Summary of Significant Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Granite Construction Incorporated and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. We use the equity method of accounting for affiliated companies where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control. Additionally, we participate in joint ventures with other construction companies and various real estate ventures. We have consolidated these ventures where we have determined that through our participation we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. Effective January 1, 2010, we adopted the new consolidation requirements applicable to our construction and real estate joint ventures that are considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by ASC Topic 810. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate a VIE, we determine whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. This new accounting standard changed the method used to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE and required the following:

• determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary using a qualitative approach based on:

i)  the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and

ii)  the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant.

• ongoing evaluation of the VIE’s primary beneficiary; and

• disclosures about a company’s involvement with the VIE including separate presentation on the consolidated balance sheets

of a consolidated VIE’s non-recourse debt.

Prior to the adoption of this accounting standard, determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary was based on a quantitative and qualitative analysis and was reconsidered only upon the occurrence of specific triggering events. The adoption of this new accounting standard resulted in the consolidation of one construction joint venture and did not have a material impact on our consolidation of real estate entities.

Where we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary of a venture but do exercise significant influence, we account for our share of the operations of jointly controlled construction joint ventures on a pro rata basis in the consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item in the consolidated balance sheets and we account for real estate entities under the equity method of accounting, as a single line item in both the consolidated statements of operations and in the consolidated balance sheets.

We have determined that certain of these 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.

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.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experiences; however, actual amounts could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition, Percentage-of-Completion Method [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition - Construction Contracts: Revenue and earnings on construction contracts, including construction joint ventures, are recognized under the percentage of completion method using the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs. Revenue in an amount equal to cost incurred is recognized prior to contracts reaching at least 25% completion, thus deferring the related profit. It is our judgment that until a project reaches at least 25% completion, there is insufficient information to determine the estimated profit on the project with a reasonable level of certainty. In the case of large, complex design/build projects we may defer profit recognition beyond the point of 25% completion based on an evaluation of specific project risks. The factors considered in this evaluation include the stage of design completion, the stage of construction completion, status of outstanding purchase orders and subcontracts, certainty of quantities of labor and materials, certainty of schedule and the relationship with the owner.

Revenue from contract claims is recognized when we have a signed agreement and payment is assured. Revenue from contract change orders, which occur in most large projects, is recognized when the owner has agreed to the change order in writing. Provisions are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the full amount of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts whenever evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a contract exceeds its estimated total revenue. All contract costs, including those associated with claims and change orders, are recorded as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs are reflected as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Contract cost consists of direct costs on contracts, including labor and materials, amounts payable to subcontractors, direct overhead costs and equipment expense (primarily depreciation, fuel, maintenance and repairs). 

The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. Cost estimates for all of our significant projects use a detailed “bottom up” approach and we believe our experience allows us to provide materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:

• the completeness and accuracy of the original bid;

• costs associated with added scope changes;

• costs of labor and/or materials;

• extended overhead due to owner, weather and other delays;

• subcontractor performance issues;

• changes in productivity expectations;

• site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid (to the extent contract remedies are unavailable);

• the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; and

• a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials.

The foregoing factors as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit between periods. Substantial changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects have had, and can in future periods have, a significant effect on our profitability.

Revenue Recognition, Sales of Goods [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition - Materials: Revenue from the sale of materials is recognized when delivery occurs and risk of ownership passes to the customer.

Revenue Recognition, Real Estate Transactions, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition - Real Estate: Revenue from the sale of real estate is recognized when title passes to the new owner, receipt of funds is reasonably assured and we do not have substantial continuing obligations on the property. If the criteria for recognition of a sale are not met, we account for the continuing operations of the property by applying the deposit, finance, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate. We use estimates and forecasts to determine total costs at completion of the development project to calculate cost of revenue related to sales transactions.

Balance Sheet Classification [Policy Text Block]

Balance Sheet Classifications: Amounts receivable and payable under construction contracts (principally retentions) that may extend beyond one year are included in current assets and liabilities. Additionally, the cost of property purchased for development and sale is included in current assets. A one-year time period is used as the basis for classifying all other current assets and liabilities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents are securities having remaining maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Included in cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, was $75.1 million and $109.4 million, respectively, related to our consolidated joint ventures. Our access to joint venture cash may be limited by the provisions of the venture agreements.

