Schedule of Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures Revenue and Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Deficit in unconsolidatedconstruction joint venture	$ 3.4

Deficit in unconsolidatedconstruction joint venture that is included in accrued expenses and other current liablities on the consolidated balance sheet.

No definition available.

Name:	gva_DeficitInUnconsolidatedconstructionJointVenture
Namespace Prefix:	gva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant