Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) 10-K 11 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
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	'GLDD	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001372020	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	59,736,196	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$435,108,882
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$75,338	$24,440
Accounts receivable-net	96,515	124,215
Contract revenues in excess of billings	67,432	50,294
Inventories	32,500	28,460
Prepaid expenses	4,211	3,985
Other current assets	39,953	27,135
Assets held for sale	45,104	55,235
Total current assets	361,053	313,764
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-Net	345,620	335,509
GOODWILL	79,326	79,326
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS-Net	1,976	3,067
INVENTORIES-Noncurrent	38,496	37,392
INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES	8,256	7,047
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE-Noncurrent	8,856	32,661
OTHER	9,062	17,702
TOTAL	852,645	826,468
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	116,121	105,623
Accrued expenses	38,531	35,571
Billings in excess of contract revenues	6,754	9,654
Current portion of long term debt	'	13,047
Liabilities held for sale	32,493	22,129
Total current liabilities	193,899	186,024
7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES	250,000	250,000
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY	35,000	'
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	108,511	106,128
LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE-Noncurrent	1,212	1,540
OTHER	21,922	9,351
Total liabilities	610,544	553,043
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)	'	'
EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock-$.0001 par value; 90,000 authorized, 59,670 and 59,359 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.	6	6
Additional paid-in capital	275,183	271,418
Retained earnings	-31,770	2,591
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-473	-380
Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation equity	242,946	273,635
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	-845	-210
Total equity	242,101	273,425
TOTAL	$852,645	$826,468

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
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	$731,418	$588,430	$520,134
Costs of contract revenues	631,123	510,272	437,499
Gross profit	100,295	78,158	82,635
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	68,039	45,723	40,892
Proceeds from loss of use claim	-13,372	'	'
Gain on sale of assets-net	-5,773	-198	-11,736
Total operating income	51,401	32,633	53,479
OTHER EXPENSE:	'	'	'
Interest expense-net	-21,941	-20,925	-21,373
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	1,208	124	-406
Loss on foreign currency transactions-net	-351	-118	-282
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	-5,145
Total other expense	-21,084	-20,919	-27,206
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	30,317	11,714	26,273
Income tax (provision) benefit	-10,460	-5,419	-9,944
Income from continuing operations	19,857	6,295	16,329
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-54,850	-9,635	922
Net income (loss)	-34,993	-3,340	17,251
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	632	645	-723
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION	($34,361)	($2,695)	$16,528
Basic earnings per share attributable to income from continuing operations	$0.33	$0.11	$0.28
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes	($0.91)	($0.15)	'
Basic earnings per share attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	($0.58)	($0.04)	$0.28
Basic weighted average shares	59,495	59,195	58,891
Diluted earnings per share attributable to income from continuing operations	$0.33	$0.11	$0.28
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes	($0.90)	($0.15)	'
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	($0.57)	($0.04)	$0.28
Diluted weighted average shares	60,101	59,673	59,230

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'		'		'
Net income (loss)	($34,993)		($3,340)		$17,251
Currency translation adjustment-net of tax	-397	[1]	-6	[1]	-267	[1]
Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives-net of tax	304	[2]	-377	[2]	-87	[2]
Other comprehensive loss-net of tax	-93		-383		-354
Comprehensive income (loss)	-35,086		-3,723		16,897
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	632		645		-723
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	($34,454)		($3,078)		$16,174
[1]	Net of income tax (provision) benefit of $261, $(7) and $(177) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively
[2]	Net of income tax (provision) benefit of $204, $(250) and $(58) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Recovered_Sheet1

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Currency translation adjustment, tax	$261	($7)	($177)
Net unrealized gain on derivatives-net of tax	$204	($250)	($58)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Equ

Consolidated Statements Of Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
BALANCE - value at Dec. 31, 2010	$6	$266,329	$12,261	$357	($2,128)	$276,825
BALANCE - shares at Dec. 31, 2010	58,770	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, Value	'	1,838	'	'	'	1,838
Share-based compensation, Shares	116	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, value	'	-291	'	'	'	-291
Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, shares	106	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Value	'	27	'	'	'	27
Exercise of stock options, Shares	6	'	'	'	'	'
Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation	'	55	'	'	'	55
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in NASDI, LLC	'	-40	'	'	1,973	1,933
Dividends declared and paid	'	'	-4,711	'	'	-4,711
Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units	'	'	-36	'	'	-36
Net income (loss)	'	'	16,528	'	723	17,251
Other comprehensive loss-net of tax	'	'	'	-354	'	-354
BALANCE - value at Dec. 31, 2011	6	267,918	24,042	3	568	292,537
BALANCE - shares at Dec. 31, 2011	58,999	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, Value	'	3,081	'	'	'	3,081
Share-based compensation, Shares	165	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, value	'	-231	'	'	'	-231
Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, shares	92	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Value	'	461	'	'	'	461
Exercise of stock options, Shares	103	'	'	'	'	'
Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation	'	189	'	'	'	189
Dividends declared and paid	'	'	-18,560	'	'	-18,560
Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units	'	'	196	'	'	196
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	-133	-133
Net income (loss)	'	'	-2,695	'	-645	-3,340
Other comprehensive loss-net of tax	'	'	'	-383	'	-383
BALANCE - value at Dec. 31, 2012	6	271,418	2,591	-380	-210	273,425
BALANCE - shares at Dec. 31, 2012	59,359	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, Value	'	3,251	'	'	'	3,251
Share-based compensation, Shares	96	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, value	'	-308	'	'	'	-308
Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, shares	75	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Value	'	668	'	'	'	668
Exercise of stock options, Shares	140	'	'	'	'	84
Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation	'	154	'	'	'	154
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	-3	-3
Net income (loss)	'	'	-34,361	'	-632	-34,993
Other comprehensive loss-net of tax	'	'	'	-93	'	-93
BALANCE - value at Dec. 31, 2013	$6	$275,183	($31,770)	($473)	($845)	$242,101
BALANCE - shares at Dec. 31, 2013	59,670	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements Of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Dividends declared per share	($0.31)	($0.08)

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
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net loss	($34,993)	($3,340)	$17,251
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax	-54,850	-9,635	922
Income from continuing operations	19,857	6,295	16,329
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	46,622	37,430	37,282
Equity in earnings of joint ventures	-1,208	-124	406
Loss on extinguishment of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes	'	'	5,145
Deferred income taxes	-304	4,471	13,727
Gain on dispositions of property and equipment	-5,773	-198	-11,736
Impairment of goodwill	-21,474	'	'
Gain on adjustment of contingent earnout	'	-240	-1,400
Amortization of deferred financing fees	1,153	1,245	1,515
Unrealized foreign currency loss	-179	208	513
Share-based compensation expense	3,251	3,081	1,838
Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation	-154	-189	-55
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	36,260	-17,795	-22,080
Contract revenues in excess of billings	-17,142	-29,661	-2,961
Inventories	-5,144	-2,603	-4,668
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-10,124	-1,444	-12,256
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	22,622	20,253	6,815
Billings in excess of contract revenues	-2,900	-1,177	-2,445
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities	-490	184	-1,155
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	86,347	19,736	24,814
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations	-11,524	-21,596	-251
Net cash flows provided by (used in) by operating activities	74,823	-1,860	24,563
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-66,654	-60,516	-28,707
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment	6,953	597	16,679
Acquisition of Terra assets	'	-2,000	'
Proceeds from vendor performance obligations	13,600	'	'
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations	-46,101	-61,919	-12,028
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations	-153	-1,524	-4,688
Cash used in investing activities	-46,254	-63,443	-16,716
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of 7 3/8% senior notes	'	'	250,000
Redemption of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes	'	'	-175,000
Senior subordinated notes redemption premium	'	'	-2,264
Deferred financing fees	'	-2,039	-5,962
Distributions paid to minority interests	-3	-133	'
Repayment of long term note payable	-13,047	-2,500	-2,500
Dividends paid	'	-18,560	-4,711
Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units	'	-196	-36
Taxes paid on settlement of vested share awards	-308	-231	-291
Repayments of equipment debt	'	'	-9
Exercise of stock options	668	461	27
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation	154	189	55
Borrowings under revolving loans	227,000	'	55
Repayments of revolving loans	-192,000	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations	22,464	-23,009	59,309
Cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations	'	-543	-1,902
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	22,464	-23,552	57,407
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-135	7	-444
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	50,898	-88,848	64,810
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,440	113,288	48,478
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	75,338	24,440	113,288
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	20,083	19,462	12,485
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes	1,793	-4,859	5,270
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	'	'	'
Property and equipment purchased but not yet paid	3,552	7,747	5,222
Property and equipment purchased on capital leases and equipment notes	'	'	2,127
NASDI, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	'	'	'
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in NASDI, LLC	'	'	40
Terra [Member]	'	'	'
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	'	'	'
Purchase price of assets comprised of promissory notes and other liabilities	'	$23,798	'

