Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

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, 2012	$	829,953		$	41,905	$	871,858
Purchase of common stock1	(4,907		)	—		(4,907		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	5,657			—		5,657
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	—			192		192
Net (loss) income	(21,982		)	2,156		(19,826		)
Dividends on common stock	(5,045		)	—		(5,045		)
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	803,676		$	44,253	$	847,929

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock2	(3,837		)	—			(3,837		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	2,714			—			2,714
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	—			(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

¹Represents 165,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

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

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