Chicago Bridge & Iron 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 18, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'CBI	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON CO N V	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001027884	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	107,331,077	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$6,399,208

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revenue	$11,094,527	$5,485,206	$4,550,542
Cost of revenue	9,895,517	4,786,499	3,980,306
Gross profit	1,199,010	698,707	570,236
Selling and administrative expense	379,485	227,948	205,550
Intangibles amortization	61,111	22,613	26,302
Equity earnings	-23,474	-17,931	-16,887
Other operating expense (income), net	1,643	-566	74
Acquisition and integration related costs	95,737	11,000	0
Income from operations	684,508	455,643	355,197
Interest expense	-87,578	-19,606	-11,030
Interest income	6,930	8,029	7,796
Income before taxes	603,860	444,066	351,963
Income tax expense	-91,270	-127,003	-96,765
Net income	512,590	317,063	255,198
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-58,470	-15,408	-166
Net income attributable to CB&I	454,120	301,655	255,032
Net income attributable to CB&I per share:	'	'	'
Basic	$4.29	$3.12	$2.60
Diluted	$4.23	$3.07	$2.55
Cash dividends on shares:	'	'	'
Amount	$21,453	$19,394	$19,722
Per share	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$512,590	$317,063	$255,198
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'	'
Change in cumulative translation adjustment (net of tax of ($12,601), ($3,322) and $2,929)	-24,854	7,659	-18,802
Change in unrealized fair value of cash flow hedges (net of tax of $112, ($442) and ($791))	1,475	1,093	1,335
Change in unrecognized prior service pension credits/costs (net of tax of $120, $140 and ($1,176))	-523	-539	2,517
Change in unrecognized actuarial pension gains/losses (net of tax of $5,235, $13,377 and $2,603)	4,884	-45,311	-24,319
Comprehensive income	493,572	279,965	215,929
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (net of tax of ($2,266), $400 and ($466))	-58,470	-15,408	-166
Less: Change in cumulative translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interests (net of tax of $0, $0 and $0)	117	-2,782	-891
Comprehensive income attributable to CB&I	$435,219	$261,775	$214,872

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, Net	($12,601)	($3,322)	$2,929
Change in unrealized fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	112	-442	-791
Change in unrecognized prior service pension (credits) costs, tax	120	140	-1,176
Change in unrecognized actuarial pension (gains) losses, tax	5,235	13,377	2,603
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, tax	-2,266	400	-466
Change in cumulative translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interests, tax	$0	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents ($153,485 and $142,285 related to variable interest entities (VIEs))	$420,502		$643,395
Restricted cash (related to the Shaw Acquisition - Note 10)	0		800,000
Accounts receivable, net ($151,241 and $63,649 related to VIEs)	1,385,448		752,985
Inventory (Note 5)	302,987	[1]	32,319	[1]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings ($59,092 and $38,967 related to VIEs)	566,718		303,540
Deferred income taxes (Note 16)	555,589		88,681
Other current assets ($31,487 and $5,123 related to VIEs)	158,321		100,635
Total current assets	3,389,565		2,721,555
Equity investments (Note 7)	101,754		97,267
Property and equipment, net ($24,655 and $0 related to VIEs) (Note 8)	788,797	[2]	285,871
Deferred income taxes (Note 16)	110,142		73,201
Goodwill (Note 6)	4,226,468		926,711
Other intangibles, net (Note 6)	627,723		166,308
Other non-current assets	145,144		58,762
Total assets	9,389,593		4,329,675
Liabilities	'		'
Revolving facility debt (Note 10)	115,000		0
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 10)	100,000		0
Accounts payable ($200,721 and $87,301 related to VIEs)	1,157,478		654,504
Accrued liabilities (Note 8)	699,506	[2]	354,700
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ($29,670 and $39,105 related to VIEs)	2,720,251		758,938
Deferred income taxes (Note 16)	5,389		4,380
Total current liabilities	4,797,624		1,772,522
Long-term debt (Note 10)	1,625,000		800,000
Other non-current liabilities (Note 8)	387,555	[2]	272,443
Deferred income taxes (Note 16)	71,976		88,400
Total liabilities	6,882,155		2,933,365
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)	0		0
Shareholders’ Equity	'		'
Common stock, Euro .01 par value; shares authorized: 250,000; shares issued: 107,857 and 101,523; shares outstanding: 107,478 and 96,835	1,275		1,190
Additional paid-in capital	753,742		363,417
Retained earnings	1,733,409		1,300,742
Stock held in trust (Note 14)	0		-3,031
Treasury stock, at cost: 379 and 4,688 shares	-23,914		-193,533
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 14)	-119,933		-101,032
Total CB&I shareholders’ equity	2,344,579		1,367,753
Noncontrolling interests	162,859		28,557
Total shareholders’ equity	2,507,438		1,396,310
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$9,389,593		$4,329,675
[1]	Our December 31, 2013 inventory balance includes $271,443 associated with the Shaw Acquisition.
[2]	Our December 31, 2013 property and equipment, net, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities balances included $491,327, $227,576, and $65,146, respectively, associated with the Shaw Acquisition

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)		EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary	Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
						USD ($)	USD ($)
Cash and cash equivalents related to variable interest entities (VIEs))	$420,502		'	$643,395	'	$153,485	$142,285
Accounts receivable, net related to VIE	1,385,448		'	752,985	'	151,241	63,649
Costs And Estimated Earnings In Excess Of Billings	'		'	'	'	59,092	38,967
Other current assets ($31,487 and $5,123 related to VIEs)	158,321		'	100,635	'	31,487	5,123
Property and equipment, net ($24,655 and $0 related to VIEs) (Note 8)	788,797	[1]	'	285,871	'	24,655	0
Other non-current assets	145,144		'	58,762	'	'	'
Accounts payable related to VIEs	1,157,478		'	654,504	'	200,721	87,301
Billings In Excess Of Cost And Estimated Earnings	'		'	'	'	$29,670	$39,105
Common stock, par value	'		€ 0.01	'	€ 0.01	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000		250,000,000	250,000,000	250,000,000	'	'
Common stock, shares issued	107,857,000		107,857,000	101,523,000	101,523,000	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	107,478,000		107,478,000	96,835,000	96,835,000	'	'
Treasury stock, shares	379,000		379,000	4,688,000	4,688,000	'	'
[1]	Our December 31, 2013 property and equipment, net, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities balances included $491,327, $227,576, and $65,146, respectively, associated with the Shaw Acquisition

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net income	$512,590	$317,063	$255,198
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	180,026	66,421	70,184
Deferred taxes	48,553	63,402	29,839
Stock-based compensation expense	63,315	41,000	35,298
Equity earnings	-23,474	-17,931	-16,887
(Gain) loss on property and equipment transactions	-2,531	-566	7,512
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency hedge ineffectiveness	-1,317	3,838	-7
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-12,404	-18,467	-15,388
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Increase in receivables, net	-154,143	-258,132	-130,192
Change in contracts in progress, net	-619,336	-222,133	16,419
Decrease (increase) in inventory	1,504	2,339	-8,149
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	-43,491	135,755	159,524
Decrease (increase) in other current and non-current assets	65,500	19,365	-42,106
(Decrease) increase in accrued and other non-current liabilities	-146,214	59,118	38,093
Decrease in equity investments	33,984	20,286	9,605
Change in other, net	-15,398	-8,854	4,212
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-112,836	202,504	413,155
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-90,492	-72,279	-40,945
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	11,180	5,494	8,192
Change in other, net	28,161	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,825,309	-66,785	-32,753
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Revolving facility borrowings, net	115,000	0	0
Term loan borrowings	1,000,000	0	0
Senior note borrowings	0	800,000	0
Cash deposited into (withdrawn from) restricted cash	0	-800,000	0
Repayments on term loan	'	-40,000	-40,000
Decrease in notes payable	0	0	-334
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	12,404	18,467	15,388
Purchase of treasury stock	-36,352	-123,255	-135,598
Issuance of stock	34,940	11,325	12,215
Dividends paid	-21,453	-19,394	-19,722
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-19,527	-8,329	-10,744
Revolving facility and deferred financing costs	-32,528	-12,925	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,732,812	-174,111	-178,795
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-17,560	9,976	-11,534
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-222,893	-28,416	190,073
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year	643,395	671,811	481,738
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year	420,502	643,395	671,811
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	91,607	6,866	9,739
Cash (received) paid for income taxes, net	-46,236	66,385	44,868
Senior Notes	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Cash deposited into (withdrawn from) restricted cash	800,000	0	0
Westinghouse Bonds	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Cash deposited into (withdrawn from) restricted cash	1,309,022	0	0
Repayments on term loan	-1,353,694	0	0
Term Loan	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Repayments on term loan	-75,000	'	'
Shaw Group Inc	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'
Shaw Acquisition, net of unrestricted cash acquired of $1,137,927	-1,713,333	0	0
Phillips 66's E-Gas	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'
Other acquisitions	$60,825	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (Shaw Group Inc, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Shaw Group Inc	'	'
Cash acquired	$1,137,927	$1,137,927

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Stock Held In Trust	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,083,845	$1,190	$352,420	$783,171	($20,161)	($40,166)	($20,992)	$28,383
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	99,343,000	'	'	1,379,000	2,180,000	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to CB&I	255,032	'	'	255,032	'	'	'	'
Net income	255,198	'	'	'	'	'	'	166
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net	-18,802	'	'	'	'	'	-19,693	891
Change in unrealized fair value of cash flow hedges, net	1,335	'	'	'	'	'	1,335	'
Change in unrecognized prior service pension credits/costs, net	2,517	'	'	'	'	'	2,517	'
Change in unrecognized actuarial pension gains/losses, net	-24,319	'	'	'	'	'	-24,319	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-10,744	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,744
Dividends paid ($0.20 per share)	-19,722	'	'	-19,722	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	35,298	'	35,298	'	'	'	'	'
Release of trust shares (in shares)	'	-114,000	'	'	-627,000	114,000	'	'
Release of trust shares	3,295	'	-2,429	'	10,373	-4,649	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	'	-3,685,000	'	'	'	3,685,000	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-135,598	'	'	'	'	-135,598	'	'
Issuance of stock (in shares)	'	2,052,000	'	'	'	-2,052,000	'	'
Issuance of stock	24,127	'	-13,620	'	'	37,747	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	1,196,430	1,190	371,669	1,018,481	-9,788	-142,666	-61,152	18,696
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	97,596,000	'	'	752,000	3,927,000	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to CB&I	301,655	'	'	301,655	'	'	'	'
Net income	317,063	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,408
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net	7,659	'	'	'	'	'	4,877	2,782
Change in unrealized fair value of cash flow hedges, net	1,093	'	'	'	'	'	1,093	'
Change in unrecognized prior service pension credits/costs, net	-539	'	'	'	'	'	-539	'
Change in unrecognized actuarial pension gains/losses, net	-45,311	'	'	'	'	'	-45,311	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-8,329	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,329
Dividends paid ($0.20 per share)	-19,394	'	'	-19,394	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	41,000	'	41,000	'	'	'	'	'
Release of trust shares (in shares)	'	0	'	'	-436,000	0	'	'
Release of trust shares	5,035	'	-1,722	'	6,757	0	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	'	-2,779,000	'	'	'	2,779,000	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-123,255	'	'	'	'	-123,255	'	'
Issuance of stock (in shares)	'	2,018,000	'	'	'	-2,018,000	'	'
Issuance of stock	24,858	'	-47,530	'	'	72,388	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,396,310	1,190	363,417	1,300,742	-3,031	-193,533	-101,032	28,557
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	96,835,000	'	'	316,000	4,688,000	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to CB&I	454,120	'	'	454,120	'	'	'	'
Net income	512,590	'	'	'	'	'	'	58,470
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net	-24,854	'	'	'	'	'	-24,737	-117
Change in unrealized fair value of cash flow hedges, net	1,475	'	'	'	'	'	1,475	'
Change in unrecognized prior service pension credits/costs, net	-523	'	'	'	'	'	-523	'
Change in unrecognized actuarial pension gains/losses, net	4,884	'	'	'	'	'	4,884	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-19,527	'	'	'	'	'	'	-19,527
Dividends paid ($0.20 per share)	-21,453	'	'	-21,453	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	63,315	'	63,315	'	'	'	'	'
The Shaw acquisition (in shares)	'	8,893,000	'	'	'	-2,559,000	'	'
The Shaw Acquisition	584,286	85	388,600	'	'	100,125	'	95,476
Issuance of treasury stock to trust (in shares)	'	98,000	'	'	98,000	-98,000	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock to trust	'	'	896	'	-5,245	4,349	'	'
Release Of Trust Shares	'	-15,000	'	'	-414,000	15,000	'	'
Release Of Trust Shares Value	4,065	'	-3,355	'	8,276	-856	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	'	-613,000	'	'	'	613,000	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-36,352	'	'	'	'	-36,352	'	'
Issuance of stock (in shares)	'	2,280,000	'	'	'	-2,280,000	'	'
Issuance of stock	43,222	'	-59,131	'	'	102,353	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$2,507,438	$1,275	$753,742	$1,733,409	$0	($23,914)	($119,933)	$162,859
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	107,478,000	'	'	0	379,000	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Dividends paid, per share	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Retained Earnings	'	'	'
Dividends paid, per share	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20

ORGANIZATION_AND_NATURE_OF_OPE

ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS	'
	ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
	Organization and Nature of Operations—Founded in 1889, Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. (“CB&I” or the "Company”) provides a wide range of services, including conceptual design, technology, engineering, procurement, fabrication, modularization, construction, commissioning, maintenance, program management and environmental services to customers in the energy infrastructure market throughout the world, and is a provider of diversified government services. Our business is aligned into four principal operating groups: (1) Engineering, Construction and Maintenance, (2) Fabrication Services, (3) Technology, and (4) Government Solutions. Natural gas, petroleum, power and petrochemical projects for the worldwide energy and natural resource industries accounted for a majority of our revenue in 2013, 2012 and 2011. See Note 18 for a description of our operating groups and related financial information.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Precontract Costs	'
	Precontract Costs—Precontract costs are generally charged to cost of revenue as incurred, but, in certain cases their recognition may be deferred if specific probability criteria are met. We had no significant deferred precontract costs at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Accounting and Consolidation—These Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all wholly-owned subsidiaries and those entities which we are required to consolidate, including those acquired as part of our acquisition of The Shaw Group, Inc. (“Shaw”) (the “Shaw Acquisition” or “the Acquisition”), as further described in Note 4. See the “Partnering Arrangements” section of this footnote for further discussion of our consolidation policy for those entities that are not wholly-owned. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Inventory balances at December 31, 2012 have been reclassified from other current assets to conform to our December 31, 2013 presentation.
	Use of Estimates—The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the most significant estimates and judgments are associated with revenue recognition for our contracts, including the recognition of incentive fees and unapproved change orders and claims; determination of fair value with respect to acquired tangible and intangible net assets; recoverability assessments that must be periodically performed with respect to long-lived tangible assets, goodwill and other intangible assets; valuation of deferred tax assets and financial instruments; the determination of liabilities related to self-insurance programs and income taxes; and consolidation determinations with respect to our partnering arrangements. If the underlying estimates and assumptions upon which our Financial Statements are based change in the future, actual amounts may differ from those included in the accompanying Financial Statements.
	Revenue Recognition—Our revenue is primarily derived from long-term contracts and is generally recognized using the percentage of completion (“POC”) method, primarily based on the percentage that actual costs-to-date bear to total estimated costs to complete each contract. We follow the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Revenue Recognition Topic 605-35 for accounting policies relating to our use of the POC method, estimating costs, and revenue recognition, including the recognition of incentive fees, unapproved change orders and claims, and combining and segmenting contracts. We primarily utilize the cost-to-cost approach to estimate POC as we believe this method is less subjective than relying on assessments of physical progress. Under the cost-to-cost approach, the use of estimated costs to complete each contract is a significant variable in the process of determining recognized revenue and is a significant factor in the accounting for contracts. Significant estimates that impact the cost to complete each contract are costs of engineering, materials, components, equipment, labor and subcontracts; labor productivity; schedule durations, including subcontract and supplier progress; liquidated damages; contract disputes, including claims; achievement of contractual performance requirements; and contingency, among others. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates during the progress of work is reflected in the period in which these changes become known, including, to the extent required, the reversal of profit recognized in prior periods and the recognition of losses expected to be incurred on contracts in progress. Due to the various estimates inherent in our contract accounting, actual results could differ from those estimates. Our backlog generally consists of several hundred contracts, and although our results are impacted by changes in estimated project margins, in 2013 and for the past several years, such aggregate variations have not resulted in a material net impact to our income from operations. Individual projects with significant changes in estimated margins resulted in a net reduction to income from operations of approximately $15,000 and $25,000 for 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Our long-term contracts are awarded on a competitive bid and negotiated basis and the timing of revenue recognition may be impacted by the terms of such contracts. We use a range of contracting options, including cost-reimbursable, fixed-price and hybrid, which has both cost-reimbursable and fixed-price characteristics. Fixed-price contracts, and hybrid contracts with a more significant fixed-price component, tend to provide us with greater control over project schedule and the timing of when work is performed and costs are incurred, and accordingly, when revenue is recognized. Cost-reimbursable contracts, and hybrid contracts with a more significant cost-reimbursable component, generally provide our customers with greater influence over the timing of when we perform our work, and accordingly, such contracts often result in less predictability with respect to the timing of revenue recognition. Contract revenue for our long-term contracts recognized under the POC method reflects the original contract price adjusted for approved change orders and estimated recoveries for incentive fees, unapproved change orders and claims. We recognize revenue associated with incentive fees when the value can be reliably estimated and recovery is probable. We recognize revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims to the extent the related costs have been incurred, the value can be reliably estimated and recovery is probable. Our recorded incentive fees, unapproved change orders and claims reflect our best estimate of recovery amounts; however, the ultimate resolution and amounts received could differ from these estimates. See Note 17 for additional discussion of our recorded unapproved change orders, claims, incentives and other contract recoveries.
	With respect to our engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC") services, our contracts are not segmented between types of services, such as engineering and construction, if each of the EPC components is negotiated concurrently or if the pricing of any such services is subject to the ultimate negotiation and agreement of the entire EPC contract. However, we segment an EPC contract if it includes technology or fabrication services and the technology or fabrication scope is independently negotiated and priced. In addition, an EPC contract including technology or fabrication services may be segmented if we satisfy the segmenting criteria in ASC 605-35. Revenue recorded in these situations is based on our prices and terms for similar services to third party customers. Segmenting a contract may result in different interim rates of profitability for each scope of service than if we had recognized revenue without segmenting. In some instances, we may combine contracts that are entered into in multiple phases, but are interdependent and include pricing considerations by us and the customer that are impacted by all phases of the project. Otherwise, if each phase is independent of the other and pricing considerations do not give effect to another phase, the contracts will not be combined.
	Cost of revenue for our long-term contracts includes direct contract costs, such as materials and labor, and indirect costs that are attributable to contract activity. The timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms, completion of certain phases of the work, or when services are provided. Cumulative costs and estimated earnings recognized to-date in excess of cumulative billings is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (“Balance Sheet”) as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. Cumulative billings in excess of cumulative costs and estimated earnings recognized to-date is reported on the Balance Sheet as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had billings to customers on our long-term contracts of $16,113,591 and $8,108,320, respectively, netted within costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and billings to customers of $25,436,810 and $10,797,749, respectively, netted within billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Any uncollected billed revenue, including contract retentions, is reported as accounts receivable. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accounts receivable included contract retentions of approximately $68,600 and $37,200, respectively. Contract retentions due beyond one year were not significant at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Revenue for our service contracts that do not satisfy the criteria for revenue recognition under the POC method is recorded at the time services are performed. Revenue associated with incentive fees for these contracts is recognized when earned. Unbilled receivables for our service contracts are recorded within accounts receivable and were $79,979 and $5,721 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Revenue for our pipe and steel fabrication and catalyst manufacturing contracts that are independent of an EPC contract, or for which we satisfy the segmentation criteria discussed above, is recognized upon shipment of the fabricated or manufactured units. During the fabrication or manufacturing process, all related direct and allocable indirect costs are capitalized as work in process inventory and such costs are recorded as cost of revenue at the time of shipment.
	Our billed and unbilled revenue may be exposed to potential credit risk if our customers should encounter financial difficulties, and we maintain reserves for specifically-identified potential uncollectible receivables. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, allowances for doubtful accounts were approximately $1,000 and $1,300, respectively.
	Precontract Costs—Precontract costs are generally charged to cost of revenue as incurred, but, in certain cases their recognition may be deferred if specific probability criteria are met. We had no significant deferred precontract costs at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Research and Development—Expenditures for research and development activities are charged to cost of revenue as incurred and were $27,071 in 2013, $27,606 in 2012 and $27,548 in 2011.
	Other Operating Expense (Income), Net—Other operating expense (income), net, generally represents losses (gains) associated with the sale or disposition of property and equipment.
	Acquisition and Integration Related Costs—Our acquisition and integration related costs for 2013 totaled $95,737, while acquisition-related costs for 2012 totaled $11,000. Acquisition-related costs primarily included transaction costs, professional fees, and change-in-control and severance-related costs. Integration-related costs primarily related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities and personnel relocation costs.
	Depreciation Expense—Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, including buildings and improvements (10 to 40 years) and plant and field equipment (1 to 15 years). Renewals and betterments that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the applicable lease term. Depreciation expense is primarily included within cost of revenue and was $118,915 in 2013 (including $75,059 associated with property and equipment acquired in the Shaw Acquisition), $43,808 in 2012 and $43,882 in 2011. See Note 8 for disclosure of the components of property and equipment.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—Goodwill is not amortized to earnings, but instead is reviewed for impairment at least annually at our reporting unit level, absent any indicators of impairment. Our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance operating group includes three reporting units, our Fabrication Services operating group includes two reporting units, and our Technology and Government Solutions operating groups each represent a reporting unit. We perform our annual impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of each year based upon balances as of the beginning of that year’s fourth quarter. As part of our annual impairment assessment, in the fourth quarter of 2013, we performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill for each of our reporting units. We utilized an income approach (discounted cash flow method) to value our reporting units and test for impairment as we believe this is the most direct approach to incorporate the specific economic attributes and risk profiles of our reporting units into our valuation model. This is consistent with the methodology used for our annual impairment assessment in previous years. We generally do not utilize a market approach given the difficulty in identifying relevant market transactions and the volatility of markets from which transactions are derived. Based upon this quantitative assessment, no impairment charge was necessary during 2013, as the fair value of each of the reporting units acquired in 2013 exceeded their respective net book value and the fair value of all other reporting units significantly exceeded their respective net book values. If, based on future assessments, our goodwill is deemed to be impaired, the impairment would result in a charge to earnings in the year of impairment.
	We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis with lives ranging from 2 to 20 years, absent any indicators of impairment. We review tangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If a recoverability assessment is required, the estimated future cash flow associated with the asset or asset group will be compared to the asset's carrying amount to determine if impairment exists. We noted no indicators of impairment in 2013 or 2012. See Note 6 for further discussion regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.
	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)—Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to CB&I by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of dilutive securities, consisting of restricted shares, performance shares (where performance criteria have been met), stock options and directors’ deferred-fee shares. See Note 3 for calculations associated with basic and diluted EPS.
	Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents are considered to be all highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less.
	Inventory—Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market and cost is determined using the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) or weighted-average cost method. The cost of inventory includes acquisition costs, production or conversion costs, and other costs incurred to bring the inventory to a current location and condition. An allowance for excess or inactive inventory is recorded based upon an analysis that considers current inventory levels, historical usage patterns, estimates of future sales expectations and salvage value. See Note 5 for additional disclosures associated with our inventory.
	Foreign Currency—The nature of our business activities involves the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The effects of translating financial statements of foreign operations into our reporting currency are recognized as a cumulative translation adjustment in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (“AOCI”) which is net of tax, where applicable. Foreign currency exchange gains (losses) are included within cost of revenue and were immaterial in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Financial Instruments—We utilize derivative instruments in certain circumstances to mitigate the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, as described below:
	•	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives—We do not engage in currency speculation; however, we do utilize foreign currency exchange rate derivatives on an on-going basis to hedge against certain foreign currency-related operating exposures. We generally seek hedge accounting treatment for contracts used to hedge operating exposures and designate them as cash flow hedges. Therefore, gains and losses, exclusive of credit risk and forward points (which represent the time-value component of the fair value of our derivative positions), are included in AOCI until the associated underlying operating exposure impacts our earnings. Changes in the fair value of (1) credit risk and forward points, (2) instruments deemed ineffective during the period, and (3) instruments that we do not designate as cash flow hedges are recognized within cost of revenue.
	•	Interest Rate Derivatives—On February 28, 2013, we entered into a swap arrangement to hedge against interest rate variability associated with $505,000 of our $1,000,000 unsecured term loan (the “Term Loan”). The swap arrangement has been designated as a cash flow hedge as its critical terms matched those of the Term Loan at inception and through December 31, 2013. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap arrangement are included in AOCI until the associated underlying exposure impacts our earnings.
	For those contracts designated as cash flow hedges, we document all relationships between the derivative instruments and associated hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives to specific firm commitments or highly-probable forecasted transactions. We continually assess, at inception and on an on-going basis, the effectiveness of derivative instruments in offsetting changes in the cash flow of the designated hedged items. Hedge accounting designation is discontinued when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flow of the hedged item, including firm commitments or forecasted transactions, (2) the derivative is sold, terminated, exercised, or expires, (3) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, or (4) we determine that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. See Note 11 for additional discussion of our financial instruments.
	Income Taxes—Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis using currently enacted income tax rates for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The final realization of deferred tax assets depends upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate character and in the appropriate jurisdictions.
	We provide income tax and associated interest reserves, where applicable, in situations where we have and have not received tax assessments. Tax and associated interest reserves are provided in those instances where we consider it more likely than not that additional tax will be due in excess of amounts reflected in income tax returns filed worldwide. We continually review our exposure to additional income tax obligations and, as further information is known or events occur, changes in our tax and interest reserves may be recorded within income tax expense and interest expense, respectively. See Note 16 for additional discussion of our income taxes.
	Partnering Arrangements—In the ordinary course of business, we execute specific projects and conduct certain operations through joint venture, consortium and other collaborative arrangements (collectively referred to as "venture(s)"). We have various ownership interests in these ventures, with such ownership typically being proportionate to our decision-making and distribution rights. The ventures generally contract directly with the third party customer; however, services may be performed directly by the ventures, or may be performed by us or our partners, or a combination thereof.
	Venture net assets consist primarily of cash, working capital and property and equipment, and assets may be restricted from being used to fund obligations outside of the venture. These ventures typically have limited third-party debt or have debt that is non-recourse in nature; however, they may provide for capital calls to fund operations or require participants in the venture to provide additional financial support, including advance payment or retention letters of credit.
	Each venture is assessed at inception and on an ongoing basis as to whether it qualifies as a VIE under the consolidations guidance in ASC 810. A venture generally qualifies as a VIE when it (1) meets the definition of a legal entity, (2) absorbs the operational risk of the projects being executed, creating a variable interest, and (3) lacks sufficient capital investment from the partners, potentially resulting in the venture requiring additional subordinated financial support, if necessary, to finance its future activities.
	If at any time a venture qualifies as a VIE, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore, need to consolidate the VIE. We are the primary beneficiary if we have (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the VIE and (2) the right to receive benefits from, and obligation to absorb losses of, the VIE. If the venture is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary, or we otherwise have the ability to control the venture, we consolidate the venture. If we are not determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, or only have the ability to significantly influence, rather than control the venture, we do not consolidate the venture. We account for unconsolidated ventures using the equity method or proportionate consolidation. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no material proportionately consolidated ventures. See Note 7 for additional discussion of our material partnering arrangements.
	New Accounting Standards—In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-01, which requires companies to disclose additional information about derivative instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements (“MNAs”). See Note 11 for our applicable disclosures.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, which requires companies to disclose additional information about AOCI, including changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified from AOCI into earnings. See Note 14 for our applicable disclosures.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	A reconciliation of weighted average basic shares outstanding to weighted average diluted shares outstanding and the computation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Net income attributable to CB&I	$	454,120	$	301,655	$	255,032
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic (1)	105,935		96,633		98,022
	Effect of restricted shares/performance shares/stock options (2)	1,447		1,528		2,115
	Effect of directors’ deferred-fee shares	70		70		68
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted	107,452		98,231		100,205
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share:
	Basic	$	4.29	$	3.12	$	2.6
	Diluted	$	4.23	$	3.07	$	2.55
	(1) 2013 includes the impact of 8,893 shares issued in connection with the Shaw Acquisition.
	(2) Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted EPS were not material for 2013, 2012 or 2011.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	ACQUISITIONS
	Shaw Acquisition
	General—On July 30, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”) to acquire Shaw, whose operations include engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, fabrication, modularization, consulting, remediation, and program management services for electric utilities, independent and merchant power producers, government agencies, multinational and national oil companies, and industrial companies. On February 13, 2013 (the “Acquisition Closing Date”), we completed the Shaw Acquisition for a gross purchase price of $3,340,070, comprised of $2,851,260 in cash consideration and $488,810 in equity consideration. The cash consideration was funded using $1,051,260 from existing cash balances of CB&I and Shaw on the Acquisition Closing Date, and the remainder was funded using debt financing, as further described in Note 10. Shaw’s unrestricted cash balance on the Acquisition Closing Date totaled $1,137,927, and accordingly, the cash portion of our purchase price, net of cash acquired, was $1,713,333 and our total purchase price, net of cash acquired, was $2,202,143.
	At the Acquisition Closing Date, each issued and outstanding share of Shaw common stock, no par value (other than any dissenting shares, treasury shares, or shares held by Shaw, CB&I or their respective subsidiaries), was canceled and extinguished and converted into the right to receive (i) $41.00 in cash and (ii) an amount of cash in Euros equal to the par value of 0.12883 shares of CB&I common stock, which cash was not actually paid, but was instead converted automatically into 0.12883 shares of CB&I common stock (the “Acquisition Consideration”). Stock-settled and cash-settled equity-based awards relating to shares of Shaw’s common stock were either canceled and converted into the right to receive the Acquisition Consideration (or the cash value thereof) or were converted into comparable CB&I awards on generally the same terms and conditions as prior to the Acquisition Closing Date. On the Acquisition Closing Date, we issued 8,893 shares of CB&I common stock and converted an equivalent of 1,362 shares into CB&I stock-settled equity-based awards. An equivalent of 473 shares of CB&I cash-settled equity-based awards were converted and recognized as a liability on our initial balance sheet within accrued and other non-current liabilities.
	From the Acquisition Closing Date through December 31, 2013, revenue and income from operations associated with the Shaw Acquisition (excluding acquisition and integration related costs and including intangibles amortization) totaled approximately $4,010,100 and $173,500, respectively. Additionally, as a result of the Shaw Acquisition, during 2013, we incurred approximately $78,200 of financing related costs and $95,700 of acquisition and integration related costs. Financing-related costs were recognized in interest expense on our Consolidated Statement of Operations and included approximately $8,500 of interest and fees incurred prior to the Acquisition Closing Date, and approximately $2,000 of interest related to one-time commitments satisfied during the first quarter of 2013 (see Note 10 for further discussion). Acquisition-related costs primarily included transaction costs, professional fees, and change-in-control and severance-related costs. Integration-related costs primarily related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities and personnel relocation costs.
	Purchase Price Allocation—The aggregate purchase price noted above has been allocated to the major categories of assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values at the Acquisition Closing Date, which were based, in part, upon outside appraisals for certain assets, including specifically-identified intangible assets and property and equipment. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, totaling $3,296,530, was recorded as goodwill.
	The following table summarizes our final purchase price allocation at the Acquisition Closing Date:
	Net tangible assets:
	Unrestricted cash	$	1,137,927
	Inventory	272,172
	Other current assets	615,804
	Property and equipment	536,888
	Other non-current assets	68,881
	Deferred income taxes, net (1)	543,479
	Westinghouse obligations, net (2)	(44,793		)
	Contracts in progress, net (3)	(2,317,471		)
	Accounts payable	(546,465		)
	Other current liabilities	(466,129		)
	Other non-current liabilities	(216,953		)
	Total net tangible assets	(416,660		)
	Intangible assets: (4)
	Backlog and customer relationships	375,200
	Tradenames	73,800
	Other	11,200
	Total intangible assets	460,200
	Goodwill (5)	3,296,530
	Total purchase price	3,340,070
	Unrestricted cash acquired	(1,137,927		)
	Total purchase price, net of unrestricted cash acquired	$	2,202,143
	(1)	Deferred Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes represent deferred taxes recorded in connection with our purchase price allocation and include $736,490 of deferred tax assets and $193,011 of deferred tax liabilities.
	(2)	Westinghouse Obligations—Westinghouse obligations represent the net obligation we acquired associated with Shaw’s investment in Westinghouse and includes $1,380,086 of bond obligations less $1,335,293 of acquired restricted cash that was used to settle a portion of the bond obligation. See Note 10 for further discussion.
	(3)	Contracts in Progress—Included in contracts in progress is a margin fair value adjustment of approximately $745,500 associated with acquired long-term contracts that were less than fair value at the Acquisition Closing Date. This margin fair value adjustment will be included in revenue on a POC basis as the applicable projects progress over approximately five to six years.
	(4)	Intangible Assets—Acquired intangible assets totaled $460,200 and primarily consist of backlog, customer relationships and tradenames and are amortized on a straight-line basis. Backlog and customer relationships represent the fair value of existing contracts and the underlying customer relationships and have lives ranging from 2 to 20 years (weighted average lives of approximately 16 years). The fair value of acquired tradenames have lives ranging from 6 to 10 years (weighted average lives of approximately 9 years), while our other intangible assets, primarily consisting of the fair value of technologies, have a life of 15 years. Our total acquired intangible assets have weighted average lives of approximately 15 years. During 2013, amortization for these intangible assets totaled approximately $42,000.
	(5)	Goodwill—Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the underlying acquired net tangible and intangible assets. The factors contributing to our goodwill balance include the acquired established workforce and estimated future cost savings and revenue synergies associated with our combined operations. Of the $3,296,530 of total goodwill recorded in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, approximately $44,200 is deductible for tax purposes and is associated with the remaining portion of goodwill previously deductible by Shaw. See Note 6 for an allocation of acquired goodwill to each operating group.
	Significant changes in our purchase price allocation since our initial preliminary estimates reported in the first quarter 2013 were primarily related to $1,117,420 of fair value adjustments associated with our acquired contracts, $41,051 of increases in the fair value of property and equipment, $240,072 of associated net adjustments to deferred taxes, and $58,300 of increases in the fair value of intangible assets.
	Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information—The following pro forma condensed combined financial information (“the pro forma financial information”) gives effect to the acquisition of Shaw by CB&I, accounted for as a business combination using the purchase method of accounting. CB&I’s fiscal year ends on December 31, while Shaw’s ended on August 31, prior to the Acquisition. To give effect to the Shaw Acquisition for pro forma financial information purposes, Shaw’s historical results were brought to within one month of CB&I’s interim results for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2012, and included the twelve month period ended November 30, 2012. The pro forma financial information reflects the Shaw Acquisition and related events as if they occurred on January 1, 2012, and gives effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the Acquisition, factually supportable, and expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results of CB&I and Shaw following the Acquisition. The pro forma financial information includes adjustments to: (1) exclude transaction costs, professional fees, and change-in-control and severance-related costs that were included in CB&I's and Shaw’s historical results and are not expected to be recurring; (2) exclude the results of portions of the Shaw business that were not acquired by CB&I or are not expected to have a continuing impact; (3) include additional intangibles amortization and net interest expense associated with the Shaw Acquisition; and (4) include the pro forma results of Shaw from January 1, 2013 through the Acquisition Closing Date for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2013. Adjustments, net of tax, included in the pro forma net income below that were of a non-recurring nature totaled approximately $73,300 for 2013, reflecting the elimination of financing and acquisition and integration related costs. Non-recurring adjustments for the 2012 period below totaled approximately $84,300, reflecting the exclusion of net income generated from portions of the Shaw business that were not acquired, as well as the elimination of acquisition and integration related costs. This pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have been achieved had the pro forma events taken place on the dates indicated. Further, the pro forma financial information does not purport to project the future operating results of the combined company following the Acquisition.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Pro forma revenue	$	11,583,997		$	10,858,142
	Pro forma net income attributable to CB&I	$	529,942		$	354,908
	Pro forma net income attributable to CB&I per share:
	Basic	$	4.95		$	3.36
	Diluted	$	4.88		$	3.31
	Other Acquisitions
	On May 17, 2013, we acquired a coal gasification technology ("E-Gas") for cash consideration of approximately $60,800. The E-Gas acquisition primarily consisted of process technology intangible assets that have an estimated life of 15 years and are amortized on a straight-line basis. The impact of the acquisition was not material to our results and therefore, pro forma information has not been presented. We had no acquisitions in 2012 or 2011.

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INVENTORY	'
	INVENTORY
	The components of inventory at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	184,586	$	11,870
	Work in process	31,764		1,360
	Finished goods	86,637		19,089
	Total (1)	$	302,987	$	32,319
	-1	Our December 31, 2013 inventory balance includes $271,443 associated with the Shaw Acquisition.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
	Goodwill—At December 31, 2013 and 2012, our goodwill balances were $4,226,468 and $926,711, respectively, attributable to the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with our acquisitions. The change in goodwill by reporting segment for 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Engineering, Construction and Maintenance			Fabrication Services				Technology			Government Solutions				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	444,425		$	48,320			$	433,648		$	—			$	926,393
	Foreign currency translation	5,019			—				—			—				5,019
	Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	(1,793		)	(96		)		(2,812		)	—				(4,701		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	447,651		$	48,224			$	430,836		$	—			$	926,711
	Shaw Acquisition (Note 4)	2,315,340			497,368				—			483,822				3,296,530
	Foreign currency translation	9,859			—				—			—				9,859
	Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	(4,135		)	(318		)		(2,179		)	—				(6,632		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,768,715		$	545,274			$	428,657		$	483,822			$	4,226,468
	As discussed in Note 2, as part of our annual impairment assessment, we performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2013 by comparing an estimate of discounted future cash flows to the net book value of each applicable reporting unit. Based upon this quantitative assessment, no impairment charge was necessary during 2013 as the fair value of each of the reporting units acquired in 2013 exceeded their respective net book value and the fair value of all other reporting units significantly exceeded their respective net book values. There can be no assurance that future goodwill impairment tests will not result in charges to earnings.
	Other Intangible Assets—The following table provides a summary of our acquired finite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, including weighted-average useful lives for each major intangible asset class and in total:
			31-Dec-13							31-Dec-12
			Gross			Accumulated				Gross			Accumulated
			Carrying			Amortization				Carrying			Amortization
			Amount							Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets (weighted average life)
	Backlog and customer relationships (16 years)		$	380,586		$	(33,735	)		$	—		$	—
	Process technologies (15 years)		295,726			(90,282		)		228,304			(71,391		)
	Tradenames (10 years)		86,042			(11,126		)		10,417			(2,659		)
	Lease agreements (6 years)		7,718			(7,627		)		7,409			(6,599		)
	Non-compete agreements (7 years)		3,012			(2,591		)		2,929			(2,102		)
	Total (15 years) (1)		$	773,084		$	(145,361	)		$	249,059		$	(82,751	)
	(1)	The increase in intangibles during 2013 primarily relates to approximately $460,200 of intangibles acquired in connection with the Shaw Acquisition and approximately $60,800 acquired in connection with our acquisition of E-Gas (both as further discussed in Note 4), partially offset by amortization expense. Amortization expense for our intangibles existing at December 31, 2013 is anticipated to be approximately $67,400, $62,100, $55,700, $46,600 and $45,000 for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

PARTNERING_ARRANGEMENTS

PARTNERING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
PARTNERING ARRANGEMENTS	'
	PARTNERING ARRANGEMENTS
	As discussed in Note 2, we account for our unconsolidated ventures primarily using the equity method of accounting. Further, we consolidate any venture that is determined to be a VIE for which we are the primary beneficiary, or which we otherwise effectively control.
	Unconsolidated Ventures—The following is a summary description of our material unconsolidated ventures which have been accounted for using the equity method:
	•	Chevron-Lummus Global ("CLG")—We have a venture with Chevron (CB&I—50%, Chevron—50%), which provides licenses, basic engineering services and catalyst supply for deep conversion (e.g. hydrocracking), residual hydroprocessing and lubes processing. The venture is focused on converting/upgrading heavy/sour crude that is produced in the refinery process to more marketable products. As sufficient capital investments in CLG have been made by the venture partners, it does not qualify as a VIE. Additionally, we do not effectively control CLG and therefore do not consolidate the venture.
	•	NET Power LLC (“NET Power”)—We have a commitment to invest cash and in-kind services in NET Power, a venture between CB&I and various other parties, formed for the purpose of developing a new fossil fuel-based power generation technology and building a demonstration unit that is intended to produce cost-effective power with little-to-no carbon dioxide emissions. Our commitment totals $50,400 and is contingent upon demonstration of various levels of feasibility of the NET Power technology and could result in up to a 50% interest in NET Power and provide for the exclusive right to engineer, procure and construct NET Power plants. At December 31, 2013, we had cumulatively invested cash and in-kind services of approximately $7,200, including $4,500 recognized prior to the Shaw Acquisition, and had an approximate 10% interest in NET Power. Cash and in-kind contributions subsequent to the Shaw Acquisition have been expensed within our equity earnings.
	We have no other material unconsolidated ventures. Dividends received from equity method joint ventures were $33,984, $20,286 and $9,605 during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Consolidated Joint Ventures—The following is a summary description of the material joint ventures we consolidate due to their designation as VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary:
	•	CBI/Kentz—We have a venture with Kentz (CB&I—65% and Kentz—35%) to perform the structural, mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation work on, and to provide commissioning support for, three Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”) trains, including associated utilities and a gas processing and compression plant, for the Gorgon LNG project, located on Barrow Island, Australia. Our CB&I/Kentz project value is approximately $4,500,000.
	•	CBI/Clough—We have a venture with Clough (CB&I—65% and Clough—35%) to perform the EPC work for a gas conditioning plant, nearby wellheads, and associated piping and infrastructure for the Papua New Guinea LNG project, located in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Our CB&I/Clough project value is approximately $2,000,000.
	•	CB&I/AREVA—We have a venture with AREVA (CB&I—70%, AREVA—30%) to design, license and construct a mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility in Aiken, South Carolina, which will be used to convert weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for nuclear power plants for the U.S. Department of Energy. Our CB&I/AREVA project value is approximately $5,000,000.
	The following table presents summarized balance sheet information for our consolidated VIEs:
			31-Dec-13		December 31, 2012
	CBI/Kentz
	Current assets		$	156,974	$	82,421
	Current liabilities		$	72,741	$	39,276
	CBI/Clough
	Current assets		$	122,179	$	145,666
	Current liabilities		$	48,933	$	79,523
	CBI/AREVA
	Current assets		$	34,547	$	—
	Current liabilities		$	98,478	$	—
	All Other (1)
	Current assets		$	83,370	$	24,536
	Non-current assets		$	24,802	$	—
	Total assets		$	108,172	$	24,536
	Current liabilities		$	26,879	$	28,339
	(1)	Other ventures that we consolidate due to their designation as VIEs are not individually material and are therefore aggregated as "All Other".
	The use of these ventures exposes us to a number of risks, including the risk that our partners may be unable or unwilling to provide their share of capital investment to fund the operations of the venture or to complete their obligations to us, the venture, or ultimately, our customer. This could result in unanticipated costs to complete the projects, liquidated damages or contract disputes, including claims against our partners.

SUPPLEMENTAL_BALANCE_SHEET_DET

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET DETAIL	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Components Of Property And Equipment Accrued Liabilities And Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET DETAIL	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET DETAIL
	The components of property and equipment, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Components of Property and Equipment
	Land and improvements		$	90,884		$	59,090
	Buildings and improvements		360,720			167,593
	Plant, field equipment and other		733,089			378,749
	Total property and equipment		1,184,693			605,432
	Accumulated depreciation		(395,896		)	(319,561		)
	Property and equipment, net (1)		$	788,797		$	285,871
	Components of Accrued Liabilities
	Payroll-related obligations		$	336,889		$	168,404
	Income taxes payable		91,049			29,714
	Self-insurance, retention and other reserves		24,575			4,447
	Pension obligations		3,284			3,251
	Postretirement medical benefit obligations		3,139			2,864
	Other (2)		240,570			146,020
	Accrued liabilities (1)		$	699,506		$	354,700
	Components of Other Non-Current Liabilities
	Pension obligations		$	119,236		$	104,728
	Postretirement medical benefit obligations		43,498			47,739
	Self-insurance, retention and other reserves		51,848			17,605
	Income tax reserves		14,281			5,169
	Other (3)		158,692			97,202
	Other non-current liabilities (1)		$	387,555		$	272,443
	(1)	Our December 31, 2013 property and equipment, net, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities balances included $491,327, $227,576, and $65,146, respectively, associated with the Shaw Acquisition.
	(2)	Represents various accruals that are each individually less than 5% of total current liabilities, including accruals for non-contract payables, operating lease obligations, country-specific employee benefits, derivatives, and medical and legal obligations.
	(3)	Represents various accruals that are each individually less than 5% of total liabilities, including accruals for taxes, operating lease obligations, deferred rent, and country-specific employee benefits.

FACILITY_REALIGNMENT_AND_CHANG

FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL LIABILITIES (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL LIABILITIES	'
	FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL LIABILITIES
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had a facility realignment liability related to the recognition of future operating lease expense for vacated facility capacity where we remain contractually obligated to a lessor. The liability was recognized within accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities, as applicable, based upon the anticipated timing of payment. Additionally, we had change-in-control obligations of approximately $37,000 assumed in connection with the Shaw Acquisition that were paid in the third quarter 2013. The following table summarizes the movements in the facility realignment and change-in-control liabilities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Beginning Balance		$	12,752		$	15,278
	Charges (1)		6,804			2,581
	Shaw Acquisition-related obligations		37,000			—
	Cash payments		(44,472		)	(5,119		)
	Foreign exchange and other		27			12
	Ending Balance (2)		$	12,111		$	12,752
	(1)	During 2013, charges of $6,804 were recognized within acquisition and integration related costs related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities in our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance and Technology operating groups. During 2012, charges of $2,581 were recognized within cost of revenue for facilities in our Fabrication Services operating group.
	(2)	Future cash payments for our obligation at December 31, 2013, are anticipated to be approximately $3,800, $4,200, $900, $600 and $500 in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	DEBT
	Our outstanding debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Current
	Revolving facility debt		$	115,000		$	—
	Current maturities of term loan		100,000			—
	Current debt		$	215,000		$	—
	Long-Term
	Term Loan: $1,000,000 term loan (interest at LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin)		925,000			—
	Senior Notes: $800,000 senior notes, series A-D (fixed interest ranging from 4.15% to 5.30%)		800,000			800,000
	Less: current maturities of term loan		(100,000		)	—
	Long-term debt		$	1,625,000		$	800,000
	Revolving Facilities—Effective October 28, 2013, we replaced our four-year, $1,100,000 committed and unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility") that was set to expire in July 2014, with a five-year, $1,350,000, committed and unsecured revolving facility (the "New Revolving Facility") with BofA, as administrative agent, and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BBVA Compass, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank ("Credit Agricole") and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, each as syndication agents, which expires in October 2018. The New Revolving Facility has a borrowing sublimit of $675,000 (with financial letters of credit not to exceed $270,000) and certain financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.00, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.75, and a minimum net worth level calculated as $1,717,648 at December 31, 2013. The New Revolving Facility also includes customary restrictions regarding subsidiary indebtedness, sales of assets, liens, investments, type of business conducted, and mergers and acquisitions, and includes a trailing twelve-month limitation of $250,000 for dividend payments and share repurchases if our leverage ratio exceeds 1.50 (unlimited if our leverage ratio is equal to or below 1.50), among other restrictions. In addition to interest on debt borrowings, we are assessed quarterly commitment fees on the unutilized portion of the facility as well as letter of credit fees on outstanding instruments. The interest, letter of credit fee, and commitment fee percentages are based upon our quarterly leverage ratio. In the event that we borrow funds under the facility, interest is assessed at either prime plus an applicable floating margin (0.5% at December 31, 2013), or LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin (1.5% at December 31, 2013). At December 31, 2013, we had no outstanding borrowings under the facility, but had $230,388 of outstanding letters of credit, providing $1,119,612 of available capacity. Such letters of credit are generally issued to customers in the ordinary course of business to support advance payments and performance guarantees, in lieu of retention on our contracts, or in certain cases, are issued in support of our insurance program.
	We also have a five-year, $650,000, committed and unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Second Revolving Facility”) with BofA, as administrative agent, and Credit Agricole, as syndication agent, which expires in February 2018. The Second Revolving Facility supplements our New Revolving Facility, has a $487,500 borrowing sublimit, and was amended effective October 28, 2013 to include financial and restrictive covenants similar to those noted above for the New Revolving Facility. In addition to interest on debt borrowings, we are assessed quarterly commitment fees on the unutilized portion of the facility as well as letter of credit fees on outstanding instruments. The interest, letter of credit fee, and commitment fee percentages are based upon our quarterly leverage ratio. In the event we borrow funds under the facility, interest is assessed at either prime plus an applicable floating margin (0.5% at December 31, 2013) or LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin (1.5% at December 31, 2013). At December 31, 2013, we had $115,000 of outstanding borrowings and $76,533 outstanding letters of credit under the facility, providing $458,467 of available capacity.
	During 2013, our maximum outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facilities were $516,529 and the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 3.1%.
	Term Loans—At December 31, 2013, we had $925,000 remaining on our four-year, $1,000,000 unsecured Term Loan with BofA as administrative agent, which was used to fund a portion of the Shaw Acquisition on the Acquisition Closing Date. Interest and principal under the Term Loan is payable quarterly in arrears and bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin (1.5% at December 31, 2013). However, on February 28, 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap to hedge against $505,000 of the $1,000,000 Term Loan, which resulted in a weighted average interest rate of approximately 2.12% at December 31, 2013, inclusive of the applicable floating margin. Future annual maturities for the Term Loan are $100,000, $100,000, $150,000 and $575,000 in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Term Loan was amended effective October 28, 2013 to include financial and restrictive covenants similar to those noted above for the New Revolving Facility.
	Senior Notes—We have a series of senior notes totaling $800,000 in the aggregate (“Senior Notes”), with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and Credit Agricole, as administrative agents, which were used to fund a portion of the Shaw Acquisition. The Senior Notes were funded into an escrow account on December 28, 2012, and were restricted from use until the Acquisition Closing Date. Accordingly, the escrowed funds were recorded as restricted cash, and the Senior Notes were recorded as long-term debt, on our December 31, 2012 Balance Sheet. The Senior Notes have financial and restrictive covenants similar to those noted above for the New Revolving Facility. The Senior Notes include Series A through D, which contain the following terms:
	•	Series A—Interest due semi-annually at a fixed rate of 4.15%, with principal of $150,000 due in December 2017
	•	Series B—Interest due semi-annually at a fixed rate of 4.57%, with principal of $225,000 due in December 2019
	•	Series C—Interest due semi-annually at a fixed rate of 5.15%, with principal of $275,000 due in December 2022
	•	Series D—Interest due semi-annually at a fixed rate of 5.30%, with principal of $150,000 due in December 2024
	Uncommitted Facilities—We also have various short-term, uncommitted revolving credit facilities across several geographic regions of approximately $1,980,749. These facilities are generally used to provide letters of credit or bank guarantees to customers in the ordinary course of business to support advance payments and performance guarantees, in lieu of retention on our contracts. At December 31, 2013, we had $753,470 of outstanding letters of credit under these facilities, providing $1,227,279 of available capacity.
	In addition to providing letters of credit or bank guarantees, we also issue surety bonds in the ordinary course of business to support our contract performance. At December 31, 2013, we had $667,457 of outstanding surety bonds.
	Westinghouse Bonds—In 2006, Shaw purchased a 20% equity interest in Westinghouse Electric Company (“WEC”), the majority-owner of which is Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”). Shaw’s total cost of the equity investment was approximately$1,100,000, which was financed through the Japanese private placement market by issuing 128,980,000 Japanese Yen (“JPY”) (equivalent to approximately $1,100,000 at the time of issuance) limited recourse bonds (the “Westinghouse Bonds”). In conjunction with Shaw’s investment in Westinghouse, Shaw also entered into JPY-denominated put option agreements (the “Put Option”) that provided Shaw an option to sell its investment in Westinghouse to Toshiba for 96.7% of the original investment value (approximately 124,724,000 JPY or approximately $1,064,000). In October 2012, Shaw exercised the Put Option, which required Toshiba to fund approximately 124,724,000 JPY (approximately $1,309,000) into a JPY-denominated trust account for purposes of repaying the Westinghouse Bonds on their maturity date of March 15, 2013. The trust account was funded by Toshiba on January 4, 2013. On March 15, 2013, the Westinghouse Bond holders were repaid from proceeds of the trust account and a payment by CB&I for the remaining 3.3% shortfall of the principal amount (approximately 4,256,000 JPY or $44,800). The Westinghouse Bonds, and the associated cash funded by Toshiba into the trust account, were included in Shaw’s Acquisition Closing Date balance sheet. See Note 4 for further discussion of the purchase price allocation associated with the Shaw Acquisition.
	Compliance and Other—At December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all of our restrictive and financial covenants, associated with our debt and revolving credit facilities. Capitalized interest was insignificant in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives
	Operating Exposures—At December 31, 2013, the notional value of our outstanding forward contracts to hedge certain foreign exchange-related operating exposures was approximately $131,800. These contracts vary in duration, maturing up to three years from period-end. We designate certain of these hedges as cash flow hedges and accordingly, changes in their fair value are recognized in AOCI until the associated underlying operating exposure impacts our earnings. We exclude forward points, which are recognized as ineffectiveness within cost of revenue and are not material to our earnings, from our hedge assessment analysis.
	Interest Rate Derivatives
	Interest Rate Exposures—On February 28, 2013, we entered into a swap arrangement to hedge against interest rate variability associated with $505,000 of our $1,000,000 Term Loan. The swap arrangement has been designated as a cash flow hedge as its critical terms matched those of the Term Loan at inception and through December 31, 2013. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recognized in AOCI until the associated underlying exposure impacts our earnings.
	Financial Instruments Disclosures
	Fair Value—Financial instruments are required to be categorized within a valuation hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the valuation hierarchy are as follows:
	•	Level 1—Fair value is based upon quoted prices in active markets. Our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy as they are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
	•	Level 2—Fair value is based upon internally-developed models that use, as their basis, readily observable market parameters. Our derivative positions are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy as they are valued using quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets. These level 2 derivatives are valued utilizing an income approach, which discounts future cash flow based upon current market expectations and adjusts for credit risk.
	•	Level 3—Fair value is based upon internally-developed models that use, as their basis, significant unobservable market parameters. We did not have any Level 3 classifications at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	The following table presents the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, foreign currency exchange rate derivatives and interest rate derivatives at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, by valuation hierarchy and balance sheet classification:
		31-Dec-13														31-Dec-12
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	420,502			$	—			$	—		$	420,502		$	643,395		$	—		$	—	$	643,395
	Restricted cash	—				—				—			—			800,000			—			—		800,000
	Derivatives (1)
	Other current assets	—				2,155				—			2,155			—			1,731			—		1,731
	Other non-current assets	—				4,705				—			4,705			—			5			—		5
	Total assets at fair value	$	420,502			$	6,860			$	—		$	427,362		$	1,443,395		$	1,736		$	—	$	1,445,131
	Liabilities
	Derivatives
	Accrued liabilities	$	—			$	(3,818	)		$	—		$	(3,818	)	$	—		$	(5,072	)	$	—	$	(5,072	)
	Other non-current liabilities	—				(450		)		—			(450		)	—			(497		)	—		(497		)
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—			$	(4,268	)		$	—		$	(4,268	)	$	—		$	(5,569	)	$	—	$	(5,569	)
	(1)	We are exposed to credit risk on our hedging instruments associated with potential counterparty non-performance, and the fair value of our derivatives reflects this credit risk. The total level 2 assets at fair value above represent the maximum loss that we would incur on our outstanding hedges if the applicable counterparties failed to perform according to the hedge contracts. To help mitigate counterparty credit risk, we transact only with counterparties that are rated as investment grade or higher and monitor all counterparties on a continuous basis.
	The carrying values of our accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of our Term Loan, based upon the current market rates for debt with similar credit risk and maturity, approximated its carrying value as interest is based upon LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin. Our Senior Notes are categorized within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and had a total fair value of approximately $753,700 at December 31, 2013, based upon the current market rates for debt with similar credit risk and maturities.
	Derivatives Disclosures
	Fair Value—The following table presents the total fair value by underlying risk and balance sheet classification for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
				Fair Value									Fair Value
		Balance Sheet		December 31,				December 31,				Balance Sheet	December 31,			December 31,
		Classification		2013				2012				Classification	2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
	Interest rate	Other current		$	3,772			$	—			Accrued and other	$	(2,233	)	$	—
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
	Foreign currency	Other current		861				628				Accrued and other	(853		)	(862		)
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
				$	4,633			$	628				$	(3,086	)	$	(862	)
	Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges
	Interest rate	Other current		$	—			$	—			Accrued and other	$	—		$	—
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
	Foreign currency	Other current		2,227				1,108				Accrued and other	(1,182		)	(4,707		)
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
				$	2,227			$	1,108				$	(1,182	)	$	(4,707	)
	Total fair value			$	6,860			$	1,736				$	(4,268	)	$	(5,569	)
	Master Netting Arrangements—Our derivatives are executed under International Swaps and Derivatives Association MNAs, which generally allow us and our counterparties to net settle, in a single net payable or receivable, obligations due on the same day, in the same currency and for the same type of derivative instrument. We have elected the option to record all derivatives on a gross basis in our Balance Sheet. The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 on a gross basis and a net settlement basis:
		Gross				Gross Amounts				Net Amounts			Gross Amounts Not Offset on						Net Amount
		Amounts				Offset on the				Presented on the			the Balance Sheet (iv)						(v) =160;(iii) - (iv)
		Recognized				Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet
		(i)				(ii)				(iii) =i) - (ii)			Financial			Cash
													Instruments			Collateral
																Received
	Derivatives
	Assets:
	Interest rate	$	3,772			$	—			$	3,772		$	—		$	—		$	3,772
	Foreign currency	3,088				—				3,088			(54		)	—			3,034
	Total assets	$	6,860			$	—			$	6,860		$	(54	)	$	—		$	6,806
	Liabilities:
Interest rate	$	(2,233	)		—				$	(2,233	)	—			—			(2,233		)
Foreign currency	(2,035		)		—				(2,035		)	54			—			(1,981		)
Total liabilities	$	(4,268	)		$	—			$	(4,268	)	$	54		$	—		$	(4,214	)
AOCI/Other—The following table presents the total value, by underlying risk, recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified from AOCI to interest expense (interest rate derivatives) and cost of revenue (foreign currency derivatives) during 2013 and 2012 for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective
	Derivative Portion
	Recognized in								Reclassified from
	OCI								AOCI into Earnings (1)
	Years Ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2013			2012
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	(278	)		$	—			$	(1,817	)	$	(1,341	)
Foreign currency	228				318				1,304			117
Total	$	(50	)		$	318			$	(513	)	$	(1,224	)
(1)	Net unrealized losses totaling $1,550 are anticipated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings during the next 12 months due to settlement of the associated underlying obligations.
The following table presents the total value, by underlying risk, recognized in cost of revenue for 2013 and 2012 for foreign currency derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges:
	Amount of Gain (Loss)
	Recognized in Earnings
	Years Ended December 31,
	2013				2012
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges
Foreign currency	2,607				(6,985		)
Total	$	2,607			$	(6,985	)