Nature_Of_Business_And_Summary

Nature Of Business And Summary Of Signicant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature Of Business And Summary Of Signicant Accounting Policies	'
		1	NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Organization —Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Great Lakes”) are in the business of marine construction, primarily dredging, and specialty contracting which primarily offer demolition, environmental and remediation services. The Company’s primary dredging customers are domestic and foreign government agencies, as well as private entities, and its primary environmental & remediation customers are general contractors, corporations, environmental engineering and construction firms that commission projects and local government and municipal agencies.
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation —The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in unconsolidated investees in which the Company has significant influence, but not control. Other investments, if any, are carried at cost.
	Use of Estimates —The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Revenue and Cost Recognition on Contracts —Substantially all of the Company’s contracts for dredging services are fixed-price contracts, which provide for remeasurement based on actual quantities dredged. The majority of the Company’s environmental & remediation contracts are also fixed-price contracts, with others performed on a time-and-materials basis. Contract revenues are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method based on the Company’s engineering estimates of the physical percentage completed for dredging projects and based on costs incurred to date compared to total estimated costs for fixed-price environmental & remediation projects. For dredging projects, costs of contract revenues are adjusted to reflect the gross profit percentage expected to be achieved upon ultimate completion. For environmental & remediation contracts, contract revenues are adjusted to reflect the estimated gross profit percentage. Revisions in estimated gross profit percentages are recorded in the period during which the change in circumstances is experienced or becomes known. As the duration of most of the Company’s contracts is one year or less, the cumulative net impact of these revisions in estimates, individually and in the aggregate across our projects, does not significantly affect our results across reporting periods. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts in progress are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Change orders are not recognized in revenue until the recovery is probable and collectability is reasonably assured. Claims for additional compensation due to the Company are not recognized in contract revenues until such claims are settled. Billings on contracts are generally submitted after verification with the customers of physical progress and may not match the timing of revenue recognition. The difference between amounts billed and recognized as revenue is reflected in the balance sheet as either contract revenues in excess of billings or billings in excess of contract revenues. Modifications may be negotiated when a change from the original contract specification is encountered, and a change in project scope, performance methodology and/or material disposal is necessary. Thus, the resulting modification is considered a change in the scope of the original project to which it relates. Significant expenditures incurred incidental to major contracts are deferred and recognized as contract costs based on contract performance over the duration of the related project. These expenditures are reported as prepaid expenses.
	The components of costs of contract revenues include labor, equipment (including depreciation, maintenance, insurance and long-term rentals), subcontracts, fuel and project overhead. Hourly labor is generally hired on a project-by-project basis. Costs of contract revenues vary significantly depending on the type and location of work performed and assets utilized. Generally, capital dredging projects have the highest margins due to the complexity of the projects, while coastal protection projects have the most volatile margins because they are most often exposed to variability in weather conditions.
	The Company’s cost structure includes significant annual equipment-related costs, including depreciation, maintenance, insurance and long-term rentals. These costs have averaged approximately 20% to 23% of total costs of contract revenues over the prior three years. During the year, both equipment utilization and the timing of fixed cost expenditures fluctuate significantly. Accordingly, the Company allocates these fixed equipment costs to interim periods in proportion to revenues recognized over the year, to better match revenues and expenses. Specifically, at each interim reporting date the Company compares actual revenues earned to date on its dredging contracts to expected annual revenues and recognizes equipment costs on the same proportionate basis. In the fourth quarter, any over or under allocated equipment costs are recognized such that the expense for the year equals actual equipment costs incurred during the year.
	Classification of Current Assets and Liabilities —The Company includes in current assets and liabilities amounts realizable and payable in the normal course of contract completion, unless completion of such contracts extends significantly beyond one year.
	Cash Equivalents —The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable —Accounts receivable represent amounts due or billable under the terms of contracts with customers, including amounts related to retainage. The Company anticipates collection of retainage generally within one year, and accordingly presents retainage as a current asset. The Company provides an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable when events or conditions indicate that amounts outstanding are not recoverable.
	Inventories —Inventories consist of pipe and spare parts used in the Company’s dredging operations. Pipe and spare parts are purchased in large quantities; therefore, a certain amount of pipe and spare part inventories is not anticipated to be used within the current year and is classified as long-term. Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or weighted average historical cost.
	Property and Equipment —Capital additions, improvements, and major renewals are classified as property and equipment and are carried at depreciated cost. Maintenance and repairs that do not significantly extend the useful lives of the assets or enhance the capabilities of such assets are charged to expenses as incurred. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful lives of property and equipment using the straight-line method and the mid-year depreciation convention. The estimated useful lives by class of assets are:
	Class		Useful Life (years)
	Buildings and improvements		10
	Furniture and fixtures		10-May
	Vehicles, dozers, and other light operating equipment and systems		5-Mar
	Heavy operating equipment (dredges and barges)		30-Oct
	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their remaining useful lives or the remaining terms of the leases.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets —Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over fair value of the net assets acquired. Other identifiable intangible assets mainly represent developed technology and databases, customer relationships, and customer contracts acquired in business combinations and are being amortized over a one to five-year period. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment in the third quarter of each year, or more frequently should circumstances dictate. GAAP requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
	The Company assesses the fair values of its reporting units using both a market-based approach and an income-based approach. Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future market growth trends, forecasted revenues and expenses, appropriate discount rates and other variables. The estimates are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, but such assumptions are subject to unpredictability and uncertainty. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value, and may result in the impairment of goodwill in the event that actual results differ from those estimates.
	The market approach measures the value of a reporting unit through comparison to comparable companies. Under the market approach, the Company uses the guideline public company method by applying estimated market-based enterprise value multiples to the reporting unit’s estimated revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. The Company analyzed companies that performed similar services or are considered peers. Due to the fact that there are no public companies that are direct competitors, the Company weighed the results of this approach less than the income approach.
	The Company has four operating segments that, through aggregation, comprise two reportable segments: dredging and environmental & remediation, previously referred to as the demolition segment. The historical demolition business has been retrospectively presented as discontinued operations and is no longer reflected in continuing operations. Four operating segments were aggregated into two reportable segments as the segments have similarity in economic margins, services, production processes, customer types, distribution methods and regulatory environment. The Company has determined that the operating segments are the Company’s four reporting units.
	Long-Lived Assets —Long-lived assets are comprised of property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable by comparing the undiscounted cash flows associated with the assets to their carrying amounts. If such a review indicates an impairment, the carrying amount would be reduced to fair value. No triggering events were identified in 2013 or 2012. If long-lived assets are to be disposed, depreciation is discontinued, if applicable, and the assets are reclassified as held for sale at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values less estimated costs to sell.
	The Company capitalizes construction in progress and records a corresponding long-term liability for build-to-suit lease agreements where we are considered the owner during the construction period for accounting purposes. There was no build-to-suit equipment capitalized at December 31, 2013.
	Self-insurance Reserves —The Company self-insures costs associated with its seagoing employees covered by the provisions of Jones Act, workers’ compensation claims, hull and equipment liability, and general business liabilities up to certain limits. Insurance reserves are established for estimates of the loss that the Company may ultimately incur on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. In determining its estimates, the Company considers historical loss experience and judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per claim. Trends in actual experience are a significant factor in the determination of such reserves.
	Income Taxes —The provision for income taxes includes federal, foreign, and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Recorded deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities, given the effect of currently enacted tax laws. The Company’s current policy is to repatriate all earnings from foreign subsidiaries’ operations as generated and at this time no amounts are considered to be permanently reinvested in those operations.
	Hedging Instruments —The Company designates certain derivative contracts as a cash flow hedge as defined by GAAP. Accordingly, the Company formally documents, at the inception of each hedge, all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives to highly-probable forecasted transactions.
	The Company formally assesses, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of hedges in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items. Hedge accounting treatment may be discontinued when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item (including hedged items for forecasted future transactions), (2) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, (3) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur or (4) management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. If management elects to stop hedge accounting, it would be on a prospective basis and any hedges in place would be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until all the related forecasted transactions are completed or are probable of not occurring.
	Foreign Currency Translation —The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries where the operations are primarily denominated in the foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting. Balance sheet accounts are translated at the current foreign exchange rate at the end of each period and income statement accounts are translated at the average foreign exchange rate for each period. Gains and losses on foreign currency translations are reflected as a currency translation adjustment, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in loss on foreign currency transactions—net.
	Noncontrolling Interest —On January 1, 2009 the Company acquired a 65% interest in Yankee Environmental Services, LLC (“Yankee”). Noncontrolling interest at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is related to the membership interest the Company does not own in Yankee.
	Earnings Per Share —Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic earnings per share except that it reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 no shares of stock options (“NQSO”) and restricted stock units (“RSU”) were excluded from the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2011, 299 thousand NQSOs were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share based on the application of the treasury stock method, as such options were determined to be anti-dilutive.
	The computations for basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011 are as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	Income from continuing operations		$	19,857	$	6,295	$	16,329
	Loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes, attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation			-54,218		-8,990		199
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation			-34,361		-2,695		16,528
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic			59,495		59,195		58,891
	Effect of stock options and restricted stock units			606		478		339
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted			60,101		59,673		59,230
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — basic		$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — diluted		$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28

Restricted_And_Escrowed_Cash

Restricted And Escrowed Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted And Escrowed Cash [Abstract]	'
Restricted And Escrowed Cash	'
		2.	RESTRICTED AND ESCROWED CASH
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, other noncurrent assets include $1,500 of cash held in escrow as security for the Company’s lease rental obligation under a long-term equipment operating lease.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012,  assets held for sale include $2,314 and $450 of cash, respectively, held in escrow related to an outstanding lawsuit at our discontinued demolition business.
	At December 31, 2013 the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $2,750 in an escrow account related to its sale of a vessel.

Accounts_Receivable_And_Contra

Accounts Receivable And Contracts In Progress	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable And Contracts In Progress [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivables And Contracts In Progress	'
	3.   ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS
	Accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2013		2012
	Completed contracts	$	17,361	$	40,230
	Contracts in progress		62,177		75,167
	Retainage		18,506		18,453
			98,044		133,850
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		-1,529		-1,051
	Total accounts receivable—net	$	96,515	$	132,799
	Current portion of accounts receivable—net	$	96,515	$	124,215
	Long-term accounts receivable and retainage		-		8,584
	Total accounts receivable—net	$	96,515	$	132,799
	The components of contracts in progress at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2013		2012
	Costs and earnings in excess of billings:
	Costs and earnings for contracts in progress	$	435,470	$	288,235
	Amounts billed		-370,730		-240,844
	Costs and earnings in excess of billings for contracts in progress		64,740		47,391
	Costs and earnings in excess of billings for completed contracts		2,692		2,903
	Total contract revenues in excess of billings	$	67,432	$	50,294
	Billings in excess of costs and earnings:
	Amounts billed	$	-156,794	$	-331,894
	Costs and earnings for contracts in progress		150,040		322,240
	Total billings in excess of contract revenues	$	-6,754	$	-9,654

Property_And_Equipment

Property And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property And Equipment	'
		4	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			2013		2012
	Land		$	9,220	$	9,205
	Buildings and improvements			4,124		3,101
	Furniture and fixtures			6,477		4,970
	Operating equipment			602,395		549,424
	Total property and equipment			622,216		566,700
	Accumulated depreciation			-276,595		-231,191
	Property and equipment — net		$	345,620	$	335,509
	Operating equipment of $1,704 and $2,440 was classified as held for sale at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Depreciation expense was $45,531, $37,249 and $34,970, for the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011, respectively.

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	'
		5.	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company’s annual goodwill impairment test is conducted in the third quarter of each year and interim evaluations are performed when the Company determines that a triggering event has occurred that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of goodwill below its carrying value. Due to a decline in the overall financial performance and declining cash flows in the demolition reporting unit, the Company concluded there was a triggering event that required an interim impairment test for the reporting unit in the second quarter of 2013.
	The Company performed step one of the demolition reporting unit goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2013, which compared the fair value of the demolition reporting unit against its carrying amount, including goodwill. In deriving the fair value of the demolition reporting unit, the Company used both a market-based approach and an income-based approach. Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach, the Company uses the guideline public company method by applying estimated market-based enterprise value multiples to the reporting unit’s estimated revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Based on the first step analysis, management concluded that the fair value of the demolition reporting unit was less than its carrying value; therefore, the Company performed step two of the goodwill impairment analysis.
	Step two of the goodwill impairment analysis measures the impairment charge by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit in a hypothetical analysis that calculates implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is recorded as a loss on impairment of goodwill.
	Management determined that the demolition reporting unit’s implied fair value of goodwill was below the carrying value as of June 30, 2013. As a result, the Company recorded a full impairment charge of $21,474. The impairment of goodwill recorded at the historical demolition segment, now referred to as the environmental & remediation segment, is included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.
	The Company performed its most recent annual test of impairment as of July 1, 2013 for the goodwill at the remaining reporting units with no indication of goodwill impairment as of the test date. The Company will perform its next scheduled annual test of goodwill in the third quarter of 2014 should no triggering events occur which would require a test prior to the next annual test.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Dredging Segment		Environmental & Remediation Segment		Total
	Balance - January 1, 2012		$	76,575	$	-	$	76,575
	Acquisition of Terra Contracting			-		2,751		2,751
	Balance - December 31, 2012			76,575		2,751		79,326
	Balance - December 31, 2013		$	76,575	$	2,751	$	79,326
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the net book value of identifiable intangible assets was as follows:
	As of December 31, 2013		Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Net
	Non-compete agreement		$	1,646	$	544	$	1,102
	Backlog			627		502		125
	Trade names			411		82		329
	Other			526		106		420
			$	3,210	$	1,234	$	1,976
	As of December 31, 2012
	Non-compete agreement		$	1,646	$	216	$	1,430
	Software and databases			1,209		1,136		73
	Backlog			627		-		627
	Trade names			411		-		411
	Other			526		-		526
			$	4,419	$	1,352	$	3,067
	On December 31, 2012 the Company acquired the assets of Terra Contracting, LLC. (“Terra”) resulting in the recognition of additional intangible assets and goodwill. The weighted average amortization period for intangible assets acquired in 2012 is 3.7 years.
	Amortization expense was $1,091, $181 and $2,312, for the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011, respectively, and is included as a component of general and administrative expenses. Amortization expense related to intangible assets is estimated to be $642 in 2014, $516 in 2015,  $409 in 2016 and $409 in 2017.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	6.   ACCRUED EXPENSES
	Accrued expenses at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2013		2012
	Payroll and employee benefits	$	13,664	$	9,267
	Insurance		8,649		7,642
	Interest		8,066		7,837
	Income and other taxes		3,709		1,426
	Percentage of completion adjustment		2,135		1,134
	Construction liabilities		-		6,426
	Other		2,308		1,839
	Total accrued expenses	$	38,531	$	35,571

