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 March 31, 2012

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 April 27, 2012.

Class	Outstanding
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	38,647,196 shares

Index

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Financial Statements
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
		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.	Mine Safety Disclosures
	Item 5.	Other Information
	Item 6.	Exhibits
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32
EXHIBIT 95
EXHIBIT 101.INS
EXHIBIT 101.SCH
EXHIBIT 101.CAL
EXHIBIT 101.DEF
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)
	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	226,226	$	256,990	$	240,768
Short-term marketable securities	70,444		70,408		83,084
Receivables, net	208,707		251,838		170,441
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	49,962		37,703		33,302
Inventories	67,782		50,975		56,899
Real estate held for development and sale	58,363		67,037		77,128
Deferred income taxes	38,571		38,571		52,583
Equity in construction joint ventures	91,951		101,029		78,773
Other current assets	34,882		35,171		44,059
Total current assets	846,888		909,722		837,037
Property and equipment, net	442,132		447,140		468,929
Long-term marketable securities	70,114		79,250		46,251
Investments in affiliates	30,972		31,071		28,893
Other noncurrent assets	79,849		80,616		83,478
Total assets	$	1,469,955	$	1,547,799	$	1,464,588
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	9,102	$	9,102	$	8,351
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	19,765		23,071		17,740
Accounts payable	129,480		158,660		94,688
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	87,370		90,845		113,347
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	148,196		166,790		144,584
Total current liabilities	393,913		448,468		378,710
Long-term debt	208,501		208,501		216,852
Long-term non-recourse debt	1,371		9,912		30,454
Other long-term liabilities	50,011		49,221		47,943
Deferred income taxes	3,393		4,034		11,048
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 38,621,370 shares as of March 31, 2012, 38,682,771 shares as of December 31, 2011 and 38,634,470 shares as of March 31, 2011	386		387		386
Additional paid-in capital	110,432		111,514		102,548
Retained earnings	670,462		687,296		642,354
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders’ equity	781,280		799,197		745,288
Noncontrolling interests	31,486		28,466		34,293
Total equity	812,766		827,663		779,581
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,469,955	$	1,547,799	$	1,464,588

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 March 31,	2012			2011
Revenue
Construction	$	117,946		$	92,692
Large project construction	163,928			137,820
Construction materials	25,623			23,798
Real estate	2,663			2,421
Total revenue	310,160			256,731
Cost of revenue
Construction	109,366			87,139
Large project construction	141,679			106,522
Construction materials	31,573			31,068
Real estate	2,606			2,014
Total cost of revenue	285,224			226,743
Gross profit	24,936			29,988
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,188			43,372
Gain on sales of property and equipment	1,917			2,704
Operating loss	(16,335		)	(10,680		)
Other income (expense)
Interest income	1,044			1,244
Interest expense	(3,182		)	(3,356		)
Equity in loss of affiliates	(617		)	(257		)
Other income, net	6,871			570
Total other income (expense)	4,116			(1,799		)
Loss before benefit from income taxes	(12,219		)	(12,479		)
Benefit from income taxes	(3,532		)	(5,223		)
Net loss	(8,687		)	(7,256		)
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,086		)	(1,751		)
Net loss attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	$	(11,773	)	$	(9,007	)
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 13)
Basic	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.24	)
Diluted	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.24	)
Weighted average shares of common stock
Basic	38,265			37,963
Diluted	38,265			37,963
Dividends per common share	$	0.13		$	0.13

 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)
Three Months Ended March 31,	2012			2011
Operating activities
Net loss	$	(8,687	)	$	(7,256	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	14,961			15,291
Gain from restructuring, net	(1,888		)	—
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(1,917		)	(2,704		)
Stock-based compensation	4,196			3,149
Gain on company owned life insurance	(1,203		)	(550		)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of consolidations:
Receivables	41,950			76,415
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	(15,734		)	(29,621		)
Inventories	(16,807		)	(5,881		)
Real estate held for development and sale	60			(1,715		)
Equity in construction joint ventures	9,078			(4,057		)
Other assets, net	829			463
Accounts payable	(29,178		)	(35,012		)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net	(18,533		)	(7,846		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(22,873		)	676
Investing activities
Purchases of marketable securities	(24,987		)	(27,341		)
Maturities of marketable securities	15,000			24,000
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	20,000			14,268
Additions to property and equipment	(9,225		)	(11,760		)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,883			4,623
Other investing activities, net	(294		)	1,221
Net cash provided by investing activities	3,377			5,011
Financing activities
Long-term debt principal payments	(2,500		)	(7,235		)
Cash dividends paid	(5,021		)	(5,038		)
Purchase of common stock	(3,837		)	(3,515		)
Distributions to noncontrolling partners, net	(66		)	(2,062		)
Other financing activities, net	156			909
Net cash used in financing activities	(11,268		)	(16,941		)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(30,764		)	(11,254		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	256,990			252,022
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	226,226		$	240,768

Supplementary Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	610	$	936
Income taxes	305		33
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted stock/units issued, net of forfeitures	$	10,940	$	3,964
Accrued cash dividends	5,021		5,023
Debt payments out of escrow from sale of assets	659		837
Debt extinguishment from joint venture interest transfer	9,115		—
Debt payment from refinance	1,150		—

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, 2011. 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 state fairly our financial position at March 31, 2012 and 2011 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2011 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 except for the adoption of the following new accounting standards in the first quarter of 2012:

• Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity or as a footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements, and provides the option of presenting comprehensive income in a continuous statement of comprehensive income. This standard became effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012 and requires prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation. For all periods presented the comprehensive loss was equal to the net loss; therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive loss is not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

• 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, which clarifies the application of certain existing fair value measurement guidance and 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 standard was effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012. As a result of this new standard, we disclosed the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value were categorized (see Note 4). Other items in this new standard had no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

• ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which 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 standard was effective for annual goodwill impairment tests performed for our 2012 fiscal year and early adoption was permitted. For the annual impairment test performed for our 2011 fiscal year, we elected to perform step one of the impairment test and did not apply this new standard. Therefore, this new standard had no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  

6

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2. 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 March 31, 2012, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

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 was a net decrease of $0.2 million and a net increase of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes			2		1
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.0 - 1.8	$	1.0
Increase on project profitability		$	2.8	$	1.0

The increases during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were due to lower than anticipated costs and settlement of outstanding issues with contract owners. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was due to owner directed scope changes.

Decreases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes			1		—
Reduction in gross profit from each project, net		$	3.0	$	—
Decrease on project profitability		$	3.0	$	—

The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was due to lower productivity than originally anticipated.

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 $4.4 million and $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests were $1.3 million and $0.4 million of the net increases for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes			4		3
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.6 - 2.4	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability		$	8.1	$	8.8

The increases during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were due to owner directed scope changes and lower than anticipated construction costs. The increases during the three months ended March 31, 2011 were due to resolution of project uncertainties.  

Decreases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes			2		1
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.5 - 2.2	$	2.9
Decrease on project profitability		$	3.7	$	2.9

The downward estimate changes during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011were due to lower productivity than anticipated.

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”) and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which has been under contract with 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 issues, unanticipated ground movement was observed at several hillsides beginning in 2010. YRC and ODOT have been in dispute regarding their respective responsibilities under the terms of the contract relative to the project revisions necessary on account of the unanticipated ground movement. In March 2012, YRC received a Notice of Default (the “Notice”) from ODOT which YRC believes was without merit. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, ODOT and YRC have reached a settlement that withdraws and rescinds the Notice and releases both parties from claims against the other. The settlement ends YRC’s responsibility to complete the project following limited site maintenance and demobilization work by YRC. The settlement does not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

8

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. Marketable Securities

All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity for the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows:

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	35,123	$	40,240	$	48,240
Commercial paper	24,988		24,980		19,986
Municipal bonds	2,052		2,057		9,825
Corporate bonds	8,281		3,131		5,033
Total short-term marketable securities	70,444		70,408		83,084
U.S. Government and agency obligations	61,247		65,109		39,415
Municipal bonds	8,867		8,909		3,625
Corporate bonds	—		5,232		3,211
Total long-term marketable securities	70,114		79,250		46,251
Total marketable securities	$	140,558	$	149,658	$	129,335

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

March 31, 2012
Due within one year	$	70,444
Due in one to five years	70,114
Total	$	140,558

9

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

4. Fair Value Measurement

Effective in 2012, we adopted a new accounting standard that expands the disclosure of our assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. As of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, these assets and liabilities were our held-to-maturity marketable securities and senior notes payable. The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as assets and liabilities that are disclosed but not recorded at fair value: 

March 31, 2012	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	157,034	$	—	$	—	$	157,034
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	140,728		—		—		140,728
Total assets	$	297,762	$	—	$	—	$	297,762
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	246,600	$	246,600
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	246,600	$	246,600

December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	178,174	$	—	$	—	$	178,174
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	149,979		—		—		149,979
Total assets	$	328,153	$	—	$	—	$	328,153
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541

March 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	197,714	$	—	$	—	$	197,714
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	129,815		—		—		129,815
Total assets	$	327,529	$	—	$	—	$	327,529
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	242,524	$	242,524
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	242,524	$	242,524

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.

10

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Money market funds	$	157,034	$	178,174	$	197,714
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		14,993
Cash	64,195		73,817		28,061
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	226,226	$	256,990	$	240,768

We believe the carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. In addition, we believe the carrying value of non-recourse debt approximates its fair value due its relative short-term nature and competitive interest rates. 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 of senior notes payable, including current maturities, was $216.7 million, $225.0 million and $225.0 million as of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively. See Note 3 for the carrying amount of held-to-maturity marketable securities as of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011.