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS

RETIREMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
	RETIREMENT BENEFITS
	Defined Contribution Plans
	We sponsor multiple defined contribution plans for eligible employees with various features including voluntary pre-tax salary deferrals, matching contributions, and savings plan contributions in the form of cash or our common stock, to be determined annually. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we expensed $82,655 (including $31,035 associated with defined contribution plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition), $53,189 and $43,530, respectively, for these plans. In addition, we sponsor several other defined contribution plans that cover salaried and hourly employees for which we do not provide contributions. The cost of these plans was not significant to us in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
	We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees and provide specific health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired U.S. employees through health care and life insurance benefit programs. These plans may be changed or terminated by us at any time. The following tables provide combined information for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
			Pension Plans												Other Postretirement Plans
			2013				2012				2011				2013				2012				2011
	Service cost		$	6,795			$	3,862			$	4,020			$	1,244			$	1,124			$	966
	Interest cost		31,159				26,623				29,296				2,064				2,571				2,918
	Expected return on plan assets		(30,611		)		(23,856		)		(26,197		)		—				—				—
	Amortization of prior service credits		(466		)		(452		)		(489		)		(266		)		(269		)		(269		)
	Recognized net actuarial losses (gains)		4,555				2,718				1,152				(517		)		(348		)		(476		)
	Settlement/curtailment (1)		—				—				—				—				(2,841		)		—
	Net periodic benefit cost (2)		$	11,432			$	8,895			$	7,782			$	2,525			$	237			$	3,139
	Change in Benefit Obligation
			Pension Plans								Other Postretirement Plans
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	673,686			$	563,194			$	50,603			$	55,058
	Acquisition (2)		154,311				—				—				—
	Service cost		6,795				3,862				1,244				1,124
	Interest cost		31,159				26,623				2,064				2,571
	Actuarial loss (gain) (3)		15,767				89,165				(5,242		)		302
	Plan participants’ contributions		3,306				2,868				1,517				1,707
	Benefits paid		(34,672		)		(27,556		)		(3,549		)		(3,804		)
	Settlement/curtailment (1)		—				—				—				(6,493		)
	Currency translation		32,119				15,530				—				138
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	882,471			$	673,686			$	46,637			$	50,603
	Change in Plan Assets
			Pension Plans								Other Postretirement Plans
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Fair value at beginning of year		$	565,707			$	510,883			$	—			$	—
	Acquisition (2)		157,591				—				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		39,604				51,521				—				—
	Benefits paid		(34,672		)		(27,556		)		(3,549		)		(3,804		)
	Employer contributions (4)		18,908				14,865				2,032				2,097
	Plan participants’ contributions		3,306				2,868				1,517				1,707
	Currency translation		29,182				13,126				—				—
	Fair value at end of year		$	779,626			$	565,707			$	—			$	—
	Funded status		$	(102,845	)		$	(107,979	)		$	(46,637	)		$	(50,603	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Prepaid benefit cost within other non-current assets		$	19,675			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Accrued benefit cost within accrued liabilities		(3,284		)		(3,251		)		(3,139		)		(2,864		)
	Accrued benefit cost within other non-current liabilities		(119,236		)		(104,728		)		(43,498		)		(47,739		)
	Net funded status recognized		$	(102,845	)		$	(107,979	)		$	(46,637	)		$	(50,603	)
	Unrecognized net prior service credits		$	(2,026	)		$	(2,402	)		$	—			$	(266	)
	Unrecognized net actuarial losses (gains)		114,976				109,898				(17,419		)		(12,696		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes (5)		$	112,950			$	107,496			$	(17,419	)		$	(12,962	)
	(1)	The settlement/curtailment amounts were primarily associated with termination of benefits for our U.K. postretirement plan in 2012.
	(2)	The acquisition amounts include the benefit obligation and plan asset balances at the Acquisition Closing Date associated with pension plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition. Net periodic benefit cost for 2013 included income of $1,927 for the acquired Shaw plans from the Acquisition Closing Date through December 31, 2013.
	(3)	The actuarial loss for 2012 was primarily associated with a decrease in discount rate assumptions for our international pension plans.
	(4)	During 2014, we expect to contribute approximately $20,235 and $3,138 to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively.
	(5)	During 2014, we expect to recognize $483 and $3,870 of previously unrecognized net prior service pension credits and net actuarial pension losses, respectively.
	Accumulated Benefit Obligation—At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $868,230 and $661,291, respectively. The following table includes summary information for those defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Projected benefit obligation		$	758,452			$	673,686
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	744,211			$	661,291
	Fair value of plan assets		$	635,935			$	565,707
	Plan Assumptions—The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions used to measure our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:
			Pension Plans						Other Postretirement Plans
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31,
Discount rate		3.97	%		3.81	%		4.94	%		4.05	%
Rate of compensation increase (1)		2.78	%		3.9	%		n/a			n/a
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31,
Discount rate		3.95	%		4.82	%		4.05	%		4.85	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets (2)		4.45	%		4.4	%		n/a			n/a
Rate of compensation increase (1)		2.78	%		3.9	%		n/a			n/a
(1)	The rate of compensation increase relates solely to the defined benefit plans that factor compensation increases into the valuation.
(2)	The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was derived using historical returns by asset category and expectations of future performance.
Benefit Payments—The following table includes the expected defined benefit and other postretirement plan payments for the next 10 years:
		Pension				Other
						Postretirement
Year		Plans				Plans
2014		$	38,391			$	3,138
2015		$	38,347			$	3,303
2016		$	39,539			$	3,430
2017		$	45,870			$	3,484
2018		$	41,305			$	3,492
2019-2023		$	220,328			$	17,288
Plan Assets—Our investment strategy for defined benefit plan assets seeks to optimize the proper risk-return relationship considered appropriate for each respective plan’s investment goals, using a global portfolio of various asset classes diversified by market segment, economic sector and issuer. The primary goal is to optimize the asset mix to fund future benefit obligations, while managing various risk factors and each plan’s investment return objectives.
Our defined benefit plan assets in the U.S. are invested in a well-diversified portfolio of equities (including U.S. large, mid and small-capitalization and international equities) and fixed income securities (including corporate and government bonds). Non-U.S. defined benefit plan assets are similarly invested in well-diversified portfolios of equity, fixed income and other securities. At December 31, 2013, our target weighted-average asset allocations by asset category were: equity securities (35%-40%), fixed income securities (60%-65%), and other investments (0%-5%).
The following tables present the fair value of our plan assets by investment category and valuation hierarchy level as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		31-Dec-13
		Quoted Market				Internal Models				Internal Models				Total Carrying
		Prices In Active				With Significant				With Significant				Value On The
		Markets (Level 1)				Observable Market				Unobservable Market				Consolidated
						Parameters (Level 2)				Parameters (Level 3)				Balance Sheet
Asset Category
Equity Securities:
Global Equities		$	6,027			$	—			$	—			$	6,027
International Funds (a)		—				209,553				—				209,553
Emerging Markets Growth Funds		—				21,258				—				21,258
U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds		—				11,677				—				11,677
U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds		—				843				—				843
U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds		—				492				—				492
U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds		—				493				—				493
Fixed Income Securities:
Euro Government Bonds (b)		—				202,324				—				202,324
Euro Corporate Bonds (c)		—				82,096				—				82,096
U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds (d)		—				93,540				—				93,540
U.K. Corporate Bonds (e)		—				18,212				—				18,212
Other International Bonds (f)		—				69,820				—				69,820
U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds		—				2,741				—				2,741
Guaranteed Investment Contracts		—				852				—				852
Other Investments:
Commodities		—				10,920				—				10,920
Asset Allocation Funds (g)		—				48,778				—				48,778
Total Assets at Fair Value		$	6,027			$	773,599			$	—			$	779,626
		31-Dec-12
		Quoted Market				Internal Models				Internal Models				Total Carrying
		Prices In Active				With Significant				With Significant				Value On The
		Markets (Level 1)				Observable Market				Unobservable Market				Consolidated
						Parameters (Level 2)				Parameters (Level 3)				Balance Sheet
Asset Category
Equity Securities:
Global Equities		$	5,772			$	—			$	—			$	5,772
International Funds (a)		—				128,921				—				128,921
Emerging Markets Growth Funds		—				12,636				—				12,636
U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds		—				3,012				—				3,012
U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds		—				711				—				711
U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds		—				400				—				400
U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds		—				414				—				414
Fixed Income Securities:
Euro Government Bonds (b)		—				183,993				—				183,993
Euro Corporate Bonds (c)		—				90,620				—				90,620
U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds (d)		—				23,543				—				23,543
U.K. Corporate Bonds (e)		—				17,299				—				17,299
Other International Bonds (f)		—				56,194				—				56,194
U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds		—				2,315				—				2,315
Guaranteed Investment Contracts		—				918				—				918
Other Investments:
Commodities		—				9,578				—				9,578
Asset Allocation Funds (g)		—				29,381				$	—			29,381
Total Assets at Fair Value		$	5,772			$	559,935			$	—			$	565,707
The following provides descriptions for plan asset categories with significant balances in the tables above:
(a)	Investments in various funds that track international indices.
(b)	Investments in European Union government securities with credit ratings of primarily AAA.
(c)	Investments in European fixed interest securities with credit ratings of primarily BBB and above.
(d)	Investments predominantly in U.K. Treasury securities with credit ratings of primarily AAA.
(e)	Investments predominantly in U.K. fixed interest securities with credit ratings of primarily BBB and above.
(f)	Investments predominantly in various international fixed income obligations that are individually insignificant.
(g)	Investments in fixed income securities, equities and alternative asset classes, including commodities and property assets.
Our pension assets are categorized within the valuation hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Assets that are valued using quoted prices are classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy, assets that are valued using internally-developed models that use, as their basis, readily observable market parameters, are classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and assets that are valued based upon models with significant unobservable market parameters are classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
Health Care Cost Inflation—As noted above, we provide specific medical benefits for certain groups of retirees and their dependents in the U.S., subject to vesting requirements. Under our program in the U.S., certain eligible current and future retirees are covered by a defined fixed dollar benefit, under which our costs for each participant are fixed, based upon prior years of service of retired employees. Additionally, there is a closed group of U.S. retirees for which we assume some or all of the cost of coverage. For this group, health care cost trend rates are projected at annual rates ranging from 7.5% in 2014 down to 5.0% in 2018 and beyond. Under the U.S. program, since 2011, new employees are not eligible for post-retirement medical benefits. During 2012, benefits under our former U.K. plan were terminated.
Increasing (decreasing) the assumed health care cost trends by one percentage point for our U.S. program is estimated to increase (decrease) the total of the service and interest cost components of net postretirement health care cost for 2013 and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2013, as follows:
		1-Percentage-				1-Percentage-
		Point Increase				Point Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost		$	62			$	(56	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation		$	1,296			$	(1,163	)
Multi-Employer Pension Plans—We contribute to certain union sponsored multi-employer defined benefit pension plans, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Benefits under these plans are generally based upon years of service and compensation levels. Under U.S. legislation regarding such pension plans, the risks of participation are different than single-employer pension plans as (1) assets contributed to the plan by a company may be used to provide benefits to participants of other companies, (2) if a participating company discontinues contributions to a plan, other participating companies may have to cover any unfunded liability that may exist, and (3) a company is required to continue funding its proportionate share of a plan’s unfunded vested benefits in the event of withdrawal (as defined by the legislation) from a plan or plan termination. The following table provides additional information regarding our significant multi-employer defined benefit pension plans, including the funding level of each plan (or zone status, as defined by the Pension Protection Act), whether actions to improve the funding level of the plan have been implemented, where required (a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or rehabilitation plan (“RP”)), our contributions to each significant plan and total contributions for 2013, 2012 and 2011, among other disclosures:
		EIN/Plan		Plan Year End		Pension Protection				FIP/RP		Total Company Contributions (2)												Expiration
		Number								Plan (1)														Date of
						Act (% Funded) (1)																		Collective-
																								Bargaining
Pension Fund						2013		2012				2013				2012				2011				Agreement (5)
Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust (2)		48-6168020-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		$	20,549			$	6,910			$	5,748			17-Oct
Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund		52-6152779-001		30-Jun		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		3,336				—				—				Various
Twin City Carpenters and Joiners Pension Fund		41-6043137-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		2,752				1,665				1,714				15-May
National Electrical Benefit Fund		53-0181657-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		No		2,300				—				—				Various
Ironworkers Mid-American Pension Plan		36-6488227-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		No		2,073				—				—				Various
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150 Pension Fund		58-6116699-001		31-Dec		< 65%		< 65%		Yes		1,788				—				—				Various
Upstate New York Engineers Pension Fund		15-0614642-001		31-Mar		< 65%		< 65%		Yes		1,667				—				—				15-Mar
Central Laborers Pension Fund		37-6052379-001		31-Dec		< 65%		< 65%		Yes		1,609				—				—				Various
Minnesota Laborers Pension Plan (3)		41-6159599-001		31-Dec		Not		> 80%		No		1,444				745				866				15-May
						Available
Twin City Iron Workers Pension Plan		41-6084127-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		1,272				657				699				15-May
Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada)		366708		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		14,033				9,748				7,154				15-Apr
Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada)		546028		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		5,612				5,623				1,469				15-Apr
Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada)		555656		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		2,775				1,480				1,156				15-Apr
Alberta Carpenters Pension Fund (Canada)		381723		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		1,087				142				—				15-Apr
All Other (4)												36,698				423				644
												$	98,995			$	27,393			$	19,450
(1)	Pension Protection Act Zone Status and FIP/RP plans are applicable to our U.S.-registered plans only, as these terms are not defined within Canadian pension legislation. In the U.S., plans funded less than 65% are in the red zone, plans funded at least 65%, but less than 80% are in the yellow zone, and plans funded at least 80% are in the green zone. The requirement for FIP or RP plans in the U.S. is based on the funding level or zone status of the applicable plan.
(2)	Our 2013 contributions included $58,862 associated with plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition (including $10,072 of additional contributions to the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust). Additionally, our 2013 contributions as a percentage of total plan contributions were not available for any of our plans. For 2012, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada), the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) and the Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. For 2011, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada) and the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. The level of our contributions to each plan noted above varies from period to period based upon the level of work being performed that is covered under the applicable collective-bargaining agreement.
(3)	The funding level (zone status) for the Minnesota Laborers Pension Plan for the 2013 plan year was not available. However, based on total plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations, the plan was greater than 80% funded (green zone status) as of January 1, 2013.
(4)	Our remaining contributions are to various U.S. and Canadian plans, which are immaterial individually.
(5)	The expiration dates of our labor agreements associated with the Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund, National Electrical Benefit Fund, Ironworkers Mid-American Pension Plan, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150 Pension Fund and Central Laborers Pension Fund vary based upon the duration of the applicable projects.
We also contribute to our multi-employer plans for annuity benefits covered under the defined contribution portion of the plans as well as health benefits. We made contributions to our multi-employer plans of $102,025, $13,271 and $12,170 during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, for these additional benefits, including $82,313 in 2013 associated with plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Leases—Certain facilities and equipment, including project-related field equipment, are rented under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2035. Rent expense for operating leases was $147,100 (including $64,805 associated with operating leases acquired in the Shaw Acquisition), $76,880 and $73,835 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases having initial terms of one year or more are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2014	$	117,098
	2015	88,175
	2016	68,796
	2017	55,787
	2018	44,330
	Thereafter	134,773
	Total (1)	$	508,959
	(1)	Approximately $16,000 of minimum lease payments above are contractually recoverable through our cost-reimbursable projects.
	Certain lease agreements contain escalation provisions based upon specific future inflation indices which could impact the future minimum payments presented above. The costs related to leases with an initial term of less than one year have been reflected in rent expense but have been excluded from the future minimum payments presented above.
	Legal Proceedings—We have been and may from time to time be named as a defendant in legal actions claiming damages in connection with engineering and construction projects, technology licenses, other services we provide, and other matters. These are typically claims that arise in the normal course of business, including employment-related claims and contractual disputes or claims for personal injury or property damage which occur in connection with services performed relating to project or construction sites. Contractual disputes normally involve claims relating to the timely completion of projects, performance of equipment or technologies, design or other engineering services or project construction services provided by us. We do not believe that any of our pending contractual, employment-related personal injury or property damage claims and disputes will have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial position or cash flow. See Note 17 for additional discussion of claims associated with our projects.
	Asbestos Litigation—We are a defendant in lawsuits wherein plaintiffs allege exposure to asbestos due to work we may have performed at various locations. We have never been a manufacturer, distributor or supplier of asbestos products. Over the past several decades and through December 31, 2013, we have been named a defendant in lawsuits alleging exposure to asbestos involving approximately 5,300 plaintiffs and, of those claims, approximately 1,400 claims were pending and 3,900 have been closed through dismissals or settlements. Over the past several decades and through December 31, 2013, the claims alleging exposure to asbestos that have been resolved have been dismissed or settled for an average settlement amount of approximately two thousand dollars per claim. We review each case on its own merits and make accruals based upon the probability of loss and our estimates of the amount of liability and related expenses, if any. We do not believe that any unresolved asserted claims will have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial position or cash flow, and at December 31, 2013, we had approximately $3,600 accrued for liability and related expenses. With respect to unasserted asbestos claims, we cannot identify a population of potential claimants with sufficient certainty to determine the probability of a loss and to make a reasonable estimate of liability, if any. While we continue to pursue recovery for recognized and unrecognized contingent losses through insurance, indemnification arrangements or other sources, we are unable to quantify the amount, if any, that we may expect to recover because of the variability in coverage amounts, limitations and deductibles, or the viability of carriers, with respect to our insurance policies for the years in question.
	Environmental Matters—Our operations are subject to extensive and changing U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as the laws of other countries, that establish health and environmental quality standards. These standards, among others, relate to air and water pollutants and the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. We are exposed to potential liability for personal injury or property damage caused by any release, spill, exposure or other accident involving such pollutants, substances or wastes.
	In connection with the historical operation of our facilities, including those associated with acquired operations, substances which currently are or might be considered hazardous were used or disposed of at some sites that will or may require us to make expenditures for remediation. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify parties from whom we have purchased or to whom we have sold facilities for certain environmental liabilities arising from acts occurring before the dates those facilities were transferred.
	We believe we are in compliance, in all material respects, with environmental laws and regulations and maintain insurance coverage to mitigate our exposure to environmental liabilities. We do not believe any environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial position or cash flow. We do not anticipate we will incur material capital expenditures for environmental controls or for the investigation or remediation of environmental conditions during 2014 or 2015.
	Letters of Credit/Bank Guarantees/Surety Bonds—In the ordinary course of business, we may obtain surety bonds and letters of credit, which we provide to our customers to secure advance payment or our performance under our contracts, or in lieu of retention being withheld on our contracts. In the event of our non-performance under a contract and an advance being made by a bank pursuant to a draw on a letter of credit, the advance would become a borrowing under a credit facility and thus our direct obligation. Where a surety incurs such a loss, an indemnity agreement between the parties and us may require payment from our excess cash or a borrowing under our credit facilities. When a contract is completed, the contingent obligation terminates and the bonds or letters of credit are returned. At December 31, 2013, we had provided $1,640,520 of surety bonds and letters of credit to support our contracting activities in the ordinary course of business. This amount fluctuates based upon the mix and level of contracting activity.
	Insurance—We have elected to retain portions of future losses, if any, through the use of deductibles and self-insured retentions for our exposures related to third-party liability and workers’ compensation. Liabilities in excess of these amounts are the responsibilities of an insurance carrier. To the extent we are self-insured for these exposures, reserves (see Note 8) have been provided based upon our best estimates, with input from our legal and insurance advisors. Changes in assumptions, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause these estimates to change in the near term. We believe that reasonably possible losses, if any, for these matters, to the extent not otherwise disclosed and net of recorded reserves, will not have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial position or cash flow. At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding surety bonds and letters of credit of $87,328 relating to our insurance programs.
	Income Taxes—We provide income tax and associated interest reserves, where applicable, in situations where we have and have not received tax assessments. Tax and associated interest reserves are provided in those instances where we consider it more likely than not, that additional tax will be due in excess of amounts reflected in income tax returns filed worldwide. We continually review our exposure to additional income tax obligations and, as further information is known or events occur, changes in our tax and interest reserves may be recorded within income tax expense and interest expense, respectively.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Stock Held in Trust—From time to time, we grant restricted shares to key employees under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (see Note 15). Prior to 2010, restricted shares granted were transferred to a rabbi trust (the “Trust”), and the shares remaining in the Trust were held until the vesting restrictions lapse, at which time the shares were released from the Trust and distributed to the applicable employees. Beginning in 2010, restricted shares were no longer transferred to the Trust upon grant, but instead are distributed directly to the applicable employees upon vesting. At December 31, 2013, there were no restricted shares remaining in the Trust.
	Treasury Stock—Under Dutch law and our Articles of Association, we may hold no more than 10% of our issued share capital at any time.
	AOCI—As noted in the New Accounting Standards section of Note 2, additional AOCI disclosures are required, including (1) changes in AOCI balances by component and (2) significant items reclassified from AOCI into earnings. The following tables present changes in AOCI by component and reclassification of AOCI into earnings during 2013:
			Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Currency			Unrealized		Defined Benefit			Total
			Translation			Fair Value Of		Pension and Other
			Adjustment (1)			Cash Flow Hedges		Postretirement Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(21,843	)	$	296	$	(79,485	)	$	(101,032	)
	OCI before reclassifications		(24,737		)	836		1,129			(22,772		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			639		3,232			3,871
	Net OCI		(24,737		)	1,475		4,361			(18,901		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(46,580	)	$	1,771	$	(75,124	)	$	(119,933	)
	(1)	The currency translation adjustment component of AOCI was impacted during 2013 primarily by movements in the Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Euro exchange rates against the U.S. Dollar.
			Amounts
			Reclassified
	AOCI Components		From AOCI
	Unrealized Fair Value Of Cash Flow Hedges (1)
	Interest rate derivatives (interest expense)		$	1,817
	Foreign currency derivatives (cost of revenue)		(1,304		)
	Total, before taxes		$	513
	Taxes		126
	Total, net of taxes		$	639
	Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (2)
	Amortization of prior service credits		$	(732	)
	Recognized net actuarial losses		4,038
	Total, before taxes		$	3,306
	Taxes		(74		)
	Total, net of taxes		$	3,232
	(1)	See Note 11 for further discussion of our cash flow hedges, including the total value reclassified from AOCI to earnings.
	(2)	See Note 12 for further discussion of our defined benefit and other postretirement plans, including the components of net periodic benefit cost.
	Other—Changes in common stock, additional paid-in capital, stock held in trust and treasury stock during 2013 and 2012 primarily relate to activity associated with our stock-based compensation plans and share repurchases. Changes during 2013 also included the impact of 8,893 shares issued in connection with the Shaw Acquisition.