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	7.   LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2013		2012
	Note payable		-		13,047
	Revolving credit facility		35,000		-
	7.375% senior notes		250,000		250,000
	Subtotal		285,000		263,047
	Current portion of note payable		-		-13,047
	Total	$	285,000	$	250,000
	Credit agreement
	On June 4, 2012, the Company entered into a senior revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with certain financial institutions from time to time party thereto as lenders, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Lender, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and PNC Bank, National Association, BMO Harris Bank N.A. and Fifth Third Bank, as Co-Documentation Agents. The Credit Agreement, which replaced the Company’s former revolving credit agreement, provides for a senior revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $175,000, subfacilities for the issuance of standby letters of credit up to a $125,000 sublimit, multicurrency borrowings up to a $50,000 sublimit and swingline loans up to a $10,000 sublimit. The Credit Agreement also includes an incremental loans feature that will allow the Company to increase the senior revolving credit facility by an aggregate principal amount of up to $50,000. This is subject to lenders providing incremental commitments for such increase, provided that no default or event of default exists, and the Company being in pro forma compliance with the existing financial covenants both before and after giving effect to the increase, and subject to other standard conditions. The prior credit agreement with Bank of America N.A. was terminated.
	Depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), borrowings under the new revolving credit facility will bear interest at the option of the Company at either a LIBOR rate plus a margin of between 1.50% to 2.50% per annum or a base rate plus a margin of between 0.50% to 1.50% per annum.
	The new credit facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary for financings of this type. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default (including non-payment of principal or interest on any material debt and breaches of covenants) as well as events of default relating to certain actions by the Company’s surety bonding provider. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a net leverage ratio less than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00 as of the end of each fiscal quarter and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.12x, resulting in an event of default under the Credit Agreement.
	On March 15, 2013, the Company executed a Waiver and Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Waiver and Amendment”) pursuant to which the counterparties thereto agreed, among other things, to waive any default, event of default, or possible event of default, as applicable, related to the Company’s failure to meet the above-described financial covenant in the Credit Agreement.
	Separately, the Company determined that a perfection trigger event had occurred under the Credit Agreement. As a result, the outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement, which were previously unsecured, are now secured by liens on certain of the Company’s vessels and all of its domestic accounts receivable, subject to the liens and interests of certain other parties holding first priority perfected liens.  Under the original terms of the Credit Agreement, the obligations thereunder that became secured under these circumstances could again become unsecured provided that (i) no event of default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) the Company has maintained for two consecutive quarters, and is projected to maintain for the next two consecutive quarters, a total leverage ratio less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.0.  Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Waiver and Amendment, this provision has been amended to add the additional condition that no release of the liens securing the obligations under the Credit Agreement can occur until the Company has delivered to the lenders its audited financial statements with respect to its fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. The Company anticipates that the release of these liens will be forthcoming soon after publication of these audited financial statements.
	The obligations of Great Lakes under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each existing and subsequently acquired or formed material direct and indirect domestic subsidiary of the Company. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $35,000 in borrowings and $89,040 of letters of credit outstanding, resulting in $50,960 of availability under the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with its various financial covenants under its Credit Agreement.
	Senior notes
	In January 2011, the Company issued $250,000 of 7.375% senior notes due February 1, 2019. Interest is paid semi-annually and principal is due at maturity.
	Other
	Great Lakes has a $24,000 International Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as successor by merger to Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank. This facility is used for performance and advance payment guarantees on foreign contracts, including our long-term land reclamation project in Bahrain. The Company’s obligations under the agreement are collateralized by the Company’s foreign accounts receivable. In addition, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (“Ex-Im Bank”) has issued a guarantee under the Ex-Im Bank’s Working Capital Guarantee Program, which covers 90% of the obligations owing under the facility. At December 31, 2013, there were no letters of credit outstanding under this facility. At December 31, 2012, the Company failed to the meet the International Letter of Credit Facility’s requirement of maintaining a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0. On March 15, 2013, the Company executed a Waiver to the International Letter of Credit Facility (the “LC Waiver”) pursuant to which the counterparties thereto agreed, among other things, to waive any default, event of default, or possible event of default, as applicable, related to the Company’s failure to meet the above-described financial covenant in the Credit Agreement and the International Letter of Credit Facility.
	In accordance with the purchase of certain assets of Terra (See Note 14), the Company issued a secured promissory note in the amount of $10,547 to the former owner of Terra. The balance of the note of $10,547 was paid in January 2013.
	The scheduled principal payments through the maturity date of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding equipment notes, at December 31, 2013, are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31
	2014	$	-
	2015		-
	2016		-
	2017		35,000
	2018		-
	Thereafter		250,000
	Total	$	285,000
	The Company incurred amortization of deferred financing fees for its long term debt of $1,153, $1,245 and $1,515 for each of the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011. Such amortization is recorded as a component of interest expense.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	8.   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy has been established by GAAP that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The accounting guidance describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held certain derivative contracts that it uses to manage foreign currency risk, commodity price risk or interest rate risk. The Company does not hold or issue derivatives for speculative or trading purposes. The fair values of these financial instruments are summarized as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	At  December 31, 2013			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fuel hedge contracts	$	332		$	-		$	332		$	-
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	At  December 31, 2012			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fuel hedge contracts	$	178		$	-		$	178		$	-
	Interest rate swap contracts
	In May 2009, the Company entered into two interest rate swap arrangements, which were effective through December 15, 2012, to swap a notional amount of $50 million from a fixed rate of 7.75% to a floating LIBOR-based rate in order to manage the interest rate paid with respect to the Company’s 7.75% senior subordinated notes. Although the senior subordinated notes were redeemed in January 2011, the swaps remained in place. The swaps were not accounted for as a hedge; therefore, the changes in fair value were recorded as adjustments to interest expense in each reporting period.  The swaps expired and were settled in December 2012.
	Foreign exchange contracts
	The Company has various exposures to foreign currencies that fluctuate in relation to the U.S. dollar. The Company periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge this risk. At December 31, 2013 and 2012 there were no outstanding contracts.
	Fuel hedge contracts
	The Company is exposed to certain market risks, primarily commodity price risk as it relates to the diesel fuel purchase requirements, which occur in the normal course of business. The Company enters into heating oil commodity swap contracts to hedge the risk that fluctuations in diesel fuel prices will have an adverse impact on cash flows associated with its domestic dredging contracts. The Company’s goal is to hedge approximately 80% of the fuel requirements for work in domestic backlog.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company was party to various swap arrangements to hedge the price of a portion of its diesel fuel purchase requirements for work in its backlog to be performed through October 2014. As of December 31, 2013, there were 6.5 million gallons remaining on these contracts which represent approximately 80% of the Company’s forecasted fuel purchases through October 2014. Under these swap agreements, the Company will pay fixed prices ranging from $2.87 to $3.14 per gallon.
	At December 31, 2013, the fair value asset of the fuel hedge contracts was estimated to be $332 and is recorded in other current assets. At December 31, 2012, the fair value liability of the fuel hedge contracts was estimated to be $178 and was recorded in accrued expenses. The gain reclassified to earnings from changes in fair value of derivatives, net of cash settlements and taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $270. The remaining gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2013 will be reclassified into earnings over the next  ten months, corresponding to the period during which the hedged fuel is expected to be utilized. The fair values of fuel hedges are corroborated using inputs that are readily observable in public markets; therefore, the Company determines fair value of these fuel hedges using Level 2 inputs.
	The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with non-performance of its various derivative instruments. The Company’s risk would be limited to any unrealized gains on current positions. To help mitigate this risk, the Company transacts only with counterparties that are rated as investment grade or higher. In addition, all counterparties are monitored on a continuous basis.
	The fair value of the fuel hedge contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value at December 31,
				2013			2012
	Asset derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts	Other current assets		$	332		$	-
	Liability derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts	Accrued expenses		$	-		$	178
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
	All other nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value measurements and disclosures. Nonfinancial assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheets and measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consist of goodwill and long-lived assets, including other acquired intangibles.
	The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $21,474 at the demolition reporting unit. The fair value of goodwill was determined using quantitative models that contained significant unobservable inputs. The operations of the business have been discontinued; therefore, the impairment of goodwill is included in income (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax. The goodwill for the historical demolition business at December 31, 2012 has been reclassified to assets held for sale.
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		2013
	Goodwill included in assets held for sale
	Balance at January 1,	$	21,474
	Impairment		-21,474
	Balance at December 31,	$	-
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Changes in the components of the accumulated balances of other comprehensive income are as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	Cumulative translation adjustments—net of tax			$	-397		$	-6		$	-267
	Derivatives:
	Reclassification of derivative losses (gains) to earnings—net of tax				270			3			-1,437
	Change in fair value of derivatives—net of tax				34			-380			1,350
	Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives—net of tax				304			-377			-87
	Total other comprehensive loss			$	-93		$	-383		$	-354
	Adjustments reclassified from accumulated balances of other comprehensive income to earnings are as follows:
		Statement of Operations Location		2013			2012			2011
	Derivatives:
	Fuel hedge contracts	Costs of contract revenues		$	450		$	5		$	-2,319
		Income tax (provision) benefit			180			2			-882
				$	270		$	3		$	-1,437
	Other financial instruments
	The carrying value of financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Based on timing of the cash flows and comparison to current market interest rates, the carrying value of our senior revolving credit agreement approximates fair value. In January 2011, the Company issued $250,000 of 7.375% senior notes due February 1, 2019, which were outstanding at December 31, 2013 (See Note 7). The senior notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries that guarantee the senior notes. The fair value of the senior notes was $261,250 at December 31, 2013, which is a Level 1 fair value measurement as the senior notes value was obtained using quoted prices in active markets.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
		9	INCOME TAXES
	The Company’s income tax (provision) benefit from continuing and discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	Income tax provision from continuing operations		$	-10,460	$	-5,419	$	-9,944
	Income tax benefit from discontinued operations			19,116		7,490		399
	Income tax (provision) benefit		$	8,656	$	2,071	$	-9,545
	The Company’s pre- tax income (loss) from domestic and foreign operations for the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	Domestic operations		$	23,716	$	15,884	$	21,067
	Foreign operations			6,601		-4,170		5,206
	Total pre-tax income		$	30,317	$	11,714	$	26,273
	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations as of December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	Federal:
	Current		$	8,384	$	859	$	-4,577
	Deferred			2,107		1,948		13,064
	State:
	Current			439		156		339
	Deferred			-326		481		781
	Foreign:
	Current			1,831		-		337
	Deferred			-1,975		1,975		-
	Total		$	10,460	$	5,419	$	9,944
	The Company’s income tax provision from continuing operations reconciles to the provision at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% as of December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011  as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	Tax provision at statutory U.S. federal
	income tax rate		$	10,611	$	4,100	$	9,196
	State income tax — net of federal income tax benefit			500		245		769
	Foreign income tax provision (benefit)			238		-		-1,367
	Change in deferred state tax rate			-		246		-
	Changes in unrecognized tax benefits			-196		-137		15
	Changes in valuation allowance			-500		228		1,588
	Other			-193		737		-257
	Income tax provision (benefit)		$	10,460	$	5,419	$	9,944
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had gross net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes totaling $37,537 and $26,918, respectively. The outstanding carryforwards will expire between 2023 and 2033. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, a valuation allowance has been established for a portion of the deferred tax asset related to these state net operating loss carryforwards in the amount of $0 and $720, respectively.
	The Company also has foreign gross net operating loss carryforwards of approximately  $7,194 and  $10,164 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The net operating losses expire between 2014 and 2033. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, a full valuation allowance has been established for the deferred tax asset of $2,505 and  $2,632 related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, respectively, as the Company believes it is more likely than not that the net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $253 and $471, respectively, in unrecognized tax benefits, the recognition of which would have an impact of $164 and $241 on the effective tax rate.
	The Company does not expect that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. Below is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of each period.
			2013		2012		2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits — January 1		$	471	$	633	$	630
	Gross increases — tax positions in prior period			-		79		3
	Gross increases — current period tax positions			42		80		-
	Gross decreases — expirations			-201		-321		-
	Gross decreases — tax positions in prior period			-59		-		-
	Settlements			-		-		-
	Unrecognized tax benefits — December 31,		$	253	$	471	$	633
	The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had approximately $18 and $148, respectively, of interest and penalties recorded.
	The Company files income tax returns at the U.S. federal level and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. U.S. federal income tax years prior to 2011 are closed and no longer subject to examination. With few exceptions, the statute of limitations in state taxing jurisdictions in which the Company operates has expired for all years prior to 2009. In foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates, years prior to 2010 are closed and are no longer subject to examination.
	The Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			2013		2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities		$	9,427	$	8,120
	Tax credit carryforwards			2,486		2,366
	Foreign NOLs			2,505		2,632
	State NOLs			1,599		1,197
	Fuel hedges			-		71
	Valuation allowance			-2,505		-3,352
	Total deferred tax assets			13,512		11,034
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization			-115,542		-111,321
	Other liabilities			-		-1,975
	Fuel hedges			-132		-
	Total deferred tax liabilities			-115,674		-113,296
Net deferred tax liabilities		$	-102,162		-102,262
As reported in the balance sheet:
Net current deferred tax assets (included in other current assets)		$	6,349		3,866
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities			-108,511		-106,128
Net deferred tax liabilities		$	-102,162		-102,262
Deferred tax assets relate primarily to reserves and other liabilities for costs and expenses not currently deductible for tax purposes. Deferred tax liabilities relate primarily to the cumulative difference between book depreciation and amounts deducted for tax purposes. With the exception of certain state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards, a valuation allowance has not been recorded to reduce the balance of deferred tax assets at either December 31, 2013, or December 31, 2012, because the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will ultimately be realized.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	10.   SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company’s 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan permits the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to its employees and directors for up to 5,800 shares of common stock.
	Compensation cost charged to expense related to share-based compensation arrangements was $3,251  $3,081 and $1,838, for the December 31, 2013 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Non-qualified stock options
	The NQSO awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The option awards generally vest in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date, and have ten year exercise periods.
	The fair value of the NQSOs was determined at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the Company to make several assumptions. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect for the expected term of the option at the time of grant. The annual dividend yield on the Company’s common stock is based on estimates of future dividends during the expected term of the NQSOs. The expected life of the NQSOs was determined from historical exercise data providing a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected life.
	For grants issued in 2013, 2012 and 2011, the volatility assumptions were based on historical volatility of Great Lakes and comparable publicly-traded companies, primarily more mature and well-established companies in the engineering and construction sector.
	There is not an active market for options on the Company’s common stock and, as such, implied volatility for the Company’s stock was not considered. Additionally, the Company’s general policy is to issue new shares of registered common stock to satisfy stock option exercises or grants of restricted stock.
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011 was $4.06, $2.93 and $2.23 respectively. The fair value of each option was estimated using the following assumptions:
			2013		2012		2011
	Expected volatility		58.2%		55.0%		50.0%
	Expected dividends		0.0%		1.3%		1.6%
	Expected term (in years)		6.0		5.5 - 6.5		5.5 - 6.5
	Risk free rate		1.0%		0.7% - 1.0%		1.5% - 2.2%
	A summary of stock option activity under the Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2013, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented below:
	Options	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contract Term (yrs)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000's)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2013		1,637	$	5.56
	Granted		369		7.56
	Exercised		-84		4.11
	Forfeited or Expired		-10		7.56
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		1,912	$	6.00		7.4	$	6,129
	Vested at December 31, 2013		1,015	$	5.39		6.4	$	3,864
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		1,903	$	5.99		8.6	$	2,240
	Restricted stock units
	RSUs generally vest in one installment on the third anniversary of the grant date. The fair value of RSUs was based upon the Company’s stock price on the date of grant. A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested RSUs as of December 31, 2013, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented below:
	Nonvested Restricted Stock Units	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2013		608	$	5.96
	Granted		222		7.60
	Vested		-112		5.94
	Forfeited		-127		6.73
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		591	$	6.43
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2013		511	$	6.27
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $3,786 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested NQSOs and RSUs granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
	The Incentive Plan permits the employee to use vested shares from RSUs to satisfy the grantee’s U.S. federal income tax liability resulting from the issuance of the shares through the Company’s retention of that number of common shares having a market value as of the vesting date equal to such tax obligation up to the minimum statutory withholding requirements. The amount related to shares used for such tax withholding obligations was approximately $308 and  $231 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Director compensation
	The Company uses a combination of cash and share-based compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on our Board of Directors. Compensation is paid to non-employee directors. Directors who are employees receive no additional compensation for services as members of the Board or any of its committees. All of our directors are non-employee directors with the exception of Mr. Berger. Share-based compensation is paid pursuant to the Incentive Plan. Each non-employee director of the Company received an annual retainer of $155, payable quarterly in arrears, and was paid 50% in cash and 50% in common stock of the Company. The Chairman of the Board received an additional $250 of compensation, paid in stock.
	In the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011,  96 thousand, 93 thousand and 83 thousand shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock were issued to non-employee directors under the Incentive Plan.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
		11	RETIREMENT PLANS
	The Company sponsors four 401(k) savings plans, one covering substantially all non-union salaried employees (“Salaried Plan”), a second covering its hourly employees (“Hourly Plan”), a third plan specifically for its employees that are members of a tugboat union and a fourth for the salary and non-union employees of certain subsidiaries (“Affiliated Plan”). Under the Salaried Plan, the Hourly Plan and the Affiliated Plan, individual employees may contribute a percentage of compensation and the Company will match a portion of the employees’ contributions. Additionally, the Salaried Plan and Affiliated Plan includes a profit-sharing component, permitting the Company to make discretionary employer contributions to all eligible employees of these plans. The Company’s expense for matching and discretionary contributions for  2013,  2012 and 2011, was $5,123, $4,017 and $3,936, respectively.
	The Company also contributes to various multiemployer pension plans pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. The information available to the Company about the multiemployer plans in which it participates, whether via request to the plan or publicly available, is generally dated due to the nature of the reporting cycle of multiemployer plans and legal requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act (“MPPAA”). Based upon these plans’ most recently available annual reports, the Company’s contribution to these plans were less than 5% of each such plan’s total contributions.
	At December 31, 2013 a funding improvement plan was in place for the Massachusetts Laborers Pension Fund. This plan did not require the Company to pay a surcharge on contributions for years presented. The Company does not expect any future increased contributions to have a material negative impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows for future years. The risks of participating in multiemployer plans are different from single employer plans as assets contributed are available to provide benefits to employees of other employers and unfunded obligations from an employer that discontinues contributions are the responsibility of all remaining employers. In addition, in the event of a plan’s termination or the Company’s withdrawal from a plan, the Company may be liable for a portion of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits. However, information from the plans’ administrators is not available to permit the Company to determine its share, if any, of unfunded vested benefits. The Company is currently investigating any potential withdrawal liability associated with the potential sale of the historical demolition segment. At this time, no information is available to determine the value, if any, of a withdrawal liability.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	12.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commercial commitments
	Performance and bid bonds are customarily required for dredging and marine construction projects, as well as some demolition projects. The Company has a bonding agreement with Zurich American Insurance Company (“Zurich”) under which the Company can obtain performance, bid and payment bonds. The Company also has outstanding bonds with Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America. Bid bonds are generally obtained for a percentage of bid value and amounts outstanding typically range from $1,000 to $10,000. At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding performance bonds with a notional amount of approximately $819,584, of which $81,784 relates to projects accounted for in discontinued operations. The revenue value remaining in backlog related to the projects of continuing operations totaled approximately $405,561.
	Certain foreign projects performed by the Company have warranty periods, typically spanning no more than one to three years beyond project completion, whereby the Company retains responsibility to maintain the project site to certain specifications during the warranty period. Generally, any potential liability of the Company is mitigated by insurance, shared responsibilities with consortium partners, and/or recourse to owner-provided specifications.
	Legal proceedings and other contingencies
	As is customary with negotiated contracts and modifications or claims to competitively bid contracts with the federal government, the government has the right to audit the books and records of the Company to ensure compliance with such contracts, modifications, or claims, and the applicable federal laws. The government has the ability to seek a price adjustment based on the results of such audit. Any such audits have not had, and are not expected to have, a material impact on the financial position, operations, or cash flows of the Company.
	Various legal actions, claims, assessments and other contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business are pending against the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. These matters are subject to many uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters could ultimately be decided, resolved, or settled adversely to the Company. Although the Company is subject to various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business, except as described below, the Company is not currently a party to any material legal proceedings or environmental claims. The Company records an accrual when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not believe any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
	In 2009, the Company’s subsidiary, NASDI, LLC (“NASDI”), received a letter stating that the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is investigating alleged violations of the Massachusetts Solid Waste Act. The Company believes that the Massachusetts Attorney General is investigating waste disposal activities at an allegedly unpermitted disposal site owned by a third party with whom NASDI contracted for the disposal of waste materials in 2007 and 2008. Per the Massachusetts Attorney General’s request, NASDI executed a tolling agreement regarding the matter in 2009 and engaged in further discussions with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Should a claim be brought, NASDI intends to defend itself vigorously. Based on consideration of all of the facts and circumstances now known, the Company does not believe this claim will have a material impact on its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In 2011, NASDI received a subpoena from a federal grand jury in the District of Massachusetts directing NASDI to furnish certain documents relating to certain projects performed by NASDI since January 2005. The Company conducted an internal investigation into this matter and has cooperated with the grand jury’s investigation. Based on the limited information known to the Company, the Company cannot predict the outcome of the investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s views of the issues being investigated, any action the U.S. Attorney may take, or the impact, if any, that this matter may have on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	On March 19, 2013, the Company and three of its current and former executives were sued in a securities class action in the Northern District of Illinois captioned United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Local Union No. 8 v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-02115. The lawsuit, which was brought on behalf of all purchasers of the Company’s securities between August 7, 2012 and March 14, 2013, primarily alleges that the defendants made false and misleading statements regarding the recognition of revenue in the demolition segment and with regard to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This suit was filed following the Company’s announcement on March 14, 2013 that it would restate its second and third quarter 2012 financial statements. Two additional, similar lawsuits captioned Boozer v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-02339, and Connors v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-02450, were filed in the Northern District of Illinois on March 28, 2013, and April 2, 2013, respectively. These three actions were consolidated and recaptioned In re Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Securities Litigation, Case No. 1:13-cv-02115, on June 10, 2013. The plaintiffs filed an amended class action complaint on August 9, 2013, which the defendants moved to dismiss on October 8, 2013.  The Company denies liability and intends to vigorously defend this action.
	On March 28, 2013, the Company was named as a nominal defendant, and its directors were named as defendants, in a shareholder derivative action in DuPage County Circuit Court in Illinois captioned Hammoud v. Berger et al., Case No. 2013CH001110. The lawsuit primarily alleges breaches of fiduciary duties related to allegedly false and misleading statements regarding the recognition of revenue in the demolition segment and with regard to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which exposed the Company to securities litigation. A second, similar lawsuit captioned The City of Haverhill Retirement System v. Leight et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-02470, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois on April 2, 2013 and was voluntarily dismissed on June 10, 2013. A third, similar lawsuit captioned St. Lucie County Fire District Firefighters Pension Trust Fund v. Leight et al., Case No. 13 CH 15483, was filed in Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois on July 8, 2013, and has since been transferred to DuPage County Circuit Court and consolidated with the Hammoud action. The Hammoud/St. Lucie plaintiffs have filed a consolidated amended complaint on December 9, 2013, but the action is otherwise stayed until there is a ruling on the motion to dismiss the securities class action. A fourth, similar lawsuit (that additionally named one current and one former executive as defendants) captioned Griffin v. Berger et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-04907, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois on July 9, 2013. The Griffin action is also stayed pending a ruling on the motion to dismiss the securities class action.
	In 2012, the Company contracted with a shipyard to perform the functional design drawings, detailed design drawings and follow on construction of a new Articulated Tug & Barge (“ATB”) Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge. In April 2013, the Company terminated the contract with the shipyard for default and the counterparty sent the Company a notice requesting arbitration under the contract on the Company’s termination for default, including but not limited to the Company’s right to draw on letters of credit that had been issued by the shipyard as financial security required in the contract.  In May 2013, the Company drew upon the shipyard’s letters of credit related to the contract and received $13,600. Arbitration proceedings were initiated.  In January 2014, the Company and the shipyard executed a settlement agreement pursuant to which the Company retained $10,500 of the proceeds of the financial security and remitted $3,100 of those funds to the shipyard, all other claims were released, and the arbitration was dismissed with prejudice.
	The Company has not accrued any amounts with respect to the above matters as the Company does not believe, based on information currently known to it, that a loss relating to these matters is probable, and an estimate of a range of potential losses relating to these matters cannot reasonably be made.
	In May 2013, the Company concluded its litigation regarding the dredge New York loss of use claim. In January 2008, the Company filed suit against the M/V Orange Sun and her owners for damages incurred by the Company in connection with the allision in the approach channel to Port Newark, New Jersey. The Company received $13,272 which is included in proceeds from loss of use claim.
	Lease obligations
	The Company leases certain operating equipment and office facilities under long-term operating leases expiring at various dates through 2022. The equipment leases contain renewal or purchase options that specify prices at the then fair value upon the expiration of the lease terms. The leases also contain default provisions that are triggered by an acceleration of debt maturity under the terms of the Company’s Credit Agreement, or, in certain instances, cross default to other equipment leases and certain lease arrangements require that the Company maintain certain financial ratios comparable to those required by its Credit Agreement. Additionally, the leases typically contain provisions whereby the Company indemnifies the lessors for the tax treatment attributable to such leases based on the tax rules in place at lease inception. The tax indemnifications do not have a contractual dollar limit. To date, no lessors have asserted any claims against the Company under these tax indemnification provisions.
	Future minimum operating lease payments at December 31, 2013, are as follows:
	2014	$	18,581
	2015		17,773
	2016		16,532
	2017		14,270
	2018		5,871
	Thereafter		9,891
	Total minimum operating lease payments	$	82,918
	Total rent expense under long-term operating lease arrangements for the years ended  December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011 was $21,620, $18,370 and $18,316, respectively. This excludes expenses for equipment and facilities rented on a short-term, as-needed basis.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related-Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related-Party Transactions	'
		13	RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	The historical demolition business is operated out of a building owned by a minority interest owner in Yankee and prior to 2011, a profits interest owner in NASDI. In 2013,  2012 and 2011, NASDI and Yankee paid the minority interest owner $449,  $449 and  $483, respectively, for rent and property taxes.
	Our rivers & lakes group operated out of facilities owned by the former owner and an employee of the group. The Company paid $95,  $95 and $103 in rent to the building owner during 2013,  2012 and 2011, respectively. The rivers & lakes group relocated part of its operations to a new facility in late 2013.
	Certain units of our Environmental & remediation segment operate out of facilities owned by an employee who is also the former owner of Terra. In 2013, the Company paid $243 for rent on the two properties. As the purchase of Terra occurred on December 31, 2012, the Company paid no rents in 2012 or 2011.

