,354
Property and equipment	1,182,148		1,201,180		1,220,530
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	728,326		727,573		729,167
Property and equipment, net	$	453,822	$	473,607	$	491,363

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Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	$ 815,981	$ 776,300	$ 1,614,746	$ 1,506,252
Elimination of intersegment revenue	(87,403)	(105,450)	(144,763)	(160,515)
Revenue from external customers	728,578	670,850	1,469,983	1,345,737
Gross profit (loss)	93,893	76,155	168,837	131,567
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	12,229	13,625	36,415	41,602
Assets	1,618,469	1,751,971	1,618,469	1,751,971	1,535,533
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	93,893	76,155	168,837	131,567
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,112	47,160	121,277	153,809
Gain on sales of property and equipment	5,598	3,165	11,572	11,417
Other expense, net	(2,894)	3,115	(5,866)	2,530
Income (loss) before provisin for (benefit from) income taxes	57,485	35,275	53,266	(8,295)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	678,004	760,550	678,004	760,550
Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	431,101	409,989	784,393	729,118
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Revenue from external customers	431,101	409,989	784,393	729,118
Gross profit (loss)	58,540	44,666	87,482	69,413
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	3,437	3,432	11,362	14,058
Assets	114,359	127,445	114,359	127,445
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	58,540	44,666	87,482	69,413
Large Project Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	213,320	169,972	513,478	429,625
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Revenue from external customers	213,320	169,972	513,478	429,625
Gross profit (loss)	25,557	18,316	69,513	49,634
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	1,259	678	3,316	2,147
Assets	108,272	88,752	108,272	88,752
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	25,557	18,316	69,513	49,634
Construction Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	170,574	193,578	309,846	335,896
Elimination of intersegment revenue	(87,403)	(105,450)	(144,763)	(160,515)
Revenue from external customers	83,171	88,128	165,083	175,381
Gross profit (loss)	9,554	12,137	10,754	9,492
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	7,487	9,433	21,594	24,985
Assets	368,141	376,312	368,141	376,312
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	9,554	12,137	10,754	9,492
Real Estate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	986	2,761	7,029	11,613
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Revenue from external customers	986	2,761	7,029	11,613
Gross profit (loss)	242	1,036	1,088	3,028
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	46	82	143	412
Assets	87,232	168,041	87,232	168,041
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	$ 242	$ 1,036	$ 1,088	$ 3,028

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Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring charges			2,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring charges			$ 11,000,000

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Fair Value Measurement

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Fair Value Measurement

The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: 

September 30, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	149,966	$	—	$	—	$	149,966
Total	$	149,966	$	—	$	—	$	149,966

December 31, 2010	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	226,009	$	—	$	—	$	226,009
Trading securities
Equity securities - mutual funds	14,411		—		—		14,411
Total	$	240,420	$	—	$	—	$	240,420

September 30, 2010	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	210,189	$	—	$	—	$	210,189
Trading securities
Equity securities - mutual funds	5,380		—		—		5,380
Total	$	215,569	$	—	$	—	$	215,569

¹Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

²Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

³Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

A reconciliation of money market funds to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Money market funds	$	149,966	$	226,009	$	210,189
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		14,997
Cash	38,136		21,014		32,668
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	193,099	$	252,022	$	257,854

We believe the carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and other current liabilities approximate their fair values. The fair value of the senior notes payable was based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term loans with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of senior notes payable, including current maturities, were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Carrying amount
Senior notes payable	$	216,667	$	225,000	$	225,000
Fair value
Senior notes payable	$	246,844	$	245,911	$	256,556

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we did not record any significant fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

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Fair Value Measurement - Carrying and Fair Value Amounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes payable	$ 216,667	$ 225,000	$ 225,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes payable	$ 246,844	$ 245,911	$ 256,556

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Receivables, Net (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule Of Escrow and Non Escrow Retention Receivable [Table Text Block]

We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow and the balances in each category were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Escrow	$	38,517	$	43,841	$	38,312
Non-escrow	36,278		52,492		54,302
Total retention receivables	$	74,795	$	96,333	$	92,614

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]

Receivables, Net

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	223,292	$	121,664	$	226,192
Retentions	74,795		96,333		92,614
Total construction contracts	298,087		217,997		318,806
Construction material sales	52,157		17,674		51,114
Other	10,177		11,612		9,325
Total gross receivables	360,421		247,283		379,245
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	2,614		3,297		3,331
Total net receivables	$	357,807	$	243,986	$	375,914

Schedule of Non Escrow Receivables [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the amount of our non-escrow retention receivables within each category:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Federal	$	2,148	$	3,080	$	2,175
State	6,046		9,507		10,792
Local	17,666		29,451		30,409
Private	10,418		10,454		10,926
Total	$	36,278	$	52,492	$	54,302