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not record any significant fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

5. Receivables, net

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	101,659	$	122,987	$	69,095
Retentions	70,071		77,038		77,523
Total construction contracts	171,730		200,025		146,618
Construction material sales	26,959		30,356		13,964
Other	12,837		24,337		13,024
Total gross receivables	211,526		254,718		173,606
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	2,819		2,880		3,165
Total net receivables	$	208,707	$	251,838	$	170,441

Receivables include amounts billed and billable for public and private contracts and do not bear interest. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to retainage provisions in construction contracts generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the contract by the owners. Included in other receivables at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 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 March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, long-term notes receivable outstanding were $2.0 million for each year and primarily related to loans made to employees and were included in other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

11

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Escrow	$	46,430	$	43,378	$	34,945
Non-escrow	23,641		33,660		42,578
Total retention receivables	$	70,071	$	77,038	$	77,523

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Federal	$	2,306	$	2,811	$	3,587
State	4,342		5,453		7,994
Local	10,827		14,708		21,476
Private	6,166		10,688		9,521
Total	$	23,641	$	33,660	$	42,578

12

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):

March 31, 2012	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,169	$	1,078	$	59	$	2,306
State	2,490		795		1,057		4,342
Local	4,915		3,720		2,192		10,827
Private	5,167		674		325		6,166
Total	$	13,741	$	6,267	$	3,633	$	23,641

December 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,462	$	326	$	23	$	2,811
State	2,751		860		1,842		5,453
Local	12,313		1,326		1,069		14,708
Private	9,599		765		324		10,688
Total	$	27,125	$	3,277	$	3,258	$	33,660

March 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,690	$	666	$	231	$	3,587
State	6,177		600		1,217		7,994
Local	16,698		2,426		2,352		21,476
Private	8,783		315		423		9,521
Total	$	34,348	$	4,007	$	4,223	$	42,578

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 March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, our allowance for doubtful accounts contained no material provision related to non-escrow retention receivables as we determined there were no significant collectibility issues.

13

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

6. 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 March 31, 2012, there was approximately $2.2 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $0.8 billion represented our share and the remaining $1.4 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 three months ended March 31, 2012, we determined no change was required to the accounting for existing construction joint ventures.

14

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	69,423	$	75,122	$	107,978
Other current assets	40,410		33,750		26,666
Total current assets	109,833		108,872		134,644
Noncurrent assets	7,516		8,671		6,686
Total assets2	$	117,349	$	117,543	$	141,330
Accounts payable	$	28,591	$	38,193	$	25,952
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	24,827		22,251		40,413
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,640		5,129		8,526
Total current liabilities	59,058		65,573		74,891
Noncurrent liabilities	28		4		1
Total liabilities2	$	59,086	$	65,577	$	74,892

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.

²The 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 March 31, 2012, we were engaged in two active consolidated construction joint venture projects with total contract values of $235.9 million and $317.5 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 March 31, 2012, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in nine active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $57.8 million to $1.2 billion. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from 20.0% to 50.0%. As of March 31, 2012, revenue remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from $2.8 million to $242.2 million.

15

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	341,989	$	338,681	$	331,169
Other assets	236,712		264,901		204,066
Less partners’ interest	362,474		364,979		325,454
Granite’s interest	216,227		238,603		209,781
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	98,872		85,075		76,009
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	240,043		280,650		278,132
Other liabilities	5,645		8,595		9,540
Less partners’ interest	220,284		236,746		232,673
Granite’s interest	124,276		137,574		131,008
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	91,951	$	101,029	$	78,773

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 March 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Revenue:
Total	$	205,832	$	199,768
Less partners’ interest1	132,203		126,346
Granite’s interest	73,629		73,422
Cost of revenue:
Total	169,612		150,880
Less partners’ interest1	109,240		101,864
Granite’s interest	60,372		49,016
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	13,257	$	24,406

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 March 31, 2012, we had four active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values ranging from $52.1 million to $128.3 million of which our portions ranged from $21.4 million to $53.6 million. As of March 31, 2012, revenue remaining to be recognized on these line item joint ventures ranged from $6.8 million to $37.0 million.

16

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

7. 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 by the end of 2013, subject to market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us. In 2011, development activities were curtailed for the majority of our real estate development projects as divestiture efforts increased. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2012, we recorded amounts associated with the sale or other disposition of two real estate projects, the impact of which was not significant to our results of operations. Subsequent to the sale or other disposition of these projects, GLC had no significant continuing involvement with the associated entities.

GLC receives authorization to provide additional financial support for certain of its real estate entities in increments to address changes in business plans.  During the three months endedMarch 31, 2012, GLC was not authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities and during the three months endedMarch 31, 2011, GLC was authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities by $12.0 million on three separate projects. As of March 31, 2012, $3.3 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 three months endedMarch 31, 2012 and 2011.

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 fair value is 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 months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

17

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Real estate held for development and sale	$	58,363	$	67,037	$	77,128
Other current assets	2,063		4,715		3,521
Total current assets	60,426		71,752		80,649
Property and equipment, net	—		—		3,283
Other noncurrent assets	—		—		1,043
Total assets	$	60,426	$	71,752	$	84,975
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	19,765	$	22,571	$	17,240
Other current liabilities	607		1,794		2,171
Total current liabilities	20,372		24,365		19,411
Long-term non-recourse debt	1,371		9,912		30,454
Other noncurrent liabilities	—		74		309
Total liabilities	$	21,743	$	34,351	$	50,174

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:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	47,430	3	$	54,610	4	$	55,972	5
Commercial	10,933		4	12,427		5	21,156		6
Total	$	58,363	7	$	67,037	9	$	77,128	11
Washington	$	46,992	2	$	47,600	2	$	45,586	2
California	2,512		4	4,006		5	14,355		7
Texas	8,859		1	8,859		1	8,859		1
Oregon	—		—	6,572		1	8,328		1
Total	$	58,363	7	$	67,037	9	$	77,128	11

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 March 31, 2012, these entities were engaged in real estate development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $3.0 million to $48.9 million. Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

18

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	16,725	$	16,478	$	12,147
Equity method investments in other affiliates	11,495		11,841		10,346
Total equity method investments	28,220		28,319		22,493
Cost method investments	2,752		2,752		6,400
Total investments in affiliates	$	30,972	$	31,071	$	28,893

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate affiliates accounted for under the equity method is summarized below:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	11,977	2	$	11,903	2	$	8,989	2
Commercial	4,748		3	4,575		3	3,158		3
Total	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	5
Texas	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	5
Total	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Total assets	$	160,588	$	157,771	$	153,652
Net assets	88,138		82,511		80,546
Granite’s share of net assets	28,220		28,319		22,493

8. 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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Land and land improvements	$	125,596	$	124,216	$	124,932
Quarry property	177,274		175,612		173,067
Buildings and leasehold improvements	81,291		81,272		84,772
Equipment and vehicles	728,407		733,158		774,111
Office furniture and equipment	60,615		55,570		44,174
Property and equipment	1,173,183		1,169,828		1,201,056
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,051		722,688		732,127
Property and equipment, net	$	442,132	$	447,140	$	468,929

19

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

9. 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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	393		393		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	10,293	$	10,293	$	11,219

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

Amortized Intangible Assets:

March 31, 2012			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(8,589	)	$	21,124
Customer lists	2,198		(2,000		)	198
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,510		)	78
Other	871		(621		)	250
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(12,720	)	$	21,650

December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,573	)	$	22,140
Customer lists	2,198		(1,942		)	256
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,476		)	112
Other	871		(583		)	288
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,574	)	$	22,796

March 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,468	)	$	23,245
Customer lists	2,198		(1,772		)	426
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,364		)	224
Other	871		(470		)	401
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(10,074	)	$	24,296

Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets balance at March 31, 2012, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $2.6 million for the remainder of 2012; $1.3 million in 2013; $1.1 million in 2014; $1.1 million in 2015; $1.1 million in 2016; and $14.5 million thereafter.

20

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

10. Restructuring

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 included a net gain on restructuring of $1.9 million related to divestiture activities of our real estate investment business. We recorded no significant restructuring charges during the three months ended March, 31 2011. During 2012 and beyond, we may record up to $8.0 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 market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us.

11. 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/or (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012, one of our consolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of a change in the venture partner’s financial condition. In addition, as of March 31, 2012, one of our unconsolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of the failure to timely make a principal payment. 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 in default are currently in discussions with lenders to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

12. Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012	2011
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,667	38,712
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	402	749
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,265	37,963
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,265	37,963
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	—	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,265	37,963

¹Due to the net loss for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, restricted stock units representing approximately 474,000 and 242,000 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the respective periods, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

21

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

13. 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.

14. Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 28.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and was 41.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The change was primarily due to the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes for the three months endedMarch 31, 2011. 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.

15. 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, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock1	(3,837		)	—			(3,837		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	2,714			—			2,714
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(66		)	(66		)
Net (loss) income	(11,773		)	3,086			(8,687		)
Dividends on common stock	(5,021		)	—			(5,021		)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	781,280		$	31,486		$	812,766

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock2	(3,515		)	—			(3,515		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	1,802			—			1,802
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(2,062		)	(2,062		)
Net (loss) income	(9,007		)	1,751			(7,256		)
Dividends on common stock	(5,023		)	—			(5,023		)
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	745,288		$	34,293		$	779,581

¹Represents 122,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 124,000 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.

22

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

16. 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:

• US Highway 20 Project: Our wholly owned subsidiaries, GCCO and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as YRC which is contracted by 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 and alleged violations of YRC’s stormwater permit. In June 2009, YRC was informed that the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”) had assumed the criminal investigation that the Oregon Department of Justice had initiated in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. Although the USDOJ has informed YRC that the USDOJ will not criminally charge YRC or any Granite affiliate in connection with these matters, the USDOJ informed YRC it was continuing to seek an unspecified civil penalty which we are seeking to resolve. 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/or 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, 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 received two follow-up requests from the USDOJ for additional information and documents.  We have complied with the subpoena and the requests, 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 against any party 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 months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, 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.

23

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

17. 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, 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 2011 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.