Business_Combinations_And_Disp

Business Combinations And Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations And Dispositions [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations And Dispositions	'
		14	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
	Discontinued Operations
	Businesses or asset groups are reported as discontinued operations when the Company commits to a plan to divest the business or group and the sale of the business or asset group is deemed probable within the next twelve months. In the fourth quarter, the management team proposed, and the Board of Directors approved, a plan to sell our historical demolition business.  The Company has received indications of interest and expects to finalize disposition of the demolition business in 2014. The disposal group of the historical demolition business has therefore been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	Included in the results of discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 is a provision of $18,436 to reduce net assets of the historical demolition businesses to fair value less costs to sell. Fair values were determined using various factors including a third-party appraisal of equipment, an evaluation of working capital and non-binding letters of interest. The loss on disposition of assets held for sale is subject to change prior to completion of the disposition and could differ materially from the Company’s estimate.
	To the extent the Company incurs liabilities for exit costs, including severance, other employee benefits costs and operating lease obligations, the liabilities will be measured at fair value and recorded when incurred.
	The results of the businesses have been reported in discontinued operations as follows:
				2013		2012		2011
	Revenue			$	39,550	$	100,602	$	107,199
	Income (loss) before income taxes from discontinued operations			$	-55,530	$	-17,125	$	523
	Preliminary loss on disposal of assets held for sale				-18,436		-		-
	Income tax benefit				19,116		7,490		399
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes			$	-54,850	$	-9,635	$	922
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of businesses reported as discontinued operations are shown below:
				2013		2012
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable - net			$	15,445	$	24,928
	Contract revenues in excess of billings				13,130		19,355
	Other current assets				14,825		8,512
	Property and equipment—net				8,765		11,030
	Goodwill				-		21,474
	Other intangible assets —net				91		157
	Assets of discontinued operations			$	52,256	$	85,456
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable			$	9,480	$	13,783
	Accrued expenses				4,091		6,669
	Reserve for loss on disposal				18,436		-
	Other current liabilities				486		1,677
	Other liabilities				1,212		1,540
	Liabilities of discontinued operations			$	33,705	$	23,669
	Terra Contracting acquisition
	On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired the assets including certain assumed liabilities of Terra, a provider of a wide variety of essential services for environmental, maintenance and infrastructure-related applications headquartered in Kalamazoo, MI, for a purchase price of approximately $26 million. The Terra acquisition broadened the Company’s environmental & remediation segment with additional services and expertise as well as expanded its footprint in the Midwest. The seller may receive cash payments for any of the calendar years ended 2013, 2014 and 2015 if certain earnings based criteria are met. Per the purchase agreement, for each calendar year, the earnout payment amount shall be equal to (i) 25% of the amount, up to $500, by which EBITDA exceeds $4,000 plus (ii) 50% of the amount by which EBITDA exceeds $4,500; provided, that in no event shall seller receive an amount more than $2,000.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of the recorded earnout liability was $1,833 and $1,636 of which $725 and $647 is recorded in accrued liabilities and $1,108 and $989 is recorded in other liabilities, respectively.  After assuming the seller’s indebtedness, the acquisition was funded with a seller note of $10,547 and future contingent consideration.  In addition, $2,000 of cash was placed in escrow pursuant to the indemnification clauses in the purchase agreement.  The balance of the note was paid in January 2013.
	The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Tangible assets acquired of $27 million primarily were receivables of $14.6 million and property, plant, and equipment of $11.3 million. Finite-lived intangible assets acquired of $2.7 million were primarily related to a non-compete agreement and also included acquired backlog, patents and trade names. The acquired backlog is being amortized on a straight-line basis over one year while all other finite-lived intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. Liabilities assumed of $18.3 million, includes primarily $17.5 million of accounts payable. Goodwill of $2.8 million represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.
	As the acquisition took place on December 31, 2012, no income or earnings of Terra were included in the consolidated statement of operations of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2012.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	15.   SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company and its subsidiaries currently operate in two reportable segments: dredging and environmental & remediation. The Company’s financial reporting systems present various data for management to run the business, including profit and loss statements prepared according to the segments presented. Management uses operating income to evaluate performance between the two segments. Segment information for 2013,  2012 and 2011, is provided as follows:
		2013		2012		2011
	Dredging:
	Contract revenues	$	642,602	$	588,229	$	520,134
	Operating income		54,683		32,947		53,793
	Depreciation and amortization		44,118		37,279		37,176
	Total assets		821,253		757,666		742,292
	Property and equipment—net		330,689		323,082		298,140
	Goodwill		76,575		76,575		76,575
	Investment in joint ventures		8,256		7,047		6,923
	Capital expenditures		57,902		64,598		22,860
	Environmental & remediation:
	Contract revenues		94,840		201		-
	Operating income (loss)		-3,282		-314		-314
	Depreciation and amortization		2,504		150		106
	Total assets		31,392		68,802		46,168
	Property and equipment—net		14,931		12,427		901
	Goodwill		2,751		2,751		-
	Capital expenditures		4,100		-		-
	Intersegment:
	Contract revenues		-6,024		-		-
	Total:
	Contract revenues		731,418		588,430		520,134
	Operating income		51,401		32,633		53,479
	Depreciation and amortization		46,622		37,430		37,282
	Total assets		852,645		826,468		788,460
	Property and equipment—net		345,620		335,509		299,041
	Goodwill		79,326		79,326		76,575
	Investment in joint ventures		8,256		7,047		6,923
	Capital expenditures		62,002		64,598		22,860
	The Company classifies the revenue related to its dredging projects into the following types of work:
		2013		2012		2011
	Capital dredging — U.S.	$	153,781	$	175,317	$	156,251
	Capital dredging — foreign		138,436		112,242		77,232
	Coastal protection dredging		228,868		126,873		135,164
	Maintenance dredging		90,833		137,924		116,016
	Rivers & lakes		30,684		35,873		35,471
	Total dredging	$	642,602	$	588,229	$	520,134
	The Company derived revenues and gross profit from foreign project operations for the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012, and 2011, as follows:
		2013		2012		2011
	Contract revenues	$	138,436	$	112,242	$	77,232
	Costs of contract revenues		-117,029		-104,038		-63,256
	Gross profit	$	21,407	$	8,204	$	13,976
	In 2013, foreign revenues were primarily from projects in the Middle East as well as for the Wheatstone LNG project in Western Australia. In 2012, the majority of the Company’s foreign revenue came from projects in the Middle East. The majority of the Company’s long-lived assets are marine vessels and related equipment. At any point in time, the Company may employ certain assets outside of the U.S., as needed, to perform work on the Company’s foreign projects. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, long-lived assets with a net book value of $104,099 and $88,003, respectively, were located outside of the U.S.
	The Company’s primary customer is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”), which has responsibility for federally funded projects related to waterway navigation and flood control. In 2013,  2012 and 2011, 45.0%, 68.9% and 55.6%, respectively, of contract revenues were earned from contracts with federal government agencies, including the Corps, as well as other federal entities such as the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximately 48.7% and 32.6%, respectively, of accounts receivable, including contract revenues in excess of billings and retainage, were due on contracts with federal government agencies. The Company depends on its ability to continue to obtain federal government contracts, and indirectly, on the amount of federal funding for new and current government dredging projects. Therefore, the Company’s operations can be influenced by the level and timing of federal funding.
	In 2013, the Company earned significant revenue from a large, single customer foreign contract. The contract is with another dredging company and is subject to terms that limit our ability to control the operations affecting the profitability of the Company’s contract. The expected revenue and profit on this contract is subject to material changes based upon the actual time and costs incurred to perform the work and the realization of contract incentives which may be outside the Company’s control. Changes in the estimated profitability of this contract may have a material effect on the Company’s operating results, cash flows or financial condition until the project is completed, which is expected in 2015.
	Prior to 2013, revenue from foreign projects was concentrated in Bahrain and primarily with the government of Bahrain which comprised of 14.2% and 9.1% of total revenue in 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximately 13.1% and 24.5%, respectively, of accounts receivable, including retainage and contract revenues in excess of billings, were due on contracts with the government of Bahrain. There is a dependence on future projects in the Bahrain region, as vessels are currently located there. However, certain of the vessels located in Bahrain can be moved back to the U.S. or all can be moved to other international markets as opportunities arise.

