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