24

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	117,946	$	163,928	$	31,009		$	2,663	$	315,546
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(5,386		)	—		(5,386		)
Revenue from external customers	117,946		163,928		25,623			2,663		310,160
Gross profit (loss)	8,580		22,249		(5,950		)	57		24,936
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,580		1,268		7,378			—		12,226
Segment assets	114,079		102,393		368,095			58,363		642,930
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	92,692	$	137,820	$	30,656		$	2,421	$	263,589
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(6,858		)	—		(6,858		)
Revenue from external customers	92,692		137,820		23,798			2,421		256,731
Gross profit (loss)	5,553		31,298		(7,270		)	407		29,988
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	4,078		768		7,107			88		12,041
Segment assets	120,059		85,931		378,601			88,614		673,205

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	24,936		$	29,988
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,188			43,372
Gain on sales of property and equipment	1,917			2,704
Other income (expense), net	4,116			(1,799		)
Loss before benefit from income taxes	$	(12,219	)	$	(12,479	)

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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.”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.

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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 17 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.

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Current Economic Environment and Outlook

Significant 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 2012.

The current extension of the federal surface transportation program authorization expires in June 2012 and the continuing resolution of appropriations to fund federal government programs for the 2012 fiscal year expires in October 2012. Now that both the Senate and House have passed bills related to the reauthorization of the federal surface transportation program, we are hopeful that conference deliberations will result in a transportation bill that has some reasonable longevity that at a minimum maintains current funding levels. Whether an agreement can be reached that both houses of Congress can agree to remains uncertain. We are encouraged that transportation has continued to be a priority for Congress in early 2012.

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, power, water, industrial and federal government opportunities. In addition, in 2010, 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 2012 and beyond, we may record up to $8.0 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 months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Results of Operations

Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Comparative Financial Summary	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Total revenue	$	310,160		$	256,731
Gross profit	24,936			29,988
Operating loss	(16,335		)	(10,680		)
Total other income (expense)	4,116			(1,799		)
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,086		)	(1,751		)
Net loss attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	(11,773		)	(9,007		)

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Revenue

Total Revenue by Segment	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011
Construction	$	117,946	38.0	%	$	92,692	36.1	%
Large Project Construction	163,928		52.8		137,820		53.7
Construction Materials	25,623		8.3		23,798		9.3
Real Estate	2,663		0.9		2,421		0.9
Total	$	310,160	100.0	%	$	256,731	100.0	%

Construction Revenue	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011
California:
Public sector	$	67,413	57.1	%	$	43,404	46.8	%
Private sector	7,883		6.7		9,476		10.2
Northwest:
Public sector	16,810		14.3		22,622		24.4
Private sector	13,294		11.3		3,487		3.8
East:
Public sector	10,550		8.9		13,642		14.7
Private sector	1,996		1.7		61		0.1
Total	$	117,946	100.0	%	$	92,692	100.0	%

Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $25.3 million, or 27.2%, compared to the same period in 2011. This increase was due to improved construction activity in our California public sector from improved weather conditions in 2012 when compared to 2011 as well as a result of entering the year with greater backlog. Private sector revenue in the Northwest increased primarily due to increased success in new markets, such as power and industrial. Increases were partially offset by reductions in public sector revenue in both the Northwest and East due to projects nearing completion.

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Large Project Construction Revenue1	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011
California	$	20,126	12.3	%	$	15,008	10.9	%
Northwest	43,516		26.5		23,980		17.4
East	100,286		61.2		98,832		71.7
Total	$	163,928	100.0	%	$	137,820	100.0	%

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

Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $26.1 million, or 18.9%, compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to increases in revenue from our California and Northwest sectors. Revenue in both California and the Northwest increased due to progress on jobs that were awarded in late 2010 and early 2011. Revenue in the Northwest was also higher in 2012 as a result of improved weather conditions when compared to 2011.

Construction Materials Revenue	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011
California	$	19,327	75.4	%	$	18,893	79.4	%
Northwest	3,015		11.8		2,125		8.9
East	3,281		12.8		2,780		11.7
Total	$	25,623	100.0	%	$	23,798	100.0	%

Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $1.8 million, or 7.7%, compared to the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to improved weather conditions in 2012 when compared to 2011. Despite the increase in revenue, the construction materials business continues to be impacted by the weakness in the commercial and residential development markets.

Real Estate Revenue

Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 remained relatively unchanged when compared to the same period 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)	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011				March 31, 2011
Construction	$	622,240	29.9	%	$	513,624	25.4	%	$	696,055	34.7	%
Large Project Construction	1,460,674		70.1		1,508,830		74.6		1,307,622		65.3
Total	$	2,082,914	100.0	%	$	2,022,454	100.0	%	$	2,003,677	100.0	%

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Construction Contract Backlog
(dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011				March 31, 2011
California:
Public sector	$	349,013	56.1	%	$	311,975	60.7	%	$	383,032	55.0	%
Private sector	10,224		1.6		10,899		2.1		15,295		2.2
Northwest:
Public sector	177,842		28.6		148,030		28.8		215,810		31.0
Private sector	51,395		8.3		26,543		5.2		10,840		1.6
East:
Public sector	32,052		5.2		13,163		2.6		70,482		10.1
Private sector	1,714		0.2		3,014		0.6		596		0.1
Total	$	622,240	100.0	%	$	513,624	100.0	%	$	696,055	100.0	%

Construction contract backlog of $622.2 million at March 31, 2012 was $108.6 million, or 21.1%, higher than at December 31, 2011 and $73.8 million, or 10.6%, lower than at March 31, 2011. The increase from December 31, 2011 was primarily due to new awards, partially offset by progress on existing projects. New awards included a $52.5 million highway widening project and a $14.2 million highway rebuild project, both in California, as well as a $28.9 million streetcar project in Arizona and a $17.3 million rail car facility project in Washington. The decrease from March 31, 2011 was due to progress on existing projects. In May 2012, we received a $29.4 million award for a highway renovation project in California that will be booked into contract backlog in the second quarter of 2012.

Large Project Construction Contract Backlog1
(dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011				March 31, 2011
California	$	201,077	13.8	%	$	214,698	14.2	%	$	154,678	11.8	%
Northwest	396,034		27.1		397,957		26.4		478,301		36.6
East	863,563		59.1		896,175		59.4		674,643		51.6
Total	$	1,460,674	100.0	%	$	1,508,830	100.0	%	$	1,307,622	100.0	%

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

Large project construction contract backlog of $1.5 billion at March 31, 2012 was $48.2 million, or 3.2%, lower than at December 31, 2011, and $153.1 million, or 11.7%, higher than at March 31, 2011. The decrease from December 31, 2011 primarily reflected work completed during the quarter, partially offset by new awards. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we were awarded a highway rework project in Colorado that is an internal partnership with $62.4 million and $53.1 million included in Northwest and East contract backlog, respectively. The increase from March 31, 2011 was attributable to higher contract backlog entering 2012.

Noncontrolling interests included in Large Project Construction contract backlog as of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011, and March 31, 2011 were $138.0 million, $154.6 million and $232.3 million, respectively.

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Gross Profit

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
Construction	$	8,580		$	5,553
Percent of segment revenue	7.3		%	6.0		%
Large Project Construction	22,249			31,298
Percent of segment revenue	13.6			22.7
Construction Materials	(5,950		)	(7,270		)
Percent of segment revenue	(23.2		)	(30.5		)
Real Estate	57			407
Percent of segment revenue	2.1			16.8
Total gross profit	$	24,936		$	29,988
Percent of total revenue	8.0		%	11.7		%

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 March 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Construction	$	10,248	$	8,983
Large Project Construction	18,286		47,223
Total revenue from contracts with deferred profit	$	28,534	$	56,206

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 months ended March 31, 2012, we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period.

32

Construction gross profit increased $3.0 million, or 54.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to increased revenue from improved weather conditions in 2012 and entering the year with greater backlog. Construction gross profit as a percent of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased to 7.3% from 6.0% for the same period in 2011.

Large Project Construction gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased $9.0 million compared to the same period in 2011. Large Project Construction gross profit as a percent of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased to 13.6% from 22.7% for the same period in 2011. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to 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 (“GCCO”) and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which has been under contract with 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 issues, unanticipated ground movement was observed at several hillsides beginning in 2010. YRC and ODOT have been in dispute regarding their respective responsibilities under the terms of the contract relative to the project revisions necessary on account of the unanticipated ground movement. In March 2012, YRC received a Notice of Default (the “Notice”) from ODOT which YRC believes was without merit. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, ODOT and YRC have reached a settlement that withdraws and rescinds the Notice and releases both parties from claims against the other. The settlement ends YRC’s responsibility to complete the project following limited site maintenance and demobilization work by YRC. The settlement does not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Construction Materials gross loss decreased $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 due to improved weather conditions in 2012 when compared to 2011. Despite the decrease in gross loss, the residential, commercial and private markets remained depressed.

Real Estate gross profit remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 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 March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
Selling
Salaries and related expenses	$	9,827		$	10,810
Other selling expenses	2,028			1,658
Total selling	11,855			12,468
General and administrative
Salaries and related expenses	14,713			14,227
Incentive compensation	1,204			1,620
Restricted stock amortization	4,196			3,149
Non-qualified deferred compensation earnings	1,299			694
Other general and administrative expenses	9,921			11,214
Total general and administrative	31,333			30,904
Total selling, general and administrative	$	43,188		$	43,372
Percent of revenue	13.9		%	16.9		%

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased $0.2 million, or 0.4%, compared to the same period in 2011.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses include the costs of aggregate resource development, business 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.

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 months ended March 31, 2012 increased $0.4 million compared to the same period in 2011. Included in other general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was a net gain on restructuring of $1.9 million related to divestiture activities of our real estate investment business. Other general and administrative expenses include information technology, occupancy, office supplies, depreciation, travel and entertainment, outside services, training and other miscellaneous expenses.

Other Income (Expense)

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Interest income	$	1,044		$	1,244
Interest expense	(3,182		)	(3,356		)
Equity in loss of affiliates	(617		)	(257		)
Other income, net	6,871			570
Total other income (expense)	$	4,116		$	(1,799	)

The $6.3 million increase in other income, net for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from the same period in 2011 was primarily due to a $5.3 million gain related to the periodic sale of gold, a by-product of aggregate production.