Subsidiary_Guarantors

Subsidiary Guarantors	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsidiary Guarantors [Abstract]	'
Subsidiary Guarantors	'
	16.   SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
	The Company’s long-term debt at December 31, 2013 includes $250,000 of 7.375% senior notes due February 1, 2019. The Company’s obligations under these senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by the Company’s 100% owned domestic subsidiaries. Such guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several.
	The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company’s subsidiary guarantors (on a combined basis), the Company’s non-guarantor subsidiaries (on a combined basis) and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, exclusive of its subsidiaries (“GLDD Corporation”):
		(i)	balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012;
		(ii)	statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December  31, 2013, 2012 and 2011; and
		(iii)	statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
	ASSETS	Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	71,939		$	3,399		$	-		$	-		$	75,338
	Accounts receivable — net		95,476			1,039			-			-			96,515
	Receivables from affiliates		131,984			7,337			12,205			-151,526			-
	Contract revenues in excess of billings		63,591			3,841			-			-			67,432
	Inventories		32,500			-			-			-			32,500
	Prepaid expenses		3,913			-			298			-			4,211
	Other current assets		19,636			137			20,180			-			39,953
	Assets held for sale		41,763			11,877			-			-8,536			45,104
	Total current assets		460,802			27,630			32,683			-160,062			361,053
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net		345,612			8			-			-			345,620
	GOODWILL		79,326			-			-			-			79,326
	OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS—Net		1,976			-			-			-			1,976
	INVENTORIES — Noncurrent		38,496			-			-			-			38,496
	INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES		8,256			-			-			-			8,256
	INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES		1,212			-			638,955			-640,167			-
	ASSETS HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		8,796			60			-			-			8,856
	OTHER		3,886			3			5,193			-20			9,062
	TOTAL	$	948,362		$	27,701		$	676,831		$	-800,249		$	852,645
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable	$	115,235		$	754		$	132		$	-		$	116,121
	Payables to affiliates		96,270			24,862			30,394			-151,526			-
	Accrued expenses		28,086			15			10,430			-			38,531
	Billings in excess of contract revenues		6,754			-			-			-			6,754
	Current portion of long term debt		-			-			-			-			-
	Liabilities held for sale		38,158			2,871			-			-8,536			32,493
	Total current liabilities		284,503			28,502			40,956			-160,062			193,899
	7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES		-			-			250,000			-			250,000
	REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY		-			-			35,000			-			35,000
	DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		-			-			108,531			-20			108,511
	LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		1,212			-			-			-			1,212
	OTHER		21,679			-			243			-			21,922
	Total liabilities		307,394			28,502			434,730			-160,082			610,544
	Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Equity		640,968			-801			242,946			-640,167			242,946
	NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		-			-			-845			-			-845
	TOTAL EQUITY		640,968			-801			242,101			-640,167			242,101
	TOTAL	$	948,362		$	27,701		$	676,831		$	-800,249		$	852,645
	GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
	ASSETS	Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,272		$	168		$	-		$	-		$	24,440
	Accounts receivable — net		124,215			-			-			-			124,215
	Receivables from affiliates		102,971			3,882			38,115			-144,968			-
	Contract revenues in excess of billings		50,294			-			-			-			50,294
	Inventories		28,460			-			-			-			28,460
	Prepaid expenses		3,883			-			102			-			3,985
	Other current assets		13,465			22			13,648			-			27,135
	Assets held for sale		53,694			5,344			-			-3,803			55,235
Total current assets		401,254			9,416			51,865			-148,771			313,764
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net		335,500			9			-			-			335,509
GOODWILL		79,326			-			-			-			79,326
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS—Net		3,067			-			-			-			3,067
INVENTORIES — Noncurrent		37,392			-			-			-			37,392
INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES		7,047			-			-			-			7,047
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES		2,127			-			618,954			-621,081			-
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		32,294			367			-			-			32,661
OTHER		11,356			3			6,343			-			17,702
TOTAL	$	909,363		$	9,795		$	677,162		$	-769,852		$	826,468
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	$	105,622		$	-		$	1		$	-		$	105,623
Payables to affiliates		101,475			4,845			38,648			-144,968			-
Accrued expenses		27,157			18			8,396			-			35,571
Billings in excess of contract revenues		9,654			-			-			-			9,654
Current portion of long term debt		13,047			-			-			-			13,047
Liabilities held for sale		24,262			1,670			-			-3,803			22,129
Total current liabilities		281,217			6,533			47,045			-148,771			186,024
7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES		-			-			250,000			-			250,000
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY		-			-			-			-			-
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		-16			-			106,144			-			106,128
LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		1,540			-			-			-			1,540
OTHER		8,803			-			548			-			9,351
Total liabilities		291,544			6,533			403,737			-148,771			553,043
Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Equity		617,819			3,262			273,635			-621,081			273,635
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		-			-			-210			-			-210
TOTAL EQUITY		617,819			3,262			273,425			-621,081			273,425
TOTAL	$	909,363		$	9,795		$	677,162		$	-769,852		$	826,468
GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(LOSS)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
Contract revenues	$	718,041		$	24,932		$	-		$	-11,555		$	731,418
Costs of contract revenues		-614,908			-27,770			-			11,555			-631,123
Gross profit		103,133			-2,838			-			-			100,295
OPERATING EXPENSES:
General and administrative expenses		68,029			10			-			-			68,039
Proceeds from loss of use claim		-13,372			-			-			-			-13,372
Gain on sale of assets—net		-5,775			-			2			-			-5,773
Operating income (loss)		54,251			-2,848			-2			-			51,401
Interest expense—net		-136			-256			-21,549			-			-21,941
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		212			-			59,477			-59,689			-
Equity in earnings of joint ventures		1,208			-			-			-			1,208
Loss on foreign currency transactions—net		-3			-348			-			-			-351
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		55,532			-3,452			37,926			-59,689			30,317
Income tax (provision) benefit		293			4			-10,757			-			-10,460
Income (loss) from continuing operations		55,825			-3,448			27,169			-59,689			19,857
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		-55,106			-1,448			-62,162			63,866			-54,850
Net income (loss)		719			-4,896			-34,993			4,177			-34,993
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-			-			632			-			632
Net income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes	$	719		$	-4,896		$	-34,361		$	4,177		$	-34,361
Dredge & Dock Corporation
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	$	1,023		$	-5,293		$	-34,454		$	4,270		$	-34,454
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation
GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(LOSS)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)
	Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
Contract revenues	$	588,430		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	588,430
Costs of contract revenues		-509,620			-652			-			-			-510,272
Gross profit		78,810			-652			-			-			78,158
OPERATING EXPENSES:
General and administrative expenses		42,547			31			3,145			-			45,723
Proceeds from loss of use claim		-			-			-			-			-
(Gain) loss on sale of assets—net		-293			-			95			-			-198
Operating income (loss)		36,556			-683			-3,240			-			32,633
Interest expense—net		-580			-133			-20,212			-			-20,925
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		-1			-			36,888			-36,887			-
Equity in earnings of joint ventures		124			-			-			-			124
Loss on foreign currency transactions—net		-118			-			-			-			-118
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		35,981			-816			13,436			-36,887			11,714
Income tax (provision) benefit		-6			-			-5,413			-			-5,419
Income (loss) from continuing operations		35,975			-816			8,023			-36,887			6,295
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		-9,798			-1,707			-11,363			13,233			-9,635
Net income (loss)		26,177			-2,523			-3,340			-23,654			-3,340
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-			-			645			-			645
Net income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes	$	26,177		$	-2,523		$	-2,695		$	-23,654		$	-2,695
Dredge & Dock Corporation
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	$	25,800		$	-2,529		$	-3,078		$	-23,271		$	-3,078
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation
GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(LOSS)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(In thousands)
	Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
Contract revenues	$	518,200		$	4,513		$	-		$	-2,579		$	520,134
Costs of contract revenues		-433,641			-6,437			-			2,579			-437,499
Gross profit		84,559			-1,924			-			-			82,635
OPERATING EXPENSES:
General and administrative expenses		37,479			58			3,355			-			40,892
Proceeds from loss of use claim		-			-			-			-			-
Gain on sale of assets—net		-11,747			-			11			-			-11,736
Operating income (loss)		58,827			-1,982			-3,366			-			53,479
Interest expense—net		-489			-156			-20,728			-			-21,373
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		-10			-			56,518			-56,508			-
Equity in earnings of joint ventures		-406			-			-			-			-406
Loss on foreign currency transactions—net		-264			-18			-			-			-282
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			-			-5,145			-			-5,145
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		57,658			-2,156			27,279			-56,508			26,273
														-
Income tax (provision) benefit		5			5			-9,954			-			-9,944
Income (loss) from continuing operations		57,663			-2,151			17,325			-56,508			16,329
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		679			2,328			-74			-2,011			922
Net income (loss)		58,342			177			17,251			-58,519			17,251
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		-			-			-723			-			-723
Net income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes	$	58,342		$	177		$	16,528		$	-58,519		$	16,528
Dredge & Dock Corporation
Comprehensive income attributable to	$	58,255		$	-90		$	16,174		$	-58,165		$	16,174
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation
GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)
		Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations		$	126,736		$	-7,748		$	-32,641		$	-		$	86,347
Net cash flows used in operating activities of discontinued operations			-5,049			-6,475			-			-			-11,524
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities			121,687			-14,223			-32,641			-			74,823
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment			-66,654			-			-			-			-66,654
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment			6,953			-			-			-			6,953
Proceeds from vendor performance obligations			13,600			-			-			-			13,600
Net change in accounts with affiliates			-37,282			-302			-			37,584			-
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations			-83,383			-302			-			37,584			-46,101
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations			-153			-			-			-			-153
Cash used in investing activities			-83,536			-302			-			37,584			-46,254
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of long term note payable			-2,500			-			-10,547			-			-13,047
Distributions paid to minority interests			-			-			-3			-			-3
Taxes paid on settlement of vested share awards			-			-			-308			-			-308
Net change in accounts with affiliates			-			10,342			8,603			-18,945			-
Capital contributions			-			926			-926			-			-
Exercise of stock options and purchases from employee stock plans			-			-			668			-			668
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation			-			-			154			-			154
Borrowings under revolving loans			-			-			227,000			-			227,000
Repayments of revolving loans			-			-			-192,000			-			-192,000
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations			-2,500			11,268			32,641			-18,945			22,464
Net cash flows provided by financing activities of discontinued operations			12,016			6,623			-			-18,639			-
Cash provided by financing activities			9,516			17,891			32,641			-37,584			22,464
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents			-			-135			-			-			-135
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			47,667			3,231			-			-			50,898
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			24,272			168			-			-			24,440
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	71,939		$	3,399		$	-		$	-		$	75,338
GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)
		Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations		$	48,544		$	-831		$	-27,977		$	-		$	19,736
Net cash flows used in operating activities of discontinued operations			-20,636			-960			-			-			-21,596
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities			27,908			-1,791			-27,977			-			-1,860
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment			-60,516			-			-			-			-60,516
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment			597			-			-			-			597
Acquisition of Terra assets			-2,000			-			-			-			-2,000
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations			-61,919			-			-			-			-61,919
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations			-1,524			-			-			-			-1,524
Cash used in investing activities			-63,443			-			-			-			-63,443
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Deferred financing fees			-			-			-2,039			-			-2,039
Repayment of long term note payable			-2,500			-			-			-			-2,500
Distributions paid to minority interests			-			-			-133			-			-133
Dividends paid			-			-			-18,560			-			-18,560
Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units			-			-			-196			-			-196
Taxes paid on vested share awards			-			-			-231			-			-231
Net change in accounts with affiliates			-46,135			-2,351			48,486			-			-
Exercise of stock options			-			-			461			-			461
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation			-			-			189			-			189
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations			-48,635			-2,351			27,977			-			-23,009
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations			-543			-			-			-			-543
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities			-49,178			-2,351			27,977			-			-23,552
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents			-			7			-			-			7
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			-84,713			-4,135			-			-			-88,848
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			108,985			4,303			-			-			113,288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	24,272		$	168		$	-		$	-		$	24,440
GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(In thousands)
		Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			GLDD Corporation			Eliminations			Consolidated Totals
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations		$	63,432		$	-2,185		$	-36,433		$	-		$	24,814
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations			-958			707			-			-			-251
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities			62,474			-1,478			-36,433			-			24,563
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment			-28,707			-			-			-			-28,707
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment			16,679			-			-			-			16,679
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations			-12,028			-			-			-			-12,028
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations			-4,688			-			-			-			-4,688
Cash used in investing activities			-16,716			-			-			-			-16,716
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of 7 3/8% senior notes			-			-			250,000			-			250,000
Redemption of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes			-			-			-175,000			-			-175,000
Senior subordinated notes redemption premium			-			-			-2,264			-			-2,264
Deferred financing fees			-			-			-5,962			-			-5,962
Repayment of long term note payable			-2,500						-			-			-2,500
Dividends paid			-			-			-4,711			-			-4,711
Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units			-			-			-36			-			-36
Taxes paid on vested share awards			-			-			-291			-			-291
Net change in accounts with affiliates			19,222			6,163			-25,385			-			-
Capital contributions			-			-			-			-			-
Repayments of equipment debt			-9			-			-			-			-9
Exercise of stock options			-			-			27			-			27
Borrowings under revolving loans			-			-			55			-			55
Net cash flows provided by financing activities of continuing operations			16,713			6,163			36,433			-			59,309
Net cash flows used in financing activities of discontinued operations			-1,902			-			-			-			-1,902
Cash provided by financing activities			14,811			6,163			36,433			-			57,407
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents			-			-444			-			-			-444
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			60,569			4,241			-			-			64,810
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			48,416			62			-			-			48,478
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	108,985		$	4,303		$	-		$	-		$	113,288

Schedule_IIValuation_And_Quali

Schedule II-Valuation And Qualify Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule II-Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II-Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	'
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation
	Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(In thousands)
				Additions
		Beginning Balance		Charged to costs and expenses		Charged to other accounts		Deductions		Ending balance
	Description
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts	$	855	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	855
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts	$	855	$	946	$	-	$	-750	$	1,051
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts	$	1,051	$	478	$	-	$	-	$	1,529

Nature_Of_Business_And_Summary1

Nature Of Business And Summary Of Signicant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles Of Consolidation And Basis Of Presentation	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation —The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in unconsolidated investees in which the Company has significant influence, but not control. Other investments, if any, are carried at cost.
Use Of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates —The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue and Cost Recognition on Contracts	'
	Revenue and Cost Recognition on Contracts —Substantially all of the Company’s contracts for dredging services are fixed-price contracts, which provide for remeasurement based on actual quantities dredged. The majority of the Company’s environmental & remediation contracts are also fixed-price contracts, with others performed on a time-and-materials basis. Contract revenues are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method based on the Company’s engineering estimates of the physical percentage completed for dredging projects and based on costs incurred to date compared to total estimated costs for fixed-price environmental & remediation projects. For dredging projects, costs of contract revenues are adjusted to reflect the gross profit percentage expected to be achieved upon ultimate completion. For environmental & remediation contracts, contract revenues are adjusted to reflect the estimated gross profit percentage. Revisions in estimated gross profit percentages are recorded in the period during which the change in circumstances is experienced or becomes known. As the duration of most of the Company’s contracts is one year or less, the cumulative net impact of these revisions in estimates, individually and in the aggregate across our projects, does not significantly affect our results across reporting periods. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts in progress are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Change orders are not recognized in revenue until the recovery is probable and collectability is reasonably assured. Claims for additional compensation due to the Company are not recognized in contract revenues until such claims are settled. Billings on contracts are generally submitted after verification with the customers of physical progress and may not match the timing of revenue recognition. The difference between amounts billed and recognized as revenue is reflected in the balance sheet as either contract revenues in excess of billings or billings in excess of contract revenues. Modifications may be negotiated when a change from the original contract specification is encountered, and a change in project scope, performance methodology and/or material disposal is necessary. Thus, the resulting modification is considered a change in the scope of the original project to which it relates. Significant expenditures incurred incidental to major contracts are deferred and recognized as contract costs based on contract performance over the duration of the related project. These expenditures are reported as prepaid expenses.
	The components of costs of contract revenues include labor, equipment (including depreciation, maintenance, insurance and long-term rentals), subcontracts, fuel and project overhead. Hourly labor is generally hired on a project-by-project basis. Costs of contract revenues vary significantly depending on the type and location of work performed and assets utilized. Generally, capital dredging projects have the highest margins due to the complexity of the projects, while coastal protection projects have the most volatile margins because they are most often exposed to variability in weather conditions.
	The Company’s cost structure includes significant annual equipment-related costs, including depreciation, maintenance, insurance and long-term rentals. These costs have averaged approximately 20% to 23% of total costs of contract revenues over the prior three years. During the year, both equipment utilization and the timing of fixed cost expenditures fluctuate significantly. Accordingly, the Company allocates these fixed equipment costs to interim periods in proportion to revenues recognized over the year, to better match revenues and expenses. Specifically, at each interim reporting date the Company compares actual revenues earned to date on its dredging contracts to expected annual revenues and recognizes equipment costs on the same proportionate basis. In the fourth quarter, any over or under allocated equipment costs are recognized such that the expense for the year equals actual equipment costs incurred during the year.
Classification of Current Assets and Liabilities	'
	Classification of Current Assets and Liabilities —The Company includes in current assets and liabilities amounts realizable and payable in the normal course of contract completion, unless completion of such contracts extends significantly beyond one year.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents —The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable , Net	'
	Accounts Receivable —Accounts receivable represent amounts due or billable under the terms of contracts with customers, including amounts related to retainage. The Company anticipates collection of retainage generally within one year, and accordingly presents retainage as a current asset. The Company provides an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable when events or conditions indicate that amounts outstanding are not recoverable.
Inventories	'
	Inventories —Inventories consist of pipe and spare parts used in the Company’s dredging operations. Pipe and spare parts are purchased in large quantities; therefore, a certain amount of pipe and spare part inventories is not anticipated to be used within the current year and is classified as long-term. Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or weighted average historical cost.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment —Capital additions, improvements, and major renewals are classified as property and equipment and are carried at depreciated cost. Maintenance and repairs that do not significantly extend the useful lives of the assets or enhance the capabilities of such assets are charged to expenses as incurred. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful lives of property and equipment using the straight-line method and the mid-year depreciation convention. The estimated useful lives by class of assets are:
	Class	Useful Life (years)
	Buildings and improvements	10
	Furniture and fixtures	10-May
	Vehicles, dozers, and other light operating equipment and systems	5-Mar
	Heavy operating equipment (dredges and barges)	30-Oct
	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their remaining useful lives or the remaining terms of the leases.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets —Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over fair value of the net assets acquired. Other identifiable intangible assets mainly represent developed technology and databases, customer relationships, and customer contracts acquired in business combinations and are being amortized over a one to five-year period. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment in the third quarter of each year, or more frequently should circumstances dictate. GAAP requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
	The Company assesses the fair values of its reporting units using both a market-based approach and an income-based approach. Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future market growth trends, forecasted revenues and expenses, appropriate discount rates and other variables. The estimates are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, but such assumptions are subject to unpredictability and uncertainty. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value, and may result in the impairment of goodwill in the event that actual results differ from those estimates.
	The market approach measures the value of a reporting unit through comparison to comparable companies. Under the market approach, the Company uses the guideline public company method by applying estimated market-based enterprise value multiples to the reporting unit’s estimated revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. The Company analyzed companies that performed similar services or are considered peers. Due to the fact that there are no public companies that are direct competitors, the Company weighed the results of this approach less than the income approach.
	The Company has four operating segments that, through aggregation, comprise two reportable segments: dredging and environmental & remediation, previously referred to as the demolition segment. The historical demolition business has been retrospectively presented as discontinued operations and is no longer reflected in continuing operations. Four operating segments were aggregated into two reportable segments as the segments have similarity in economic margins, services, production processes, customer types, distribution methods and regulatory environment. The Company has determined that the operating segments are the Company’s four reporting units.
Long-Lived Assets	'
	Long-Lived Assets —Long-lived assets are comprised of property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable by comparing the undiscounted cash flows associated with the assets to their carrying amounts. If such a review indicates an impairment, the carrying amount would be reduced to fair value. No triggering events were identified in 2013 or 2012. If long-lived assets are to be disposed, depreciation is discontinued, if applicable, and the assets are reclassified as held for sale at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values less estimated costs to sell.
	The Company capitalizes construction in progress and records a corresponding long-term liability for build-to-suit lease agreements where we are considered the owner during the construction period for accounting purposes. There was no build-to-suit equipment capitalized at December 31, 2013.
Self-insurance Reserves	'
	Self-insurance Reserves —The Company self-insures costs associated with its seagoing employees covered by the provisions of Jones Act, workers’ compensation claims, hull and equipment liability, and general business liabilities up to certain limits. Insurance reserves are established for estimates of the loss that the Company may ultimately incur on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. In determining its estimates, the Company considers historical loss experience and judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per claim. Trends in actual experience are a significant factor in the determination of such reserves.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes —The provision for income taxes includes federal, foreign, and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Recorded deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities, given the effect of currently enacted tax laws. The Company’s current policy is to repatriate all earnings from foreign subsidiaries’ operations as generated and at this time no amounts are considered to be permanently reinvested in those operations.
Hedging Instruments	'
	Hedging Instruments —The Company designates certain derivative contracts as a cash flow hedge as defined by GAAP. Accordingly, the Company formally documents, at the inception of each hedge, all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives to highly-probable forecasted transactions.
	The Company formally assesses, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of hedges in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items. Hedge accounting treatment may be discontinued when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item (including hedged items for forecasted future transactions), (2) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, (3) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur or (4) management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. If management elects to stop hedge accounting, it would be on a prospective basis and any hedges in place would be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until all the related forecasted transactions are completed or are probable of not occurring.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation —The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries where the operations are primarily denominated in the foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting. Balance sheet accounts are translated at the current foreign exchange rate at the end of each period and income statement accounts are translated at the average foreign exchange rate for each period. Gains and losses on foreign currency translations are reflected as a currency translation adjustment, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in loss on foreign currency transactions—net.
Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Noncontrolling Interest —On January 1, 2009 the Company acquired a 65% interest in Yankee Environmental Services, LLC (“Yankee”). Noncontrolling interest at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is related to the membership interest the Company does not own in Yankee.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share —Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic earnings per share except that it reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 no shares of stock options (“NQSO”) and restricted stock units (“RSU”) were excluded from the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2011, 299 thousand NQSOs were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share based on the application of the treasury stock method, as such options were determined to be anti-dilutive.
	The computations for basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013,  2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		2013		2012		2011
	Income from continuing operations	$	19,857	$	6,295	$	16,329
	Loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes, attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation		-54,218		-8,990		199
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation		-34,361		-2,695		16,528
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic		59,495		59,195		58,891
	Effect of stock options and restricted stock units		606		478		339
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted		60,101		59,673		59,230
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — basic	$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — diluted	$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28