Aging of Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

The following tables present the aging of our non-escrow retention receivables (in thousands):

September 30, 2011	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,976	$	77	$	95	$	2,148
State	3,880		1,397		769		6,046
Local	13,801		1,465		2,400		17,666
Private	9,911		108		399		10,418
Total	$	29,568	$	3,047	$	3,663	$	36,278

December 31, 2010	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,587	$	174	$	319	$	3,080
State	4,443		628		4,436		9,507
Local	22,641		2,800		4,010		29,451
Private	9,243		175		1,036		10,454
Total	$	38,914	$	3,777	$	9,801	$	52,492

September 30, 2010	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,921	$	22	$	232	$	2,175
State	9,227		131		1,434		10,792
Local	23,850		2,489		4,070		30,409
Private	9,689		243		994		10,926
Total	$	44,687	$	2,885	$	6,730	$	54,302

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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011	2010	2011	2010
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,669	38,773	38,678	38,747
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	497	908	586	945
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	426	206	336	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,598	38,071	38,428	37,802

¹Due to the net loss for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010, 146,000 common stock options and restricted stock units have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted loss per share, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

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Fair Value Measurement - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract]
Money market funds	$ 149,966	$ 226,009	$ 210,189
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997	4,999	14,997
Cash1	38,136	21,014	32,668
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 193,099	$ 252,022	$ 257,854	$ 338,956

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates [Abstract]

Schedule of Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Table Text Block]

Consolidated Real Estate Entities

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of real estate entities we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Real estate held for development and sale	$	79,173	$	75,716	$	151,638
Other current assets	2,801		2,453		2,858
Total current assets	81,974		78,169		154,496
Property and equipment, net	—		3,771		8,156
Other noncurrent assets	—		1,095		2,005
Total assets	$	81,974	$	83,035	$	164,657
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	16,190	$	29,760	$	39,157
Other current liabilities	1,901		2,619		3,083
Total current liabilities	18,091		32,379		42,240
Long-term non-recourse debt	27,755		25,337		16,420
Other noncurrent liabilities	278		404		443
Total liabilities	$	46,124	$	58,120	$	59,103

Schedule of Real Estate Inventory Held For Sale [Table Text Block]

The breakdown by type and location of our real estate held for development and sale is summarized below:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010			September 30, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	55,672	5	$	55,289	5	$	129,618	6
Commercial1	23,501		7	20,427		5	22,020		5
Total	$	79,173	12	$	75,716	10	$	151,638	11
Washington	$	47,109	2	$	44,598	2	$	87,194	2
California1	16,382		8	13,437		6	25,815		7
Texas	8,859		1	8,859		1	8,716		1
Oregon	6,823		1	8,822		1	29,913		1
Total	$	79,173	12	$	75,716	10	$	151,638	11

¹The increase in the number of projects from December 31, 2010 to September 30, 2011 is due to the reclassification of two projects from property and equipment to real estate held for development and sale. The reclassifications were due to a change in business plans for the projects in connection with our Enterprise Improvement Plan.

Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Table Text Block]

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	15,856	$	12,128	$	14,290
Equity method investments in other affiliates	11,129		12,882		11,825
Total equity method investments	26,985		25,010		26,115
Cost method investments	6,450		6,400		6,400
Total investments in affiliates	$	33,435	$	31,410	$	32,515

Breakdown of Equity Method in Real Estate Affiliates by Type and Location [Table Text Block]

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate ventures is summarized below:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010			September 30, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	11,511	2	$	9,029	2	$	8,893	2
Commercial	4,345		3	3,099		3	5,397		3
Total	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5
Texas	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5
Total	$	15,856	5	$	12,128	5	$	14,290	5

Equity Method Investment Summarized Balance Sheet Location [Table Text Block]

The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a 100% combined basis:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Total assets	$	157,054	$	156,868	$	165,653
Net assets	80,306		84,368		88,530
Granite’s share of net assets	26,985		25,010		26,115

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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011	2010	2011	2010
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,669	38,773	38,678	38,747
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	497	908	586	945
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	426	206	336	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,598	38,071	38,428	37,802

¹Due to the net loss for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010, 146,000 common stock options and restricted stock units have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted loss per share, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

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Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			$ 795,635		$ 882,556
Purchase of common stock			(3,840)	[1]	(3,374)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			7,589	[3]	10,266	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			(17,489)	[4]	(20,599)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income	42,376	43,301	41,293		2,938
Total comprehensive income			41,293		2,938
Dividends on common stock			(15,078)		(15,127)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	808,110	856,660	808,110		856,660
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation			138,000		122,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			761,031		830,651
Purchase of common stock			(3,840)	[1]	(3,374)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			7,589	[3]	10,266	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			0	[4]	0	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income			32,407		(8,964)
Total comprehensive income			32,407		(8,964)
Dividends on common stock			(15,078)		(15,127)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	782,109	813,452	782,109		813,452
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			34,604		51,905
Purchase of common stock			0	[1]	0	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			0	[3]	0	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			(17,489)	[4]	(20,599)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income			8,886		11,902
Total comprehensive income			8,886		11,902
Dividends on common stock			0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	$ 26,001	$ 43,208	$ 26,001		$ 43,208

[1] Represents 138,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

[2] Represents 122,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

[3] Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

[4] Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.

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Receivables, Net

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Receivables [Abstract]

Receivables, Net

Receivables, Net

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	223,292	$	121,664	$	226,192
Retentions	74,795		96,333		92,614
Total construction contracts	298,087		217,997		318,806
Construction material sales	52,157		17,674		51,114
Other	10,177		11,612		9,325
Total gross receivables	360,421		247,283		379,245
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	2,614		3,297		3,331
Total net receivables	$	357,807	$	243,986	$	375,914

Included in other receivables at September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 were items such as notes receivable, interest receivable, fuel tax refunds and income tax refunds. No such receivables individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of these dates.

Financing receivables consisted of long-term notes receivable and retentions receivable. As of September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, long-term notes receivable outstanding were $2.1 million, $1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively, and primarily related to loans made to employees and were included in other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow and the balances in each category were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Escrow	$	38,517	$	43,841	$	38,312
Non-escrow	36,278		52,492		54,302
Total retention receivables	$	74,795	$	96,333	$	92,614

The escrow receivables include amounts due to Granite which have been deposited into an escrow account and bear interest. Typically, escrow retention receivables are held until work on a project is complete and has been accepted by the owner who then releases those funds, along with accrued interest, to us. There is minimal risk of not collecting on these amounts.

Non-escrow retention receivables are amounts that the project owner has contractually withheld that will be paid upon owner acceptance of contract completion. We evaluate our non-escrow retention receivables for collectability using certain customer information that includes the following:

• Federal - includes federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The obligations of these agencies are backed by the federal government. Consequently there is minimal risk of not collecting the amounts we are entitled to receive.    

• State - primarily state departments of transportation. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as states have struggled with budget issues.

• Local - these customers include local agencies such as cities, counties and other local municipal agencies. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as some local agencies have struggled to deal with budget issues.       

• Private - includes individuals, developers and corporations. The majority of our collection risk is associated with these customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law provides us certain remedies, including, but not limited to, the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such customers.

The following table summarizes the amount of our non-escrow retention receivables within each category:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Federal	$	2,148	$	3,080	$	2,175
State	6,046		9,507		10,792
Local	17,666		29,451		30,409
Private	10,418		10,454		10,926
Total	$	36,278	$	52,492	$	54,302

We regularly review our accounts receivable, including past due amounts, to determine their probability of collection. If it is probable that an amount is uncollectible, it is charged to bad debt expense and a corresponding reserve is established in allowance for doubtful accounts. If it is deemed certain that an amount is uncollectible, the amount is written off. Based on contract terms, non-escrow retention receivables are typically due within 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion. We consider retention amounts beyond 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion to be past due. The following tables present the aging of our non-escrow retention receivables (in thousands):

September 30, 2011	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,976	$	77	$	95	$	2,148
State	3,880		1,397		769		6,046
Local	13,801		1,465		2,400		17,666
Private	9,911		108		399		10,418
Total	$	29,568	$	3,047	$	3,663	$	36,278

December 31, 2010	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,587	$	174	$	319	$	3,080
State	4,443		628		4,436		9,507
Local	22,641		2,800		4,010		29,451
Private	9,243		175		1,036		10,454
Total	$	38,914	$	3,777	$	9,801	$	52,492

September 30, 2010	Current		0 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,921	$	22	$	232	$	2,175
State	9,227		131		1,434		10,792
Local	23,850		2,489		4,070		30,409
Private	9,689		243		994		10,926
Total	$	44,687	$	2,885	$	6,730	$	54,302

Federal, state and local agencies generally require several approvals to release payments, and these approvals often take over 90 days past contractual due dates to obtain. Amounts past due from government agencies primarily result from delays caused by paperwork processing and obtaining proper agency approvals rather than lack of funds. As of September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, our allowance for doubtful accounts contained no material provision related to non-escrow retention receivables as we determined there were no significant collectibility issues.

