Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			$ 871,858		$ 827,663
Purchase of common stock			(5,457)	[1]	(4,521)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			11,430	[3]	7,690	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			(21,654)	[4]	(8,022)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income	4,455	45,746	(12,205)		41,546
Dividends on common stock			(15,150)		(15,082)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	828,822	849,274	828,822		849,274
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation			181,000		154,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			829,953		799,197
Purchase of common stock			(5,457)	[1]	(4,521)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			11,430	[3]	7,690	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			0	[4]	0	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income			(8,267)		27,297
Dividends on common stock			(15,150)		(15,082)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	812,509	814,581	812,509		814,581
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			(21,654)	[4]	(8,022)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income			(3,938)		14,249
Dividends on common stock			0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	$ 16,313	$ 34,693	$ 16,313		$ 34,693

[1] Represents 181,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

[2] Represents 154,000 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 primarily distributions to noncontrolling partners, net of contributions.