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.