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Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented:

(in thousands)	Granite Construction Incorporated			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock1	(3,840		)	—			(3,840		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	7,589			—			7,589
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(17,489		)	(17,489		)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	32,407			8,886			41,293
Total comprehensive income	32,407			8,886			41,293
Dividends on common stock	(15,078		)	—			(15,078		)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	782,109		$	26,001		$	808,110

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	830,651		$	51,905		$	882,556
Purchase of common stock2	(3,374		)	—			(3,374		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	10,266			—			10,266
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(20,599		)	(20,599		)
Comprehensive (loss) income:
Net (loss) income	(8,964		)	11,902			2,938
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(8,964		)	11,902			2,938
Dividends on common stock	(15,127		)	—			(15,127		)
Balance at September 30, 2010	$	813,452		$	43,208		$	856,660

¹Represents 138,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 122,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

³Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

⁴Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.

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Marketable Securities - Maturities of Held to Maturity Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due within one year	$ 77,389
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due in one to five years	59,509
Held-to-maturity investments, total maturities due	$ 136,898

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Table Text Block]

Following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	356,399	$	318,408	$	273,173
Other assets	265,549		212,911		192,606
Less partners’ interest	378,523		324,485		287,616
Granite’s interest	243,425		206,834		178,163
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	85,602		72,658		49,767
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	302,039		282,702		211,822
Other liabilities	9,460		8,893		13,837
Less partners’ interest	251,091		232,135		177,759
Granite’s interest	146,010		132,118		97,667
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	97,415	$	74,716	$	80,496

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

Schedule of Consolidated Joint Ventures [Table Text Block]

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2011		December 31, 2010		September 30, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	65,350	$	109,380	$	103,367
Other current assets2	31,215		50,344		44,351
Total current assets	96,565		159,724		147,718
Noncurrent assets	9,821		2,561		894
Total assets3	$	106,386	$	162,285	$	148,612
Accounts payable	$	36,660	$	33,078	$	33,934
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	17,116		46,475		63,783
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,997		11,633		11,195
Total current liabilities	59,773		91,186		108,912
Noncurrent liabilities	33		3		5
Total liabilities3	$	59,806	$	91,189	$	108,917

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

²Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to current year presentation. The revisions had no impact on the consolidated balances or on the accounting for consolidated construction joint ventures.

³The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 41,293	$ 2,938
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	45,691	54,169
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(11,572)	(11,417)
Stock-based compensation	8,994	10,241
Loss (gain) on company owned life insurance	639	(2,655)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of consolidations:
Receivables	(112,790)	(90,764)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	(66,045)	(22,637)
Inventories	(6,969)	576
Real estate held for development and sale	(1,725)	(9,982)
Equity in construction joint ventures	(22,699)	(14,010)
Other assets, net	9,359	7,136
Accounts payable	86,900	75,422
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net	30,942	11,549
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,018	10,566
Investing Activities
Purchases of marketable securities	(115,146)	(78,355)
Maturities of marketable securities	85,875	50,900
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	33,268	10,000
Additions to property and equipment	(34,748)	(30,182)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	20,071	17,225
Purchase of private preferred stock	(50)	(6,400)
Other investing activities, net	2,363	2,407
Net cash used in investing activities	(8,367)	(34,405)
Financing Activities
Long-term debt principal payments	(17,293)	(18,472)
Cash dividends paid	(15,090)	(15,110)
Purchase of common stock	(3,840)	(3,374)
Distributions to noncontrolling partners, net	(17,489)	(20,940)
Other financing activities	1,138	633
Net cash used in financing activities	(52,574)	(57,263)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(58,923)	(81,102)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	252,022	338,956
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	193,099	257,854
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	9,718	8,196
Income taxes	905	469
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted stock/units issued, net of forfeitures	6,896	6,763
Accrued cash dividends	5,026	5,040
Debt payments out of escrow from sale of assets	$ 3,446	$ 5,487

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Legal Proceedings

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings that are pending against us and our affiliates alleging, among other things, breach of contract or tort in connection with the performance of professional services, the various outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. The most significant of these proceedings are as follows:

• Hiawatha Project DBE Issues: The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (“HLRT”) project was performed by Minnesota Transit Constructors (“MnTC”), a joint venture that consisted of our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”), and other unrelated companies. GCCO was the managing partner of the joint venture. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (“MnDOT”), which was the contracting agency, the Metropolitan Council, which was the local agency conduit for providing federal funds to MnDOT for the HLRT project, and the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Justice made certain claims that MnTC had not complied with certain contract and legal requirements regarding the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) firms on the project. All agencies and MnTC reached a negotiated settlement of all claims asserted. In return for a release from the agencies of their asserted claims, and to avoid the additional expense and uncertainty of pursuing a formal resolution of the claims, MnTC agreed to make a payment to the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”). Granite's portion of the settlement is approximately $1.1 million and had been reserved in prior period financial statements. However, in the settlement MnTC did not admit to, and continued to dispute, the agencies' claims. There were no civil or criminal actions filed in this matter. There are no special requirements or limitations on GCCO or the MnTC joint venture partners regarding future contracts with the federal government or MnDOT arising out of this matter or the settlement.