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS	'
	STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS
	General—Under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), we can issue shares to employees and directors in the form of stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs") or performance shares. This plan is administered by the Organization and Compensation Committee of our Board of Supervisory Directors, which selects those employees eligible to receive awards and determines the number of shares or options subject to each award, as well as the terms, conditions, performance measures, and other provisions of the award. Additionally, in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, we issued 8,893 shares of CB&I common stock, 1,362 CB&I stock-settled equity-based awards and 473 cash-settled equity-based awards. As discussed in Note 4, at the Acquisition Closing Date, unvested and unexercised stock-settled equity-based awards (including stock options and RSUs), and cash-settled equity-based awards (including RSUs and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”)), relating to shares of Shaw’s common stock were either canceled and converted into the right to receive the Acquisition Consideration (or the cash value thereof) or were converted into comparable CB&I stock-settled or cash-settled equity-based awards with generally the same terms and conditions as prior to the Acquisition Closing Date. Our cash-settled equity-based awards only relate to the unvested Shaw awards existing at the Acquisition Closing Date that were replaced with CB&I equivalent awards. We had no additional cash-settled equity-based grants during 2013. A description of awards issued in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition is further discussed within the award categories below.
	Compensation expense related to our Incentive Plan was $62,251 (including $8,650 of expense associated with the Shaw Acquisition), $39,526 and $33,969 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, we recognized $10,975 of expense within acquisition and integration related costs, primarily in the first quarter of 2013, as a result of accelerated vesting for terminated employees associated with the Shaw Acquisition. At December 31, 2013, 6,030 authorized shares remained available under the Incentive Plan for future stock option, restricted share or performance share grants.
	Under our employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), employees may make quarterly purchases of shares at a discount through regular payroll deductions for up to 8% of their compensation. The shares are purchased at 85% of the closing price per share on the first trading day following the end of the calendar quarter. Compensation expense related to our ESPP, representing the difference between the fair value on the date of purchase and the price paid, was $2,188, $1,474 and $1,329 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2013, 4,090 authorized shares remained available for purchase under the ESPP.
	Total stock-based compensation expense for the Incentive Plan and ESPP was $64,439, $41,000 and $35,298 during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2013, there was $63,901 of unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based grants, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
	We receive a tax deduction during the period in which certain options are exercised, generally for the difference in the option exercise price and the price of the shares at the date of exercise (“intrinsic value”). Additionally, we receive a tax deduction upon the vesting of RSUs and performance shares for the price of the shares at the date of vesting. The total recognized tax benefit based on our compensation expense was $25,123, $13,309 and $11,331 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The amount of tax deductions in excess of accumulated tax benefits recognized is reflected as a financing cash flow.
	Stock Options—Stock options are generally granted at the market value on the date of grant and expire after 10 years. Options granted to employees generally vest over a period ranging from three to seven years; however, Shaw stock options converted to CB&I stock options in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition continue to vest annually on a ratable basis over a four-year period from the original grant date. Total initial fair value for all option awards was determined based upon the calculated Black-Scholes fair value of each stock option at the date of grant (the Acquisition Closing Date for converted Shaw stock options) applied to the total number of options that were anticipated to fully vest. This fair value is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the estimated vesting period, subject to retirement eligibility expense acceleration, where applicable. The weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during 2013, all of which were Shaw stock options that were converted to CB&I stock options in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, was $20.05. There were no stock options granted during 2012, and the weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during 2011 was $20.53. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $23,546, $9,551 and $13,789, respectively. From the exercise of stock options in 2013, we received net cash proceeds of $24,452 and realized an actual income tax benefit of $7,721.
	The following table represents stock option activity for 2013:
			Number of		Weighted Average		Weighted Average	Aggregate
			Shares		Exercise Price		Remaining Contractual	Intrinsic
					per Share		Life (in Years)	Value
	Outstanding options at beginning of year		968		$	19.86
	Granted		1,081		$	38.53
	Exercised		(828	)	$	29.71
	Forfeited / Expired		(158	)	$	59.51
	Outstanding options at end of year (1)		1,063		$	25.26	4.5	$	61,342
	Exercisable options at end of year		859		$	23.65	4.3	$	51,079
	(1)	We estimate that 1,026 of these options will ultimately vest. These options have a weighted-average exercise price per share of $24.81, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 4.5 years and a current aggregate intrinsic value of $59,860.
	Using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the fair value of each option granted during 2013 and 2011 was estimated on the grant date based upon the following weighted-average assumptions:
			2013		2011
	Risk-free interest rate		0.16	%	2.85	%
	Expected dividend yield		0.38	%	0.59	%
	Expected volatility		50	%	69.65	%
	Expected life in years		5		6
	The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve on the grant date, expected dividend yield was based on dividend levels at the grant date, expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of our stock, and the expected life of options granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. We also use historical information to estimate option exercises and forfeitures.
	RSUs—Our Incentive Plan allows for the issuance of RSUs that may not be sold or otherwise transferred until certain restrictions have lapsed, which is generally over a four-year graded vesting period; however, unvested RSUs and certain cash units granted to Shaw employees subsequent to July 30, 2012, the date of the Acquisition Agreement, were converted to CB&I RSUs at the Acquisition Closing Date and continue to vest over the three-year period from the original grant date. Total initial fair value for our RSUs was determined based upon the market price of our stock at the grant date (the Acquisition Closing Date for Shaw awards converted to CB&I RSUs) applied to the total number of shares that we anticipate will fully vest. This fair value is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, subject to retirement eligibility expense acceleration, where applicable. RSUs granted to directors vest, and are recognized as compensation expense, over one year.
	The following table presents RSU activity for 2013:
			Shares		Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value per Share
	Nonvested RSUs
	Balance at beginning of year		1,195		$28.67
	Granted (1)		700		$52.98
	Vested		(948	)	$31.18
	Forfeited		(39	)	$48.81
	Balance at end of year		908		$43.94
	Directors’ RSUs
	Balance at beginning of year		27		$44.48
	Granted		18		$57.25
	Vested		(27	)	$44.48
	Balance at end of year		18		$57.25
	-1	Includes 281 RSUs granted in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition at a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $52.11.
	During 2012, 381 restricted shares (including 27 directors' shares subject to restrictions) were granted with a weighted-average grant date value per share of $44.22. During 2011, 466 restricted shares (including 22 directors’ shares subject to restrictions) were granted with a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $36.10. The total fair value of restricted shares that vested during 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $32,041, $32,212 and $25,208, respectively.
	Performance Shares—Our Incentive Plan allows for the issuance of performance share awards that are subject to achievement of specific Company performance goals and generally vest over three years. Total initial fair value for these awards is determined based upon the market price of our stock at the grant date applied to the total number of shares that we anticipate will fully vest. This fair value is expensed ratably over the vesting term, subject to retirement eligibility expense acceleration, where applicable. As a result of performance conditions being met during 2013, we recognized $31,017 of compensation expense. During 2013, 366 performance shares were granted with a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $57.40. During 2012, 301 performance shares were granted with a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $44.42. During 2011, 286 performance shares were granted with a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $36.15. During 2013, we distributed 667 performance shares upon vesting and achievement of certain performance goals. The total fair value of performance shares that vested during 2013 was $35,258.
	Cash-Settled Equity-Based Awards—In conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, we converted certain Shaw cash-settled equity-based awards into comparable CB&I awards, with generally the same terms and conditions as prior to the Acquisition Closing Date, including 307 unvested cash-settled RSUs and 166 cash-settled SARs (62 exercisable and 104 unvested SARs, with weighted-average exercise prices of $33.38 and $33.39, respectively and weighted-average remaining contractual lives of 7.5 years). Cash-settled RSUs allow the holder to receive cash equal to the value of the underlying RSUs at pre-determined vesting dates and they vest over a three-year period from the original grant date. Cash-settled SARs allow the holder to receive cash equal to the difference between CB&I’s equivalent exercise price and the market value of our stock on the exercise date, and they vest over a four-year period from the original grant date and expire ten years from the original grant date.
	Compensation cost for cash-settled RSUs and SARs is re-measured each reporting period and recognized as expense over the requisite service period. These awards are re-measured based on CB&I’s closing stock price on the last business day of each reporting period using a Black-Scholes valuation model.
	The following table presents cash-settled RSU activity for 2013:
			Shares		Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value per Share
	Nonvested Cash-Settled RSUs
	Balance at beginning of year		—		$	—
	Granted (1)		307		$52.11
	Vested		(111	)	$52.11
	Forfeited		(59	)	$52.11
	Balance at end of year		137		$52.11
	(1)	All cash-settled RSUs granted during 2013 were Shaw cash-settled RSUs that were converted to CB&I cash-settled RSUs in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition.
	Cash paid upon the vesting of cash-settled RSUs during 2013 totaled $7,575, and at December 31, 2013, the liability associated with nonvested cash-settled RSUs totaled $7,114.
	The following table presents cash-settled SAR activity for 2013:
			Number of		Weighted Average		Weighted Average	Aggregate
			Shares		Exercise Price		Remaining Contractual	Intrinsic
					per Share		Life (in Years)	Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year		—		$	—
Granted (1)		166		$	33.38
Exercised		(30	)	$	33.38
Forfeited / Expired		(18	)	$	33.38
Outstanding at end of year (2)		118		$	33.39	6.28	$	5,893
Exercisable at end of year		44		$	33.39	5.35	$	2,206
-1	The weighted-average fair value per share of SARs granted during 2013, all of which were Shaw SARs that were converted to CB&I SARs in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, was $33.38.
(2)	We estimate that 109 of these options will ultimately vest. These SARs have a weighted-average exercise price per share of $33.39, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.28 and a current aggregate intrinsic value of $5,422.
Using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the fair value of each SAR granted during 2013 was estimated on the grant date based upon a risk-free interest rate of 0.21%, an expected dividend yield of 0.38%, expected volatility of 50%, and an expected life of 3.7 years. Cash paid upon the vesting of cash-settled SARs during 2013 totaled $798, and at December 31, 2013, the liability associated with nonvested cash-settled SARs totaled $3,954.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Income Tax Expense—The following table presents the sources of income before taxes and income tax expense, by tax jurisdiction for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Sources of Income Before Taxes
	U.S.		$	170,641		$	126,438		$	115,693
	Non-U.S.		433,219			317,628			236,270
	Total		$	603,860		$	444,066		$	351,963
	Sources of Income Tax Expense
	Current income taxes
	U.S.—Federal (1)		$	(19,754	)	$	(28,327	)	$	(12,411	)
	U.S.—State		15,290			(5,532		)	(3,255		)
	Non-U.S.		(93,839		)	(51,645		)	(67,903		)
	Total current income taxes		(98,303		)	(85,504		)	(83,569		)
	Deferred income taxes
	U.S.—Federal		(7,098		)	(22,634		)	(19,667		)
	U.S.—State		(28,050		)	(953		)	(4,276		)
	Non-U.S.		42,181			(17,912		)	10,747
	Total deferred income taxes		7,033			(41,499		)	(13,196		)
	Total income tax expense		$	(91,270	)	$	(127,003	)	$	(96,765	)
	(1)	Tax benefits of $13,043, $17,963 and $14,618 associated with share-based compensation were recorded in additional paid-in capital in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at The Netherlands’ (our country of domicile) statutory rate to income tax expense for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Income tax expense at statutory rate (25.0% for 2013, 2012 and 2011)		$	(150,965	)	$	(111,016	)	$	(87,992	)
	U.S. state income taxes		(3,399		)	(3,659		)	(5,252		)
	Non-deductible meals and entertainment		(4,878		)	(2,750		)	(2,088		)
	Valuation allowance established		(13,952		)	(11,375		)	(11,351		)
	Valuation allowance utilized		96,664			7,814			14,182
	Tax exempt interest, net		416			2,973			2,765
	Statutory tax rate differential		(16,587		)	(7,717		)	2,773
	Branch and withholding taxes (net of tax benefit)		104			(16,940		)	(14,873		)
	Previously unrecognized tax benefit		—			13,169			—
	Noncontrolling interests		13,238			6,719			1,631
	Acquisition-related costs		(2,869		)	(2,757		)	—
	Manufacturer's production exclusion/R&D credit		3,106			1,451			39
	Contingent liability accrual		(2,667		)	2,205			5,053
	Other, net		(9,481		)	(5,120		)	(1,652		)
	Income tax expense		$	(91,270	)	$	(127,003	)	$	(96,765	)
	Effective tax rate		15.1		%	28.6		%	27.5		%
	Deferred Taxes—The principal temporary differences included in deferred income taxes reported on the December 31, 2013 and 2012 Balance Sheets were as follows:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Current Deferred Taxes
	Non-U.S. operating losses		$	6,610		$	41,811
	Contract revenue and cost		512,621			45,926
	Employee compensation and benefit plan reserves		29,397			14,028
	Legal reserves		6,009			1,293
	Other		27,854			(4,958		)
	Current deferred tax asset		$	582,491		$	98,100
	Less: valuation allowance		(32,291		)	(13,799		)
	Net current deferred tax asset		$	550,200		$	84,301
	Non-Current Deferred Taxes
	U.S. Federal operating losses and credits		$	178,859		$	28,186
	U.S. State operating losses and credits		58,791			220
	Non-U.S. operating losses		96,474			141,030
	Non-U.S. credits		3,621			3,621
	Contract revenue and cost		5,221			—
	Employee compensation and benefit plan reserves		26,497			23,738
	Pensions and other		21,504			28,639
	Insurance and legal reserves		28,398			5,531
	Disallowed interest		31,859			—
	Depreciation and amortization		(354,034		)	(117,844		)
Other		19,571			5,914
Non-current deferred tax asset		$	116,761		$	119,035
Less: valuation allowance		(78,595		)	(134,234		)
Net non-current deferred tax asset		$	38,166		$	(15,199	)
Net total deferred tax asset		$	588,366		$	69,102
At December 31, 2013, we had $1,194,900 of undistributed earnings that are permanently reinvested. With respect to tax consequences of repatriating our foreign earnings, distributions from our European Union subsidiaries to their Netherlands parent companies are not subject to taxation. Further, for our non-European Union companies and their subsidiaries and our U.S. companies, to the extent taxes apply, the amount of permanently reinvested earnings becomes taxable upon repatriation of assets from the subsidiary or liquidation of the subsidiary. We have accrued taxes on undistributed earnings that we intend to repatriate and we intend to permanently reinvest the remaining undistributed earnings in their respective businesses and, accordingly, have accrued no taxes on such amounts. The determination of any deferred tax liability related to permanently reinvested earnings is not practicable.
On a periodic and ongoing basis we evaluate our deferred tax assets ("DTA(s)") and assess the appropriateness of our valuation allowances. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the DTAs. If, based on the weight of available evidence, our assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that a DTA will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance. Our assessments include, among other things, the value and quality of our backlog, evaluations of existing and anticipated market conditions, analysis of recent and historical operating results and projections of future results, strategic plans and alternatives for associated operations, as well as asset expiration dates, where applicable.
At December 31, 2012, we had a recorded net operating loss ("NOL") DTA for our operations in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) of $21,900, net of a valuation allowance against $74,600 of U.K. NOL DTAs for which we believed it was more likely than not that the NOLs would not be utilized. The U.K. NOL DTA was recorded in 2007 and 2008 and related to losses incurred during those years on two large fixed-price projects that were completed in the first quarter of 2010. Prior to 2013, the negative evidence with respect to the uncertainty of future earnings for our U.K. operations out-weighed the positive evidence of recent periods of profitability, and therefore, we previously had no release of valuation allowance since the U.K. NOL DTA was recorded. However, during 2013 our current year results for the U.K. significantly exceeded our previous expectations, due primarily to growth on existing projects, new awards for 2013, and better recovery of fixed overhead costs, such that in 2013 we fully utilized our recorded U.K. NOL DTA, and accordingly, a release of valuation allowance was required. In determining the amount of valuation allowance to release, we gave consideration to the aforementioned factors, and more specifically, the heavily weighted positive evidence of the sustained U.K. operating results, including recent operating results significantly exceeding 2013 plan expectations, and a stronger than previously anticipated backlog and outlook for our U.K. operations as derived from our annual fourth quarter planning process. Based on this assessment, and considering the indefinite-lived nature of the U.K. NOLs, we concluded that the positive evidence now out-weighed the negative evidence with respect to realization of the unrecorded U.K. NOL DTA and determined it was more likely than not that the unrecorded U.K. NOL DTA was realizable. Therefore, in the fourth quarter of 2013, our full valuation allowance related to the U.K. NOL DTA was reversed, resulting in a decrease in tax expense of $62,800. If the factors upon which we based our assessment of realizability of the U.K. NOL DTA differ materially from our expectations, including future operating results being lower than our current estimates, our future assessments could be impacted and result in an increase in valuation allowance and increase in tax expense.
At December 31, 2013, we had total Non-U.S. net operating losses (“NOLs”) of $453,200, including $293,600 in the U.K. and $159,600 in other jurisdictions. We believe it is more likely than not that $153,800 of Non-U.S. NOLs in jurisdictions other than the U.K., will not be utilized and have placed a valuation allowance against these NOLs. Accordingly, at December 31, 2013, our net deferred tax asset (“DTA”) associated with Non-U.S. NOLs was $62,300. Excluding NOLs having an indefinite carryforward, principally in the U.K., the Non-U.S. NOLs will expire from 2014 to 2033.
At December 31, 2013, we had foreign tax credits ("FTCs") and other tax credits of $53,400 and $6,500, respectively. We believe it is more likely than not that the credits will be realized within the carryforward period.
At December 31, 2013, we had U.S. Federal NOLs of $339,900. Of the U.S. Federal NOLs, $18,400 were generated prior to 2013 and will expire in 2021. The remaining $321,500 of U.S. Federal NOLs will expire in 2033. We believe it is more likely than not that all of the U.S. Federal NOLs will be utilized. Accordingly, at December 31, 2013, our DTA associated with the U.S. Federal NOLs was $119,000.
At December 31, 2013, we had a DTA associated with U.S.-State NOLs of $58,800. We believe it is more likely than not that $54,500 of the U.S.-State NOL DTA, will not be utilized and accordingly, a valuation allowance has been placed against these U.S.-State NOLs, of which approximately $47,600 was recorded at the Acquisition Closing Date. The U.S.-State NOLs will expire from 2014 to 2033.
During 2013, our valuation allowance decreased by approximately $37,100, primarily due to an increase of approximately $47,600 recorded at the Acquisition Closing Date related to the aforementioned U.S.-State NOL DTAs, and approximately $14,000 primarly related to the establishment of valuation allowance for certain U.S.-State NOLs and NOLs for certain international operations, offset by the release of valuation allowance of $62,800 and $28,200, related to the aforementioned U.K. NOL DTA and FTCs, respectively, and approximately $7,700 related to changes in tax rates, the release of other valuation allowance and foreign exchange movements.
Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits—At December 31, 2013, our unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $14,281 and we do not anticipate significant changes in this balance in the next twelve months. If these income tax benefits are ultimately recognized, $11,142 would affect the effective tax rate as we are contractually indemnified for the remaining balances. The following is a reconciliation of our unrecognized income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
Unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the year		$	5,169		$	7,374
Increase as a result of:
Shaw Acquisition		6,445			—
Tax positions taken during the current period		3,333			1,530
Decreases as a result of:
Tax positions taken during prior periods		—			—
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(241		)	—
Settlements with taxing authorities		(425		)	(3,735		)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at the end of the year		$	14,281		$	5,169
We have operations, and are subject to taxation, in various jurisdictions, including significant operations in the U.S., The Netherlands, Canada, the U.K., Australia, South America and the Middle East. Tax years remaining subject to examination by worldwide tax jurisdictions vary by country and legal entity, but are generally open for tax years ending after 2005. To the extent penalties and associated interest are assessed on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts are accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense and interest expense, respectively. For 2013 and 2012, interest was not significant. However, in 2011, the net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits noted above resulted in a net reversal of associated accrued interest of approximately $3,900. For 2013, 2012, and 2011, penalties were not significant.

UNAPPROVED_CHANGE_ORDERS_AND_C

UNAPPROVED CHANGE ORDERS AND CLAIMS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contractors [Abstract]	'
UNAPPROVED CHANGE ORDERS AND CLAIMS	'
	UNAPPROVED CHANGE ORDERS, CLAIMS, INCENTIVES AND OTHER CONTRACT RECOVERIES
	We recognize revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims to the extent the related costs have been incurred, the value can be reliably estimated and recovery is probable, and we recognize revenue associated with incentive fees when the value can be reliably estimated and recovery is probable. In addition, we include in contract price amounts contractually recoverable from our customers and consortium partners.
	Nuclear Projects—We have consortium agreements (the “Consortium Agreements”) with WEC under which we have contracted with two separate customers (the “Customer Contracts”) for the construction of two nuclear power plants in Georgia (the “Georgia Nuclear Project”) and South Carolina (collectively with the Georgia Nuclear Project, the “Nuclear Projects”). The Nuclear Projects are reflected within our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance and Fabrication Services operating groups. Under the scope of work provided in each of the Consortium Agreements, WEC is primarily responsible for engineering and procurement activities associated with the nuclear island component of the Nuclear Projects, while we are responsible for engineering, procurement and fabrication for the balance of plant and substantially all of the construction activities for the Nuclear Projects. The Customer Contracts provide WEC and us contractual entitlement (“Customer Obligations”) for recovery of certain estimated costs in excess of contractually stipulated amounts. In addition to the aforementioned protections for us under the Customer Contracts, the Consortium Agreements also provide contractual entitlement for us to recover from WEC (“WEC Obligations”) certain estimated costs in excess of contractually stipulated amounts, to the extent not recoverable from our customers. Project price for the Nuclear Projects includes estimated amounts recoverable under the aforementioned Customer Obligations and WEC Obligations.
	We have unapproved change orders and claims with our customer for the Georgia Nuclear Project resulting from increased engineering, equipment supply, material and fabrication and construction costs resulting from regulatory-required design changes and delays in our customer’s obtaining the combined operating license (“COL”) for the project. Specifically, we have entered into a formal dispute resolution process on certain claims associated with the shield building, large structural modules and COL issuance delays. At December 31, 2013, we had approximately $838,600 included in project price related to the unapproved change orders and claims. To the extent we are unsuccessful recovering these amounts from our customer, the amounts are contractually recoverable under the aforementioned WEC Obligations. Through December 31, 2013, approximately $85,200 had been recognized as revenue on a cumulative POC basis related to the amounts included in project price. Although we have not reached resolution with our customer for the aforementioned matters, at December 31, 2013, we had received contractually required partial payments from our customer totaling approximately $96,500 related to the unapproved change order and claim amounts.
	We believe the amounts included in project price related to the unapproved change orders and claims, and the Customer Obligations and WEC Obligations, are recoverable under the aforementioned provisions of our contractual arrangements and reflect our best estimate of recovery amounts. The Nuclear Projects have long construction durations and the cost estimates cover costs that will be incurred over several years. It is anticipated that these commercial matters may not be resolved in the near term. If we do not resolve these matters for the amounts recorded, or to the extent we are not successful in recovering amounts contractually due under the Customer Obligations or WEC Obligations, or to the extent there are future cost increases on the Nuclear Projects that we cannot recover under either the Customer Obligations or WEC Obligations, it could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
	Other—We had additional unapproved change orders and claims included in project price totaling approximately $97,000 and $47,100 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to other projects within our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance and Fabrication Services operating groups, and incentives of approximately $49,200 at December 31, 2013 for projects in our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance and Government Solutions operating groups. Of these amounts, approximately $88,200 had been recognized as revenue on a cumulative POC basis through December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, we also had receivables outstanding for one of our large cost reimbursable projects totaling approximately $127,500 that are significantly past due. Although the amounts may not be received in the near term, the amounts are contractually due under the provisions of our contract. The aforementioned amounts recorded in project price and receivables reflect our best estimate of recovery amounts; however, the ultimate resolution and amounts received could differ from these estimates and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

SEGMENT_AND_RELATED_INFORMATIO

SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION	'
	SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
	Segment Information
	In conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, beginning in the first quarter of 2013, our management structure and internal and public segment reporting were aligned based upon the expanded services offered by the following four distinct operating groups, which represent our reportable segments:
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance—Engineering, Construction and Maintenance provides engineering, procurement, and construction for major energy infrastructure facilities, as well as comprehensive and integrated maintenance services. This segment includes our Oil and Gas segment (formerly our Project Engineering and Construction segment) and Shaw’s former Power and Plant Services segments. Revenue of approximately $265,200 and $22,400 and income from operations of approximately $24,200 and $2,200, during 2012 and 2011, respectively, for our large mechanical erection project in the Asia Pacific region we previously reported within our former Steel Plate Structures segment (currently within our Fabrication Services operating group) in the prior years and has been reclassified to our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance operating group to conform to its classification in the current year.
	Fabrication Services—Fabrication Services provides fabrication of piping systems, process and nuclear modules, and fabrication and erection of steel plate storage tanks and pressure vessels for the oil and gas, water and wastewater, mining, mineral processing and power generation industries. This segment includes our former Steel Plate Structures segment and Shaw’s former Fabrication and Manufacturing segment. As discussed above, the results of our large LNG mechanical erection project in the Asia Pacific region we previously reported within our former Steel Plate Structures segment are now reported within our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance operating group to conform to its classification in the current year.
	Technology—Technology provides licensed process technologies, catalysts, specialized equipment and engineered products for use in petrochemical facilities, oil refineries and gas processing plants, and offers process planning and project development services, and a comprehensive program of aftermarket support. The Technology segment primarily consists of our former Lummus Technology segment.
	Government Solutions—Government Solutions leads large, high-profile programs and projects, including design-build infrastructure projects, for federal, state and local governments, and provides full-scale environmental services for government and private sector clients, including remediation and restoration of contaminated sites, emergency response, and disaster recovery. The Government Solutions segment primarily consists of Shaw’s former Environmental and Infrastructure segment.
	Our Chief Executive Officer evaluates the performance of these operating groups based upon revenue and income from operations. Each operating group's income from operations reflects corporate costs, allocated based primarily upon revenue. Intersegment revenue is netted against the revenue of the segment receiving the intersegment services. For 2013, intersegment revenue totaled approximately $229,300, and primarily related to services provided by our Fabrication Services operating group to our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance operating group. Intersegment revenue for 2012 and 2011 was not significant.
	The following tables present total revenue, depreciation and amortization, equity earnings, income from operations, capital expenditures and tangible assets by reporting segment, and 2013 amounts include the results of the Shaw Acquisition:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Revenue
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	6,724,567		$	3,305,377		$	2,312,151
	Fabrication Services		2,575,597			1,692,533			1,789,817
	Technology		599,195			487,296			448,574
	Government Solutions		1,195,168			—			—
	Total revenue		$	11,094,527		$	5,485,206		$	4,550,542
	Depreciation And Amortization
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	70,926		$	16,722		$	18,548
	Fabrication Services		57,660			27,062			28,775
	Technology		24,267			22,637			22,861
	Government Solutions		27,173			—			—
	Total depreciation and amortization		$	180,026		$	66,421		$	70,184
	Equity Earnings
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	—		$	—		$	572
	Fabrication Services		248			—			—
	Technology		22,356			17,931			16,315
	Government Solutions		870			—			—
	Total equity earnings		$	23,474		$	17,931		$	16,887
	Income From Operations
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	328,919		$	168,467		$	93,826
	Fabrication Services		259,750			170,780			165,033
	Technology		156,835			127,396			96,338
	Government Solutions		34,741			—			—
	Total operating groups		$	780,245		$	466,643		$	355,197
	Acquisition and integration related costs		(95,737		)	(11,000		)	—
	Total income from operations		$	684,508		$	455,643		$	355,197
	Capital Expenditures
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	16,866		$	6,395		$	10,587
	Fabrication Services		38,529			36,963			22,311
	Technology		16,397			28,921			8,047
	Government Solutions		18,700			—			—
	Total capital expenditures		$	90,492		$	72,279		$	40,945
			December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Assets
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	5,111,251		$	1,907,455		$	1,210,379
	Fabrication Services		2,116,245			1,102,791			1,059,922
	Technology		1,077,414			1,319,429			1,009,048
	Government Solutions		1,084,683			—			—
	Total assets		$	9,389,593		$	4,329,675		$	3,279,349
	Geographic Information
	The following table presents total revenue by country for those countries with revenue in excess of 10% of consolidated revenue during a given year based upon the location of the applicable projects:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Revenue by Country
	United States		$	5,007,899		$	1,114,148		$	831,534
	Australia		1,574,253			666,688			351,081
	Colombia		1,035,450			917,553			694,565
	Canada		820,243			665,907			509,038
	Papua New Guinea		757,657			606,532			461,148
	Other (1)		1,899,025			1,514,378			1,703,176
	Total revenue		$	11,094,527		$	5,485,206		$	4,550,542
(1)	Revenue earned in other countries, including The Netherlands (our country of domicile), was not individually greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
Our long-lived assets are primarily goodwill, other intangible assets and property and equipment. At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, approximately 80%, 65% and 65% of these net assets were located in the U.S., respectively, while our remaining assets were strategically located throughout the world. Our long-lived assets attributable to operations in The Netherlands were not significant at December 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011.
Significant Customers
For 2013, revenue for a customer in our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance and Fabrication Services operating groups was $1,190,787 (approximately 11% of our total 2013 revenue). For 2012 and 2011, revenue for one of our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance customers was $914,970 (approximately 17% of our total 2012 revenue) and $690,923 (approximately 15% of our total 2011 revenue), respectively.