34

Income Taxes

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
Benefit from income taxes	$	(3,532	)	$	(5,223	)
Effective tax rate	28.9		%	41.9		%

We calculate our income tax 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 loss. 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 28.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and was 41.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The change was primarily due to the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes, during the three months endedMarch 31, 2011. 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.

Noncontrolling Interests

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(3,086	)	$	(1,751	)

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. 

Certain Legal Proceedings

As discussed in Note 16 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report, 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/or liquidity.

35

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents excluding consolidated joint ventures	$	156,803	$	181,868	$	132,790
Consolidated construction joint venture cash and cash equivalents1	69,423		75,122		107,978
Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents	226,226		256,990		240,768
Short-term and long-term marketable securities2	140,558		149,658		129,335
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	366,784	$	406,648	$	370,103

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 3 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.

36

Cash Flows	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Net cash (used in) provided by:
Operating activities	$	(22,873	)	$	676
Investing activities	3,377			5,011
Financing activities	(11,268		)	(16,941		)

Cash used in operating activities of $22.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 represents a $23.5 million decrease from the amount of cash provided by operating activities during the same period in 2011.  This decrease was primarily driven by a less favorable change in working capital items in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased $1.6 million when compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to a $1.7 million decrease in proceeds from sale of property and equipment.

Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased $5.7 million compared to the same period in 2011. The primary reason for this change was a $4.7 million decrease in long-term debt principal payments associated with our real estate entities.

Capital Expenditures

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we had capital expenditures of $9.2 million compared to $11.8 million during the same period in 2011. 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 approximately $50.0 million in capital expenditures during 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we had capital expenditures of $45.0 million.

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 March 31, 2012. Accordingly, the effective interest rate was between 2.99% and 3.80% at March 31, 2012. 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 March 31, 2012, there were no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement, but there were standby letters of credit totaling approximately $4.2 million. The letters of credit will expire between October 2012 and March 2013. These letters of credit will be automatically 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 March 31, 2012 and pursuant to the definitions in the Credit Agreement, our Consolidated Tangible Net Worth was $761.7 million, which exceeded the minimum of $667.9 million, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 10.07, which exceeded the minimum of 4.00 and the Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 1.45, which did not exceed the maximum of 3.75. The maximum Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio gradually decreases in 0.25 increments until reaching 3.00 for the quarter ending March 31, 2013.

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Senior Notes Payable

As of March 31, 2012, 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 covenant under the terms of the related agreement requires 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 March 31, 2012 and pursuant to the definitions in the note agreement, our Consolidated Net Worth was $781.3 million, which exceeded the minimum of $686.5 million.

In addition, as of March 31, 2012, 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 covenant under the terms of the related agreement requires 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 March 31, 2012 and pursuant to the definitions in the note agreement, our Consolidated Net Worth was $781.3 million, which exceeded the minimum of $697.4 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 March 31, 2012, approximately $2.0 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 months ended March 31, 2012, we provided no significant funding to our real estate entities. As of March 31, 2012, the principal amount of debt of our real estate entities secured by mortgages was $21.2 million, of which $19.8 million was included in current liabilities and $1.4 million was included in long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

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/or (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012, one of our consolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of a change in the venture partner’s financial condition. In addition, as of March 31, 2012, one of our unconsolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of the failure to timely make a principal payment. 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 in default are currently in discussions with lenders to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

38

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 March 31, 2012, $64.1 million was available for purchase. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase program in any of the periods presented.

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.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has been no significant change in our exposure to market risks since December 31, 2011.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management carried out, as of March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012, 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.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the first quarter of 2012, we implemented new enterprise resource planning software that replaced our existing systems across the Company to improve productivity and process efficiencies. During the implementation process, we took necessary steps, including modifications to existing internal controls where necessary, to maintain appropriate internal control over financial reporting. We will continue to monitor controls through and around the system to provide reasonable assurance that controls are effective after the implementation process.

39

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 16 - 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, 2011.

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

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012:

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
January 1, 2012 through January 30, 2012	4,614	$	24.03	—	$	64,065,401
February 1, 2012 through February 29, 2012	36,626	$	28.84	—	$	64,065,401
March 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012	80,305	$	29.32	—	$	64,065,401
	121,545	$	28.98	—

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. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable.

40

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
95	†	Mine Safety Disclosure
101.INS	††	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
	†	Filed herewith
	††	Furnished herewith

41

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:	May 8, 2012	By:	/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
			Laurel J. Krzeminski
			Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

42

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:	May 8, 2012	/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:	May 8, 2012	/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 March 31, 2012 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:	May 8, 2012	/s/ James H. Roberts
		James H. Roberts
		President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated:	May 8, 2012	/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.

EX-95

Exhibit 95

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

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 13 and 14 inspections at 11 and 12 of our mines during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There were no reportable citations or orders following 12 of those inspections during both the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The chart below presents the 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 ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. 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 March 31,
Name of Mine	2012	2011
Bradshaw	1	—
Indio	—	1
Lockwood Quarry	—	1
Total	1	2

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2012 and 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.

• MSHA 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.

•MSHA did not identify any flagrant violations under Section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act.

• MSHA did not issue any imminent danger orders requiring immediate withdrawal from the affected areas under Section 107(a) of the Mine Act.

•We did not experience any mining-related fatalities.

• 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.

• There were no legal actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, and there were no such legal actions instituted or resolved.

• The total dollar value of proposed assessments from the MSHA under the Mine Act was $343 and $100 for the Bradshaw mine and Bee Rock quarry, respectively, during the three months endedMarch 31, 2012 and was $3,000 for the Indio mine during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

XML

Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	$ 157,034	[1]	$ 178,174	[1]	$ 197,714	[1]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	297,762	[1]	328,153	[1]	327,529	[1]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	246,600	[3]	250,541	[3]	242,524	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	157,034		178,174		197,714
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	297,762		328,153		327,529
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	246,600		250,541		242,524
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	140,728		149,979		129,815
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	246,600		250,541		242,524
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	140,728		149,979		129,815
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 246,600		$ 250,541		$ 242,524

[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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Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	28.90%	41.90%

XML

Intangible Assets - Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Total unamortized intangible assets	$ 10,293	$ 10,293	$ 11,219
Contractual Rights [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Use rights and other	393	393	1,319
Construction [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9,900	$ 9,900	$ 9,900

XML

Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	$ 827,663		$ 795,635
Purchase of common stock	(3,837)	[1]	(3,515)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	2,714	[3]	1,802	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	(66)	[4]	(2,062)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income	(8,687)		(7,256)
Dividends on common stock	(5,021)		(5,023)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	812,766		779,581
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	122,000		124,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	799,197		761,031
Purchase of common stock	(3,837)	[1]	(3,515)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	2,714	[3]	1,802	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	0	[4]	0	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income	(11,773)		(9,007)
Dividends on common stock	(5,021)		(5,023)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	781,280		745,288
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	28,466		34,604
Purchase of common stock	0	[1]	0	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	0	[3]	0	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	(66)	[4]	(2,062)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income	3,086		1,751
Dividends on common stock	0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	$ 31,486		$ 34,293

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

[2] Represents 124,000 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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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates - Investments in Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$ 30,972,000	$ 31,071,000	$ 28,893,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	160,588,000	157,771,000	153,652,000
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Net Assets	88,138,000	82,511,000	80,546,000
Cost Method Investments	2,752,000	2,752,000	6,400,000
Investments in affiliates	30,972,000	31,071,000	28,893,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	28,220,000	28,319,000	22,493,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Equity Method Investments in Non Real Estate Affiliate [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	11,495,000	11,841,000	10,346,000
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	7	9	11
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [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	3	4	5
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [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	4	5	6
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [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
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | CALIFORNIA | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	4	5	7
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | OREGON | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	0	1	1
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [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
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	16,725,000	16,478,000	12,147,000
Number of projects	5	5	5
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Residential real estate [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	11,977,000	11,903,000	8,989,000
Number of projects	2	2	2
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	4,748,000	4,575,000	3,158,000
Number of projects	3	3	3
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | TEXAS | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	16,725,000	16,478,000	12,147,000
Number of projects	5	5	5
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Minimum [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	3,000,000
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Maximum [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	$ 48,900,000

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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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 loss per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012	2011
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,667	38,712
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	402	749
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,265	37,963
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,265	37,963
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	—	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,265	37,963

¹Due to the net loss for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, restricted stock units representing approximately 474,000 and 242,000 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the respective periods, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

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Revisions in Estimates (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Large Project Construction [Member]

Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]

Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate

Decreases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes			2		1
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.5 - 2.2	$	2.9
Decrease on project profitability		$	3.7	$	2.9

Increases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes			4		3
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.6 - 2.4	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability		$	8.1	$	8.8

Construction [Member]

Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]

Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate

Increases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes			2		1
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.0 - 1.8	$	1.0
Increase on project profitability		$	2.8	$	1.0

Decreases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes			1		—
Reduction in gross profit from each project, net		$	3.0	$	—
Decrease on project profitability		$	3.0	$	—

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Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Gain from restructuring, net	$ (1,888,000)	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring charges	$ 8,000,000

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Receivables, Net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	$ 211,526,000	$ 254,718,000	$ 173,606,000
Allowance for Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current	2,819,000	2,880,000	3,165,000
Receivables, net	208,707,000	251,838,000	170,441,000
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	2,000,000	2,000,000	2,000,000
Construction Contracts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	171,730,000	200,025,000	146,618,000
Completed and in Progress [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	101,659,000	122,987,000	69,095,000
Retentions [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	70,071,000	77,038,000	77,523,000
Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	46,430,000	43,378,000	34,945,000
Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	23,641,000	33,660,000	42,578,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	13,741,000	27,125,000	34,348,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	6,267,000	3,277,000	4,007,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	3,633,000	3,258,000	4,223,000
Construction Material Sales [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	26,959,000	30,356,000	13,964,000
Other Business Products and Services [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	12,837,000	24,337,000	13,024,000
Federal [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	2,306,000	2,811,000	3,587,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	1,169,000	2,462,000	2,690,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	1,078,000	326,000	666,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	59,000	23,000	231,000
State [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	4,342,000	5,453,000	7,994,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	2,490,000	2,751,000	6,177,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	795,000	860,000	600,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	1,057,000	1,842,000	1,217,000
Local [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	10,827,000	14,708,000	21,476,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	4,915,000	12,313,000	16,698,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	3,720,000	1,326,000	2,426,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	2,192,000	1,069,000	2,352,000
Private [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	6,166,000	10,688,000	9,521,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	5,167,000	9,599,000	8,783,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	674,000	765,000	315,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	$ 325,000	$ 324,000	$ 423,000