• US Highway 20 Project: Our wholly owned subsidiaries, GCCO and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is contracted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of US Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. The project involves constructing seven miles of new road through steep and forested terrain in the Coast Range Mountains. During the fall and winter of 2006, extraordinary rain events produced runoff that overwhelmed installed erosion control measures and resulted in discharges to surface water resulting in alleged violations of YRC’s stormwater permit. In June 2009, YRC was informed that the USDOJ had assumed the criminal investigation that the Oregon Department of Justice initiated in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. YRC and its members are fully cooperating in the investigation. We continue to communicate with the USDOJ about the agency’s possible penalties against GCCO. We do not know whether any criminal charges, civil lawsuits or fines will be brought against GCCO as a result of the USDOJ’s investigation. Under certain circumstances the resolution of this matter could have direct or indirect consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flow and liquidity.

• Grand Avenue Project DBE Issues: On March 6, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) served upon our wholly-owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. (“Granite Northeast”), a United States District Court Eastern District of New York subpoena to testify before a grand jury by producing documents. The subpoena seeks all documents pertaining to the use of a DBE firm (the “Subcontractor”), and the Subcontractor's use of a non-DBE lower tier subcontractor/consultant, on the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility for the Borough of Queens Project (the “Grand Avenue Project”), a Granite Northeast project.  The subpoena also seeks any documents regarding the use of the Subcontractor as a DBE on any other projects and any other documents related to the Subcontractor or to the lower-tier subcontractor/consultant.  We have complied with the subpoena and are fully cooperating with the OIG's investigation. To date, Granite Northeast has not been notified that it is either a subject or target of the OIG's investigation. Accordingly, we do not know whether any criminal charges or civil lawsuits will be brought or against whom, as a result of the investigation. We cannot, however, rule out the possibility of civil or criminal actions or administrative sanctions being brought against Granite Northeast.

• Other Legal Proceedings/Government Inquiries: We are a party to a number of other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. From time to time, we also receive inquiries from public agencies seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and related laws and regulations. We believe that the nature and number of these proceedings and compliance inquiries are typical for a construction firm of our size and scope. Our litigation typically involves claims regarding public liability or contract related issues. While management currently believes, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate outcome of pending proceedings and compliance inquiries, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on our financial position or overall trends in results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Were one or more unfavorable rulings to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and/or liquidity for the period in which the ruling occurs. In addition, our government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended or debarred, or payment of our costs disallowed. While any one of our pending legal proceedings is subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to settle, whether or when any legal proceeding will be resolved through settlement is neither predictable nor guaranteed.

We record amounts in our condensed consolidated balance sheets representing our estimated liability relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, there were no significant additions or revisions to the estimated liability that were recorded in our condensed consolidated statements of operations, or significant changes to our accrual for such ligation loss contingencies on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Sep. 30, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 193,099,000		$ 252,022,000		$ 257,854,000		$ 338,956,000
Other current assets	29,526,000		42,555,000		42,409,000
Total current assets	990,994,000		913,856,000		1,099,980,000
Total assets	1,618,469,000		1,535,533,000		1,751,971,000
Accounts payable	216,600,000		129,700,000		206,993,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	89,505,000		120,185,000		157,233,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	185,624,000		150,773,000		173,547,000
Total current liabilities	516,770,000		438,777,000		585,374,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	227,600,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	45.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	57,600,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	20.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	52,900,000
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	21,100,000
Minimum [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	2,400,000
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	312,100,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	60.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	975,400,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	49.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	154,900,000
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	71,300,000
Maximum [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	196,100,000
Partnership Interest [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	1,700,000,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	65,350,000	[1]	109,380,000	[1]	103,367,000	[1]
Other current assets	31,215,000	[2]	50,344,000	[2]	44,351,000	[2]
Total current assets	96,565,000		159,724,000		147,718,000
Noncurrent assets	9,821,000		2,561,000		894,000
Total assets	106,386,000	[3]	162,285,000	[3]	148,612,000	[3]
Accounts payable	36,660,000		33,078,000		33,934,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	17,116,000	[1]	46,475,000	[1]	63,783,000	[1]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,997,000		11,633,000		11,195,000
Total current liabilities	59,773,000		91,186,000		108,912,000
Noncurrent liabilities	33,000		3,000		5,000
Total liabilities	59,806,000	[3]	91,189,000	[3]	108,917,000	[3]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	2
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	9
Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	600,000,000
Other Partners Interest in Partnerships [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	$ 1,100,000,000
Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	4

[1] The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

[2] 2Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to current year presentation. The revisions had no impact on the consolidated balances or on the accounting for consolidated construction joint ventures.

