Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			$ 871,858		$ 827,663
Purchase of common stock			(5,022)	[1]	(4,054)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			8,796	[3]	5,211	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			(14,701)	[4]	(5,440)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	3,166	4,487	(16,661)		(4,200)
Dividends on common stock			(10,096)		(10,050)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	834,174	809,130	834,174		809,130
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation			168,000		139,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			829,953		799,197
Purchase of common stock			(5,022)	[1]	(4,054)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			8,796	[3]	5,211	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			0	[4]	0	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss			(19,264)		(9,824)
Dividends on common stock			(10,096)		(10,050)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	804,367	780,480	804,367		780,480
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			(14,701)	[4]	(5,440)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss			2,603		5,624
Dividends on common stock			0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	$ 29,807	$ 28,650	$ 29,807		$ 28,650

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

[2] Represents 139,000 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.

[4] 4Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.