QUARTERLY_OPERATING_RESULTS_UN

QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	'
	QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
	The following table presents selected unaudited consolidated financial information on a quarterly basis for 2013 and 2012:
	Quarter Ended 2013 (1)
			March 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31 (3)
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue		$	2,251,429	$	2,850,791	$	2,992,050	$	3,000,257
	Gross profit		$	246,144	$	297,091	$	316,569	$	339,206
	Acquisition and integration related costs (2)		$	61,256	$	9,964	$	5,257	$	19,260
	Net income		$	42,872	$	119,700	$	132,963	$	217,055
	Net income attributable to CB&I		$	33,608	$	106,043	$	117,688	$	196,781
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—basic		$	0.33	$	0.99	$	1.1	$	1.83
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—diluted		$	0.32	$	0.98	$	1.08	$	1.8
	Quarter Ended 2012
			March 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue		$	1,201,267	$	1,299,529	$	1,446,942	$	1,537,468
	Gross profit		$	153,264	$	158,885	$	188,890	$	197,668
	Acquisition and integration related costs (2)		$	—	$	1,500	$	3,500	$	6,000
	Net income		$	60,974	$	72,844	$	86,253	$	96,992
	Net income attributable to CB&I		$	59,487	$	72,320	$	80,231	$	89,617
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—basic		$	0.61	$	0.75	$	0.83	$	0.93
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—diluted		$	0.6	$	0.74	$	0.82	$	0.91
	-1	The operating results of the Shaw Acquisition were included in our 2013 results of operations from the Acquisition Closing Date (February 13, 2013).
	(2)	For 2013 and 2012, acquisition-related costs primarily included transaction costs, professional fees, and change-in-control and severance-related costs associated with the Shaw Acquisition, while integration-related costs in 2013 primarily related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities and personnel relocation costs.
	(3)	Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Accounting And Principles Of Consolidation Policy [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Accounting and Consolidation—These Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all wholly-owned subsidiaries and those entities which we are required to consolidate, including those acquired as part of our acquisition of The Shaw Group, Inc. (“Shaw”) (the “Shaw Acquisition” or “the Acquisition”), as further described in Note 4. See the “Partnering Arrangements” section of this footnote for further discussion of our consolidation policy for those entities that are not wholly-owned. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Inventory balances at December 31, 2012 have been reclassified from other current assets to conform to our December 31, 2013 presentation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates—The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the most significant estimates and judgments are associated with revenue recognition for our contracts, including the recognition of incentive fees and unapproved change orders and claims; determination of fair value with respect to acquired tangible and intangible net assets; recoverability assessments that must be periodically performed with respect to long-lived tangible assets, goodwill and other intangible assets; valuation of deferred tax assets and financial instruments; the determination of liabilities related to self-insurance programs and income taxes; and consolidation determinations with respect to our partnering arrangements. If the underlying estimates and assumptions upon which our Financial Statements are based change in the future, actual amounts may differ from those included in the accompanying Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition—Our revenue is primarily derived from long-term contracts and is generally recognized using the percentage of completion (“POC”) method, primarily based on the percentage that actual costs-to-date bear to total estimated costs to complete each contract. We follow the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Revenue Recognition Topic 605-35 for accounting policies relating to our use of the POC method, estimating costs, and revenue recognition, including the recognition of incentive fees, unapproved change orders and claims, and combining and segmenting contracts. We primarily utilize the cost-to-cost approach to estimate POC as we believe this method is less subjective than relying on assessments of physical progress. Under the cost-to-cost approach, the use of estimated costs to complete each contract is a significant variable in the process of determining recognized revenue and is a significant factor in the accounting for contracts. Significant estimates that impact the cost to complete each contract are costs of engineering, materials, components, equipment, labor and subcontracts; labor productivity; schedule durations, including subcontract and supplier progress; liquidated damages; contract disputes, including claims; achievement of contractual performance requirements; and contingency, among others. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates during the progress of work is reflected in the period in which these changes become known, including, to the extent required, the reversal of profit recognized in prior periods and the recognition of losses expected to be incurred on contracts in progress. Due to the various estimates inherent in our contract accounting, actual results could differ from those estimates. Our backlog generally consists of several hundred contracts, and although our results are impacted by changes in estimated project margins, in 2013 and for the past several years, such aggregate variations have not resulted in a material net impact to our income from operations. Individual projects with significant changes in estimated margins resulted in a net reduction to income from operations of approximately $15,000 and $25,000 for 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Our long-term contracts are awarded on a competitive bid and negotiated basis and the timing of revenue recognition may be impacted by the terms of such contracts. We use a range of contracting options, including cost-reimbursable, fixed-price and hybrid, which has both cost-reimbursable and fixed-price characteristics. Fixed-price contracts, and hybrid contracts with a more significant fixed-price component, tend to provide us with greater control over project schedule and the timing of when work is performed and costs are incurred, and accordingly, when revenue is recognized. Cost-reimbursable contracts, and hybrid contracts with a more significant cost-reimbursable component, generally provide our customers with greater influence over the timing of when we perform our work, and accordingly, such contracts often result in less predictability with respect to the timing of revenue recognition. Contract revenue for our long-term contracts recognized under the POC method reflects the original contract price adjusted for approved change orders and estimated recoveries for incentive fees, unapproved change orders and claims. We recognize revenue associated with incentive fees when the value can be reliably estimated and recovery is probable. We recognize revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims to the extent the related costs have been incurred, the value can be reliably estimated and recovery is probable. Our recorded incentive fees, unapproved change orders and claims reflect our best estimate of recovery amounts; however, the ultimate resolution and amounts received could differ from these estimates. See Note 17 for additional discussion of our recorded unapproved change orders, claims, incentives and other contract recoveries.
	With respect to our engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC") services, our contracts are not segmented between types of services, such as engineering and construction, if each of the EPC components is negotiated concurrently or if the pricing of any such services is subject to the ultimate negotiation and agreement of the entire EPC contract. However, we segment an EPC contract if it includes technology or fabrication services and the technology or fabrication scope is independently negotiated and priced. In addition, an EPC contract including technology or fabrication services may be segmented if we satisfy the segmenting criteria in ASC 605-35. Revenue recorded in these situations is based on our prices and terms for similar services to third party customers. Segmenting a contract may result in different interim rates of profitability for each scope of service than if we had recognized revenue without segmenting. In some instances, we may combine contracts that are entered into in multiple phases, but are interdependent and include pricing considerations by us and the customer that are impacted by all phases of the project. Otherwise, if each phase is independent of the other and pricing considerations do not give effect to another phase, the contracts will not be combined.
	Cost of revenue for our long-term contracts includes direct contract costs, such as materials and labor, and indirect costs that are attributable to contract activity. The timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms, completion of certain phases of the work, or when services are provided. Cumulative costs and estimated earnings recognized to-date in excess of cumulative billings is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (“Balance Sheet”) as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. Cumulative billings in excess of cumulative costs and estimated earnings recognized to-date is reported on the Balance Sheet as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had billings to customers on our long-term contracts of $16,113,591 and $8,108,320, respectively, netted within costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and billings to customers of $25,436,810 and $10,797,749, respectively, netted within billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Any uncollected billed revenue, including contract retentions, is reported as accounts receivable. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accounts receivable included contract retentions of approximately $68,600 and $37,200, respectively. Contract retentions due beyond one year were not significant at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Revenue for our service contracts that do not satisfy the criteria for revenue recognition under the POC method is recorded at the time services are performed. Revenue associated with incentive fees for these contracts is recognized when earned. Unbilled receivables for our service contracts are recorded within accounts receivable and were $79,979 and $5,721 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Revenue for our pipe and steel fabrication and catalyst manufacturing contracts that are independent of an EPC contract, or for which we satisfy the segmentation criteria discussed above, is recognized upon shipment of the fabricated or manufactured units. During the fabrication or manufacturing process, all related direct and allocable indirect costs are capitalized as work in process inventory and such costs are recorded as cost of revenue at the time of shipment.
	Our billed and unbilled revenue may be exposed to potential credit risk if our customers should encounter financial difficulties, and we maintain reserves for specifically-identified potential uncollectible receivables. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, allowances for doubtful accounts were approximately $1,000 and $1,300, respectively.
Precontract Costs	'
	Precontract Costs—Precontract costs are generally charged to cost of revenue as incurred, but, in certain cases their recognition may be deferred if specific probability criteria are met. We had no significant deferred precontract costs at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development—Expenditures for research and development activities are charged to cost of revenue as incurred and were $27,071 in 2013, $27,606 in 2012 and $27,548 in 2011.
Other Operating Expense (Income), Net	'
	Other Operating Expense (Income), Net—Other operating expense (income), net, generally represents losses (gains) associated with the sale or disposition of property and equipment.
Acquisition and Integration-Related Costs	'
	Acquisition and Integration Related Costs—Our acquisition and integration related costs for 2013 totaled $95,737, while acquisition-related costs for 2012 totaled $11,000. Acquisition-related costs primarily included transaction costs, professional fees, and change-in-control and severance-related costs. Integration-related costs primarily related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities and personnel relocation costs.
Depreciation Expense	'
	Depreciation Expense—Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, including buildings and improvements (10 to 40 years) and plant and field equipment (1 to 15 years). Renewals and betterments that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the applicable lease term. Depreciation expense is primarily included within cost of revenue and was $118,915 in 2013 (including $75,059 associated with property and equipment acquired in the Shaw Acquisition), $43,808 in 2012 and $43,882 in 2011. See Note 8 for disclosure of the components of property and equipment.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—Goodwill is not amortized to earnings, but instead is reviewed for impairment at least annually at our reporting unit level, absent any indicators of impairment. Our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance operating group includes three reporting units, our Fabrication Services operating group includes two reporting units, and our Technology and Government Solutions operating groups each represent a reporting unit. We perform our annual impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of each year based upon balances as of the beginning of that year’s fourth quarter. As part of our annual impairment assessment, in the fourth quarter of 2013, we performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill for each of our reporting units. We utilized an income approach (discounted cash flow method) to value our reporting units and test for impairment as we believe this is the most direct approach to incorporate the specific economic attributes and risk profiles of our reporting units into our valuation model. This is consistent with the methodology used for our annual impairment assessment in previous years. We generally do not utilize a market approach given the difficulty in identifying relevant market transactions and the volatility of markets from which transactions are derived. Based upon this quantitative assessment, no impairment charge was necessary during 2013, as the fair value of each of the reporting units acquired in 2013 exceeded their respective net book value and the fair value of all other reporting units significantly exceeded their respective net book values. If, based on future assessments, our goodwill is deemed to be impaired, the impairment would result in a charge to earnings in the year of impairment.
	We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis with lives ranging from 2 to 20 years, absent any indicators of impairment. We review tangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If a recoverability assessment is required, the estimated future cash flow associated with the asset or asset group will be compared to the asset's carrying amount to determine if impairment exists. We noted no indicators of impairment in 2013 or 2012. See Note 6 for further discussion regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.
Earnings Per Share ("EPS")	'
	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)—Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to CB&I by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of dilutive securities, consisting of restricted shares, performance shares (where performance criteria have been met), stock options and directors’ deferred-fee shares. See Note 3 for calculations associated with basic and diluted EPS.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents are considered to be all highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less.
Inventory	'
	Inventory—Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market and cost is determined using the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) or weighted-average cost method. The cost of inventory includes acquisition costs, production or conversion costs, and other costs incurred to bring the inventory to a current location and condition. An allowance for excess or inactive inventory is recorded based upon an analysis that considers current inventory levels, historical usage patterns, estimates of future sales expectations and salvage value. See Note 5 for additional disclosures associated with our inventory.
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency—The nature of our business activities involves the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The effects of translating financial statements of foreign operations into our reporting currency are recognized as a cumulative translation adjustment in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (“AOCI”) which is net of tax, where applicable. Foreign currency exchange gains (losses) are included within cost of revenue and were immaterial in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments—We utilize derivative instruments in certain circumstances to mitigate the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, as described below:
	•	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives—We do not engage in currency speculation; however, we do utilize foreign currency exchange rate derivatives on an on-going basis to hedge against certain foreign currency-related operating exposures. We generally seek hedge accounting treatment for contracts used to hedge operating exposures and designate them as cash flow hedges. Therefore, gains and losses, exclusive of credit risk and forward points (which represent the time-value component of the fair value of our derivative positions), are included in AOCI until the associated underlying operating exposure impacts our earnings. Changes in the fair value of (1) credit risk and forward points, (2) instruments deemed ineffective during the period, and (3) instruments that we do not designate as cash flow hedges are recognized within cost of revenue.
	•	Interest Rate Derivatives—On February 28, 2013, we entered into a swap arrangement to hedge against interest rate variability associated with $505,000 of our $1,000,000 unsecured term loan (the “Term Loan”). The swap arrangement has been designated as a cash flow hedge as its critical terms matched those of the Term Loan at inception and through December 31, 2013. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap arrangement are included in AOCI until the associated underlying exposure impacts our earnings.
	For those contracts designated as cash flow hedges, we document all relationships between the derivative instruments and associated hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives to specific firm commitments or highly-probable forecasted transactions. We continually assess, at inception and on an on-going basis, the effectiveness of derivative instruments in offsetting changes in the cash flow of the designated hedged items. Hedge accounting designation is discontinued when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flow of the hedged item, including firm commitments or forecasted transactions, (2) the derivative is sold, terminated, exercised, or expires, (3) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, or (4) we determine that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. See Note 11 for additional discussion of our financial instruments.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes—Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis using currently enacted income tax rates for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The final realization of deferred tax assets depends upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate character and in the appropriate jurisdictions.
	We provide income tax and associated interest reserves, where applicable, in situations where we have and have not received tax assessments. Tax and associated interest reserves are provided in those instances where we consider it more likely than not that additional tax will be due in excess of amounts reflected in income tax returns filed worldwide. We continually review our exposure to additional income tax obligations and, as further information is known or events occur, changes in our tax and interest reserves may be recorded within income tax expense and interest expense, respectively. See Note 16 for additional discussion of our income taxes.
Partnering Arrangements	'
	Partnering Arrangements—In the ordinary course of business, we execute specific projects and conduct certain operations through joint venture, consortium and other collaborative arrangements (collectively referred to as "venture(s)"). We have various ownership interests in these ventures, with such ownership typically being proportionate to our decision-making and distribution rights. The ventures generally contract directly with the third party customer; however, services may be performed directly by the ventures, or may be performed by us or our partners, or a combination thereof.
	Venture net assets consist primarily of cash, working capital and property and equipment, and assets may be restricted from being used to fund obligations outside of the venture. These ventures typically have limited third-party debt or have debt that is non-recourse in nature; however, they may provide for capital calls to fund operations or require participants in the venture to provide additional financial support, including advance payment or retention letters of credit.
	Each venture is assessed at inception and on an ongoing basis as to whether it qualifies as a VIE under the consolidations guidance in ASC 810. A venture generally qualifies as a VIE when it (1) meets the definition of a legal entity, (2) absorbs the operational risk of the projects being executed, creating a variable interest, and (3) lacks sufficient capital investment from the partners, potentially resulting in the venture requiring additional subordinated financial support, if necessary, to finance its future activities.
	If at any time a venture qualifies as a VIE, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore, need to consolidate the VIE. We are the primary beneficiary if we have (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the VIE and (2) the right to receive benefits from, and obligation to absorb losses of, the VIE. If the venture is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary, or we otherwise have the ability to control the venture, we consolidate the venture. If we are not determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, or only have the ability to significantly influence, rather than control the venture, we do not consolidate the venture. We account for unconsolidated ventures using the equity method or proportionate consolidation. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no material proportionately consolidated ventures. See Note 7 for additional discussion of our material partnering arrangements.
New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Standards—In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-01, which requires companies to disclose additional information about derivative instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements (“MNAs”). See Note 11 for our applicable disclosures.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, which requires companies to disclose additional information about AOCI, including changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified from AOCI into earnings. See Note 14 for our applicable disclosures.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Basic Shares Outstanding to Diluted Shares Outstanding and Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS	'
	A reconciliation of weighted average basic shares outstanding to weighted average diluted shares outstanding and the computation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Net income attributable to CB&I	$	454,120	$	301,655	$	255,032
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic (1)	105,935		96,633		98,022
	Effect of restricted shares/performance shares/stock options (2)	1,447		1,528		2,115
	Effect of directors’ deferred-fee shares	70		70		68
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted	107,452		98,231		100,205
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share:
	Basic	$	4.29	$	3.12	$	2.6
	Diluted	$	4.23	$	3.07	$	2.55
	(1) 2013 includes the impact of 8,893 shares issued in connection with the Shaw Acquisition.
	(2) Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted EPS were not material for 2013, 2012 or 2011.

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS - (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Summary of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation of Shaw Net Assets Acquired At Acquisition Closing Date	'
	The following table summarizes our final purchase price allocation at the Acquisition Closing Date:
	Net tangible assets:
	Unrestricted cash	$	1,137,927
	Inventory	272,172
	Other current assets	615,804
	Property and equipment	536,888
	Other non-current assets	68,881
	Deferred income taxes, net (1)	543,479
	Westinghouse obligations, net (2)	(44,793		)
	Contracts in progress, net (3)	(2,317,471		)
	Accounts payable	(546,465		)
	Other current liabilities	(466,129		)
	Other non-current liabilities	(216,953		)
	Total net tangible assets	(416,660		)
	Intangible assets: (4)
	Backlog and customer relationships	375,200
	Tradenames	73,800
	Other	11,200
	Total intangible assets	460,200
	Goodwill (5)	3,296,530
	Total purchase price	3,340,070
	Unrestricted cash acquired	(1,137,927		)
	Total purchase price, net of unrestricted cash acquired	$	2,202,143
	(1)	Deferred Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes represent deferred taxes recorded in connection with our purchase price allocation and include $736,490 of deferred tax assets and $193,011 of deferred tax liabilities.
	(2)	Westinghouse Obligations—Westinghouse obligations represent the net obligation we acquired associated with Shaw’s investment in Westinghouse and includes $1,380,086 of bond obligations less $1,335,293 of acquired restricted cash that was used to settle a portion of the bond obligation. See Note 10 for further discussion.
	(3)	Contracts in Progress—Included in contracts in progress is a margin fair value adjustment of approximately $745,500 associated with acquired long-term contracts that were less than fair value at the Acquisition Closing Date. This margin fair value adjustment will be included in revenue on a POC basis as the applicable projects progress over approximately five to six years.
	(4)	Intangible Assets—Acquired intangible assets totaled $460,200 and primarily consist of backlog, customer relationships and tradenames and are amortized on a straight-line basis. Backlog and customer relationships represent the fair value of existing contracts and the underlying customer relationships and have lives ranging from 2 to 20 years (weighted average lives of approximately 16 years). The fair value of acquired tradenames have lives ranging from 6 to 10 years (weighted average lives of approximately 9 years), while our other intangible assets, primarily consisting of the fair value of technologies, have a life of 15 years. Our total acquired intangible assets have weighted average lives of approximately 15 years. During 2013, amortization for these intangible assets totaled approximately $42,000.
	(5)	Goodwill—Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the underlying acquired net tangible and intangible assets. The factors contributing to our goodwill balance include the acquired established workforce and estimated future cost savings and revenue synergies associated with our combined operations. Of the $3,296,530 of total goodwill recorded in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, approximately $44,200 is deductible for tax purposes and is associated with the remaining portion of goodwill previously deductible by Shaw. See Note 6 for an allocation of acquired goodwill to each operating group.
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Pro forma revenue	$	11,583,997		$	10,858,142
	Pro forma net income attributable to CB&I	$	529,942		$	354,908
	Pro forma net income attributable to CB&I per share:
	Basic	$	4.95		$	3.36
	Diluted	$	4.88		$	3.31

INVENTORY_Tables

INVENTORY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventory	'
	The components of inventory at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	184,586	$	11,870
	Work in process	31,764		1,360
	Finished goods	86,637		19,089
	Total (1)	$	302,987	$	32,319
	-1	Our December 31, 2013 inventory balance includes $271,443 associated with the Shaw Acquisition.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Change in Goodwill by Business Sector	'
	he change in goodwill by reporting segment for 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Engineering, Construction and Maintenance			Fabrication Services				Technology			Government Solutions				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	444,425		$	48,320			$	433,648		$	—			$	926,393
	Foreign currency translation	5,019			—				—			—				5,019
	Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	(1,793		)	(96		)		(2,812		)	—				(4,701		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	447,651		$	48,224			$	430,836		$	—			$	926,711
	Shaw Acquisition (Note 4)	2,315,340			497,368				—			483,822				3,296,530
	Foreign currency translation	9,859			—				—			—				9,859
	Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	(4,135		)	(318		)		(2,179		)	—				(6,632		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,768,715		$	545,274			$	428,657		$	483,822			$	4,226,468
	A
Finite- Lived Intangible Assets Balances Including Weighted- Average Useful Lives	'
	The following table provides a summary of our acquired finite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, including weighted-average useful lives for each major intangible asset class and in total:
			31-Dec-13							31-Dec-12
			Gross			Accumulated				Gross			Accumulated
			Carrying			Amortization				Carrying			Amortization
			Amount							Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets (weighted average life)
	Backlog and customer relationships (16 years)		$	380,586		$	(33,735	)		$	—		$	—
	Process technologies (15 years)		295,726			(90,282		)		228,304			(71,391		)
	Tradenames (10 years)		86,042			(11,126		)		10,417			(2,659		)
	Lease agreements (6 years)		7,718			(7,627		)		7,409			(6,599		)
	Non-compete agreements (7 years)		3,012			(2,591		)		2,929			(2,102		)
	Total (15 years) (1)		$	773,084		$	(145,361	)		$	249,059		$	(82,751	)
	(1)	The increase in intangibles during 2013 primarily relates to approximately $460,200 of intangibles acquired in connection with the Shaw Acquisition and approximately $60,800 acquired in connection with our acquisition of E-Gas (both as further discussed in Note 4), partially offset by amortization expense. Amortization expense for our intangibles existing at December 31, 2013 is anticipated to be approximately $67,400, $62,100, $55,700, $46,600 and $45,000 for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

PARTNERING_ARRANGEMENTS_Tables

PARTNERING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Variable Interest Entities	'
	The following table presents summarized balance sheet information for our consolidated VIEs:
			31-Dec-13		December 31, 2012
	CBI/Kentz
	Current assets		$	156,974	$	82,421
	Current liabilities		$	72,741	$	39,276
	CBI/Clough
	Current assets		$	122,179	$	145,666
	Current liabilities		$	48,933	$	79,523
	CBI/AREVA
	Current assets		$	34,547	$	—
	Current liabilities		$	98,478	$	—
	All Other (1)
	Current assets		$	83,370	$	24,536
	Non-current assets		$	24,802	$	—
	Total assets		$	108,172	$	24,536
	Current liabilities		$	26,879	$	28,339
	(1)	Other ventures that we consolidate due to their designation as VIEs are not individually material and are therefore aggregated as "All Other".

SUPPLEMENTAL_BALANCE_SHEET_DET1

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET DETAIL (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Components Of Property And Equipment Accrued Liabilities And Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Components of Property and Equipment, Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities	'
	The components of property and equipment, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Components of Property and Equipment
	Land and improvements		$	90,884		$	59,090
	Buildings and improvements		360,720			167,593
	Plant, field equipment and other		733,089			378,749
	Total property and equipment		1,184,693			605,432
	Accumulated depreciation		(395,896		)	(319,561		)
	Property and equipment, net (1)		$	788,797		$	285,871
	Components of Accrued Liabilities
	Payroll-related obligations		$	336,889		$	168,404
	Income taxes payable		91,049			29,714
	Self-insurance, retention and other reserves		24,575			4,447
	Pension obligations		3,284			3,251
	Postretirement medical benefit obligations		3,139			2,864
	Other (2)		240,570			146,020
	Accrued liabilities (1)		$	699,506		$	354,700
	Components of Other Non-Current Liabilities
	Pension obligations		$	119,236		$	104,728
	Postretirement medical benefit obligations		43,498			47,739
	Self-insurance, retention and other reserves		51,848			17,605
	Income tax reserves		14,281			5,169
	Other (3)		158,692			97,202
	Other non-current liabilities (1)		$	387,555		$	272,443
	(1)	Our December 31, 2013 property and equipment, net, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities balances included $491,327, $227,576, and $65,146, respectively, associated with the Shaw Acquisition.
	(2)	Represents various accruals that are each individually less than 5% of total current liabilities, including accruals for non-contract payables, operating lease obligations, country-specific employee benefits, derivatives, and medical and legal obligations.
	(3)	Represents various accruals that are each individually less than 5% of total liabilities, including accruals for taxes, operating lease obligations, deferred rent, and country-specific employee benefits.

FACILITY_REALIGNMENT_AND_CHANG1

FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Related Costs	'
	The following table summarizes the movements in the facility realignment and change-in-control liabilities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Beginning Balance		$	12,752		$	15,278
	Charges (1)		6,804			2,581
	Shaw Acquisition-related obligations		37,000			—
	Cash payments		(44,472		)	(5,119		)
	Foreign exchange and other		27			12
	Ending Balance (2)		$	12,111		$	12,752
	(1)	During 2013, charges of $6,804 were recognized within acquisition and integration related costs related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities in our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance and Technology operating groups. During 2012, charges of $2,581 were recognized within cost of revenue for facilities in our Fabrication Services operating group.
	(2)	Future cash payments for our obligation at December 31, 2013, are anticipated to be approximately $3,800, $4,200, $900, $600 and $500 in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Outstanding Debt	'
	Our outstanding debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Current
	Revolving facility debt	$	115,000		$	—
	Current maturities of term loan	100,000			—
	Current debt	$	215,000		$	—
	Long-Term
	Term Loan: $1,000,000 term loan (interest at LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin)	925,000			—
	Senior Notes: $800,000 senior notes, series A-D (fixed interest ranging from 4.15% to 5.30%)	800,000			800,000
	Less: current maturities of term loan	(100,000		)	—
	Long-term debt	$	1,625,000		$	800,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value	'
	The following table presents the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, foreign currency exchange rate derivatives and interest rate derivatives at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, by valuation hierarchy and balance sheet classification:
		31-Dec-13														31-Dec-12
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	420,502			$	—			$	—		$	420,502		$	643,395		$	—		$	—	$	643,395
	Restricted cash	—				—				—			—			800,000			—			—		800,000
	Derivatives (1)
	Other current assets	—				2,155				—			2,155			—			1,731			—		1,731
	Other non-current assets	—				4,705				—			4,705			—			5			—		5
	Total assets at fair value	$	420,502			$	6,860			$	—		$	427,362		$	1,443,395		$	1,736		$	—	$	1,445,131
	Liabilities
	Derivatives
	Accrued liabilities	$	—			$	(3,818	)		$	—		$	(3,818	)	$	—		$	(5,072	)	$	—	$	(5,072	)
	Other non-current liabilities	—				(450		)		—			(450		)	—			(497		)	—		(497		)
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—			$	(4,268	)		$	—		$	(4,268	)	$	—		$	(5,569	)	$	—	$	(5,569	)
	(1)	We are exposed to credit risk on our hedging instruments associated with potential counterparty non-performance, and the fair value of our derivatives reflects this credit risk. The total level 2 assets at fair value above represent the maximum loss that we would incur on our outstanding hedges if the applicable counterparties failed to perform according to the hedge contracts. To help mitigate counterparty credit risk, we transact only with counterparties that are rated as investment grade or higher and monitor all counterparties on a continuous basis.
Total Fair Value by Underlying Risk and Balance Sheet Classification	'
	The following table presents the total fair value by underlying risk and balance sheet classification for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
				Fair Value									Fair Value
		Balance Sheet		December 31,				December 31,				Balance Sheet	December 31,			December 31,
		Classification		2013				2012				Classification	2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
	Interest rate	Other current		$	3,772			$	—			Accrued and other	$	(2,233	)	$	—
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
	Foreign currency	Other current		861				628				Accrued and other	(853		)	(862		)
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
				$	4,633			$	628				$	(3,086	)	$	(862	)
	Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges
	Interest rate	Other current		$	—			$	—			Accrued and other	$	—		$	—
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
	Foreign currency	Other current		2,227				1,108				Accrued and other	(1,182		)	(4,707		)
		and non-current										non-current
		assets										liabilities
				$	2,227			$	1,108				$	(1,182	)	$	(4,707	)
	Total fair value			$	6,860			$	1,736				$	(4,268	)	$	(5,569	)
Schedule Of Derivative Assets And Liabilities On Gross And Net Settlement Basis Table	'
	The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 on a gross basis and a net settlement basis:
		Gross				Gross Amounts				Net Amounts			Gross Amounts Not Offset on						Net Amount
		Amounts				Offset on the				Presented on the			the Balance Sheet (iv)						(v) =160;(iii) - (iv)
		Recognized				Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet
		(i)				(ii)				(iii) =i) - (ii)			Financial			Cash
													Instruments			Collateral
																Received
	Derivatives
	Assets:
	Interest rate	$	3,772			$	—			$	3,772		$	—		$	—		$	3,772
	Foreign currency	3,088				—				3,088			(54		)	—			3,034
	Total assets	$	6,860			$	—			$	6,860		$	(54	)	$	—		$	6,806
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate	$	(2,233	)		—				$	(2,233	)	—			—			(2,233		)
	Foreign currency	(2,035		)		—				(2,035		)	54			—			(1,981		)
	Total liabilities	$	(4,268	)		$	—			$	(4,268	)	$	54		$	—		$	(4,214	)
Total Value, by Underlying Risk, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Interest Expense and Cost of Revenue	'
	The following table presents the total value, by underlying risk, recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified from AOCI to interest expense (interest rate derivatives) and cost of revenue (foreign currency derivatives) during 2013 and 2012 for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
		Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective
		Derivative Portion
		Recognized in								Reclassified from
		OCI								AOCI into Earnings (1)
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
	Interest rate	$	(278	)		$	—			$	(1,817	)	$	(1,341	)
	Foreign currency	228				318				1,304			117
	Total	$	(50	)		$	318			$	(513	)	$	(1,224	)
	(1)	Net unrealized losses totaling $1,550 are anticipated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings during the next 12 months due to settlement of the associated underlying obligations.
Total Value Recognized in Cost of Revenue for Derivatives which Do Not Seek Hedge Accounting Treatment, by Underlying Risk	'
	The following table presents the total value, by underlying risk, recognized in cost of revenue for 2013 and 2012 for foreign currency derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges:
		Amount of Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in Earnings
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013				2012
	Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges
	Foreign currency	2,607				(6,985		)
	Total	$	2,607			$	(6,985	)