[3] The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

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Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Profit Recognition Completed Contract Method [Policy Text Block]

Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary in the normal course of business as projects progress and uncertainties are resolved. We do not recognize revenue on contract change orders or claims until we have a signed agreement; however, we do recognize costs as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Approved change orders and claims, as well as changes in related estimates of costs to complete, are considered revisions in estimates. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this option, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. As of September 30, 2011, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy

To determine if impairment charges should be recognized, the carrying amount of each consolidated real estate development project is reviewed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and each real estate development project accounted for under the equity method of accounting is reviewed in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures.  The review of each project includes an evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to each project to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the undiscounted future cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount.  In the event that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of a project, it is written down to its estimated fair value

Retention Receivable Policy

We evaluate our non-escrow retention receivables for collectability using certain customer information that includes the following:

• Federal - includes federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The obligations of these agencies are backed by the federal government. Consequently there is minimal risk of not collecting the amounts we are entitled to receive.    

• State - primarily state departments of transportation. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as states have struggled with budget issues.

• Local - these customers include local agencies such as cities, counties and other local municipal agencies. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as some local agencies have struggled to deal with budget issues.       

• Private - includes individuals, developers and corporations. The majority of our collection risk is associated with these customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law provides us certain remedies, including, but not limited to, the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such customers.

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy

We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners.

We have determined that certain of the real estate joint ventures are VIEs as defined by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners. Based on our ongoing primary beneficiary assessments, there were no changes to our determinations of whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary for existing real estate entities during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This ASU clarifies the application of certain existing fair value measurement guidance as well as expands the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs and for assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. This ASU will be effective for our quarter ending March 31, 2012. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires the presentation of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements rather than as a footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements, where it is currently disclosed. This ASU will be effective for our quarter ending March 31, 2012. Except for the presentation requirement, the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This ASU gives companies the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value when assessing goodwill for impairment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, further impairment analysis is not necessary. However, if it is concluded otherwise, we are required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test. This ASU will be effective for our quarter ending March 31, 2012. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-09, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan. This ASU requires employers that participate in multiemployer pension plans to provide additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures. The additional disclosures include, but are not limited to, information on significant multiemployer plans in which we participate, such as plan names and identifying numbers, the amount of contributions to the plan, whether our contributions represent more than five percent of the total contributions made to the plan, funded status, whether funding improvement plans are pending or implemented, whether the plan has imposed surcharges and the expiration dates of the plans. This ASU is effective for our year ending December 31, 2011. Except for the additional disclosures, the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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Restructuring

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring

Restructuring

We had no significant restructuring charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. During 2011 and beyond, we expect to record between $2.0 million and $11.0 million of restructuring charges, primarily related to previously planned additional consolidation efforts and assets to be held-for-sale as part of our Enterprise Improvement Plan. The ultimate amount and timing of future restructuring charges is subject to our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us.

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Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	26.30%	(22.80%)	22.50%	135.40%

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Granite and related weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share using the two-class method:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Basic
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	36,468	$	38,681	$	32,407	$	(8,964	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	469		903		491		—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation	$	35,999	$	37,778	$	31,916	$	(8,964	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	38,172		37,865		38,092		37,802
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	0.94	$	1.00	$	0.84	$	(0.24	)
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	36,468	$	38,681	$	32,407	$	(8,964	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	462		898		487		—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for diluted calculation	$	36,006	$	37,783	$	31,920	$	(8,964	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	38,598		38,071		38,428		37,802
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.93	$	0.99	$	0.83	$	(0.24	)

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 26.3% and 22.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and was (22.8)% and 135.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  The changes from prior year periods were primarily due to the effect from noncontrolling interests as a percent of net income (loss), as noncontrolling interests are not subject to income taxes on a stand-alone basis. Included in the tax rate for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2011 is the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes. The recognition and measurement of these tax benefits was the result of a favorable settlement of an income tax examination conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, our effective tax rate for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2010 was affected by non-taxable life insurance proceeds which were considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 193,099	$ 252,022	$ 257,854
Short-term marketable securities	77,389	109,447	80,962
Receivables, net	357,807	243,986	375,914
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	45,884	10,519	34,448
Inventories	57,987	51,018	45,224
Real estate held for development and sale	79,173	75,716	151,638
Deferred income taxes	52,714	53,877	31,035
Equity in construction joint ventures	97,415	74,716	80,496
Other current assets	29,526	42,555	42,409
Total current assets	990,994	913,856	1,099,980
Property and equipment, net	453,822	473,607	491,363
Long-term marketable securities	59,509	34,259	49,502
Investments in affiliates	33,435	31,410	32,515
Other noncurrent assets	80,709	82,401	78,611
Total assets	1,618,469	1,535,533	1,751,971
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	8,351	8,359	8,444
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	16,690	29,760	39,157
Accounts payable	216,600	129,700	206,993
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	89,505	120,185	157,233
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	185,624	150,773	173,547
Total current liabilities	516,770	438,777	585,374
Long-term debt	208,519	217,014	216,870
Long-term non-recourse debt	27,755	25,337	16,420
Other long-term liabilities	46,985	47,996	48,764
Deferred income taxes	10,330	10,774	27,883
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares, none outstanding	0	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 38,664,403 shares as of September 30, 2011, 38,745,542 shares as of December 31, 2010 and 38,769,787 shares as of September 30, 2010	387	387	388
Additional paid-in capital	108,096	104,232	101,567
Retained earnings	673,626	656,412	711,497
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders' equity	782,109	761,031	813,452
Noncontrolling interests	26,001	34,604	43,208
Total equity	808,110	795,635	856,660
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,618,469	$ 1,535,533	$ 1,751,971