Nature_Of_Business_And_Summary2

Nature Of Business And Summary Of Signicant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Estimated Useful Lives By Class Of Assets	'
	Class	Useful Life (years)
	Buildings and improvements	10
	Furniture and fixtures	10-May
	Vehicles, dozers, and other light operating equipment and systems	5-Mar
	Heavy operating equipment (dredges and barges)	30-Oct
Computations For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Income from continuing operations	$	19,857	$	6,295	$	16,329
	Loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes, attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation		-54,218		-8,990		199
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation		-34,361		-2,695		16,528
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic		59,495		59,195		58,891
	Effect of stock options and restricted stock units		606		478		339
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted		60,101		59,673		59,230
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — basic	$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — diluted	$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Income from continuing operations	$	19,857	$	6,295	$	16,329
	Loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes, attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation		-54,218		-8,990		199
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation		-34,361		-2,695		16,528
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic		59,495		59,195		58,891
	Effect of stock options and restricted stock units		606		478		339
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted		60,101		59,673		59,230
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — basic	$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28
	Earnings per share from continuing operations — diluted	$	0.33	$	0.11	$	0.28

Accounts_Receivable_And_Contra1

Accounts Receivable And Contracts In Progress (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable And Contracts In Progress [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	'
		2013		2012
	Completed contracts	$	17,361	$	40,230
	Contracts in progress		62,177		75,167
	Retainage		18,506		18,453
			98,044		133,850
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		-1,529		-1,051
	Total accounts receivable—net	$	96,515	$	132,799
	Current portion of accounts receivable—net	$	96,515	$	124,215
	Long-term accounts receivable and retainage		-		8,584
	Total accounts receivable—net	$	96,515	$	132,799
Components Of Contracts In Progress	'
		2013		2012
	Costs and earnings in excess of billings:
	Costs and earnings for contracts in progress	$	435,470	$	288,235
	Amounts billed		-370,730		-240,844
	Costs and earnings in excess of billings for contracts in progress		64,740		47,391
	Costs and earnings in excess of billings for completed contracts		2,692		2,903
	Total contract revenues in excess of billings	$	67,432	$	50,294
	Billings in excess of costs and earnings:
	Amounts billed	$	-156,794	$	-331,894
	Costs and earnings for contracts in progress		150,040		322,240
	Total billings in excess of contract revenues	$	-6,754	$	-9,654

Property_And_Equipment_Tables

Property And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment	'
		2013		2012
	Land	$	9,220	$	9,205
	Buildings and improvements		4,124		3,101
	Furniture and fixtures		6,477		4,970
	Operating equipment		602,395		549,424
	Total property and equipment		622,216		566,700
	Accumulated depreciation		-276,595		-231,191
	Property and equipment — net	$	345,620	$	335,509

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
		Dredging Segment		Environmental & Remediation Segment		Total
	Balance - January 1, 2012	$	76,575	$	-	$	76,575
	Acquisition of Terra Contracting		-		2,751		2,751
	Balance - December 31, 2012		76,575		2,751		79,326
	Balance - December 31, 2013	$	76,575	$	2,751	$	79,326
Schedule of the Net Book Value Of Indentifiable Intangible Assets	'
	As of December 31, 2013	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Net
	Non-compete agreement	$	1,646	$	544	$	1,102
	Backlog		627		502		125
	Trade names		411		82		329
	Other		526		106		420
		$	3,210	$	1,234	$	1,976
	As of December 31, 2012
	Non-compete agreement	$	1,646	$	216	$	1,430
	Software and databases		1,209		1,136		73
	Backlog		627		-		627
	Trade names		411		-		411
	Other		526		-		526
		$	4,419	$	1,352	$	3,067

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
		2013		2012
	Payroll and employee benefits	$	13,664	$	9,267
	Insurance		8,649		7,642
	Interest		8,066		7,837
	Income and other taxes		3,709		1,426
	Percentage of completion adjustment		2,135		1,134
	Construction liabilities		-		6,426
	Other		2,308		1,839
	Total accrued expenses	$	38,531	$	35,571

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt	'
		2013		2012
	Note payable		-		13,047
	Revolving credit facility		35,000		-
	7.375% senior notes		250,000		250,000
	Subtotal		285,000		263,047
	Current portion of note payable		-		-13,047
	Total	$	285,000	$	250,000
Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	'
	Years Ending December 31
	2014	$	-
	2015		-
	2016		-
	2017		35,000
	2018		-
	Thereafter		250,000
	Total	$	285,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	At  December 31, 2013			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fuel hedge contracts	$	332		$	-		$	332		$	-
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description	At  December 31, 2012			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fuel hedge contracts	$	178		$	-		$	178		$	-
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements Balance Sheet Location	'
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value at December 31,
				2013			2012
	Asset derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts	Other current assets		$	332		$	-
	Liability derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts	Accrued expenses		$	-		$	178
Fair Value Measurements, Goodwill, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		2013
	Goodwill included in assets held for sale
	Balance at January 1,	$	21,474
	Impairment		-21,474
	Balance at December 31,	$	-
Changes In Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
				2013			2012			2011
	Cumulative translation adjustments—net of tax			$	-397		$	-6		$	-267
	Derivatives:
	Reclassification of derivative losses (gains) to earnings—net of tax				270			3			-1,437
	Change in fair value of derivatives—net of tax				34			-380			1,350
	Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives—net of tax				304			-377			-87
	Total other comprehensive loss			$	-93		$	-383		$	-354
Adjustments Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Earnings	'
		Statement of Operations Location		2013			2012			2011
	Derivatives:
	Fuel hedge contracts	Costs of contract revenues		$	450		$	5		$	-2,319
		Income tax (provision) benefit			180			2			-882
				$	270		$	3		$	-1,437

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Pre-Tax Income From Domestic And Foreign Operations	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Domestic operations	$	23,716	$	15,884	$	21,067
	Foreign operations		6,601		-4,170		5,206
	Total pre-tax income	$	30,317	$	11,714	$	26,273
Provision For Income Taxes	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Federal:
	Current	$	8,384	$	859	$	-4,577
	Deferred		2,107		1,948		13,064
	State:
	Current		439		156		339
	Deferred		-326		481		781
	Foreign:
	Current		1,831		-		337
	Deferred		-1,975		1,975		-
	Total	$	10,460	$	5,419	$	9,944
Income Tax Provision Reconciliation	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Tax provision at statutory U.S. federal
	income tax rate	$	10,611	$	4,100	$	9,196
	State income tax — net of federal income tax benefit		500		245		769
	Foreign income tax provision (benefit)		238		-		-1,367
	Change in deferred state tax rate		-		246		-
	Changes in unrecognized tax benefits		-196		-137		15
	Changes in valuation allowance		-500		228		1,588
	Other		-193		737		-257
	Income tax provision (benefit)	$	10,460	$	5,419	$	9,944
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits — January 1	$	471	$	633	$	630
	Gross increases — tax positions in prior period		-		79		3
	Gross increases — current period tax positions		42		80		-
	Gross decreases — expirations		-201		-321		-
	Gross decreases — tax positions in prior period		-59		-		-
	Settlements		-		-		-
	Unrecognized tax benefits — December 31,	$	253	$	471	$	633
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	'
		2013		2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	9,427	$	8,120
	Tax credit carryforwards		2,486		2,366
	Foreign NOLs		2,505		2,632
	State NOLs		1,599		1,197
	Fuel hedges		-		71
	Valuation allowance		-2,505		-3,352
	Total deferred tax assets		13,512		11,034
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization		-115,542		-111,321
	Other liabilities		-		-1,975
	Fuel hedges		-132		-
	Total deferred tax liabilities		-115,674		-113,296
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	-102,162		-102,262
	As reported in the balance sheet:
	Net current deferred tax assets (included in other current assets)	$	6,349		3,866
	Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		-108,511		-106,128
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	-102,162		-102,262

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Option Pricing Assumptions	'
			2013		2012		2011
	Expected volatility		58.2%		55.0%		50.0%
	Expected dividends		0.0%		1.3%		1.6%
	Expected term (in years)		6.0		5.5 - 6.5		5.5 - 6.5
	Risk free rate		1.0%		0.7% - 1.0%		1.5% - 2.2%
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	'
	Options	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contract Term (yrs)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000's)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2013		1,637	$	5.56
	Granted		369		7.56
	Exercised		-84		4.11
	Forfeited or Expired		-10		7.56
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		1,912	$	6.00		7.4	$	6,129
	Vested at December 31, 2013		1,015	$	5.39		6.4	$	3,864
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		1,903	$	5.99		8.6	$	2,240
Summary Of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Units	'
	Nonvested Restricted Stock Units	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2013		608	$	5.96
	Granted		222		7.60
	Vested		-112		5.94
	Forfeited		-127		6.73
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		591	$	6.43
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2013		511	$	6.27

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments	'
	2014	$	18,581
	2015		17,773
	2016		16,532
	2017		14,270
	2018		5,871
	Thereafter		9,891
	Total minimum operating lease payments	$	82,918