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Marketable Securities - Carrying Amounts of Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	$ 70,444	$ 70,408	$ 83,084
Long-term marketable securities	70,114	79,250	46,251
Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	70,444	70,408	83,084
Long-term marketable securities	70,114	79,250	46,251
Total marketable securities	140,558	149,658	129,335
U.S. Government and agency obligations [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	35,123	40,240	48,240
Long-term marketable securities	61,247	65,109	39,415
Commercial paper [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	24,988	24,980	19,986
Municipal bonds [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	2,052	2,057	9,825
Long-term marketable securities	8,867	8,909	3,625
Corporate bonds [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	8,281	3,131	5,033
Long-term marketable securities	$ 0	$ 5,232	$ 3,211

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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,667,000		38,712,000
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	402,000		749,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	38,265,000		37,963,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted units excluded from calculation	0	[1]	0	[1]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,265,000		37,963,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted units excluded from calculation	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,265,000		37,963,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	474,000		242,000

[1] Due to the net loss for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, restricted stock units representing approximately 474,000 and 242,000 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the respective periods, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

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Property and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,173,183	$ 1,169,828	$ 1,201,056
Accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,051	722,688	732,127
Property and equipment, net	442,132	447,140	468,929
Land and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	125,596	124,216	124,932
Quarry property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	177,274	175,612	173,067
Building and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	81,291	81,272	84,772
Equipment and vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	728,407	733,158	774,111
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 60,615	$ 55,570	$ 44,174

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Fair Value Measurement

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Fair Value Measurement

Effective in 2012, we adopted a new accounting standard that expands the disclosure of our assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. As of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, these assets and liabilities were our held-to-maturity marketable securities and senior notes payable. The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as assets and liabilities that are disclosed but not recorded at fair value: 

March 31, 2012	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	157,034	$	—	$	—	$	157,034
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	140,728		—		—		140,728
Total assets	$	297,762	$	—	$	—	$	297,762
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	246,600	$	246,600
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	246,600	$	246,600

December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	178,174	$	—	$	—	$	178,174
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	149,979		—		—		149,979
Total assets	$	328,153	$	—	$	—	$	328,153
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541

March 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	197,714	$	—	$	—	$	197,714
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	129,815		—		—		129,815
Total assets	$	327,529	$	—	$	—	$	327,529
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	242,524	$	242,524
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	242,524	$	242,524

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Money market funds	$	157,034	$	178,174	$	197,714
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		14,993
Cash	64,195		73,817		28,061
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	226,226	$	256,990	$	240,768

We believe the carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. In addition, we believe the carrying value of non-recourse debt approximates its fair value due its relative short-term nature and competitive interest rates. 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 of senior notes payable, including current maturities, was $216.7 million, $225.0 million and $225.0 million as of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively. See Note 3 for the carrying amount of held-to-maturity marketable securities as of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011.

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, 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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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 226,226,000		$ 256,990,000		$ 240,768,000		$ 252,022,000
Other current assets	34,882,000		35,171,000		44,059,000
Total current assets	846,888,000		909,722,000		837,037,000
Total assets	1,469,955,000		1,547,799,000		1,464,588,000
Accounts payable	129,480,000		158,660,000		94,688,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	87,370,000		90,845,000		113,347,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	148,196,000		166,790,000		144,584,000
Total current liabilities	393,913,000		448,468,000		378,710,000
Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	4
Partnership Interest [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	2,200,000,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	69,423,000	[1]	75,122,000	[1]	107,978,000	[1]
Other current assets	40,410,000		33,750,000		26,666,000
Total current assets	109,833,000		108,872,000		134,644,000
Noncurrent assets	7,516,000		8,671,000		6,686,000
Total assets	117,349,000	[2]	117,543,000	[2]	141,330,000	[2]
Accounts payable	28,591,000		38,193,000		25,952,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	24,827,000	[1]	22,251,000	[1]	40,413,000	[1]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,640,000		5,129,000		8,526,000
Total current liabilities	59,058,000		65,573,000		74,891,000
Noncurrent liabilities	28,000		4,000		1,000
Total liabilities	59,086,000	[2]	65,577,000	[2]	74,892,000	[2]
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	800,000,000
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	1,400,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	235,900,000
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	57,800,000
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	52,100,000
Minimum [Member] | 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	2,800,000
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	21,400,000
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	317,500,000
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	1,200,000,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	128,300,000
Maximum [Member] | 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	242,200,000
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 53,600,000

[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] 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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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	341,989	$	338,681	$	331,169
Other assets	236,712		264,901		204,066
Less partners’ interest	362,474		364,979		325,454
Granite’s interest	216,227		238,603		209,781
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	98,872		85,075		76,009
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	240,043		280,650		278,132
Other liabilities	5,645		8,595		9,540
Less partners’ interest	220,284		236,746		232,673
Granite’s interest	124,276		137,574		131,008
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	91,951	$	101,029	$	78,773

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 March 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Revenue:
Total	$	205,832	$	199,768
Less partners’ interest1	132,203		126,346
Granite’s interest	73,629		73,422
Cost of revenue:
Total	169,612		150,880
Less partners’ interest1	109,240		101,864
Granite’s interest	60,372		49,016
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	13,257	$	24,406

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.

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	69,423	$	75,122	$	107,978
Other current assets	40,410		33,750		26,666
Total current assets	109,833		108,872		134,644
Noncurrent assets	7,516		8,671		6,686
Total assets2	$	117,349	$	117,543	$	141,330
Accounts payable	$	28,591	$	38,193	$	25,952
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	24,827		22,251		40,413
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,640		5,129		8,526
Total current liabilities	59,058		65,573		74,891
Noncurrent liabilities	28		4		1
Total liabilities2	$	59,086	$	65,577	$	74,892

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.

²The 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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Receivables, Net (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Receivables [Abstract]

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

Receivables, net

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	101,659	$	122,987	$	69,095
Retentions	70,071		77,038		77,523
Total construction contracts	171,730		200,025		146,618
Construction material sales	26,959		30,356		13,964
Other	12,837		24,337		13,024
Total gross receivables	211,526		254,718		173,606
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	2,819		2,880		3,165
Total net receivables	$	208,707	$	251,838	$	170,441

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

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

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Escrow	$	46,430	$	43,378	$	34,945
Non-escrow	23,641		33,660		42,578
Total retention receivables	$	70,071	$	77,038	$	77,523

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Federal	$	2,306	$	2,811	$	3,587
State	4,342		5,453		7,994
Local	10,827		14,708		21,476
Private	6,166		10,688		9,521
Total	$	23,641	$	33,660	$	42,578

Aging of Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

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

March 31, 2012	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,169	$	1,078	$	59	$	2,306
State	2,490		795		1,057		4,342
Local	4,915		3,720		2,192		10,827
Private	5,167		674		325		6,166
Total	$	13,741	$	6,267	$	3,633	$	23,641

December 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,462	$	326	$	23	$	2,811
State	2,751		860		1,842		5,453
Local	12,313		1,326		1,069		14,708
Private	9,599		765		324		10,688
Total	$	27,125	$	3,277	$	3,258	$	33,660

March 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,690	$	666	$	231	$	3,587
State	6,177		600		1,217		7,994
Local	16,698		2,426		2,352		21,476
Private	8,783		315		423		9,521
Total	$	34,348	$	4,007	$	4,223	$	42,578

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Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	$ 315,546	$ 263,589
Elimination of intersegment revenue	(5,386)	(6,858)
Revenue from external customers	310,160	256,731
Gross profit (loss)	24,936	29,988
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	12,226	12,041
Assets	1,469,955	1,464,588	1,547,799
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	24,936	29,988
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,188	43,372
Gain on sales of property and equipment	1,917	2,704
Other income (expense), net	4,116	(1,799)
Loss before benefit from income taxes	(12,219)	(12,479)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	642,930	673,205
Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	117,946	92,692
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0
Revenue from external customers	117,946	92,692
Gross profit (loss)	8,580	5,553
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	3,580	4,078
Assets	114,079	120,059
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	8,580	5,553
Large Project Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	163,928	137,820
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0
Revenue from external customers	163,928	137,820
Gross profit (loss)	22,249	31,298
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	1,268	768
Assets	102,393	85,931
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	22,249	31,298
Construction Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	31,009	30,656
Elimination of intersegment revenue	(5,386)	(6,858)
Revenue from external customers	25,623	23,798
Gross profit (loss)	(5,950)	(7,270)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	7,378	7,107
Assets	368,095	378,601
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	(5,950)	(7,270)
Real Estate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	2,663	2,421
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0
Revenue from external customers	2,663	2,421
Gross profit (loss)	57	407
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	0	88
Assets	58,363	88,614
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	$ 57	$ 407

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Equity in construction joint ventures	$ 91,951,000		$ 78,773,000		$ 101,029,000
Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	4
Partnership Interest [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	2,200,000,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
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
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	205,832,000		199,768,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	169,612,000		150,880,000
Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	216,227,000		209,781,000		238,603,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	124,276,000		131,008,000		137,574,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	73,629,000		73,422,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	60,372,000		49,016,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Gross Profit Loss	13,257,000		24,406,000
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	800,000,000
Other Partners Interest in Partnerships [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	362,474,000		325,454,000		364,979,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	220,284,000		232,673,000		236,746,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	132,203,000	[1]	126,346,000	[1]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	109,240,000	[1]	101,864,000	[1]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	1,400,000,000
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	6,800,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	235,900,000
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	57,800,000
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	52,100,000
Minimum [Member] | 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	2,800,000
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	21,400,000
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	317,500,000
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	1,200,000,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	128,300,000
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures	37,000,000
Maximum [Member] | 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	242,200,000
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	53,600,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	341,989,000		331,169,000		338,681,000
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	236,712,000		204,066,000		264,901,000
Accounts Payable [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	98,872,000		76,009,000		85,075,000
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	240,043,000		278,132,000		280,650,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	$ 5,645,000		$ 9,540,000		$ 8,595,000