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Business Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	431,101	$	213,320	$	170,574		$	986	$	815,981
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(87,403		)	—		(87,403		)
Revenue from external customers	431,101		213,320		83,171			986		728,578
Gross profit	58,540		25,557		9,554			242		93,893
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,437		1,259		7,487			46		12,229
2010
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	409,989	$	169,972	$	193,578		$	2,761	$	776,300
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(105,450		)	—		(105,450		)
Revenue from external customers	409,989		169,972		88,128			2,761		670,850
Gross profit	44,666		18,316		12,137			1,036		76,155
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,432		678		9,433			82		13,625

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	784,393	$	513,478	$	309,846		$	7,029	$	1,614,746
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(144,763		)	—		(144,763		)
Revenue from external customers	784,393		513,478		165,083			7,029		1,469,983
Gross profit	87,482		69,513		10,754			1,088		168,837
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	11,362		3,316		21,594			143		36,415
Segment assets	114,359		108,272		368,141			87,232		678,004
2010
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	729,118	$	429,625	$	335,896		$	11,613	$	1,506,252
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(160,515		)	—		(160,515		)
Revenue from external customers	729,118		429,625		175,381			11,613		1,345,737
Gross profit	69,413		49,634		9,492			3,028		131,567
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	14,058		2,147		24,985			412		41,602
Segment assets	127,445		88,752		376,312			168,041		760,550

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010		2011			2010
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	93,893		$	76,155	$	168,837		$	131,567
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,112			47,160		121,277			153,809
Gain on sales of property and equipment	5,598			3,165		11,572			11,417
Other (expense) income, net	(2,894		)	3,115		(5,866		)	2,530
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	57,485		$	35,275	$	53,266		$	(8,295	)

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Intangible Assets - Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Sep. 30, 2010
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Total unamortized intangible assets	$ 11,219		$ 11,219		$ 11,219
Construction [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Goodwill	9,900	[1]	9,900	[1]	9,900	[1]
Contractual Rights [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Use rights and other	$ 1,319		$ 1,319		$ 1,319

[1] Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.

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Legal Proceedings (Details) (Minnesota Transit Constructors [Member], USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Minnesota Transit Constructors [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Gross	$ 1.1

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010		Dec. 31, 2010
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Equity in construction joint ventures	$ 97,415,000		$ 80,496,000		$ 97,415,000		$ 80,496,000		$ 74,716,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	356,399,000		273,173,000		356,399,000		273,173,000		318,408,000
Other Assets, Current and Longterm [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	265,549,000		192,606,000		265,549,000		192,606,000		212,911,000
Accounts Payable [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	85,602,000		49,767,000		85,602,000		49,767,000		72,658,000
Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	302,039,000		211,822,000		302,039,000		211,822,000		282,702,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	9,460,000		13,837,000		9,460,000		13,837,000		8,893,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	227,600,000				227,600,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	45.00%				45.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	57,600,000				57,600,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	20.00%				20.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	52,900,000				52,900,000
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	21,100,000				21,100,000
Minimum [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures	900,000				900,000
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	2,400,000				2,400,000
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	312,100,000				312,100,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	60.00%				60.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	975,400,000				975,400,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	49.00%				49.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	154,900,000				154,900,000
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures	43,800,000				43,800,000
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	71,300,000				71,300,000
Maximum [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	196,100,000				196,100,000
Partnership Interest [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	1,700,000,000				1,700,000,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	2				2
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	9				9
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	243,654,000		168,981,000		667,920,000		427,379,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	212,485,000		157,932,000		546,495,000		386,316,000
Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	243,425,000		178,163,000		243,425,000		178,163,000		206,834,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	146,010,000		97,667,000		146,010,000		97,667,000		132,118,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	85,575,000		48,191,000		219,563,000		126,954,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	71,979,000		46,354,000		175,630,000		124,808,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Gross Profit Loss	13,596,000		1,837,000		43,933,000		2,146,000
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	600,000,000				600,000,000
Other Partners Interest in Partnerships [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	378,523,000		287,616,000		378,523,000		287,616,000		324,485,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	251,091,000		177,759,000		251,091,000		177,759,000		232,135,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	158,079,000	[1]	120,790,000	[1]	448,357,000	[1]	300,425,000	[1]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	140,506,000	[1]	111,578,000	[1]	370,865,000	[1]	261,508,000	[1]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	$ 1,100,000,000				$ 1,100,000,000
Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	4				4