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Tables

RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The following tables provide combined information for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
			Pension Plans												Other Postretirement Plans
			2013				2012				2011				2013				2012				2011
	Service cost		$	6,795			$	3,862			$	4,020			$	1,244			$	1,124			$	966
	Interest cost		31,159				26,623				29,296				2,064				2,571				2,918
	Expected return on plan assets		(30,611		)		(23,856		)		(26,197		)		—				—				—
	Amortization of prior service credits		(466		)		(452		)		(489		)		(266		)		(269		)		(269		)
	Recognized net actuarial losses (gains)		4,555				2,718				1,152				(517		)		(348		)		(476		)
	Settlement/curtailment (1)		—				—				—				—				(2,841		)		—
	Net periodic benefit cost (2)		$	11,432			$	8,895			$	7,782			$	2,525			$	237			$	3,139
Change in Benefit Obligation	'
	Change in Benefit Obligation
			Pension Plans								Other Postretirement Plans
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	673,686			$	563,194			$	50,603			$	55,058
	Acquisition (2)		154,311				—				—				—
	Service cost		6,795				3,862				1,244				1,124
	Interest cost		31,159				26,623				2,064				2,571
	Actuarial loss (gain) (3)		15,767				89,165				(5,242		)		302
	Plan participants’ contributions		3,306				2,868				1,517				1,707
	Benefits paid		(34,672		)		(27,556		)		(3,549		)		(3,804		)
	Settlement/curtailment (1)		—				—				—				(6,493		)
	Currency translation		32,119				15,530				—				138
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	882,471			$	673,686			$	46,637			$	50,603
Change in Plan Assets	'
	Change in Plan Assets
			Pension Plans								Other Postretirement Plans
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Fair value at beginning of year		$	565,707			$	510,883			$	—			$	—
	Acquisition (2)		157,591				—				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		39,604				51,521				—				—
	Benefits paid		(34,672		)		(27,556		)		(3,549		)		(3,804		)
	Employer contributions (4)		18,908				14,865				2,032				2,097
	Plan participants’ contributions		3,306				2,868				1,517				1,707
	Currency translation		29,182				13,126				—				—
	Fair value at end of year		$	779,626			$	565,707			$	—			$	—
	Funded status		$	(102,845	)		$	(107,979	)		$	(46,637	)		$	(50,603	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Prepaid benefit cost within other non-current assets		$	19,675			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Accrued benefit cost within accrued liabilities		(3,284		)		(3,251		)		(3,139		)		(2,864		)
	Accrued benefit cost within other non-current liabilities		(119,236		)		(104,728		)		(43,498		)		(47,739		)
	Net funded status recognized		$	(102,845	)		$	(107,979	)		$	(46,637	)		$	(50,603	)
	Unrecognized net prior service credits		$	(2,026	)		$	(2,402	)		$	—			$	(266	)
	Unrecognized net actuarial losses (gains)		114,976				109,898				(17,419		)		(12,696		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes (5)		$	112,950			$	107,496			$	(17,419	)		$	(12,962	)
	(1)	The settlement/curtailment amounts were primarily associated with termination of benefits for our U.K. postretirement plan in 2012.
	(2)	The acquisition amounts include the benefit obligation and plan asset balances at the Acquisition Closing Date associated with pension plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition. Net periodic benefit cost for 2013 included income of $1,927 for the acquired Shaw plans from the Acquisition Closing Date through December 31, 2013.
	(3)	The actuarial loss for 2012 was primarily associated with a decrease in discount rate assumptions for our international pension plans.
	(4)	During 2014, we expect to contribute approximately $20,235 and $3,138 to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively.
	(5)	During 2014, we expect to recognize $483 and $3,870 of previously unrecognized net prior service pension credits and net actuarial pension losses, respectively.
Defined Benefit Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets	'
	The following table includes summary information for those defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Projected benefit obligation		$	758,452			$	673,686
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	744,211			$	661,291
	Fair value of plan assets		$	635,935			$	565,707
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Measure Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	'
	The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions used to measure our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:
			Pension Plans						Other Postretirement Plans
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31,
	Discount rate		3.97	%		3.81	%		4.94	%		4.05	%
	Rate of compensation increase (1)		2.78	%		3.9	%		n/a			n/a
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31,
	Discount rate		3.95	%		4.82	%		4.05	%		4.85	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets (2)		4.45	%		4.4	%		n/a			n/a
	Rate of compensation increase (1)		2.78	%		3.9	%		n/a			n/a
	(1)	The rate of compensation increase relates solely to the defined benefit plans that factor compensation increases into the valuation.
	(2)	The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was derived using historical returns by asset category and expectations of future performance.
Expected Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Payments	'
	The following table includes the expected defined benefit and other postretirement plan payments for the next 10 years:
			Pension				Other
							Postretirement
	Year		Plans				Plans
	2014		$	38,391			$	3,138
	2015		$	38,347			$	3,303
	2016		$	39,539			$	3,430
	2017		$	45,870			$	3,484
	2018		$	41,305			$	3,492
	2019-2023		$	220,328			$	17,288
Plan Assets at Fair Value by Investment Category and Valuation Hierarchy Level	'
	The following tables present the fair value of our plan assets by investment category and valuation hierarchy level as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			31-Dec-13
			Quoted Market				Internal Models				Internal Models				Total Carrying
			Prices In Active				With Significant				With Significant				Value On The
			Markets (Level 1)				Observable Market				Unobservable Market				Consolidated
							Parameters (Level 2)				Parameters (Level 3)				Balance Sheet
	Asset Category
	Equity Securities:
	Global Equities		$	6,027			$	—			$	—			$	6,027
	International Funds (a)		—				209,553				—				209,553
	Emerging Markets Growth Funds		—				21,258				—				21,258
	U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds		—				11,677				—				11,677
	U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds		—				843				—				843
	U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds		—				492				—				492
	U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds		—				493				—				493
	Fixed Income Securities:
	Euro Government Bonds (b)		—				202,324				—				202,324
	Euro Corporate Bonds (c)		—				82,096				—				82,096
	U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds (d)		—				93,540				—				93,540
	U.K. Corporate Bonds (e)		—				18,212				—				18,212
	Other International Bonds (f)		—				69,820				—				69,820
	U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds		—				2,741				—				2,741
	Guaranteed Investment Contracts		—				852				—				852
	Other Investments:
	Commodities		—				10,920				—				10,920
	Asset Allocation Funds (g)		—				48,778				—				48,778
	Total Assets at Fair Value		$	6,027			$	773,599			$	—			$	779,626
			31-Dec-12
			Quoted Market				Internal Models				Internal Models				Total Carrying
			Prices In Active				With Significant				With Significant				Value On The
			Markets (Level 1)				Observable Market				Unobservable Market				Consolidated
							Parameters (Level 2)				Parameters (Level 3)				Balance Sheet
	Asset Category
	Equity Securities:
	Global Equities		$	5,772			$	—			$	—			$	5,772
	International Funds (a)		—				128,921				—				128,921
	Emerging Markets Growth Funds		—				12,636				—				12,636
	U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds		—				3,012				—				3,012
	U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds		—				711				—				711
	U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds		—				400				—				400
	U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds		—				414				—				414
	Fixed Income Securities:
	Euro Government Bonds (b)		—				183,993				—				183,993
	Euro Corporate Bonds (c)		—				90,620				—				90,620
	U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds (d)		—				23,543				—				23,543
	U.K. Corporate Bonds (e)		—				17,299				—				17,299
	Other International Bonds (f)		—				56,194				—				56,194
	U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds		—				2,315				—				2,315
	Guaranteed Investment Contracts		—				918				—				918
	Other Investments:
	Commodities		—				9,578				—				9,578
	Asset Allocation Funds (g)		—				29,381				$	—			29,381
	Total Assets at Fair Value		$	5,772			$	559,935			$	—			$	565,707
	The following provides descriptions for plan asset categories with significant balances in the tables above:
	(a)	Investments in various funds that track international indices.
	(b)	Investments in European Union government securities with credit ratings of primarily AAA.
	(c)	Investments in European fixed interest securities with credit ratings of primarily BBB and above.
	(d)	Investments predominantly in U.K. Treasury securities with credit ratings of primarily AAA.
	(e)	Investments predominantly in U.K. fixed interest securities with credit ratings of primarily BBB and above.
	(f)	Investments predominantly in various international fixed income obligations that are individually insignificant.
	(g)	Investments in fixed income securities, equities and alternative asset classes, including commodities and property assets.
Assumed Health Care Cost Trends by One Percentage Point	'
	Increasing (decreasing) the assumed health care cost trends by one percentage point for our U.S. program is estimated to increase (decrease) the total of the service and interest cost components of net postretirement health care cost for 2013 and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2013, as follows:
			1-Percentage-				1-Percentage-
			Point Increase				Point Decrease
	Effect on total of service and interest cost		$	62			$	(56	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation		$	1,296			$	(1,163	)
Additional Information Regarding Significant Multi-Employer Pension Plans	'
	The following table provides additional information regarding our significant multi-employer defined benefit pension plans, including the funding level of each plan (or zone status, as defined by the Pension Protection Act), whether actions to improve the funding level of the plan have been implemented, where required (a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or rehabilitation plan (“RP”)), our contributions to each significant plan and total contributions for 2013, 2012 and 2011, among other disclosures:
			EIN/Plan		Plan Year End		Pension Protection				FIP/RP		Total Company Contributions (2)												Expiration
			Number								Plan (1)														Date of
							Act (% Funded) (1)																		Collective-
																									Bargaining
	Pension Fund						2013		2012				2013				2012				2011				Agreement (5)
	Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust (2)		48-6168020-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		$	20,549			$	6,910			$	5,748			17-Oct
	Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund		52-6152779-001		30-Jun		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		3,336				—				—				Various
	Twin City Carpenters and Joiners Pension Fund		41-6043137-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		2,752				1,665				1,714				15-May
	National Electrical Benefit Fund		53-0181657-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		No		2,300				—				—				Various
	Ironworkers Mid-American Pension Plan		36-6488227-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		No		2,073				—				—				Various
	Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150 Pension Fund		58-6116699-001		31-Dec		< 65%		< 65%		Yes		1,788				—				—				Various
	Upstate New York Engineers Pension Fund		15-0614642-001		31-Mar		< 65%		< 65%		Yes		1,667				—				—				15-Mar
	Central Laborers Pension Fund		37-6052379-001		31-Dec		< 65%		< 65%		Yes		1,609				—				—				Various
	Minnesota Laborers Pension Plan (3)		41-6159599-001		31-Dec		Not		> 80%		No		1,444				745				866				15-May
							Available
	Twin City Iron Workers Pension Plan		41-6084127-001		31-Dec		65%-80%		65%-80%		Yes		1,272				657				699				15-May
	Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada)		366708		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		14,033				9,748				7,154				15-Apr
	Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada)		546028		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		5,612				5,623				1,469				15-Apr
	Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada)		555656		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		2,775				1,480				1,156				15-Apr
	Alberta Carpenters Pension Fund (Canada)		381723		31-Dec		N/A		N/A		N/A		1,087				142				—				15-Apr
	All Other (4)												36,698				423				644
													$	98,995			$	27,393			$	19,450
	(1)	Pension Protection Act Zone Status and FIP/RP plans are applicable to our U.S.-registered plans only, as these terms are not defined within Canadian pension legislation. In the U.S., plans funded less than 65% are in the red zone, plans funded at least 65%, but less than 80% are in the yellow zone, and plans funded at least 80% are in the green zone. The requirement for FIP or RP plans in the U.S. is based on the funding level or zone status of the applicable plan.
	(2)	Our 2013 contributions included $58,862 associated with plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition (including $10,072 of additional contributions to the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust). Additionally, our 2013 contributions as a percentage of total plan contributions were not available for any of our plans. For 2012, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada), the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) and the Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. For 2011, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada) and the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. The level of our contributions to each plan noted above varies from period to period based upon the level of work being performed that is covered under the applicable collective-bargaining agreement.
	(3)	The funding level (zone status) for the Minnesota Laborers Pension Plan for the 2013 plan year was not available. However, based on total plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations, the plan was greater than 80% funded (green zone status) as of January 1, 2013.
	(4)	Our remaining contributions are to various U.S. and Canadian plans, which are immaterial individually.
	(5)	The expiration dates of our labor agreements associated with the Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund, National Electrical Benefit Fund, Ironworkers Mid-American Pension Plan, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150 Pension Fund and Central Laborers Pension Fund vary based upon the duration of the applicable projects.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Payments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases	'
	uture minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases having initial terms of one year or more are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2014	$	117,098
	2015	88,175
	2016	68,796
	2017	55,787
	2018	44,330
	Thereafter	134,773
	Total (1)	$	508,959
	(1)	Approximately $16,000 of minimum lease payments above are contractually recoverable through our cost-reimbursable projects.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in AOCI Balances by Component	'
	The following tables present changes in AOCI by component and reclassification of AOCI into earnings during 2013:
			Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Currency			Unrealized		Defined Benefit			Total
			Translation			Fair Value Of		Pension and Other
			Adjustment (1)			Cash Flow Hedges		Postretirement Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(21,843	)	$	296	$	(79,485	)	$	(101,032	)
	OCI before reclassifications		(24,737		)	836		1,129			(22,772		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			639		3,232			3,871
	Net OCI		(24,737		)	1,475		4,361			(18,901		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(46,580	)	$	1,771	$	(75,124	)	$	(119,933	)
	(1)	The currency translation adjustment component of AOCI was impacted during 2013 primarily by movements in the Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Euro exchange rates against the U.S. Dollar.
Significant Items Reclassified From AOCI Into Earnings	'
			Amounts
			Reclassified
	AOCI Components		From AOCI
	Unrealized Fair Value Of Cash Flow Hedges (1)
	Interest rate derivatives (interest expense)		$	1,817
	Foreign currency derivatives (cost of revenue)		(1,304		)
	Total, before taxes		$	513
	Taxes		126
	Total, net of taxes		$	639
	Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (2)
	Amortization of prior service credits		$	(732	)
	Recognized net actuarial losses		4,038
	Total, before taxes		$	3,306
	Taxes		(74		)
	Total, net of taxes		$	3,232
	(1)	See Note 11 for further discussion of our cash flow hedges, including the total value reclassified from AOCI to earnings.
	(2)	See Note 12 for further discussion of our defined benefit and other postretirement plans, including the components of net periodic benefit cost.

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E1

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table represents stock option activity for 2013:
			Number of		Weighted Average		Weighted Average	Aggregate
			Shares		Exercise Price		Remaining Contractual	Intrinsic
					per Share		Life (in Years)	Value
	Outstanding options at beginning of year		968		$	19.86
	Granted		1,081		$	38.53
	Exercised		(828	)	$	29.71
	Forfeited / Expired		(158	)	$	59.51
	Outstanding options at end of year (1)		1,063		$	25.26	4.5	$	61,342
	Exercisable options at end of year		859		$	23.65	4.3	$	51,079
	(1)	We estimate that 1,026 of these options will ultimately vest. These options have a weighted-average exercise price per share of $24.81, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 4.5 years and a current aggregate intrinsic value of $59,860.
Weighted-Average Assumptions Method for Estimating Fair Value of Option Grant	'
	Using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the fair value of each option granted during 2013 and 2011 was estimated on the grant date based upon the following weighted-average assumptions:
			2013		2011
	Risk-free interest rate		0.16	%	2.85	%
	Expected dividend yield		0.38	%	0.59	%
	Expected volatility		50	%	69.65	%
	Expected life in years		5		6
Restricted Share Activity	'
	The following table presents RSU activity for 2013:
			Shares		Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value per Share
	Nonvested RSUs
	Balance at beginning of year		1,195		$28.67
	Granted (1)		700		$52.98
	Vested		(948	)	$31.18
	Forfeited		(39	)	$48.81
	Balance at end of year		908		$43.94
	Directors’ RSUs
	Balance at beginning of year		27		$44.48
	Granted		18		$57.25
	Vested		(27	)	$44.48
	Balance at end of year		18		$57.25
	-1	Includes 281 RSUs granted in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition at a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $52.11.
Nonvested Cash-Settled RSU Activity	'
	The following table presents cash-settled RSU activity for 2013:
			Shares		Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value per Share
	Nonvested Cash-Settled RSUs
	Balance at beginning of year		—		$	—
	Granted (1)		307		$52.11
	Vested		(111	)	$52.11
	Forfeited		(59	)	$52.11
	Balance at end of year		137		$52.11
Cash-Settled SAR Activity	'
	The following table presents cash-settled SAR activity for 2013:
			Number of		Weighted Average		Weighted Average	Aggregate
			Shares		Exercise Price		Remaining Contractual	Intrinsic
					per Share		Life (in Years)	Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year		—		$	—
	Granted (1)		166		$	33.38
	Exercised		(30	)	$	33.38
	Forfeited / Expired		(18	)	$	33.38
	Outstanding at end of year (2)		118		$	33.39	6.28	$	5,893
	Exercisable at end of year		44		$	33.39	5.35	$	2,206
	-1	The weighted-average fair value per share of SARs granted during 2013, all of which were Shaw SARs that were converted to CB&I SARs in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, was $33.38.
	(2)	We estimate that 109 of these options will ultimately vest. These SARs have a weighted-average exercise price per share of $33.39, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.28 and a current aggregate intrinsic value of $5,422.

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Expense	'
	The following table presents the sources of income before taxes and income tax expense, by tax jurisdiction for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Sources of Income Before Taxes
	U.S.		$	170,641		$	126,438		$	115,693
	Non-U.S.		433,219			317,628			236,270
	Total		$	603,860		$	444,066		$	351,963
	Sources of Income Tax Expense
	Current income taxes
	U.S.—Federal (1)		$	(19,754	)	$	(28,327	)	$	(12,411	)
	U.S.—State		15,290			(5,532		)	(3,255		)
	Non-U.S.		(93,839		)	(51,645		)	(67,903		)
	Total current income taxes		(98,303		)	(85,504		)	(83,569		)
	Deferred income taxes
	U.S.—Federal		(7,098		)	(22,634		)	(19,667		)
	U.S.—State		(28,050		)	(953		)	(4,276		)
	Non-U.S.		42,181			(17,912		)	10,747
	Total deferred income taxes		7,033			(41,499		)	(13,196		)
	Total income tax expense		$	(91,270	)	$	(127,003	)	$	(96,765	)
	(1)	Tax benefits of $13,043, $17,963 and $14,618 associated with share-based compensation were recorded in additional paid-in capital in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Reconciliation of Income Taxes at the Netherlands' Statutory Rate and Income Tax Expense	'
	The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at The Netherlands’ (our country of domicile) statutory rate to income tax expense for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Income tax expense at statutory rate (25.0% for 2013, 2012 and 2011)		$	(150,965	)	$	(111,016	)	$	(87,992	)
	U.S. state income taxes		(3,399		)	(3,659		)	(5,252		)
	Non-deductible meals and entertainment		(4,878		)	(2,750		)	(2,088		)
	Valuation allowance established		(13,952		)	(11,375		)	(11,351		)
	Valuation allowance utilized		96,664			7,814			14,182
	Tax exempt interest, net		416			2,973			2,765
	Statutory tax rate differential		(16,587		)	(7,717		)	2,773
	Branch and withholding taxes (net of tax benefit)		104			(16,940		)	(14,873		)
	Previously unrecognized tax benefit		—			13,169			—
	Noncontrolling interests		13,238			6,719			1,631
	Acquisition-related costs		(2,869		)	(2,757		)	—
	Manufacturer's production exclusion/R&D credit		3,106			1,451			39
	Contingent liability accrual		(2,667		)	2,205			5,053
	Other, net		(9,481		)	(5,120		)	(1,652		)
	Income tax expense		$	(91,270	)	$	(127,003	)	$	(96,765	)
	Effective tax rate		15.1		%	28.6		%	27.5		%
Principal Temporary Differences Included in Deferred Income Taxes	'
	The principal temporary differences included in deferred income taxes reported on the December 31, 2013 and 2012 Balance Sheets were as follows:
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Current Deferred Taxes
	Non-U.S. operating losses		$	6,610		$	41,811
	Contract revenue and cost		512,621			45,926
	Employee compensation and benefit plan reserves		29,397			14,028
	Legal reserves		6,009			1,293
	Other		27,854			(4,958		)
	Current deferred tax asset		$	582,491		$	98,100
	Less: valuation allowance		(32,291		)	(13,799		)
	Net current deferred tax asset		$	550,200		$	84,301
	Non-Current Deferred Taxes
	U.S. Federal operating losses and credits		$	178,859		$	28,186
	U.S. State operating losses and credits		58,791			220
	Non-U.S. operating losses		96,474			141,030
	Non-U.S. credits		3,621			3,621
	Contract revenue and cost		5,221			—
	Employee compensation and benefit plan reserves		26,497			23,738
	Pensions and other		21,504			28,639
	Insurance and legal reserves		28,398			5,531
	Disallowed interest		31,859			—
	Depreciation and amortization		(354,034		)	(117,844		)
	Other		19,571			5,914
	Non-current deferred tax asset		$	116,761		$	119,035
	Less: valuation allowance		(78,595		)	(134,234		)
	Net non-current deferred tax asset		$	38,166		$	(15,199	)
	Net total deferred tax asset		$	588,366		$	69,102
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits	'
	The following is a reconciliation of our unrecognized income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the year		$	5,169		$	7,374
	Increase as a result of:
	Shaw Acquisition		6,445			—
	Tax positions taken during the current period		3,333			1,530
	Decreases as a result of:
	Tax positions taken during prior periods		—			—
	Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(241		)	—
	Settlements with taxing authorities		(425		)	(3,735		)
	Unrecognized income tax benefits at the end of the year		$	14,281		$	5,169

Recovered_Sheet1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Total Revenue, Depreciation and Amortization, Equity Earnings, Income from Operations, Capital Expenditures and Tangible Assets by Reporting Segment	'
	The following tables present total revenue, depreciation and amortization, equity earnings, income from operations, capital expenditures and tangible assets by reporting segment, and 2013 amounts include the results of the Shaw Acquisition:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Revenue
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	6,724,567		$	3,305,377		$	2,312,151
	Fabrication Services		2,575,597			1,692,533			1,789,817
	Technology		599,195			487,296			448,574
	Government Solutions		1,195,168			—			—
	Total revenue		$	11,094,527		$	5,485,206		$	4,550,542
	Depreciation And Amortization
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	70,926		$	16,722		$	18,548
	Fabrication Services		57,660			27,062			28,775
	Technology		24,267			22,637			22,861
	Government Solutions		27,173			—			—
	Total depreciation and amortization		$	180,026		$	66,421		$	70,184
	Equity Earnings
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	—		$	—		$	572
	Fabrication Services		248			—			—
	Technology		22,356			17,931			16,315
	Government Solutions		870			—			—
	Total equity earnings		$	23,474		$	17,931		$	16,887
	Income From Operations
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	328,919		$	168,467		$	93,826
	Fabrication Services		259,750			170,780			165,033
	Technology		156,835			127,396			96,338
	Government Solutions		34,741			—			—
	Total operating groups		$	780,245		$	466,643		$	355,197
	Acquisition and integration related costs		(95,737		)	(11,000		)	—
	Total income from operations		$	684,508		$	455,643		$	355,197
	Capital Expenditures
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	16,866		$	6,395		$	10,587
	Fabrication Services		38,529			36,963			22,311
	Technology		16,397			28,921			8,047
	Government Solutions		18,700			—			—
	Total capital expenditures		$	90,492		$	72,279		$	40,945
			December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Assets
	Engineering, Construction and Maintenance		$	5,111,251		$	1,907,455		$	1,210,379
	Fabrication Services		2,116,245			1,102,791			1,059,922
	Technology		1,077,414			1,319,429			1,009,048
	Government Solutions		1,084,683			—			—
	Total assets		$	9,389,593		$	4,329,675		$	3,279,349
Total Revenue by Country	'
	The following table presents total revenue by country for those countries with revenue in excess of 10% of consolidated revenue during a given year based upon the location of the applicable projects:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Revenue by Country
	United States		$	5,007,899		$	1,114,148		$	831,534
	Australia		1,574,253			666,688			351,081
	Colombia		1,035,450			917,553			694,565
	Canada		820,243			665,907			509,038
	Papua New Guinea		757,657			606,532			461,148
	Other (1)		1,899,025			1,514,378			1,703,176
	Total revenue		$	11,094,527		$	5,485,206		$	4,550,542
	(1)	Revenue earned in other countries, including The Netherlands (our country of domicile), was not individually greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

QUARTERLY_OPERATING_RESULTS_UN1

QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Financial Information On A Quarterly Basis	'
	The following table presents selected unaudited consolidated financial information on a quarterly basis for 2013 and 2012:
	Quarter Ended 2013 (1)
		March 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31 (3)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue	$	2,251,429	$	2,850,791	$	2,992,050	$	3,000,257
	Gross profit	$	246,144	$	297,091	$	316,569	$	339,206
	Acquisition and integration related costs (2)	$	61,256	$	9,964	$	5,257	$	19,260
	Net income	$	42,872	$	119,700	$	132,963	$	217,055
	Net income attributable to CB&I	$	33,608	$	106,043	$	117,688	$	196,781
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—basic	$	0.33	$	0.99	$	1.1	$	1.83
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—diluted	$	0.32	$	0.98	$	1.08	$	1.8
	Quarter Ended 2012
		March 31		June 30		Sept. 30		Dec. 31
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue	$	1,201,267	$	1,299,529	$	1,446,942	$	1,537,468
	Gross profit	$	153,264	$	158,885	$	188,890	$	197,668
	Acquisition and integration related costs (2)	$	—	$	1,500	$	3,500	$	6,000
	Net income	$	60,974	$	72,844	$	86,253	$	96,992
	Net income attributable to CB&I	$	59,487	$	72,320	$	80,231	$	89,617
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—basic	$	0.61	$	0.75	$	0.83	$	0.93
	Net income attributable to CB&I per share—diluted	$	0.6	$	0.74	$	0.82	$	0.91

ORGANIZATION_AND_NATURE_OF_OPE1

ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Date founded	'1889

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Shaw Group Inc

Term Loan

Term Loan

Term Loan

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

Buildings and improvements

Plant and field equipment

Buildings and improvements

Plant and field equipment

Interest Rate Swap

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net reduction to income from operations from individual projects with significant changes in estimated margins

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000,000

$25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Billings To Customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,113,591,000

8,108,320,000

25,436,810,000

10,797,749,000

Contract retentions

68,600,000

'

'

'

37,200,000

'

'

'

68,600,000

37,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost And Estimated Earnings In Excess Of Billings On Service Contracts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,979,000

5,721,000

'

'

Allowance for doubtful accounts

1,000,000

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

1,000,000

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research and development expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,071,000

27,606,000

27,548,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition and integration related costs

19,260,000

[1],[2]

5,257,000

[1]

9,964,000

[1]

61,256,000

[1]

6,000,000

[1]

3,500,000

[1]

1,500,000

[1]

0

[1]

95,737,000

11,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, estimated useful lives(in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'1 year

'

'40 years

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

118,915,000

43,808,000

43,882,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,059,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, estimated useful lives, (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Hedge against interest rate variability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$505,000,000

'

'

'

'

[1]

For 2013 and 2012, acquisition-related costs primarily included transaction costs, professional fees, and change-in-control and severance-related costs associated with the Shaw Acquisition, while integration-related costs in 2013 primarily related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities and personnel relocation costs.

[2]

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income attributable to CB&I

$196,781

[1]

$117,688

$106,043

$33,608

$89,617

$80,231

$72,320

$59,487

$454,120

$301,655

$255,032

'

'

Weighted average shares outstanding- basic

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

105,935,000

[2]

96,633,000

[2]

98,022,000

[2]

'

'

Effect of restricted shares/performance shares/stock options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,447,000

[3]

1,528,000

[3]

2,115,000

[3]

'

'

Effect of directors' deferred-fee shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70,000

70,000

68,000

'

'

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

107,452,000

98,231,000

100,205,000

'

'

Net income attributable to CB&I per share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic

$1.83

[1]

$1.10

$0.99

$0.33

$0.93

$0.83

$0.75

$0.61

$4.29

$3.12

$2.60

'

'

Diluted

$1.80

[1]

$1.08

$0.98

$0.32

$0.91

$0.82

$0.74

$0.60

$4.23

$3.07

$2.55

'

'

Shares issued in connection with Shaw acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,893,000

8,893,000

[1]

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

[2]

2013 includes the impact of 8,893 shares issued in connection with the Shaw Acquisition.

[3]

Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted EPS were not material for 2013, 2012 or 2011.

ACQUISITIONS_Additional_Inform

ACQUISITIONS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Dec. 31, 2013
			Shaw Group Inc		Shaw Group Inc	Shaw Group Inc	Shaw Group Inc	Shaw Group Inc	Shaw Group Inc	Phillips 66's E-Gas	Process technologies (15 years)
									Westinghouse Bonds
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	$460,200	[1]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total purchase price	'	'	3,340,070		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, purchase price cash	'	'	2,851,260		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, equity consideration	'	'	488,810		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash consideration funded using existing cash balance	'	'	1,051,260		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash acquired	'	'	1,137,927		'	1,137,927	'	'	'	'	'
Cash purchase price, net of cash acquired	1,713,333	'	'		'	1,713,333	0	0	'	'	'
Total purchase price, net of unrestricted cash acquired	'	'	2,202,143		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shaw stock conversion price	'	'	$41		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shaw stock conversion shares of CBI	'	'	0.12883		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with Shaw acquisition	'	'	8,893,000		'	8,893,000	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition Equity Awards Issued Or Issuable	'	'	1,362,000		'	1,362,000	'	'	'	'	'
Cash Settled Equity Liability Awards In Conjunction Of With Acquisition	'	'	473,000		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from operations associated with the Shaw acquisition	'	'	'		4,010,100	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from operations associated with the Shaw acquisition	'	'	'		173,500	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financing cost incurred on acquisition	'	'	'		'	78,200	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition and integration-related costs	'	'	'		'	95,700	'	'	'	'	'
Recognized interest and fees	'	'	'		'	8,500	'	'	'	'	'
Recognized interest and fees	'	'	'		'	'	'	'	2,000	'	'
Changes in purchase price allocation, fair value adjustment	'	1,117,420	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in purchase price allocation, increase in fair value of machinery and equipment	'	41,051	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in purchase price allocation, adjustments to deferred taxes	'	240,072	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in purchase price allocation, increase in fair value of intangible assets	'	58,300	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	'	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	$60,800	'
Finite-lived intangible assets (weighted average life)	'	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'15 years
[1]	Intangible Assets—Acquired intangible assets totaled $460,200 and primarily consist of backlog, customer relationships and tradenames and are amortized on a straight-line basis. Backlog and customer relationships represent the fair value of existing contracts and the underlying customer relationships and have lives ranging from 2 to 20 years (weighted average lives of approximately 16 years). The fair value of acquired tradenames have lives ranging from 6 to 10 years (weighted average lives of approximately 9 years), while our other intangible assets, primarily consisting of the fair value of technologies, have a life of 15 years. Our total acquired intangible assets have weighted average lives of approximately 15 years. During 2013, amortization for these intangible assets totaled approximately $42,000.

ACQUISITIONS_Summary_of_Prelim

ACQUISITIONS - Summary of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation of Shaw Net Assets Acquired At Acquisition Closing Date (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Westinghouse Bonds

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Weighted average

Weighted average

Weighted average

Backlog and customer relationships

Tradenames

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets

Shaw Group Inc

Backlog and customer relationships

Tradenames

Backlog and customer relationships

Tradenames

Backlog and customer relationships

Tradenames

Shaw Group Inc

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrestricted cash

'

'

'

'

$1,137,927

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

272,172

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current assets

'

'

'

'

615,804

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment

'

'

'

'

536,888

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other non-current assets

'

'

'

'

68,881

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes, net

'

'

'

'

543,479

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Westinghouse obligations, net

'

'

'

'

-44,793

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contracts in progress, net

'

'

'

'

-2,317,471

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable

'

'

'

'

-546,465

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current liabilities

'

'

'

'

-466,129

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other non-current liabilities

'

'

'

'

-216,953

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total net tangible assets

'

'

'

'

-416,660

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

'

'

'

'

460,200

[4]

'

375,200

[4]

73,800

[4]

'

11,200

[4]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

4,226,468

926,711

926,393

'

3,296,530

[5]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total purchase price

'

'

'

'

3,340,070

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrestricted cash acquired

'

'

'

'

-1,137,927

-1,137,927

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total purchase price, net of unrestricted cash acquired

'

'

'

'

2,202,143

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax assets

'

'

'

'

736,490

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax liabilities

588,366

69,102

'

'

193,011

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,380,086

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,335,293

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes, net

'

'

'

745,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contracts in progress period for revenue recognition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated lives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'2 years

'2 years

'6 years

'

'20 years

'20 years

'10 years

'16 years

'9 years

'15 years

Intangible asset amortization expense

61,111

22,613

26,302

'

'

42,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill deductible for tax purpose

'

'

'

'

$44,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Deferred Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes represent deferred taxes recorded in connection with our purchase price allocation and include $736,490 of deferred tax assets and $193,011 of deferred tax liabilities.

