Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	$ 786,344		$ 871,858
Purchase of common stock	(4,278)	[1]	(4,907)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	4,745	[3]	5,657	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	4,264		192
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	(21,261)		(19,826)
Dividends on common stock	(5,083)		(5,045)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	764,731		847,929
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	110,000		165,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	781,940		829,953
Purchase of common stock	(4,278)	[1]	(4,907)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	4,745	[3]	5,657	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	0		0
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	(20,553)		(21,982)
Dividends on common stock	(5,083)		(5,045)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	756,771		803,676
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance	4,404		41,905
Purchase of common stock	0	[1]	0	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	0	[3]	0	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net	4,264		192
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	(708)		2,156
Dividends on common stock	0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	$ 7,960		$ 44,253

[1] Represents 110,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

[2] Represents 165,000 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.