[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 (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates [Abstract]

Schedule of Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Table Text Block]

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Real estate held for development and sale	$	58,363	$	67,037	$	77,128
Other current assets	2,063		4,715		3,521
Total current assets	60,426		71,752		80,649
Property and equipment, net	—		—		3,283
Other noncurrent assets	—		—		1,043
Total assets	$	60,426	$	71,752	$	84,975
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	19,765	$	22,571	$	17,240
Other current liabilities	607		1,794		2,171
Total current liabilities	20,372		24,365		19,411
Long-term non-recourse debt	1,371		9,912		30,454
Other noncurrent liabilities	—		74		309
Total liabilities	$	21,743	$	34,351	$	50,174

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:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	47,430	3	$	54,610	4	$	55,972	5
Commercial	10,933		4	12,427		5	21,156		6
Total	$	58,363	7	$	67,037	9	$	77,128	11
Washington	$	46,992	2	$	47,600	2	$	45,586	2
California	2,512		4	4,006		5	14,355		7
Texas	8,859		1	8,859		1	8,859		1
Oregon	—		—	6,572		1	8,328		1
Total	$	58,363	7	$	67,037	9	$	77,128	11

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

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	16,725	$	16,478	$	12,147
Equity method investments in other affiliates	11,495		11,841		10,346
Total equity method investments	28,220		28,319		22,493
Cost method investments	2,752		2,752		6,400
Total investments in affiliates	$	30,972	$	31,071	$	28,893

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 affiliates accounted for under the equity method is summarized below:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	11,977	2	$	11,903	2	$	8,989	2
Commercial	4,748		3	4,575		3	3,158		3
Total	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	5
Texas	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	5
Total	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Total assets	$	160,588	$	157,771	$	153,652
Net assets	88,138		82,511		80,546
Granite’s share of net assets	28,220		28,319		22,493

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Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Land and land improvements	$	125,596	$	124,216	$	124,932
Quarry property	177,274		175,612		173,067
Buildings and leasehold improvements	81,291		81,272		84,772
Equipment and vehicles	728,407		733,158		774,111
Office furniture and equipment	60,615		55,570		44,174
Property and equipment	1,173,183		1,169,828		1,201,056
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,051		722,688		732,127
Property and equipment, net	$	442,132	$	447,140	$	468,929

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Marketable Securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities

All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity for the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows:

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	35,123	$	40,240	$	48,240
Commercial paper	24,988		24,980		19,986
Municipal bonds	2,052		2,057		9,825
Corporate bonds	8,281		3,131		5,033
Total short-term marketable securities	70,444		70,408		83,084
U.S. Government and agency obligations	61,247		65,109		39,415
Municipal bonds	8,867		8,909		3,625
Corporate bonds	—		5,232		3,211
Total long-term marketable securities	70,114		79,250		46,251
Total marketable securities	$	140,558	$	149,658	$	129,335

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

March 31, 2012
Due within one year	$	70,444
Due in one to five years	70,114
Total	$	140,558

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Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

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

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	393		393		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	10,293	$	10,293	$	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:

March 31, 2012			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(8,589	)	$	21,124
Customer lists	2,198		(2,000		)	198
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,510		)	78
Other	871		(621		)	250
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(12,720	)	$	21,650

December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,573	)	$	22,140
Customer lists	2,198		(1,942		)	256
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,476		)	112
Other	871		(583		)	288
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,574	)	$	22,796

March 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,468	)	$	23,245
Customer lists	2,198		(1,772		)	426
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,364		)	224
Other	871		(470		)	401
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(10,074	)	$	24,296

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Fair Value Measurement - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract]
Money market funds	$ 157,034	$ 178,174	$ 197,714
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997	4,999	14,993
Cash1	64,195	73,817	28,061
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 226,226	$ 256,990	$ 240,768	$ 252,022

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Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Granite, Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (11,773)	$ (9,007)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	38,265	37,963
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$ (0.31)	$ (0.24)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Grainte, Earnings per Share, Diluted	$ (11,773)	$ (9,007)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	38,265	37,963
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$ (0.31)	$ (0.24)

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 226,226	$ 256,990	$ 240,768
Short-term marketable securities	70,444	70,408	83,084
Receivables, net	208,707	251,838	170,441
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	49,962	37,703	33,302
Inventories	67,782	50,975	56,899
Real estate held for development and sale	58,363	67,037	77,128
Deferred income taxes	38,571	38,571	52,583
Equity in construction joint ventures	91,951	101,029	78,773
Other current assets	34,882	35,171	44,059
Total current assets	846,888	909,722	837,037
Property and equipment, net	442,132	447,140	468,929
Long-term marketable securities	70,114	79,250	46,251
Investments in affiliates	30,972	31,071	28,893
Other noncurrent assets	79,849	80,616	83,478
Total assets	1,469,955	1,547,799	1,464,588
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	9,102	9,102	8,351
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	19,765	23,071	17,740
Accounts payable	129,480	158,660	94,688
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	87,370	90,845	113,347
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	148,196	166,790	144,584
Total current liabilities	393,913	448,468	378,710
Long-term debt	208,501	208,501	216,852
Long-term non-recourse debt	1,371	9,912	30,454
Other long-term liabilities	50,011	49,221	47,943
Deferred income taxes	3,393	4,034	11,048
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 38,621,370 shares as of March 31, 2012, 38,682,771 shares as of December 31, 2011 and 38,634,470 shares as of March 31, 2011	386	387	386
Additional paid-in capital	110,432	111,514	102,548
Retained earnings	670,462	687,296	642,354
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders' equity	781,280	799,197	745,288
Noncontrolling interests	31,486	28,466	34,293
Total equity	812,766	827,663	779,581
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,469,955	$ 1,547,799	$ 1,464,588

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates - Consolidated Real Estate Entities (Details) (USD $)				3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Subsidiaries [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Subsidiaries [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Increase in Financial Support Authorization				$ 0	$ 12,000,000
Authorized Investment Yet to be Contributed				3,300,000
Impairment charges related to Enterprise Improvement Plan						0	0
Number of Projects with Authorization for Increase in Financial or Other Support				0	3
Real estate held for development and sale	58,363,000	67,037,000	77,128,000					58,363,000	67,037,000	77,128,000	10,933,000	12,427,000	21,156,000	47,430,000	54,610,000	55,972,000	46,992,000	47,600,000	45,586,000	0	6,572,000	8,328,000	2,512,000	4,006,000	14,355,000	8,859,000	8,859,000	8,859,000
Number of projects								7	9	11	4	5	6	3	4	5	2	2	2	0	1	1	4	5	7	1	1	1
Other current assets	34,882,000	35,171,000	44,059,000					2,063,000	4,715,000	3,521,000
Total current assets	846,888,000	909,722,000	837,037,000					60,426,000	71,752,000	80,649,000
Property and equipment, net	442,132,000	447,140,000	468,929,000					0	0	3,283,000
Other noncurrent assets	79,849,000	80,616,000	83,478,000					0	0	1,043,000
Total assets								60,426,000	71,752,000	84,975,000
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	19,765,000	23,071,000	17,740,000					19,765,000	22,571,000	17,240,000
Other Liabilities, Current								607,000	1,794,000	2,171,000
Total current liabilities	393,913,000	448,468,000	378,710,000					20,372,000	24,365,000	19,411,000
Long-term non-recourse debt	1,371,000	9,912,000	30,454,000					1,371,000	9,912,000	30,454,000
Other long-term liabilities	50,011,000	49,221,000	47,943,000					0	74,000	309,000
Total liabilities								$ 21,743,000	$ 34,351,000	$ 50,174,000

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Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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, 2011. 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 state fairly our financial position at March 31, 2012 and 2011 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2011 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 except for the adoption of the following new accounting standards in the first quarter of 2012:

• Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity or as a footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements, and provides the option of presenting comprehensive income in a continuous statement of comprehensive income. This standard became effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012 and requires prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation. For all periods presented the comprehensive loss was equal to the net loss; therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive loss is not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

• 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, which clarifies the application of certain existing fair value measurement guidance and 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 standard was effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012. As a result of this new standard, we disclosed the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value were categorized (see Note 4). Other items in this new standard had no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

• ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which 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 standard was effective for annual goodwill impairment tests performed for our 2012 fiscal year and early adoption was permitted. For the annual impairment test performed for our 2011 fiscal year, we elected to perform step one of the impairment test and did not apply this new standard. Therefore, this new standard had no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

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Business Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	117,946	$	163,928	$	31,009		$	2,663	$	315,546
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(5,386		)	—		(5,386		)
Revenue from external customers	117,946		163,928		25,623			2,663		310,160
Gross profit (loss)	8,580		22,249		(5,950		)	57		24,936
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,580		1,268		7,378			—		12,226
Segment assets	114,079		102,393		368,095			58,363		642,930
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	92,692	$	137,820	$	30,656		$	2,421	$	263,589
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(6,858		)	—		(6,858		)
Revenue from external customers	92,692		137,820		23,798			2,421		256,731
Gross profit (loss)	5,553		31,298		(7,270		)	407		29,988
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	4,078		768		7,107			88		12,041
Segment assets	120,059		85,931		378,601			88,614		673,205

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	24,936		$	29,988
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,188			43,372
Gain on sales of property and equipment	1,917			2,704
Other income (expense), net	4,116			(1,799		)
Loss before benefit from income taxes	$	(12,219	)	$	(12,479	)