[2]

Westinghouse Obligations—Westinghouse obligations represent the net obligation we acquired associated with Shaw’s investment in Westinghouse and includes $1,380,086 of bond obligations less $1,335,293 of acquired restricted cash that was used to settle a portion of the bond obligation. See Note 10 for further discussion.

[3]

Contracts in Progress—Included in contracts in progress is a margin fair value adjustment of approximately $745,500 associated with acquired long-term contracts that were less than fair value at the Acquisition Closing Date. This margin fair value adjustment will be included in revenue on a POC basis as the applicable projects progress over approximately five to six years.

[4]

Intangible Assets—Acquired intangible assets totaled $460,200 and primarily consist of backlog, customer relationships and tradenames and are amortized on a straight-line basis. Backlog and customer relationships represent the fair value of existing contracts and the underlying customer relationships and have lives ranging from 2 to 20 years (weighted average lives of approximately 16 years). The fair value of acquired tradenames have lives ranging from 6 to 10 years (weighted average lives of approximately 9 years), while our other intangible assets, primarily consisting of the fair value of technologies, have a life of 15 years. Our total acquired intangible assets have weighted average lives of approximately 15 years. During 2013, amortization for these intangible assets totaled approximately $42,000.

[5]

Goodwill—Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the underlying acquired net tangible and intangible assets. The factors contributing to our goodwill balance include the acquired established workforce and estimated future cost savings and revenue synergies associated with our combined operations. Of the $3,296,530 of total goodwill recorded in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, approximately $44,200 is deductible for tax purposes and is associated with the remaining portion of goodwill previously deductible by Shaw. See Note 6 for an allocation of acquired goodwill to each operating group.

ACQUISITIONS_Unaudited_Pro_For

ACQUISITIONS - Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Pro Forma Non Recurring Acquisition Related Costs	$73,300	$84,300
Pro forma revenue	11,583,997	10,858,142
Pro forma net income attributable to CB&I	$529,942	$354,908
Pro forma net income attributable to CB&I per share:	'	'
Basic	$4.95	$3.36
Diluted	$4.88	$3.31

INVENTORY_Components_of_Invent

INVENTORY - Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory	'		'
Raw materials	$184,586		$11,870
Work in process	31,764		1,360
Finished goods	86,637		19,089
Total	302,987	[1]	32,319	[1]
Shaw Group Inc	'		'
Inventory	'		'
Total	$271,443		'
[1]	Our December 31, 2013 inventory balance includes $271,443 associated with the Shaw Acquisition.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$4,226,468	$926,711	$926,393

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES - Change in Goodwill by Business Sector (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$926,711	$926,393
Shaw Acquisition	3,296,530	'
Foreign currency translation	9,859	5,019
Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	-6,632	-4,701
Ending Balance	4,226,468	926,711
Engineering, Construction and Maintenance	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	447,651	444,425
Shaw Acquisition	2,315,340	'
Foreign currency translation	9,859	5,019
Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	-4,135	-1,793
Ending Balance	2,768,715	447,651
Fabrication Services	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	48,224	48,320
Shaw Acquisition	497,368	'
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	-318	-96
Ending Balance	545,274	48,224
Technology [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	430,836	433,648
Shaw Acquisition	0	'
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	-2,179	-2,812
Ending Balance	428,657	430,836
Government Solutions	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	0	0
Shaw Acquisition	483,822	'
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Amortization of tax goodwill in excess of book goodwill	0	0
Ending Balance	$483,822	$0

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES - Finite-Lived Intangible Asset Balances Including Weighted-Average Useful Lives (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

31-May-13

Backlog and customer relationships

Backlog and customer relationships

Process technologies

Process technologies

Tradenames

Tradenames

Lease agreements

Lease agreements

Non-compete agreements

Non-compete agreements

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Phillips 66's E-Gas

Backlog and customer relationships

Tradenames

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Carrying Amount

$773,084

[1]

$249,059

[1]

$380,586

$0

$295,726

$228,304

$86,042

$10,417

$7,718

$7,409

$3,012

$2,929

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Amortization

-145,361

[1]

-82,751

[1]

-33,735

0

-90,282

-71,391

-11,126

-2,659

-7,627

-6,599

-2,591

-2,102

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived intangible assets (weighted average life)

'15 years

'15 years

'16 years

'16 years

'15 years

'15 years

'10 years

'10 years

'6 years

'6 years

'7 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

460,200

[2]

375,200

[2]

73,800

[2]

'

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,800

Amortization expense for intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

67,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

62,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

55,700

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

46,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

$45,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The increase in intangibles during 2013 primarily relates to approximately $460,200 of intangibles acquired in connection with the Shaw Acquisition and approximately $60,800 acquired in connection with our acquisition of E-Gas (both as further discussed in Note 4), partially offset by amortization expense. Amortization expense for our intangibles existing at December 31, 2013 is anticipated to be approximately $67,400, $62,100, $55,700, $46,600 and $45,000 for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

[2]

Intangible Assets—Acquired intangible assets totaled $460,200 and primarily consist of backlog, customer relationships and tradenames and are amortized on a straight-line basis. Backlog and customer relationships represent the fair value of existing contracts and the underlying customer relationships and have lives ranging from 2 to 20 years (weighted average lives of approximately 16 years). The fair value of acquired tradenames have lives ranging from 6 to 10 years (weighted average lives of approximately 9 years), while our other intangible assets, primarily consisting of the fair value of technologies, have a life of 15 years. Our total acquired intangible assets have weighted average lives of approximately 15 years. During 2013, amortization for these intangible assets totaled approximately $42,000.

PARTNERING_ARRANGEMENTS_Additi

PARTNERING ARRANGEMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

CB&I/Kentz Joint Venture

CB&I/Clough Joint Venture

CB&I/Areva Joint Venture

Areva [Member]

Clough [Member]

Kentz [Member]

Net Power

Net Power

Net Power

CB&I

CB&I

CB&I

CB&I

Corporate Joint Venture

CB&I/Areva Joint Venture

CB&I/Clough Joint Venture

CB&I/Kentz Joint Venture

Maximum

CB&I/Kentz Joint Venture

CB&I/Clough Joint Venture

CB&I/Areva Joint Venture

CLG

CLG

Schedule of Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of equity investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

Commitment to invest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected Percentage of ownership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method invested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,200

4,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends received from equity method joint ventures

33,984

20,286

9,605

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of ownership in joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

35.00%

35.00%

'

'

'

65.00%

65.00%

70.00%

'

'

Joint venture contract value

'

'

'

$4,500,000

$2,000,000

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summarized_Balance_Sheet_Infor

- Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Variable Interest Entities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CB&I/Kentz Joint Venture	'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Current assets	$156,974		$82,421
Current liabilities	72,741		39,276
CB&I/Clough Joint Venture	'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Current assets	122,179		145,666
Current liabilities	48,933		79,523
CB&I/AREVA Joint Venture	'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Current assets	34,547		0
Current liabilities	98,478		0
All Other Joint Ventures	'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Current assets	83,370	[1]	24,536	[1]
Current liabilities	26,879		28,339
Non-current assets	24,802	[1]	0	[1]
Total assets	$108,172		$24,536
[1]	Other ventures that we consolidate due to their designation as VIEs are not individually material and are therefore aggregated as "All Other".

SUPPLEMENTAL_BALANCE_SHEET_DET2

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET DETAIL - Components of Property and Equipment, Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$1,184,693		$605,432		'
Accumulated depreciation	-395,896		-319,561		'
Property and equipment, net	788,797	[1]	285,871		'
Payroll-related obligations	336,889		168,404		'
Income taxes payable	91,049		29,714		'
Self-insurance, retention and other reserves	24,575		4,447		'
Pension obligations	3,284		3,251		'
Postretirement medical benefit obligations	3,139		2,864		'
Other	240,570	[2]	146,020	[2]	'
Accrued liabilities	699,506	[1]	354,700		'
Pension obligations	119,236		104,728		'
Postretirement medical benefit obligations	43,498		47,739		'
Self-insurance, retention and other reserves	51,848		17,605		'
Income tax reserves	14,281		5,169		7,374
Other	158,692	[3]	97,202	[3]	'
Other non-current liabilities	387,555	[1]	272,443		'
Accrued Liabilities	'		'		'
Maximum percentage accounted by individual expense Of total current liabilities	5.00%		'		'
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'		'		'
Maximum percentage accounted by individual expense Of total current liabilities	5.00%		'		'
Land and improvements	'		'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	90,884		59,090		'
Buildings and improvements	'		'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	360,720		167,593		'
Plant, field equipment and other	'		'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	733,089		378,749		'
Shaw Group Inc	'		'		'
Property and equipment, net	491,327		'		'
Accrued liabilities	227,576		'		'
Other non-current liabilities	$65,146		'		'
[1]	Our December 31, 2013 property and equipment, net, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities balances included $491,327, $227,576, and $65,146, respectively, associated with the Shaw Acquisition
[2]	Represents various accruals that are each individually less than 5% of total current liabilities, including accruals for non-contract payables, operating lease obligations, country-specific employee benefits, derivatives, and medical and legal obligations.
[3]	Represents various accruals that are each individually less than 5% of total liabilities, including accruals for taxes, operating lease obligations, deferred rent, and country-specific employee benefits.

FACILITY_REALIGNMENT_AND_CHANG2

FACILITY REALIGNMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve	'		'
Beginning Balance	$12,752,000	[1]	$15,278,000
Charges	'		2,581,000	[2]
Shaw Acquisition-related obligations	37,000,000		0
Cash payments	-44,472,000		-5,119,000
Foreign exchange and other	27,000		12,000
Ending Balance	12,111,000	[1]	12,752,000	[1]
Future cash payments:	'		'
2014	3,800,000		'
2015	4,200,000		'
2016	900,000		'
2017	600,000		'
2018	500,000		'
Acquisition and integration-related costs	'		'
Restructuring Reserve	'		'
Charges	6,804,000	[2]	'
Cost of revenue | Fabrication Services	'		'
Restructuring Reserve	'		'
Charges	$2,581,000		'
[1]	Future cash payments for our obligation at December 31, 2013, are anticipated to be approximately $3,800, $4,200, $900, $600 and $500 in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.
[2]	During 2013, charges of $6,804 were recognized within acquisition and integration related costs related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities in our Engineering, Construction and Maintenance and Technology operating groups. During 2012, charges of $2,581 were recognized within cost of revenue for facilities in our Fabrication Services operating group.

DEBT_Outstanding_Debt_Detail

DEBT - Outstanding Debt (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current	'	'
Revolving facility debt	115,000,000	0
Current maturities of term loan	100,000,000	0
Current debt	215,000,000	0
Long-Term	'	'
Senior Notes: $800,000 senior notes, series A-D (fixed interest ranging from 4.15% to 5.30%)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Current maturities of term loan	100,000,000	0
Long-term debt	1,625,000,000	800,000,000
Minimum	'	'
Long-Term	'	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate	4.15%	4.15%
Maximum	'	'
Long-Term	'	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate	5.30%	5.30%
Term Loan	'	'
Long-Term	'	'
Term Loan: $1,000,000 term loan (interest at LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin)	925,000,000	0
Unsecured term loan	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate terms	'Interest at LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin	'Interest at LIBOR plus an applicable floating margin

DEBT_Additional_Information_De

DEBT - Additional Information (Detail)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2006

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2006

Mar. 15, 2013

Mar. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2006

Oct. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

Series A Senior Notes

Series B Senior Notes

Series C Senior Notes

Series D Senior Notes

Term Loan

Term Loan

Term Loan

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Uncommitted Credit Facility

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Toshiba Corporation [Member]

Toshiba Corporation [Member]

Toshiba Corporation [Member]

Toshiba Corporation [Member]

CB&I

CB&I

Westinghouse Electric Company [Member]

Maximum

Minimum

Prime Rate [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Surety Bond [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Interest rate

Revolving Credit Facility One

Revolving Credit Facility One

Revolving Credit Facility One

Revolving Credit Facility One Amended

Revolving Credit Facility One Amended

Total Revolving Credit Facilities Member

Revolving Credit Facility Two

Revolving Credit Facility Three

USD ($)

Westinghouse Bonds

Westinghouse Bonds

Westinghouse Bonds

Westinghouse Bonds

Westinghouse Bonds

Westinghouse Bonds

Westinghouse Bonds

Westinghouse Bonds

Shaw Group Inc

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Term Loan

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

Revolving Credit Facility One Amended

Revolving Credit Facility One Amended

Revolving Credit Facility One Amended

Revolving Credit Facility One Amended

Revolving Credit Facility Two

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, original term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,100,000,000

'

$1,350,000,000

'

$650,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line Of Credit Facility Expiration Dates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2014-07

'

'

'

'

'2018-02

'2018-10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

675,000,000

'

487,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

115,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Financial Letters Line Of Credit Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

270,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Covenant Leverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum net worth requirement

1,717,648,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Amount Available For Dividends And Stock Repurchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Covenant Leverage Ratio For Dividend Payments and Share Repurchases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

0.50%

1.50%

1.50%

1.50%

'

Credit facilities utilized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

230,388,000

'

'

76,533,000

'

753,470,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available borrowing capacity under credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,119,612,000

'

'

458,467,000

'

1,227,279,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

667,457,000

Maximum Credit Facility Borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

516,529,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured term loan remaining

'

'

'

'

'

'

925,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

128,980,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Hedge against interest rate variability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

505,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swap, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.12%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of unsecured term loan in year one

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of unsecured term loan in year two

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of unsecured term loan in year three

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of unsecured term loan in year four

'

'

'

'

'

'

575,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes

800,000,000

800,000,000

150,000,000

225,000,000

275,000,000

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Semi annually fixed rate payable

'

'

4.15%

4.57%

5.15%

5.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year

'

'

'2017-12

'2019-12

'2022-12

'2024-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility Total Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,980,749,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of equity investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Funding Percentage to repay Westinghouse bonds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96.70%

96.70%

3.30%

3.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Funding to repay Westinghouse bonds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,309,000,000

¥ 124,724,000,000

$1,064,000,000

¥ 124,724,000,000

$44,800,000

¥ 4,256,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Addition

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Foreign Exchange Contract Operating Exposure	Foreign Exchange Contract Operating Exposure	Term Loan	Term Loan	Term Loan	Level 2
				Maximum			Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional value of outstanding forward contracts	'	'	$131,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity of foreign currency derivatives from period-end	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'	'
Hedge against interest rate variability	'	'	'	'	'	'	505,000,000	'
Unsecured term loan	'	'	'	'	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	'	'
Senior notes	$800,000,000	$800,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	$753,700,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Carried_

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Carried at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$420,502		$643,395
Restricted cash	0		800,000
Derivatives:	'		'
Other current assets	2,155	[1]	1,731	[1]
Other non-current assets	4,705	[1]	5	[1]
Total assets at fair value	427,362	[1]	1,445,131	[1]
Derivatives:	'		'
Accrued liabilities	-3,818	[1]	-5,072	[1]
Other non-current liabilities	-450	[1]	-497	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	-4,268	[1]	-5,569	[1]
Level 1	'		'
Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	420,502		643,395
Restricted cash	0		800,000
Derivatives:	'		'
Other current assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other non-current assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total assets at fair value	420,502	[1]	1,443,395	[1]
Derivatives:	'		'
Accrued liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other non-current liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 2	'		'
Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash	0		0
Derivatives:	'		'
Other current assets	2,155	[1]	1,731	[1]
Other non-current assets	4,705	[1]	5	[1]
Total assets at fair value	6,860	[1]	1,736	[1]
Derivatives:	'		'
Accrued liabilities	-3,818	[1]	-5,072	[1]
Other non-current liabilities	-450	[1]	-497	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	-4,268	[1]	-5,569	[1]
Level 3	'		'
Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash	0		0
Derivatives:	'		'
Other current assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other non-current assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total assets at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivatives:	'		'
Accrued liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other non-current liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	We are exposed to credit risk on our hedging instruments associated with potential counterparty non-performance, and the fair value of our derivatives reflects this credit risk. The total level 2 assets at fair value above represent the maximum loss that we would incur on our outstanding hedges if the applicable counterparties failed to perform according to the hedge contracts. To help mitigate counterparty credit risk, we transact only with counterparties that are rated as investment grade or higher and monitor all counterparties on a continuous basis.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Total_Fa

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Total Fair Value by Underlying Risk and Balance Sheet Classification (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	$6,860	$1,736
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-4,268	-5,569
Interest rate	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	3,772	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-2,233	'
Foreign currency	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	3,088	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-2,035	'
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	4,633	628
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-3,086	-862
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate | Other current and non-current assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	3,772	0
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate | Accrued and other non-current liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-2,233	0
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency | Other current and non-current assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	861	628
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency | Accrued and other non-current liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-853	-862
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	2,227	1,108
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-1,182	-4,707
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate | Other current and non-current assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate | Accrued and other non-current liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency | Other current and non-current assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	2,227	1,108
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency | Accrued and other non-current liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	($1,182)	($4,707)

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Derivati

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Derivative Assets and Liabilities on Gross Basis and Net Settlement Basis (Detail) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Gross Amounts Recognized	$6,860	$1,736
Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet	0	'
Net Amounts Presented on the Balance Sheet	6,860	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Financial Instruments	54	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Received	0	'
Net Amount	6,806	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Gross Amounts Recognized	-4,268	-5,569
Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet	0	'
Net Amounts Presented on the Balance Sheet	-4,268	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Financial Instruments	54	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Received	0	'
Net Amount	-4,214	'
Interest Rate Swap	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Gross Amounts Recognized	3,772	'
Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet	0	'
Net Amounts Presented on the Balance Sheet	3,772	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Financial Instruments	0	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Received	0	'
Net Amount	3,772	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Gross Amounts Recognized	-2,233	'
Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet	0	'
Net Amounts Presented on the Balance Sheet	-2,233	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Financial Instruments	0	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Received	0	'
Net Amount	-2,233	'
Foreign currency	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Gross Amounts Recognized	3,088	'
Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet	0	'
Net Amounts Presented on the Balance Sheet	3,088	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Financial Instruments	54	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Received	0	'
Net Amount	3,034	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Gross Amounts Recognized	-2,035	'
Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet	0	'
Net Amounts Presented on the Balance Sheet	-2,035	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Financial Instruments	54	'
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet - Cash Collateral Received	0	'
Net Amount	($1,981)	'

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Total_Va

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Total Value, by Underlying Risk, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Interest Expense and Cost of Revenue (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective Derivative Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings

$217,055

[1]

$132,963

$119,700

$42,872

$96,992

$86,253

$72,844

$60,974

$512,590

$317,063

$255,198

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective Derivative Portion Recognized in OCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-50

318

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective Derivative Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-513

[2]

-1,224

[2]

'

Net unrealized gains(losses) anticipated to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,550

'

'

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective Derivative Portion Recognized in OCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-278

0

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective Derivative Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,817

[2]

-1,341

[2]

'

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective Derivative Portion Recognized in OCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

228

318

'

Amount of Gain (Loss) on Effective Derivative Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,304

[2]

$117

[2]

'

[1]

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

[2]

Net unrealized losses totaling $1,550 are anticipated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings during the next 12 months due to settlement of the associated underlying obligations.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Total_Va1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Total Value Recognized in Cost of Revenue for Derivatives which Do Not Seek Hedge Accounting Treatment, by Underlying Risk (Detail) (Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Cost of Revenue on Derivatives	$2,607	($6,985)
Foreign currency	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Cost of Revenue on Derivatives	$2,607	($6,985)

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Retirement

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Defined contribution plan cost recognized	$82,655,000		$53,189,000		$43,530,000
Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit plans	868,230,000		661,291,000		'
Contributions to multi-employer plans for additional benefits	98,995,000	[1]	27,393,000	[1]	19,450,000	[1]
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Contributions to multi-employer plans for additional benefits	102,025,000		13,271,000		12,170,000
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Health care cost trend rates projected at annual rates in 2012 fiscal year	7.50%		'		'
Health care cost trend rates projected at annual rates	5.00%		'		'
Equity Securities	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Weighted average asset allocation in securities, minimum	35.00%		'		'
Weighted average asset allocation in securities, maximum	40.00%		'		'
Debt Securities	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Weighted average asset allocation in securities, minimum	60.00%		'		'
Weighted average asset allocation in securities, maximum	65.00%		'		'
Other Investments	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Weighted average asset allocation in securities, minimum	0.00%		'		'
Weighted average asset allocation in securities, maximum	5.00%		'		'
Shaw Group Inc	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Defined contribution plan cost recognized	31,035,000		'		'
Contributions to multi-employer plans for additional benefits	58,862		'		'
Shaw Group Inc | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Contributions to multi-employer plans for additional benefits	$82,313,000		'		'
[1]	Our 2013 contributions included $58,862 associated with plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition (including $10,072 of additional contributions to the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust). Additionally, our 2013 contributions as a percentage of total plan contributions were not available for any of our plans. For 2012, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada), the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) and the Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. For 2011, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada) and the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. The level of our contributions to each plan noted above varies from period to period based upon the level of work being performed that is covered under the applicable collective-bargaining agreement.

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Components

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Service cost	$6,795		$3,862		$4,020
Interest cost	31,159		26,623		29,296
Expected return on plan assets	-30,611		-23,856		-26,197
Amortization of prior service credits	-466		-452		-489
Recognized net actuarial losses (gains)	4,555		2,718		1,152
Settlement/curtailment	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net periodic benefit cost	11,432	[2]	8,895	[2]	7,782	[2]
Other Postretirement Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Service cost	1,244		1,124		966
Interest cost	2,064		2,571		2,918
Expected return on plan assets	0		0		0
Amortization of prior service credits	-266		-269		-269
Recognized net actuarial losses (gains)	-517		-348		-476
Settlement/curtailment	0	[1]	-2,841	[1]	0	[1]
Net periodic benefit cost	$2,525	[2]	$237	[2]	$3,139	[2]
[1]	The settlement/curtailment amounts were primarily associated with termination of benefits for our U.K. postretirement plan in 2012.
[2]	The acquisition amounts include the benefit obligation and plan asset balances at the Acquisition Closing Date associated with pension plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition. Net periodic benefit cost for 2013 included income of $1,927 for the acquired Shaw plans from the Acquisition Closing Date through December 31, 2013.

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Change_in_

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Change in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair value at end of year	$779,626		$565,707		'
Pension Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	673,686		563,194		'
Acquisition	154,311	[1]	'		'
Service cost	6,795		3,862		4,020
Interest cost	31,159		26,623		29,296
Actuarial loss	15,767	[2]	89,165	[2]	'
Plan participants’ contributions	3,306		2,868		'
Benefits paid	-34,672		-27,556		'
Settlement/curtailment	0	[3]	0	[3]	'
Currency translation	32,119		15,530		'
Benefit obligation at end of year	882,471		673,686		563,194
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair value at beginning of year	565,707		510,883		'
Acquisition	157,591	[1]	'		'
Actual return on plan assets	39,604		51,521		'
Benefits paid	-34,672		-27,556		'
Employer contributions	18,908	[4]	14,865	[4]	'
Plan participants’ contributions	3,306		2,868		'
Currency translation	29,182		13,126		'
Fair value at end of year	779,626		565,707		510,883
Funded status	-102,845		-107,979		'
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:	'		'		'
Prepaid benefit cost within other non-current assets	19,675		0		'
Accrued benefit cost within accrued liabilities	-3,284		-3,251		'
Accrued benefit cost within other non-current liabilities	-119,236		-104,728		'
Net funded status recognized	-102,845		-107,979		'
Unrecognized net prior service credits	-2,026		-2,402		'
Unrecognized net actuarial losses (gains)	114,976		109,898		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes	112,950	[5]	107,496	[5]	'
Net periodic benefit cost	11,432	[1]	8,895	[1]	7,782	[1]
Expected contribution in 2013 fiscal year	20,235		'		'
Previously unrecognized net prior service cost expected to be recognized in 2013 fiscal year	483		'		'
Previously unrecognized net actuarial losses expected to be recognized in 2013 fiscal year	3,870		'		'
Other Postretirement Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	50,603		55,058		'
Service cost	1,244		1,124		966
Interest cost	2,064		2,571		2,918
Actuarial loss	-5,242	[2]	302	[2]	'
Plan participants’ contributions	1,517		1,707		'
Benefits paid	-3,549		-3,804		'
Settlement/curtailment	0	[3]	-6,493	[3]	'
Currency translation	0		138		'
Benefit obligation at end of year	46,637		50,603		55,058
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Fair value at beginning of year	0		0		'
Actual return on plan assets	0		0		'
Benefits paid	-3,549		-3,804		'
Employer contributions	2,032	[4]	2,097	[4]	'
Plan participants’ contributions	1,517		1,707		'
Currency translation	0		0		'
Fair value at end of year	0		0		0
Funded status	-46,637		-50,603		'
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:	'		'		'
Prepaid benefit cost within other non-current assets	0		0		'
Accrued benefit cost within accrued liabilities	-3,139		-2,864		'
Accrued benefit cost within other non-current liabilities	-43,498		-47,739		'
Net funded status recognized	-46,637		-50,603		'
Unrecognized net prior service credits	0		-266		'
Unrecognized net actuarial losses (gains)	-17,419		-12,696		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes	-17,419	[5]	-12,962	[5]	'
Net periodic benefit cost	2,525	[1]	237	[1]	3,139	[1]
Expected contribution in 2013 fiscal year	3,138		'		'
Shaw Group Inc	'		'		'
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:	'		'		'
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,927		'		'
[1]	The acquisition amounts include the benefit obligation and plan asset balances at the Acquisition Closing Date associated with pension plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition. Net periodic benefit cost for 2013 included income of $1,927 for the acquired Shaw plans from the Acquisition Closing Date through December 31, 2013.
[2]	The actuarial loss for 2012 was primarily associated with a decrease in discount rate assumptions for our international pension plans.
[3]	The settlement/curtailment amounts were primarily associated with termination of benefits for our U.K. postretirement plan in 2012.
[4]	During 2014, we expect to contribute approximately $20,235 and $3,138 to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively.
[5]	During 2014, we expect to recognize $483 and $3,870 of previously unrecognized net prior service pension credits and net actuarial pension losses, respectively.

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Defined_Be

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Defined Benefit Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	$758,452	$673,686
Accumulated benefit obligation	744,211	661,291
Fair value of plan assets	$635,935	$565,707

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_WeightedAv

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Measure Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans	'		'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31,	'		'
Discount rate	3.97%		3.81%
Rate of compensation increase	2.78%	[1]	3.90%	[1]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31,	'		'
Discount rate	3.95%		4.82%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	4.45%	[2]	4.40%	[2]
Rate of compensation increase	2.78%	[1]	3.90%	[1]
Other Postretirement Plans	'		'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31,	'		'
Discount rate	4.94%		4.05%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31,	'		'
Discount rate	4.05%		4.85%
[1]	The rate of compensation increase relates solely to the defined benefit plans that factor compensation increases into the valuation.
[2]	The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was derived using historical returns by asset category and expectations of future performance.