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Marketable Securities: We determine the classification of our marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluate these determinations at each balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when we have the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are stated at amortized cost. Amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, and is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses are included in other income, net. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Financial Instruments: The carrying value of marketable securities approximates their fair value as determined by market quotes. Rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of existing debt. The carrying value of receivables and other amounts arising out of normal contract activities, including retentions, which may be settled beyond one year, is estimated to approximate fair value. 

Derivative Instruments: We are exposed to various commodity price risks, including, but not limited to, diesel fuel, natural gas, propane, steel, cement and liquid asphalt arising from transactions that are entered into in the normal course of business. At times we manage this risk through supply agreements or we pre-purchase commodities to secure pricing and use financial contracts to further manage price risk. All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.  We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had no significant financial contracts in place.

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities: We measure and disclose certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

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

Level 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.

Level 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.

We utilize the active market approach to measure fair value for our financial assets and liabilities. Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06 amended ASC Topic 820 and requires each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis to be reported separately.

Concentrations Of Credit Risk And Other Risks [Policy Text Block]

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Other Risks: Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities, and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents and our marketable securities with several financial institutions. We invest with high credit quality financial institutions and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.

Our receivables are from customers concentrated in the United States and we have no foreign operations. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law provides us the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such customers. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts which has been within management’s expectations.

A significant portion of our labor force is subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories: Inventories consist primarily of quarry products valued at the lower of average cost or market. We write down the inventories based on estimated quantities of materials on hand in excess of estimated foreseeable use. 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation for construction and other equipment is primarily provided using accelerated methods over lives ranging from three to seven years, and the straight-line method over lives from three to twenty years for the remaining depreciable assets. We believe that accelerated methods best approximate the service provided by the construction and other equipment. Depletion of quarry property is based on the usage of depletable reserves. We frequently sell property and equipment that has reached the end of its useful life or no longer meets our needs, including depleted quarry property. At the time that an asset meets the held-for-sale criteria as defined by ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we write it down to fair value, if the fair value is below the carrying value. Fair value is estimated by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, market comparative data, historical sales prices, broker quotes and third party valuations. If material, such property is separately disclosed, otherwise it is held in property and equipment until sold. The cost and accumulated depreciation or depletion of property sold or retired is removed from the accounts and gains or losses, if any, are reflected in earnings for the period. In the case that we abandon an asset, an amount equal to the carrying amount of the asset, less salvage value, if any, will be recognized as expense in the period that the asset was abandoned. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred.

Direct costs incurred in the development of internal-use software are capitalized. These costs consist primarily of software, hardware and consulting fees, as well as salaries and related costs. Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of office furniture and equipment within property and equipment.

Impairment of Long Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]

Long-lived Assets: We review property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of their carrying amounts to future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If the assets are considered to be impaired, an impairment charge will be recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. For purposes of the property and equipment impairment review, we group assets at a regional level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets.

Amortizable intangible assets include covenants not to compete, permits, trade names and customer lists which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over terms from five to thirty years.

Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Real Estate Held for Development and Sale: 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 consolidated project includes an evaluation to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a consolidated project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a consolidated project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the future undiscounted cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount. In the event that the project’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows or investment’s fair value are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts, it is written down to its estimated fair value. The projects accounted for under the equity method are evaluated for impairment using the other-than-temporary impairment model, which requires an impairment charge to be recognized if our investment’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary.

Events or changes in circumstances, which would cause us to review undiscounted future cash flows include, but are not limited to:

• significant decreases in the market price of the asset;

• significant adverse changes in legal factors or the business climate;

• significant changes to the development or business plans of a project;

• accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition, development or construction of the asset; and

• current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses, or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset.