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Business Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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, 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 2011 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 March 31,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	117,946	$	163,928	$	31,009		$	2,663	$	315,546
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(5,386		)	—		(5,386		)
Revenue from external customers	117,946		163,928		25,623			2,663		310,160
Gross profit (loss)	8,580		22,249		(5,950		)	57		24,936
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,580		1,268		7,378			—		12,226
Segment assets	114,079		102,393		368,095			58,363		642,930
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	92,692	$	137,820	$	30,656		$	2,421	$	263,589
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(6,858		)	—		(6,858		)
Revenue from external customers	92,692		137,820		23,798			2,421		256,731
Gross profit (loss)	5,553		31,298		(7,270		)	407		29,988
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	4,078		768		7,107			88		12,041
Segment assets	120,059		85,931		378,601			88,614		673,205

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	24,936		$	29,988
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,188			43,372
Gain on sales of property and equipment	1,917			2,704
Other income (expense), net	4,116			(1,799		)
Loss before benefit from income taxes	$	(12,219	)	$	(12,479	)

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Revisions in Estimates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Financial Effect on Future Periods	$ 0
Amount Considered Significant on Individual Project Gross Profit	1,000,000	1,000,000
Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	200,000	(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	(4,400,000)	(5,900,000)
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	(1,300,000)	(400,000)
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	2	1
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(2,800,000)	(1,000,000)
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,000,000	1,000,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,800,000	1,000,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	4	3
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(8,100,000)	(8,800,000)
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,600,000	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	2,400,000	4,200,000
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	1	0
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	3,000,000	0
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(3,000,000)	0
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(3,000,000)	0
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	2	1
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	3,700,000	(2,900,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(1,500,000)	(2,900,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	$ (2,200,000)	$ (2,900,000)

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Receivables, Net Accounts Receivable Collection Policy (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

5. Receivables, Net [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable Collection Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

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Revisions in Estimates

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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 March 31, 2012, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

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 was a net decrease of $0.2 million and a net increase of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes			2		1
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.0 - 1.8	$	1.0
Increase on project profitability		$	2.8	$	1.0

The increases during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were due to lower than anticipated costs and settlement of outstanding issues with contract owners. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was due to owner directed scope changes.

Decreases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes			1		—
Reduction in gross profit from each project, net		$	3.0	$	—
Decrease on project profitability		$	3.0	$	—

The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was due to lower productivity than originally anticipated.

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 $4.4 million and $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests were $1.3 million and $0.4 million of the net increases for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes			4		3
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.6 - 2.4	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability		$	8.1	$	8.8

The increases during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were due to owner directed scope changes and lower than anticipated construction costs. The increases during the three months ended March 31, 2011 were due to resolution of project uncertainties.  

Decreases

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in millions)			2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes			2		1
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net		$	1.5 - 2.2	$	2.9
Decrease on project profitability		$	3.7	$	2.9

The downward estimate changes during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011were due to lower productivity than anticipated.

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”) and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which has been under contract with 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 issues, unanticipated ground movement was observed at several hillsides beginning in 2010. YRC and ODOT have been in dispute regarding their respective responsibilities under the terms of the contract relative to the project revisions necessary on account of the unanticipated ground movement. In March 2012, YRC received a Notice of Default (the “Notice”) from ODOT which YRC believes was without merit. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, ODOT and YRC have reached a settlement that withdraws and rescinds the Notice and releases both parties from claims against the other. The settlement ends YRC’s responsibility to complete the project following limited site maintenance and demobilization work by YRC. The settlement does not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
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	38,621,370	38,682,771	38,634,470
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	38,621,370	38,682,771	38,634,470

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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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 loss per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2012	2011
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,667	38,712
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	402	749
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,265	37,963
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,265	37,963
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	—	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	38,265	37,963

¹Due to the net loss for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, restricted stock units representing approximately 474,000 and 242,000 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the respective periods, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
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	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,647,196

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenue
Construction	$ 117,946	$ 92,692
Large project construction	163,928	137,820
Construction materials	25,623	23,798
Real estate	2,663	2,421
Total revenue	310,160	256,731
Cost of revenue
Construction	109,366	87,139
Large project construction	141,679	106,522
Construction materials	31,573	31,068
Real estate	2,606	2,014
Total cost of revenue	285,224	226,743
Gross profit	24,936	29,988
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,188	43,372
Gain on sales of property and equipment	1,917	2,704
Operating loss	(16,335)	(10,680)
Other income (expense)
Interest income	1,044	1,244
Interest expense	(3,182)	(3,356)
Equity in loss of affiliates	(617)	(257)
Other income, net	6,871	570
Total other income (expense)	4,116	(1,799)
Loss before benefit from income taxes	(12,219)	(12,479)
Benefit from income taxes	(3,532)	(5,223)
Net loss	(8,687)	(7,256)
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,086)	(1,751)
Net loss attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	$ (11,773)	$ (9,007)
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 13)
Basic	$ (0.31)	$ (0.24)
Diluted	$ (0.31)	$ (0.24)
Weighted average shares of common stock
Basic	38,265	37,963
Diluted	38,265	37,963
Dividends per common share	$ 0.13	$ 0.13

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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 by the end of 2013, subject to market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us. In 2011, development activities were curtailed for the majority of our real estate development projects as divestiture efforts increased. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2012, we recorded amounts associated with the sale or other disposition of two real estate projects, the impact of which was not significant to our results of operations. Subsequent to the sale or other disposition of these projects, GLC had no significant continuing involvement with the associated entities.

GLC receives authorization to provide additional financial support for certain of its real estate entities in increments to address changes in business plans.  During the three months endedMarch 31, 2012, GLC was not authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities and during the three months endedMarch 31, 2011, GLC was authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities by $12.0 million on three separate projects. As of March 31, 2012, $3.3 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 three months endedMarch 31, 2012 and 2011.

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 fair value is 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 months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Real estate held for development and sale	$	58,363	$	67,037	$	77,128
Other current assets	2,063		4,715		3,521
Total current assets	60,426		71,752		80,649
Property and equipment, net	—		—		3,283
Other noncurrent assets	—		—		1,043
Total assets	$	60,426	$	71,752	$	84,975
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	19,765	$	22,571	$	17,240
Other current liabilities	607		1,794		2,171
Total current liabilities	20,372		24,365		19,411
Long-term non-recourse debt	1,371		9,912		30,454
Other noncurrent liabilities	—		74		309
Total liabilities	$	21,743	$	34,351	$	50,174

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:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	47,430	3	$	54,610	4	$	55,972	5
Commercial	10,933		4	12,427		5	21,156		6
Total	$	58,363	7	$	67,037	9	$	77,128	11
Washington	$	46,992	2	$	47,600	2	$	45,586	2
California	2,512		4	4,006		5	14,355		7
Texas	8,859		1	8,859		1	8,859		1
Oregon	—		—	6,572		1	8,328		1
Total	$	58,363	7	$	67,037	9	$	77,128	11

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 March 31, 2012, these entities were engaged in real estate development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $3.0 million to $48.9 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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	16,725	$	16,478	$	12,147
Equity method investments in other affiliates	11,495		11,841		10,346
Total equity method investments	28,220		28,319		22,493
Cost method investments	2,752		2,752		6,400
Total investments in affiliates	$	30,972	$	31,071	$	28,893

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate affiliates accounted for under the equity method is summarized below:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	11,977	2	$	11,903	2	$	8,989	2
Commercial	4,748		3	4,575		3	3,158		3
Total	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	5
Texas	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	5
Total	$	16,725	5	$	16,478	5	$	12,147	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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Total assets	$	160,588	$	157,771	$	153,652
Net assets	88,138		82,511		80,546
Granite’s share of net assets	28,220		28,319		22,493

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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 March 31, 2012, there was approximately $2.2 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $0.8 billion represented our share and the remaining $1.4 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 three months ended March 31, 2012, 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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	69,423	$	75,122	$	107,978
Other current assets	40,410		33,750		26,666
Total current assets	109,833		108,872		134,644
Noncurrent assets	7,516		8,671		6,686
Total assets2	$	117,349	$	117,543	$	141,330
Accounts payable	$	28,591	$	38,193	$	25,952
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	24,827		22,251		40,413
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,640		5,129		8,526
Total current liabilities	59,058		65,573		74,891
Noncurrent liabilities	28		4		1
Total liabilities2	$	59,086	$	65,577	$	74,892

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.

²The 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 March 31, 2012, we were engaged in two active consolidated construction joint venture projects with total contract values of $235.9 million and $317.5 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 March 31, 2012, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in nine active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $57.8 million to $1.2 billion. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from 20.0% to 50.0%. As of March 31, 2012, revenue remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from $2.8 million to $242.2 million.

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

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	341,989	$	338,681	$	331,169
Other assets	236,712		264,901		204,066
Less partners’ interest	362,474		364,979		325,454
Granite’s interest	216,227		238,603		209,781
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	98,872		85,075		76,009
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	240,043		280,650		278,132
Other liabilities	5,645		8,595		9,540
Less partners’ interest	220,284		236,746		232,673
Granite’s interest	124,276		137,574		131,008
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	91,951	$	101,029	$	78,773

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 March 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Revenue:
Total	$	205,832	$	199,768
Less partners’ interest1	132,203		126,346
Granite’s interest	73,629		73,422
Cost of revenue:
Total	169,612		150,880
Less partners’ interest1	109,240		101,864
Granite’s interest	60,372		49,016
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	13,257	$	24,406

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 March 31, 2012, we had four active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values ranging from $52.1 million to $128.3 million of which our portions ranged from $21.4 million to $53.6 million. As of March 31, 2012, revenue remaining to be recognized on these line item joint ventures ranged from $6.8 million to $37.0 million.

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Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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.

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 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.

Retention Receivable Policy

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.

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.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 28.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and was 41.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The change was primarily due to the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes for the three months endedMarch 31, 2011. 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.

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Restructuring

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring

Restructuring

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 included a net gain on restructuring of $1.9 million related to divestiture activities of our real estate investment business. We recorded no significant restructuring charges during the three months ended March, 31 2011. During 2012 and beyond, we may record up to $8.0 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 market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us.

