Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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	(5,022		)	—			(5,022		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	8,796			—			8,796
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(14,701		)	(14,701		)
Net (loss) income	(19,264		)	2,603			(16,661		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,096		)	—			(10,096		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	804,367		$	29,807		$	834,174

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock2	(4,054		)	—			(4,054		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	5,211			—			5,211
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(5,440		)	(5,440		)
Net (loss) income	(9,824		)	5,624			(4,200		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,050		)	—			(10,050		)
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	780,480		$	28,650		$	809,130

¹Represents 168,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 139,000 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.

⁴Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.