Future undiscounted cash flows and fair value assessments are estimated based on entitlement status, market conditions, cost of construction, debt load, development schedules, status of joint venture partners and other factors applicable to the specific project. Fair value is estimated based on the expected future cash flows attributable to the asset or group of assets and on other assumptions that market participants would use in determining fair value, such as market discount rates, transaction prices for other comparable assets, and other market data. Our estimates of cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, fluctuations in interest rates, decisions made by jurisdictional agencies, economic conditions, or changes to our business operations.

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 consolidated project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the future undiscounted cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount. In the event that the project’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows or investment’s fair value are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts, it is written down to its estimated fair value. The projects accounted for under the equity method are evaluated for impairment using the other-than-temporary impairment model, which requires an impairment charge to be recognized if the project's carrying amount exceeds its fair value, and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary. In the event that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows or fair value are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of a project, it is written down to its estimated fair value.

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets: We perform impairment tests annually during the fourth quarter and more frequently when events and circumstances occur that indicate a possible impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

In determining whether there is an impairment of goodwill, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit in which the goodwill is recorded using a discounted future cash flow method.  We then compare the resulting fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we measure and record the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Our assessment of goodwill impairment during the fourth quarter of 2011 indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit substantially exceeded its net book value and therefore goodwill was not impaired.

In determining whether there is an impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, we compare the fair value of the asset to the carrying value. We use internal discounted cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we did not recognize any significant impairment charges related to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Reclamation Costs [Policy Text Block]

Reclamation Costs: We account for the costs related to legal obligations to reclaim aggregate mining sites and other facilities by recording our estimated reclamation liability when incurred, capitalizing the estimated liability as part of the related asset’s carrying amount and allocating it to expense over the asset’s useful life.

Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block]

Warranties: Many of our construction contracts contain warranty provisions covering defects in equipment, materials, design or workmanship that generally run from six months to one year after our customer accepts the contract. Because of the nature of our projects, including contract owner inspections of the work both during construction and prior to acceptance, we have not experienced material warranty costs for these short-term warranties and therefore do not believe an accrual for these costs is necessary. Certain construction contracts carry longer warranty periods, ranging from two to ten years for which we have accrued an estimate of warranty cost. The warranty cost is estimated based on our experience with the type of work and any known risks relative to the project and was not material during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Accrued Insurance Costs [Policy Text Block]

Accrued Insurance Costs: We carry insurance policies to cover various risks, primarily general liability and workers compensation, under which we are liable to reimburse the insurance company for a portion of each claim paid. The amounts for which we are liable for general liability and workers compensation generally range from the first $0.5 million to $1.0 million per occurrence. We accrue for the estimated ultimate liability for incurred losses, both reported and unreported, using actuarial methods based on historic trends modified, if necessary, by recent events.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation: We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made. Share-based compensation is included in general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of operations.

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restructuring Charges: Pursuant to an approved plan, we record severance costs when an employee has been notified, unless the employee provides future service, in which case severance costs are expensed ratably over the future service period. Other restructuring costs are recognized when the liability is incurred. Costs associated with terminating a lease contract are recorded at the contract termination date, in accordance with contract terms, or on the cease-use date, net of estimated sublease income, if applicable. In determining the amount related to termination of a lease, various assumptions are used including the time period over which facilities will be vacant, expected sublease term and sublease rates. These assumptions may be adjusted upon the occurrence of future events. Asset impairment analyses resulting from restructuring events are performed in accordance with ASC subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment. See above for our accounting policies on Property and Equipment, Long-lived Assets and Real Estate Held for Development and Sale. We recorded restructuring charges of $2.2 million, $109.3 million and $9.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively (see Note 11).

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes: Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities on the consolidated financial statements and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Computation of Earnings Per Share: Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, awards that accrue cash dividends (whether paid or unpaid) and those dividends do not need to be returned to the entity if the employee forfeits the award are considered participating securities. Our unvested restricted stock issued under the Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan carries nonforfeitable dividend rights and are considered participating securities.

In applying the two-class method, earnings are allocated to both common shares and the participating securities, except when in a net loss position.  Diluted earnings per share is computed by giving effect to all potential dilutive shares that were outstanding during the period.

Comparability of Prior Year Financial Data, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not have an impact on our previously reported net operating results.

Revision in Estimate 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 December 31, 2011, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

Retention Receivable Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

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 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.