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Property and Equipment, Net

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Land and land improvements	$	125,596	$	124,216	$	124,932
Quarry property	177,274		175,612		173,067
Buildings and leasehold improvements	81,291		81,272		84,772
Equipment and vehicles	728,407		733,158		774,111
Office furniture and equipment	60,615		55,570		44,174
Property and equipment	1,173,183		1,169,828		1,201,056
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,051		722,688		732,127
Property and equipment, net	$	442,132	$	447,140	$	468,929

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Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	393		393		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	10,293	$	10,293	$	11,219

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

Amortized Intangible Assets:

March 31, 2012			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(8,589	)	$	21,124
Customer lists	2,198		(2,000		)	198
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,510		)	78
Other	871		(621		)	250
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(12,720	)	$	21,650

December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,573	)	$	22,140
Customer lists	2,198		(1,942		)	256
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,476		)	112
Other	871		(583		)	288
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,574	)	$	22,796

March 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,468	)	$	23,245
Customer lists	2,198		(1,772		)	426
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,364		)	224
Other	871		(470		)	401
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(10,074	)	$	24,296

Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets balance at March 31, 2012, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $2.6 million for the remainder of 2012; $1.3 million in 2013; $1.1 million in 2014; $1.1 million in 2015; $1.1 million in 2016; and $14.5 million thereafter.

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Covenants and Events of Default

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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/or (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012, one of our consolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of a change in the venture partner’s financial condition. In addition, as of March 31, 2012, one of our unconsolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of the failure to timely make a principal payment. 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 in default are currently in discussions with lenders to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

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Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock1	(3,837		)	—			(3,837		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	2,714			—			2,714
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(66		)	(66		)
Net (loss) income	(11,773		)	3,086			(8,687		)
Dividends on common stock	(5,021		)	—			(5,021		)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	781,280		$	31,486		$	812,766

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock2	(3,515		)	—			(3,515		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	1,802			—			1,802
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(2,062		)	(2,062		)
Net (loss) income	(9,007		)	1,751			(7,256		)
Dividends on common stock	(5,023		)	—			(5,023		)
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	745,288		$	34,293		$	779,581

¹Represents 122,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 124,000 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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Covenants and Events of Default (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
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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Legal Proceedings

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

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:

• US Highway 20 Project: Our wholly owned subsidiaries, GCCO and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as YRC which is contracted by 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 and alleged violations of YRC’s stormwater permit. In June 2009, YRC was informed that the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”) had assumed the criminal investigation that the Oregon Department of Justice had initiated in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. Although the USDOJ has informed YRC that the USDOJ will not criminally charge YRC or any Granite affiliate in connection with these matters, the USDOJ informed YRC it was continuing to seek an unspecified civil penalty which we are seeking to resolve. 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/or 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, 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 received two follow-up requests from the USDOJ for additional information and documents.  We have complied with the subpoena and the requests, 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 against any party 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 months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, 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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Marketable Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of Marketable Securities

All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity for the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows:

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	35,123	$	40,240	$	48,240
Commercial paper	24,988		24,980		19,986
Municipal bonds	2,052		2,057		9,825
Corporate bonds	8,281		3,131		5,033
Total short-term marketable securities	70,444		70,408		83,084
U.S. Government and agency obligations	61,247		65,109		39,415
Municipal bonds	8,867		8,909		3,625
Corporate bonds	—		5,232		3,211
Total long-term marketable securities	70,114		79,250		46,251
Total marketable securities	$	140,558	$	149,658	$	129,335

Held-to-maturity Securities

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

March 31, 2012
Due within one year	$	70,444
Due in one to five years	70,114
Total	$	140,558

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Intangible Assets - Finite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	$ 34,370,000	$ 34,370,000	$ 34,370,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(12,720,000)	(10,074,000)	(11,574,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	21,650,000	24,296,000	22,796,000
Amortization expense	1,100,000	500,000
Future amortization expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	2,600,000
Future amortization expense, Year One	1,300,000
Future amortization expense, Year Two	1,100,000
Future amortization expense, Year Three	1,100,000
Future amortization expense, Year Four	1,100,000
Future amortization expense, after Year Four	14,500,000
Permits [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	29,713,000	29,713,000	29,713,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(8,589,000)	(6,468,000)	(7,573,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	21,124,000	23,245,000	22,140,000
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	2,198,000	2,198,000	2,198,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,000,000)	(1,772,000)	(1,942,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	198,000	426,000	256,000
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
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,510,000)	(1,364,000)	(1,476,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	78,000	224,000	112,000
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	871,000	871,000	871,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(621,000)	(470,000)	(583,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	$ 250,000	$ 401,000	$ 288,000

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Fair Value Measurement - Carrying and Fair Value Amounts (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Senior Notes	$ 216.7	$ 225.0	$ 225.0

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Operating Activities
Net loss	$ (8,687)	$ (7,256)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	14,961	15,291
Gain from restructuring, net	(1,888)	0
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(1,917)	(2,704)
Stock-based compensation	4,196	3,149
Gain on company owned life insurance	(1,203)	(550)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of consolidations:
Receivables	41,950	76,415
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	(15,734)	(29,621)
Inventories	(16,807)	(5,881)
Real estate held for development and sale	60	(1,715)
Equity in construction joint ventures	9,078	(4,057)
Other assets, net	829	463
Accounts payable	(29,178)	(35,012)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net	(18,533)	(7,846)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(22,873)	676
Investing Activities
Purchases of marketable securities	(24,987)	(27,341)
Maturities of marketable securities	15,000	24,000
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	20,000	14,268
Additions to property and equipment	(9,225)	(11,760)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,883	4,623
Other investing activities, net	(294)	1,221
Net cash provided by investing activities	3,377	5,011
Financing Activities
Long-term debt principal payments	(2,500)	(7,235)
Cash dividends paid	(5,021)	(5,038)
Purchase of common stock	(3,837)	(3,515)
Distributions to noncontrolling partners, net	(66)	(2,062)
Other financing activities, net	156	909
Net cash used in financing activities	(11,268)	(16,941)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(30,764)	(11,254)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	256,990	252,022
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	226,226	240,768
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	610	936
Income taxes	305	33
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted stock/units issued, net of forfeitures	10,940	3,964
Accrued cash dividends	5,021	5,023
Debt payments out of escrow from sale of assets	659	837
Debt extinguishment from joint venture interest transfer	9,115	0
Debt payment from refinance	$ 1,150	$ 0

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Receivables, Net

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Receivables [Abstract]

Receivables, Net

Receivables, net

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	101,659	$	122,987	$	69,095
Retentions	70,071		77,038		77,523
Total construction contracts	171,730		200,025		146,618
Construction material sales	26,959		30,356		13,964
Other	12,837		24,337		13,024
Total gross receivables	211,526		254,718		173,606
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	2,819		2,880		3,165
Total net receivables	$	208,707	$	251,838	$	170,441

Receivables include amounts billed and billable for public and private contracts and do not bear interest. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to retainage provisions in construction contracts generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the contract by the owners. Included in other receivables at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 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 March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, long-term notes receivable outstanding were $2.0 million for each year 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. The balances in each category were as follows:

(in thousands)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Escrow	$	46,430	$	43,378	$	34,945
Non-escrow	23,641		33,660		42,578
Total retention receivables	$	70,071	$	77,038	$	77,523

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Federal	$	2,306	$	2,811	$	3,587
State	4,342		5,453		7,994
Local	10,827		14,708		21,476
Private	6,166		10,688		9,521
Total	$	23,641	$	33,660	$	42,578

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):

March 31, 2012	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,169	$	1,078	$	59	$	2,306
State	2,490		795		1,057		4,342
Local	4,915		3,720		2,192		10,827
Private	5,167		674		325		6,166
Total	$	13,741	$	6,267	$	3,633	$	23,641

December 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,462	$	326	$	23	$	2,811
State	2,751		860		1,842		5,453
Local	12,313		1,326		1,069		14,708
Private	9,599		765		324		10,688
Total	$	27,125	$	3,277	$	3,258	$	33,660

March 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,690	$	666	$	231	$	3,587
State	6,177		600		1,217		7,994
Local	16,698		2,426		2,352		21,476
Private	8,783		315		423		9,521
Total	$	34,348	$	4,007	$	4,223	$	42,578

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 March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, 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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Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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

The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as assets and liabilities that are disclosed but not recorded at fair value: 

March 31, 2012	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	157,034	$	—	$	—	$	157,034
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	140,728		—		—		140,728
Total assets	$	297,762	$	—	$	—	$	297,762
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	246,600	$	246,600
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	246,600	$	246,600

December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	178,174	$	—	$	—	$	178,174
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	149,979		—		—		149,979
Total assets	$	328,153	$	—	$	—	$	328,153
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541

March 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	197,714	$	—	$	—	$	197,714
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	129,815		—		—		129,815
Total assets	$	327,529	$	—	$	—	$	327,529
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	242,524	$	242,524
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	242,524	$	242,524

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)	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
Money market funds	$	157,034	$	178,174	$	197,714
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		14,993
Cash	64,195		73,817		28,061
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	226,226	$	256,990	$	240,768

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Marketable Securities - Maturities of Held to Maturity Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due within one year	$ 70,444
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due in one to five years	70,114
Held-to-maturity investments, total maturities due	$ 140,558

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Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

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, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock1	(3,837		)	—			(3,837		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	2,714			—			2,714
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(66		)	(66		)
Net (loss) income	(11,773		)	3,086			(8,687		)
Dividends on common stock	(5,021		)	—			(5,021		)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	781,280		$	31,486		$	812,766

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock2	(3,515		)	—			(3,515		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	1,802			—			1,802
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(2,062		)	(2,062		)
Net (loss) income	(9,007		)	1,751			(7,256		)
Dividends on common stock	(5,023		)	—			(5,023		)
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	745,288		$	34,293		$	779,581

¹Represents 122,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 124,000 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.