[1] The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates - Consolidated Real Estate Entities (Details) (USD $)																															3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]		Dec. 31, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]		Sep. 30, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]		Sep. 30, 2011 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]		Dec. 31, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]		Sep. 30, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]		Sep. 30, 2011 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Subsidiaries [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Subsidiaries [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Increase in Financial Support Authorization																																	$ 12,000,000	$ 13,500,000
Authorized Investment Yet to be Contributed																																	7,900,000
Impairment charges related to Enterprise Improvement Plan																															0	0
Number of Projects with Authorization for Increase in Financial or Other Support																																	3	3
Real estate held for development and sale	79,173,000	75,716,000	151,638,000	47,109,000	44,598,000	87,194,000	6,823,000	8,822,000	29,913,000	16,382,000	[1]	13,437,000	[1]	25,815,000	[1]	8,859,000	8,859,000	8,716,000	23,501,000	[1]	20,427,000	[1]	22,020,000	[1]	55,672,000	55,289,000	129,618,000	79,173,000	75,716,000	151,638,000
Number of projects				2	2	2	1	1	1	8	[1]	6	[1]	7	[1]	1	1	1	7	[1]	5	[1]	5	[1]	5	5	6	12	10	11
Other current assets	29,526,000	42,555,000	42,409,000																									2,801,000	2,453,000	2,858,000
Total current assets	990,994,000	913,856,000	1,099,980,000																									81,974,000	78,169,000	154,496,000
Property and equipment, net	453,822,000	473,607,000	491,363,000																									0	3,771,000	8,156,000
Other noncurrent assets	80,709,000	82,401,000	78,611,000																									0	1,095,000	2,005,000
Total assets																												81,974,000	83,035,000	164,657,000
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	16,690,000	29,760,000	39,157,000																									16,190,000	29,760,000	39,157,000
Other Liabilities, Current																												1,901,000	2,619,000	3,083,000
Total current liabilities	516,770,000	438,777,000	585,374,000																									18,091,000	32,379,000	42,240,000
Long-term non-recourse debt	27,755,000	25,337,000	16,420,000																									27,755,000	25,337,000	16,420,000
Other long-term liabilities	46,985,000	47,996,000	48,764,000																									278,000	404,000	443,000
Total liabilities																												$ 46,124,000	$ 58,120,000	$ 59,103,000

[1] The increase in the number of projects from December 31, 2010 to September 30, 2011 is due to the reclassification of two projects from property and equipment to real estate held for development and sale. The reclassifications were due to a change in business plans for the projects in connection with our Enterprise Improvement Plan.

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Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite, Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 36,468	$ 38,681	$ 32,407	$ (8,964)
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings	469	903	491	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	35,999	37,778	31,916	(8,964)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	38,172	37,865	38,092	37,802
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$ 0.94	$ 1	$ 0.84	$ (0.24)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Grainte, Earnings per Share, Diluted	36,468	38,681	32,407	(8,964)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	462	898	487	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 36,006	$ 37,783	$ 31,920	$ (8,964)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	38,598	38,071	38,428	37,802
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$ 0.93	$ 0.99	$ 0.83	$ (0.24)

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Revisions in Estimates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Financial Effect on Future Periods	$ 0		$ 0
Amount Considered Significant on Individual Project Gross Profit	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	2,700,000	(100,000)	7,900,000	6,500,000
Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	1,000,000	100,000	600,000	1,500,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	5	2	6	6
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	8,800,000	4,200,000	17,700,000	11,600,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,000,000	1,400,000	1,400,000	1,000,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	2,600,000	2,800,000	4,200,000	4,200,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	2	2	4	3
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	2,700,000	5,100,000	7,000,000	6,500,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,300,000	2,200,000	1,100,000	1,000,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,400,000	2,900,000	2,900,000	2,900,000
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	3	2	2	2
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(6,100,000)	(4,300,000)	(9,800,000)	(5,100,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(1,700,000)	(1,900,000)	(4,200,000)	(2,200,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(2,400,000)	(2,400,000)	(5,600,000)	(2,900,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	2	2	3	3
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(4,000,000)	(4,400,000)	(5,400,000)	(6,900,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(1,400,000)	(2,200,000)	(1,400,000)	(1,900,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(2,600,000)	(2,200,000)	(2,600,000)	(2,700,000)
Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	$ (1,300,000)	$ 700,000	$ 1,600,000	$ (400,000)