Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	$ 871,858		$ 827,663
Purchase of common stock	(4,907)	[1]	(3,837)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	5,657	[3]	2,714	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	192		(66)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	(19,826)		(8,687)
Dividends on common stock	(5,045)		(5,021)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	847,929		812,766
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	165,000		122,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	829,953		799,197
Purchase of common stock	(4,907)	[1]	(3,837)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	5,657	[3]	2,714	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	0		0
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	(21,982)		(11,773)
Dividends on common stock	(5,045)		(5,021)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	803,676		781,280
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	41,905		28,466
Purchase of common stock	0	[1]	0	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	0	[3]	0	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	192		(66)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	2,156		3,086
Dividends on common stock	0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	$ 44,253		$ 31,486

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

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

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