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Expected_D

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Expected Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	$38,391
2015	38,347
2016	39,539
2017	45,870
2018	41,305
2019-2023	220,328
Other Postretirement Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	3,138
2015	3,303
2016	3,430
2017	3,484
2018	3,492
2019-2023	$17,288

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Plan_Asset

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Plan Assets at Fair Value by Investment Category and Valuation Hierarchy Level (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	$779,626		$565,707
Global Equities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	6,027		5,772
International Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	209,553	[1]	128,921	[1]
Emerging Markets Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	21,258		12,636
U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	11,677		3,012
U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	843		711
U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	492		400
U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	493		414
Euro Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	202,324	[2]	183,993	[2]
Euro Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	82,096	[3]	90,620	[3]
U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	93,540	[4]	23,543	[4]
U.K. Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	18,212	[5]	17,299	[5]
Other International Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	69,820	[6]	56,194	[6]
U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	2,741		2,315
Guaranteed Investment Contracts	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	852		918
Commodities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	10,920		9,578
Asset Allocation Fund	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	48,778	[7]	29,381	[7]
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1)	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	6,027		5,772
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Global Equities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	6,027		5,772
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | International Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Emerging Markets Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Euro Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[2]	0	[2]
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Euro Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[3]	0	[3]
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[4]	0	[4]
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | U.K. Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[5]	0	[5]
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Other International Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[6]	0	[6]
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Guaranteed Investment Contracts	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Commodities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Quoted Market Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Asset Allocation Fund	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[7]	0	[7]
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2)	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	773,599		559,935
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Global Equities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | International Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	209,553	[1]	128,921	[1]
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Emerging Markets Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	21,258		12,636
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	11,677		3,012
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	843		711
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	492		400
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	493		414
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Euro Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	202,324	[2]	183,993	[2]
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Euro Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	82,096	[3]	90,620	[3]
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	93,540	[4]	23,543	[4]
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | U.K. Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	18,212	[5]	17,299	[5]
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Other International Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	69,820	[6]	56,194	[6]
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	2,741		2,315
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Guaranteed Investment Contracts	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	852		918
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Commodities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	10,920		9,578
Internal Models With Significant Observable Market Parameters (Level 2) | Asset Allocation Fund	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	48,778	[7]	29,381	[7]
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3)	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Global Equities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | International Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Emerging Markets Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | U.S. Large-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | U.S. Mid-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | U.S. Small-Cap Growth Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | U.S. Small-Cap Value Funds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Euro Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[2]	0	[2]
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Euro Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[3]	0	[3]
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | U.K. Government Index-Linked Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[4]	0	[4]
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | U.K. Corporate Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[5]	0	[5]
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Other International Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0	[6]	0	[6]
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | U.S. Corporate and Government Bonds	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Guaranteed Investment Contracts	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Commodities	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	0		0
Internal Models With Significant Unobservable Market Parameters (Level 3) | Asset Allocation Fund	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Plan assets at fair value	$0	[7]	$0	[7]
[1]	Investments in various funds that track international indices.
[2]	Investments in European Union government securities with credit ratings of primarily AAA.
[3]	Investments in European fixed interest securities with credit ratings of primarily BBB and above.
[4]	Investments predominantly in U.K. Treasury securities with credit ratings of primarily AAA.
[5]	Investments predominantly in U.K. fixed interest securities with credit ratings of primarily BBB and above.
[6]	Investments predominantly in various international fixed income obligations that are individually insignificant.
[7]	Investments in fixed income securities, equities and alternative asset classes, including commodities and property assets.

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Assumed_He

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Assumed Health Care Cost Trends by One Percentage Point (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
1-Percentage Point Increase, Effect on total of service and interest cost	$62
1-Percentage Point Increase, Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,296
1-Percentage Point Decrease, Effect on total of service and interest cost	-56
1-Percentage Point Decrease, Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	($1,163)

RETIREMENT_BENEFITS_Additional

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Additional Information Regarding Significant Multi-Employer Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total Company Contributions	$98,995,000	[1]	$27,393,000	[1]	$19,450,000	[1]
Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'48-6168020-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'Implemented	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	20,549,000	[1]	6,910,000	[1]	5,748,000	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2017-10		'		'
Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'52-6152779-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'Implemented	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	3,336,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Twin City Carpenters and Joiners Pension Fund	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'41-6043137-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'Implemented	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	2,752,000	[1]	1,665,000	[1]	1,714,000	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-05		'		'
National Electrical Benefit Fund	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'53-0181657-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'No	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	2,300,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Ironworkers Mid-American Pension Plan	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'36-6488227-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'No	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	2,073,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150 Pension Fund	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'58-6116699-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Less than 65 percent	[2]	'Less than 65 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'Implemented	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	1,788,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Upstate New York Engineers Pension Fund	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'15-0614642-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Less than 65 percent	[2]	'Less than 65 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'Implemented	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	1,667,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-03		'		'
Central Laborers Pension Fund	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'37-6052379-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Less than 65 percent	[2]	'Less than 65 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'Implemented	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	1,609,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Minnesota Laborers Pension Plan	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'41-6159599-001	[3]	'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'NA	[2],[3]	'At least 80 percent	[2],[3]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'No	[2],[3]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	1,444,000	[1],[3]	745,000	[1],[3]	866,000	[1],[3]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-05	[3]	'		'
Twin City Iron Workers Pension Plan	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'41-6084127-001		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'Implemented	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	1,272,000	[1]	657,000	[1]	699,000	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-05		'		'
Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada)	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'366708		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'NA	[2]	'NA	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'NA	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	14,033,000	[1]	9,748,000	[1]	7,154,000	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-04		'		'
Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada) | Minimum	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of company contributions for pension plan of total plan contributions	'		5.00%		5.00%
Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada)	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'546028		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'NA	[2]	'NA	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'NA	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	5,612,000	[1]	5,623,000	[1]	1,469,000	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-04		'		'
Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada) | Minimum	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of company contributions for pension plan of total plan contributions	'		5.00%		'
Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada)	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'555656		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'NA	[2]	'NA	[2]	'
FIP/RP Plan	'NA	[2]	'		'
Total Company Contributions	2,775,000	[1]	1,480,000	[1]	1,156,000	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-04		'		'
Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) | Minimum	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of company contributions for pension plan of total plan contributions	'		5.00%		5.00%
Alberta Carpenters Pension Fund (Canada)	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
EIN/Plan Number	'0381723		'		'
Pension Protection Act (% Funded)	'NA		'NA		'
FIP/RP Plan	'NA		'		'
Total Company Contributions	1,087,000	[1]	142,000	[1]	0	[1]
Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement (5)	'2015-04		'		'
All Other	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total Company Contributions	36,698,000	[1],[4]	423,000	[1],[4]	644,000	[1],[4]
Shaw Group Inc	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total Company Contributions	58,862		'		'
Shaw Group Inc | Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust	'		'		'
Multi Employer Pension Plans [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total Company Contributions	$10,072,000		'		'
[1]	Our 2013 contributions included $58,862 associated with plans acquired in the Shaw Acquisition (including $10,072 of additional contributions to the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust). Additionally, our 2013 contributions as a percentage of total plan contributions were not available for any of our plans. For 2012, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada), the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) and the Edmonton Pipe Industry Pension Plan (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. For 2011, our contributions to the Boilermakers’ National Pension Plan (Canada) and the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund (Canada) exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. The level of our contributions to each plan noted above varies from period to period based upon the level of work being performed that is covered under the applicable collective-bargaining agreement.
[2]	Pension Protection Act Zone Status and FIP/RP plans are applicable to our U.S.-registered plans only, as these terms are not defined within Canadian pension legislation. In the U.S., plans funded less than 65% are in the red zone, plans funded at least 65%, but less than 80% are in the yellow zone, and plans funded at least 80% are in the green zone. The requirement for FIP or RP plans in the U.S. is based on the funding level or zone status of the applicable plan.
[3]	The funding level (zone status) for the Minnesota Laborers Pension Plan for the 2013 plan year was not available. However, based on total plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations, the plan was greater than 80% funded (green zone status) as of January 1, 2013.
[4]	Our remaining contributions are to various U.S. and Canadian plans, which are immaterial individually.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rent expense for operating leases	$147,100	$76,880	$73,835
Surety bonds and letters of credit contracting activities	1,640,520	'	'
Surety bonds and letters of credit insurance program	87,328	'	'
Asbestos Litigation	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of plaintiffs	5,300	'	'
Number of plaintiffs whose claims pending	1,400	'	'
Number of plaintiffs whose claims closed through dismissals or settlements	3,900	'	'
Settlement amount per claim	2,000	'	'
Accrued litigation liability and related expenses	3,600	'	'
Shaw Group Inc	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rent expense for operating leases	$64,805	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Future Minimum Payments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$117,098
2015	88,175
2016	68,796
2017	55,787
2018	44,330
Thereafter	134,773
Total	508,959	[1]
Minimum lease payments, contractually recoverable through cost-reimbursable projects amount	$16,000
[1]	Approximately $16,000 of minimum lease payments above are contractually recoverable through our cost-reimbursable projects.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Additional

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information (Detail)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Treasury stock restrictions, percentage of issued share capital, maximum	'	10.00%
Shaw Group Inc	'	'
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]	'	'
Shares issued in connection with Shaw acquisition	8,893,000	8,893,000

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe

- Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	($101,032)
OCI before reclassifications	-22,772
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	3,871
Net OCI	-18,901
Balance at December 31, 2013	-119,933
Currency Translation Adjustment	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-21,843	[1]
OCI before reclassifications	-24,737
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	[1]
Net OCI	-24,737	[1]
Balance at December 31, 2013	-46,580	[1]
Unrealized Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	296
OCI before reclassifications	836
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	639
Net OCI	1,475
Balance at December 31, 2013	1,771
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-79,485
OCI before reclassifications	1,129
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	3,232
Net OCI	4,361
Balance at December 31, 2013	($75,124)
[1]	The currency translation adjustment component of AOCI was impacted during 2013 primarily by movements in the Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Euro exchange rates against the U.S. Dollar.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Significan

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Significant Items Reclassified Into Earnings (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate derivatives (interest expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($87,578)

($19,606)

($11,030)

Foreign currency derivatives (cost of revenue)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,895,517

-4,786,499

-3,980,306

Income before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

603,860

444,066

351,963

Taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-91,270

-127,003

-96,765

Net income

217,055

[1]

132,963

119,700

42,872

96,992

86,253

72,844

60,974

512,590

317,063

255,198

Amounts Reclassified From AOCI | Unrealized Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

513

[2]

'

'

Taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

126

[2]

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

639

[2]

'

'

Amounts Reclassified From AOCI | Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of prior service credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-732

[3]

'

'

Recognized net actuarial losses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,038

[3]

'

'

Income before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,306

[3]

'

'

Taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-74

[3]

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,232

[3]

'

'

Interest rate derivatives | Amounts Reclassified From AOCI | Unrealized Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate derivatives (interest expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,817

[2]

'

'

Foreign currency derivatives | Amounts Reclassified From AOCI | Unrealized Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency derivatives (cost of revenue)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,304)

[2]

'

'

[1]

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

[2]

See Note 11 for further discussion of our cash flow hedges, including the total value reclassified from AOCI to earnings.

[3]

See Note 12 for further discussion of our defined benefit and other postretirement plans, including the components of net periodic benefit cost.

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E2

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS - Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Directors Shares Subject to Restrictions

Directors Shares Subject to Restrictions

Directors Shares Subject to Restrictions

Long Term Incentive Plans

Long Term Incentive Plans

Long Term Incentive Plans

Performance shares

Performance shares

Performance shares

Nonvested Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Nonvested Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member]

ESPP shares

ESPP shares

ESPP shares

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Stock options

Stock options

Stock options

Stock options

Stock options

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Shaw Group Inc

Acquisition and integration-related costs

Minimum

Maximum

Long Term Incentive Plans

Nonvested Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Stock options

Shaw Group Inc

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Paid Upon Vesting Of Cash Settled RSUs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,575

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,893,000

8,893,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition Equity Awards Issued Or Issuable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,362,000

1,362,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition Converted Cash Settled Equity Awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

473,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share based compensation expense

63,315

41,000

35,298

'

'

'

62,251

39,526

33,969

31,017

'

'

'

'

2,188

1,474

1,329

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,650

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition and integration-related costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,975

Shares available for future stock option, restricted share or performance share grants

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,030,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee stock purchase plan, percentage of maximum compensation to purchase share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee stock purchase plan, percentage of share purchase price to closing price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee stock purchase plan, authorized shares remained available for purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,090,120

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recurring Share Based Compensation

64,439

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based grants

63,901

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average period for unrecognized compensation costs to be recognized

'1 year 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized tax benefit related to share-based compensation

25,123

13,309

11,331

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options expiration term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options granted vesting period (in Years)

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'4 years

'

Weighted-average fair value per share of options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20.05

$0

$20.53

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,546

9,551

13,789

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash proceeds from exercise of stock options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,452

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Realized actual income tax benefit from exercise of stock options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,721

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average remaining contractual life of unvested option

'4 years 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted

'

'

'

18,340

27,000

22,000

'

'

'

366,000

301,000

286,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

381,000

466,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

307,000

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

166,000

[1]

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share

'

'

'

$57.25

'

'

'

'

'

$57.40

$44.42

$36.15

$52.11

[2]

'

'

'

'

$33.38

[1]

'

$44.22

'

$36.10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares distributed during the year

'

'

'

27,000

'

'

'

'

'

667

'

'

111,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of vested shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,258

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,041

32,212

25,208

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash-settled SARs, granted, exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,000

[1]

'

'

'

Cash settled SARs granted, unvested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104,000

[1]

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price, exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33.39

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33.38

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price, unvested SARs

'

'

'

$57.25

$44.48

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$52.11

$0

'

'

'

$33.39

[3]

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33.39

[3]

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining contractual lives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years 6 months

'

'

'

Expiration period from the original grant date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Settled Equity Liability Awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

798

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonvested cash-settled SARs liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,954

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Risk-free interest rate

0.16%

'

2.85%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.21%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected dividend yield

0.38%

'

0.59%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected volatility

50.00%

'

69.65%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected life in years

'5 years

'

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 8 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liability Associated With Nonvested Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units RSUs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,114

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The weighted-average fair value per share of SARs granted during 2013, all of which were Shaw SARs that were converted to CB&I SARs in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, was $33.38.

[2]

All cash-settled RSUs granted during 2013 were Shaw cash-settled RSUs that were converted to CB&I cash-settled RSUs in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition.

[3]

We estimate that 109 of these options will ultimately vest. These SARs have a weighted-average exercise price per share of $33.39, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.28 and a current aggregate intrinsic value of $5,422.

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E3

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Shares	'
Outstanding options at beginning of year	968,000
Granted	1,080,528
Exercised	-828,000
Forfeited / Expired	-158,000
Outstanding options at end of year	1,062,528	[1]
Exercisable options	858,601
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	'
Outstanding options at beginning of year	$19.86
Granted	$38.53
Exercised	$29.71
Forfeited / Expired	$59.51
Outstanding options at end of year	$25.26	[1]
Exercisable options at end of year	$23.65
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	'
Outstanding options at end of year	'4 years 6 months
Exercisable options at end of year	'4 years 4 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Outstanding options at end of year	$61,342	[1]
Exercisable options at end of year	51,079
Unvested option outstanding	1,026
Weighted-average exercise price of unvested option	$24.81
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of unvested option	'4 years 6 months
Aggregate intrinsic value of unvested option	$59,860
[1]	We estimate that 1,026 of these options will ultimately vest. These options have a weighted-average exercise price per share of $24.81, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 4.5 years and a current aggregate intrinsic value of $59,860.

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E4

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS - Weighted-Average Assumptions Method for Estimating Fair Value of Option Grant (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.16%	2.85%
Expected dividend yield	0.38%	0.59%
Expected volatility	50.00%	69.65%
Expected life in years	'5 years	'6 years

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E5

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS - Restricted Share Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Nonvested Restricted Stock	'		'	'
Shares	'		'	'
Balance at beginning of year	1,194,515		'	'
Granted	700,142	[1]	'	'
Vested	-948,170		'	'
Forfeited	-38,557		'	'
Balance at end of year	908,056		'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share	'		'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$28.67		'	'
Granted	$52.98	[1]	'	'
Vested	$31.18		'	'
Forfeited	$48.81		'	'
Balance at end of year	$43.94		'	'
Directors Shares Subject to Restrictions	'		'	'
Shares	'		'	'
Balance at beginning of year	26,976		'	'
Granted	18,340		27,000	22,000
Vested	-27,000		'	'
Balance at end of year	18,000		26,976	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share	'		'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$44.48		'	'
Granted	$57.25		'	'
Vested	$44.48		'	'
Balance at end of year	$57.25		$44.48	'
Shaw Group Inc | Nonvested Restricted Stock	'		'	'
Shares	'		'	'
Granted	281	[1]	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share	'		'	'
Granted	$52.11	[1]	'	'
[1]	Includes 281 RSUs granted in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition at a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $52.11.

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E6

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS - Nonvested Cash-Settled RSU Activity (Details) (Nonvested Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares	'
Balance at beginning of year	0
Vested	-111,000
Forfeited	-59,000
Balance at end of year	137,000
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share	'
Balance at beginning of year	$0
Granted	$52.11	[1]
Vested	$52.11
Forfeited	$52.11
Balance at end of year	$52.11
Shaw Group Inc	'
Shares	'
Granted	307,000
[1]	All cash-settled RSUs granted during 2013 were Shaw cash-settled RSUs that were converted to CB&I cash-settled RSUs in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition.

STOCKSETTLED_AND_CASHSETTLED_E7

STOCK-SETTLED AND CASH-SETTLED EQUITY BASED PLANS - Cash-Settled SAR Activity (Details) (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Shares	'		'
Outstanding at beginning of year	0		'
Exercised	-30,000		'
Forfeited/Expired	-18,000		'
Outstanding at end of year	118,000	[1]	'
Exercisable at end of year	44,000		'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	'		'
Balance at beginning of year	$0		'
Granted	$33.38	[2]	'
Exercised	$33.38		'
Forfeited / Expired	$33.38		'
Balance at end of year	$33.39	[1]	'
Exercisable at end of year	$33.39		'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	'		'
Outstanding at end of year	'6 years 3 months 11 days	[1]	'
Exercisable at end of year	'5 years 4 months 6 days		'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'		'
Outstanding at end of year	$5,893	[1]	'
Exercisable at end of year	2,206		'
SARs outstanding at year end, expected to vest	'		109,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of SARs expected to vest	$5,422	[1]	'
Shaw Group Inc	'		'
Number of Shares	'		'
Granted	166,000	[2]	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	'		'
Balance at end of year	$33.39	[1]	'
Exercisable at end of year	$33.38		'
[1]	We estimate that 109 of these options will ultimately vest. These SARs have a weighted-average exercise price per share of $33.39, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.28 and a current aggregate intrinsic value of $5,422.
[2]	The weighted-average fair value per share of SARs granted during 2013, all of which were Shaw SARs that were converted to CB&I SARs in conjunction with the Shaw Acquisition, was $33.38.

INCOME_TAXES_Income_Tax_Expens

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expense by Tax Jurisdiction (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Sources of Income Before Taxes	'		'		'
U.S.	$170,641		$126,438		$115,693
Non-U.S.	433,219		317,628		236,270
Income before taxes	603,860		444,066		351,963
Current income taxes	'		'		'
U.S.—Federal	-19,754	[1]	-28,327	[1]	-12,411	[1]
U.S.—State	15,290		-5,532		-3,255
Non-U.S.	-93,839		-51,645		-67,903
Total current income taxes	-98,303		-85,504		-83,569
Deferred income taxes	'		'		'
U.S.—Federal	-7,098		-22,634		-19,667
U.S.—State	-28,050		-953		-4,276
Non-U.S.	42,181		-17,912		10,747
Total deferred income taxes	7,033		-41,499		-13,196
Total income tax expense	-91,270		-127,003		-96,765
Tax expense (benefit) associated with share-based compensation recorded in additional paid-in capital	$13,043		$17,963		$14,618
[1]	Tax benefits of $13,043, $17,963 and $14,618 associated with share-based compensation were recorded in additional paid-in capital in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

INCOME_TAXES_Reconciliation_of

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Income Taxes at Netherlands' Statutory Rate and Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Income Taxes at The Netherlands' Statutory Rate and Income Tax Expense	'	'	'
Income tax expense at statutory rate (25.0% for 2013, 2012 and 2011)	($150,965)	($111,016)	($87,992)
U.S. state income taxes	-3,399	-3,659	-5,252
Non-deductible meals and entertainment	-4,878	-2,750	-2,088
Valuation allowance established	-13,952	-11,375	-11,351
Valuation allowance utilized	96,664	7,814	14,182
Tax exempt interest, net	416	2,973	2,765
Statutory tax rate differential	-16,587	-7,717	2,773
Branch and withholding taxes (net of tax benefit)	104	-16,940	-14,873
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount	0	13,169	0
Noncontrolling interests	13,238	6,719	1,631
Acquisition-related costs	-2,869	-2,757	'
Manufacturer's production exclusion/R&D credit	3,106	1,451	39
Contingent liability accrual	-2,667	2,205	5,053
Other, net	-9,481	-5,120	-1,652
Total income tax expense	($91,270)	($127,003)	($96,765)
Effective tax rate	15.10%	28.60%	27.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Parent Company Income Tax Rate	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%

INCOME_TAXES_Principal_Tempora

INCOME TAXES - Principal Temporary Differences Included in Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Current deferred tax asset	$582,491	$98,100
Less: valuation allowance	-32,291	-13,799
Net current deferred tax asset	550,200	84,301
Disallowed interest	31,859	0
Non-current deferred tax asset	116,761	119,035
Less: valuation allowance	-78,595	-134,234
Net non-current deferred tax asset	38,166	-15,199
Net total deferred tax asset	588,366	69,102
Current Assets	'	'
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Non-U.S. operating losses	6,610	41,811
Contract revenue and cost	512,621	45,926
Employee compensation and benefit plan reserves	29,397	14,028
Legal reserves	6,009	1,293
Other	27,854	-4,958
Noncurrent Assets	'	'
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Employee compensation and benefit plan reserves	26,497	23,738
U.S. Federal operating losses and credits	178,859	28,186
U.S. State operating losses and credits	58,791	220
Non-U.S. operating losses	96,474	141,030
Non-U.S. credits	3,621	3,621
Contract revenue and cost	5,221	0
Pensions and other	21,504	28,639
Insurance and legal reserves	28,398	5,531
Depreciation and amortization	-354,034	-117,844
Other	$19,571	$5,914

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Federal

Federal

Federal

Outside United States

UK

UK

UK

UK

Other Foreign Jurisdiction

Expire in 2021

Expire in 2033

Operating Loss Carryforwards State and Local

Operating Loss Carryforwards

Operating Loss Carryforwards Federal, State, and Foreign

U.K. NOL DTA

Foreign Tax Credits

Change in Tax Rates, Release of Other Valuation Allowance and Foreign Exchange Movements

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Federal

Federal

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undistributed Earnings, Domestic and Foreign Subsidiaries

$1,194,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Valuation allowance against UK NOL DTAs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in valuation allowance related to the UK NOL DTA

-77,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

-47,600

37,100

-14,000

62,800

28,200

7,700

Non-U.S. NOLs

453,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

293,600

'

'

'

159,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

NOL, net of apportionment that will not be utilized

'

'

'

'

'

'

153,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

NOL deferred tax asset

'

'

'

119,000

'

'

62,300

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration period for NOLs

'

'

'

'

'2014

'2033

'

'

'

'2014

'2033

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign

53,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other tax credit

6,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating loss carryforwards

'

'

'

339,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,400

321,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S.-State NOLs

'

'

'

58,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

State NOL, net of apportionment that will not be utilized

'

'

'

54,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized income tax benefits

14,281

7,374

5,169

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized income tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized

11,142

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax years remaining subject to examination, earliest year

'2005

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits from a net reversal of associated accrued interest

'

$3,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

INCOME_TAXES_Reconciliation_of1

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the year	$5,169	$7,374
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition	6,445	0
Increase as a result of:	'	'
Tax positions taken during the current period	3,333	1,530
Decreases as a result of:	'	'
Tax positions taken during prior periods	0	'
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations	-241	'
Settlements with taxing authorities	-425	-3,735
Unrecognized income tax benefits at the end of the year	$14,281	$5,169

UNAPPROVED_CHANGE_ORDERS_AND_C1

UNAPPROVED CHANGE ORDERS AND CLAIMS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Unapproved Claims And Change Orders [Line Items]	'	'
Number of customers	2	'
Number of nuclear power plants	2	'
Receivables significantly past due	$127,500	'
Engineering, Construction And Maintenance [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Unapproved Claims And Change Orders [Line Items]	'	'
Claims against customer	838,600	'
Cumulative partial payments	96,500	'
Consortium	'	'
Schedule Of Unapproved Claims And Change Orders [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts Recorded In Revenues On Percentage Of Completion Basis Associated With Unapproved Change Orders And Claims Cumulative To Date	85,200	'
All Other	'	'
Schedule Of Unapproved Claims And Change Orders [Line Items]	'	'
Claims against customer	97,000	47,100
Amounts Recorded In Revenues On Percentage Of Completion Basis Associated With Unapproved Change Orders And Claims Cumulative To Date	88,200	'
Incentive Amounts Included in Contract Price	$49,200	'

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of business sectors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

Revenue

$3,000,257

[1]

$2,992,050

$2,850,791

$2,251,429

$1,537,468

$1,446,942

$1,299,529

$1,201,267

$11,094,527

$5,485,206

$4,550,542

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

684,508

455,643

355,197

Engineering, Construction And Maintenance [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,724,567

3,305,377

2,312,151

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

328,919

168,467

93,826

Intersegment Eliminations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

229,300

0

0

All Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,190,787

'

'

Percentage of total revenue from one customer within CB&I Lummus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.00%

'

'

United States

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,007,899

1,114,148

831,534

Percentage of net assets located in the U.S

80.00%

'

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

80.00%

65.00%

65.00%

Gorgon MEI [Member] | Engineering, Construction And Maintenance [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

265,200

22,400

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,200

2,200

Customer [Domain] | Engineering, Construction And Maintenance [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$914,970

$690,923

Percentage of total revenue from one customer within CB&I Lummus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.00%

15.00%

[1]

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

Recovered_Sheet2

SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION - Total Revenue and Income from Operations by Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

$3,000,257

[1]

$2,992,050

$2,850,791

$2,251,429

$1,537,468

$1,446,942

$1,299,529

$1,201,267

$11,094,527

$5,485,206

$4,550,542

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,026

66,421

70,184

Equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,474

17,931

16,887

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

684,508

455,643

355,197

Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90,492

72,279

40,945

Assets

9,389,593

'

'

'

4,329,675

'

'

'

9,389,593

4,329,675

3,279,349

Engineering, Construction And Maintenance [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,724,567

3,305,377

2,312,151

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70,926

16,722

18,548

Equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

572

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

328,919

168,467

93,826

Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,866

6,395

10,587

Assets

5,111,251

'

'

'

1,907,455

'

'

'

5,111,251

1,907,455

1,210,379

Fabrication Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,575,597

1,692,533

1,789,817

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

57,660

27,062

28,775

Equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

248

0

0

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

259,750

170,780

165,033

Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,529

36,963

22,311

Assets

2,116,245

'

'

'

1,102,791

'

'

'

2,116,245

1,102,791

1,059,922

Technology [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

599,195

487,296

448,574

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,267

22,637

22,861

Equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,356

17,931

16,315

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

156,835

127,396

96,338

Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,397

28,921

8,047

Assets

1,077,414

'

'

'

1,319,429

'

'

'

1,077,414

1,319,429

1,009,048

Government Solutions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,195,168

0

0

Depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,173

0

0

Equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

870

0

0

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,741

0

0

Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,700

0

0

Assets

1,084,683

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

1,084,683

0

0

Total operating groups

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

780,245

466,643

355,197

Acquisition-related costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income From Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($95,737)

($11,000)

$0

[1]

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

SEGMENT_AND_RELATED_INFORMATIO2

SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION - Total Revenue by Country (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

$3,000,257

[1]

$2,992,050

$2,850,791

$2,251,429

$1,537,468

$1,446,942

$1,299,529

$1,201,267

$11,094,527

$5,485,206

$4,550,542

United States

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,007,899

1,114,148

831,534

Australia

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,574,253

666,688

351,081

Colombia

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,035,450

917,553

694,565

Canada

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

820,243

665,907

509,038

Papua New Guinea

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

757,657

606,532

461,148

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,899,025

[2]

$1,514,378

[2]

$1,703,176

[2]

Other | Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of revenue earned in other individual country

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

10.00%

10.00%

[1]

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.

[2]

Revenue earned in other countries, including The Netherlands (our country of domicile), was not individually greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Consolidated_Financial_Informa

- Consolidated Financial Information on a Quarterly Basis (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Revenue	$3,000,257	[1]	$2,992,050		$2,850,791		$2,251,429		$1,537,468		$1,446,942		$1,299,529		$1,201,267		$11,094,527	$5,485,206	$4,550,542
Gross profit	339,206	[1]	316,569		297,091		246,144		197,668		188,890		158,885		153,264		1,199,010	698,707	570,236
Acquisition and integration related costs	19,260	[1],[2]	5,257	[2]	9,964	[2]	61,256	[2]	6,000	[2]	3,500	[2]	1,500	[2]	0	[2]	95,737	11,000	0
Net income	217,055	[1]	132,963		119,700		42,872		96,992		86,253		72,844		60,974		512,590	317,063	255,198
Net income attributable to CB&I	196,781	[1]	117,688		106,043		33,608		89,617		80,231		72,320		59,487		454,120	301,655	255,032
Net income attributable to CB&I per share—basic	$1.83	[1]	$1.10		$0.99		$0.33		$0.93		$0.83		$0.75		$0.61		$4.29	$3.12	$2.60
Net income attributable to CB&I per share—diluted	$1.80	[1]	$1.08		$0.98		$0.32		$0.91		$0.82		$0.74		$0.60		$4.23	$3.07	$2.55
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Decrease in valuation allowance related to the UK NOL DTA	-77,800		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
UK	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Decrease in valuation allowance related to the UK NOL DTA	$62,800		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
[1]	Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter 2013 includes a benefit of $77,800 resulting from the reversal of valuation allowance associated with our U.K. net operating loss deferred tax asset and certain U.S. foreign tax credits.
[2]	For 2013 and 2012, acquisition-related costs primarily included transaction costs, professional fees, and change-in-control and severance-related costs associated with the Shaw Acquisition, while integration-related costs in 2013 primarily related to facility consolidations and the associated accelerated lease costs for vacated facilities and personnel relocation costs.