Business_Combinations_And_Disp1

Business Combinations And Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations And Dispositions [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations	'
	The results of the businesses have been reported in discontinued operations as follows:
		2013		2012		2011
	Revenue	$	39,550	$	100,602	$	107,199
	Income (loss) before income taxes from discontinued operations	$	-55,530	$	-17,125	$	523
	Preliminary loss on disposal of assets held for sale		-18,436		-		-
	Income tax benefit		19,116		7,490		399
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	-54,850	$	-9,635	$	922
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of businesses reported as discontinued operations are shown below:
		2013		2012
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable - net	$	15,445	$	24,928
	Contract revenues in excess of billings		13,130		19,355
	Other current assets		14,825		8,512
	Property and equipment—net		8,765		11,030
	Goodwill		-		21,474
	Other intangible assets —net		91		157
	Assets of discontinued operations	$	52,256	$	85,456
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	9,480	$	13,783
	Accrued expenses		4,091		6,669
	Reserve for loss on disposal		18,436		-
	Other current liabilities		486		1,677
	Other liabilities		1,212		1,540
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	33,705	$	23,669

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting By Segment	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Dredging:
	Contract revenues	$	642,602	$	588,229	$	520,134
	Operating income		54,683		32,947		53,793
	Depreciation and amortization		44,118		37,279		37,176
	Total assets		821,253		757,666		742,292
	Property and equipment—net		330,689		323,082		298,140
	Goodwill		76,575		76,575		76,575
	Investment in joint ventures		8,256		7,047		6,923
	Capital expenditures		57,902		64,598		22,860
	Environmental & remediation:
	Contract revenues		94,840		201		-
	Operating income (loss)		-3,282		-314		-314
	Depreciation and amortization		2,504		150		106
	Total assets		31,392		68,802		46,168
	Property and equipment—net		14,931		12,427		901
	Goodwill		2,751		2,751		-
	Capital expenditures		4,100		-		-
	Intersegment:
	Contract revenues		-6,024		-		-
	Total:
	Contract revenues		731,418		588,430		520,134
	Operating income		51,401		32,633		53,479
	Depreciation and amortization		46,622		37,430		37,282
	Total assets		852,645		826,468		788,460
	Property and equipment—net		345,620		335,509		299,041
	Goodwill		79,326		79,326		76,575
	Investment in joint ventures		8,256		7,047		6,923
	Capital expenditures		62,002		64,598		22,860
Revenue Related to Dredging Projects By Type Of Work	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Capital dredging — U.S.	$	153,781	$	175,317	$	156,251
	Capital dredging — foreign		138,436		112,242		77,232
	Coastal protection dredging		228,868		126,873		135,164
	Maintenance dredging		90,833		137,924		116,016
	Rivers & lakes		30,684		35,873		35,471
	Total dredging	$	642,602	$	588,229	$	520,134
Revenues And Gross Profit From Foreign Project Operations	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Contract revenues	$	138,436	$	112,242	$	77,232
	Costs of contract revenues		-117,029		-104,038		-63,256
	Gross profit	$	21,407	$	8,204	$	13,976

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Tables

Subsidiary Guarantors (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013											Dec. 31, 2012
Subsidiary Guarantors [Abstract]	'											'
Subsidiary Guarantors (Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets)	'											'
	GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES											GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET											CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013											AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(In thousands)											(In thousands)
	ASSETS	Subsidiary Guarantors		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		GLDD Corporation		Eliminations		Consolidated Totals		ASSETS	Subsidiary Guarantors		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		GLDD Corporation		Eliminations		Consolidated Totals
	CURRENT ASSETS:											CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	71,939	$	3,399	$	-	$	-	$	75,338	Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,272	$	168	$	-	$	-	$	24,440
	Accounts receivable — net		95,476		1,039		-		-		96,515	Accounts receivable — net		124,215		-		-		-		124,215
	Receivables from affiliates		131,984		7,337		12,205		-151,526		-	Receivables from affiliates		102,971		3,882		38,115		-144,968		-
	Contract revenues in excess of billings		63,591		3,841		-		-		67,432	Contract revenues in excess of billings		50,294		-		-		-		50,294
	Inventories		32,500		-		-		-		32,500	Inventories		28,460		-		-		-		28,460
	Prepaid expenses		3,913		-		298		-		4,211	Prepaid expenses		3,883		-		102		-		3,985
	Other current assets		19,636		137		20,180		-		39,953	Other current assets		13,465		22		13,648		-		27,135
	Assets held for sale		41,763		11,877		-		-8,536		45,104	Assets held for sale		53,694		5,344		-		-3,803		55,235
	Total current assets		460,802		27,630		32,683		-160,062		361,053	Total current assets		401,254		9,416		51,865		-148,771		313,764
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net		345,612		8		-		-		345,620	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net		335,500		9		-		-		335,509
	GOODWILL		79,326		-		-		-		79,326	GOODWILL		79,326		-		-		-		79,326
	OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS—Net		1,976		-		-		-		1,976	OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS—Net		3,067		-		-		-		3,067
	INVENTORIES — Noncurrent		38,496		-		-		-		38,496	INVENTORIES — Noncurrent		37,392		-		-		-		37,392
	INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES		8,256		-		-		-		8,256	INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES		7,047		-		-		-		7,047
	INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES		1,212		-		638,955		-640,167		-	INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES		2,127		-		618,954		-621,081		-
	ASSETS HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		8,796		60		-		-		8,856	ASSETS HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		32,294		367		-		-		32,661
	OTHER		3,886		3		5,193		-20		9,062	OTHER		11,356		3		6,343		-		17,702
	TOTAL	$	948,362	$	27,701	$	676,831	$	-800,249	$	852,645	TOTAL	$	909,363	$	9,795	$	677,162	$	-769,852	$	826,468
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY											LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:											CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable	$	115,235	$	754	$	132	$	-	$	116,121	Accounts payable	$	105,622	$	-	$	1	$	-	$	105,623
	Payables to affiliates		96,270		24,862		30,394		-151,526		-	Payables to affiliates		101,475		4,845		38,648		-144,968		-
	Accrued expenses		28,086		15		10,430		-		38,531	Accrued expenses		27,157		18		8,396		-		35,571
	Billings in excess of contract revenues		6,754		-		-		-		6,754	Billings in excess of contract revenues		9,654		-		-		-		9,654
	Current portion of long term debt		-		-		-		-		-	Current portion of long term debt		13,047		-		-		-		13,047
	Liabilities held for sale		38,158		2,871		-		-8,536		32,493	Liabilities held for sale		24,262		1,670		-		-3,803		22,129
	Total current liabilities		284,503		28,502		40,956		-160,062		193,899	Total current liabilities		281,217		6,533		47,045		-148,771		186,024
	7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES		-		-		250,000		-		250,000	7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES		-		-		250,000		-		250,000
	REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY		-		-		35,000		-		35,000	REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY		-		-		-		-		-
	DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		-		-		108,531		-20		108,511	DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		-16		-		106,144		-		106,128
	LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		1,212		-		-		-		1,212	LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE—Noncurrent		1,540		-		-		-		1,540
	OTHER		21,679		-		243		-		21,922	OTHER		8,803		-		548		-		9,351
	Total liabilities		307,394		28,502		434,730		-160,082		610,544	Total liabilities		291,544		6,533		403,737		-148,771		553,043
	Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Equity		640,968		-801		242,946		-640,167		242,946	Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Equity		617,819		3,262		273,635		-621,081		273,635
	NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		-		-		-845		-		-845	NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		-		-		-210		-		-210
	TOTAL EQUITY		640,968		-801		242,101		-640,167		242,101	TOTAL EQUITY		617,819		3,262		273,425		-621,081		273,425
	TOTAL	$	948,362	$	27,701	$	676,831	$	-800,249	$	852,645	TOTAL	$	909,363	$	9,795	$	677,162	$	-769,852	$	826,468

Nature_Of_Business_And_Summary3

Nature Of Business And Summary Of Signicant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	segment			Yankee Environmental Services, LLC [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Average equipment-related costs of total costs of contract revenue	'	'	'	'	23.00%	20.00%
Impairment of goodwill	($21,474)	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	2	'	'	'	'	'
Acquired membership interest	'	'	'	65.00%	'	'
Net income	($34,993)	($3,340)	$17,251	'	'	'
Shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	'	'	299	'	'	'

Nature_Of_Business_And_Summary4

Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated Useful Lives By Class Of Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Building and Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'5 years
Vehicles, Dozers, And Other Light Operating Equipment And Systems [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'5 years
Vehicles, Dozers, And Other Light Operating Equipment And Systems [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'3 years
Heavy Operating Equipment (Dredges And Barges) [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'30 years
Heavy Operating Equipment (Dredges And Barges) [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'10 years

Nature_Of_Business_And_Summary5

Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Computations For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income from continuing operations	$19,857	$6,295	$16,329
Loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes, attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	-54,218	-8,990	199
Net income attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	-34,361	-2,695	16,528
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	59,495	59,195	58,891
Effect of stock options and restricted stock units	606	478	339
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	60,101	59,673	59,230
Earnings per share from continuing operations - basic	$0.33	$0.11	$0.28
Earnings per share from continuing operations - diluted	$0.33	$0.11	$0.28
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	27,169	8,023	17,325
Net income attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	($34,361)	($2,695)	$16,528

Restricted_And_Escrowed_Cash_D

Restricted And Escrowed Cash (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	$9,062	$17,702	'	'
Assets held for sale	45,104	55,235	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	75,338	24,440	113,288	48,478
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	5,193	6,343	'	'
Escrow Account [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,750	'	'	'
Escrow Account [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	1,500	1,500	1,500	'
Assets held for sale	$2,314	$450	'	'

Accounts_Receivable_And_Contra2

Accounts Receivable And Contracts In Progress (Schedule Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Retainage	$18,506	$18,453
Accounts Receivable, Gross	98,044	133,850
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-1,529	-1,051
Total accounts receivable-net	96,515	132,799
Current portion of accounts receivable-net	96,515	124,215
Long-term accounts receivable and retainage	'	8,584
Completed Contracts [Member]	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Contracts	17,361	40,230
Contracts In Progress [Member]	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Contracts	$62,177	$75,167

Accounts_Receivable_And_Contra3

Accounts Receivable And Contracts In Progress (Components Of Contracts In Progress) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Costs and earnings in excess of billings on contracts in progress	$64,740	$47,391
Costs and earnings in excess of billings for completed contracts	2,692	2,903
Total contract revenues in excess of billings	67,432	50,294
Current portion of contract revenues in excess of billings	67,432	50,294
Total billings in excess of contract revenues	-6,754	-9,654
Costs And Earnings In Excess Of Billings [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Costs and earnings for contracts in progress	435,470	288,235
Amounts billed	-370,730	-240,844
Billings In Excess Of Costs And Earnings [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Costs and earnings for contracts in progress	150,040	322,240
Amounts billed	($156,794)	($331,894)

Property_And_Equipment_Details

Property And Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	$622,216	$566,700	'
Accumulated depreciation	-276,595	-231,191	'
Property and equipment - net	345,620	335,509	299,041
Depreciation	45,531	37,249	34,970
Operating equipment held for sale	1,704	2,440	'
Land [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	9,220	9,205	'
Building and Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	4,124	3,101	'
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	6,477	4,970	'
Operating Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	$602,395	$549,424	'

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted average amortization period	'	'3 years 8 months 12 days	'
Amortization expense	$1,091	$181	$2,312
2014	642	'	'
2015	516	'	'
2016	409	'	'
2017	409	'	'
Impairment	$21,474	'	'

Goddwill_And_Other_Intangible_

Goddwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
			Dredging Segment [Member]	Dredging Segment [Member]	Dredging Segment [Member]	Demolition Segment [Member]	Demolition Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$79,326	$76,575	$76,575	$76,575	$76,575	'	$2,751
Impairment	21,474	'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition of Terra Contracting	'	2,751	'	'	'	2,751	'
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$79,326	$79,326	$76,575	$76,575	$76,575	$2,751	$2,751

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Net Book Value Of Identifiable Assetsl) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$3,210	$4,419
Accumulated amortization	1,234	1,352
Net	1,976	3,067
Non-compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	1,646	1,646
Accumulated amortization	544	216
Net	1,102	1,430
Software And Databases [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	'	1,209
Accumulated amortization	'	1,136
Net	'	73
Backlog [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	627	627
Accumulated amortization	502	'
Net	125	627
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	411	411
Accumulated amortization	82	'
Net	329	411
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	526	526
Accumulated amortization	106	'
Net	$420	$526

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'	'
Construction liabilities	'	$6,426
Insurance	8,649	7,642
Interest	8,066	7,837
Payroll and employee benefits	13,664	9,267
Percentage of completion adjustment	2,135	1,134
Income and other taxes	3,709	1,426
Other	2,308	1,839
Total accrued expenses	$38,531	$35,571

Longterm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 04, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 04, 2012

Jun. 04, 2012

Jun. 04, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Standby Letters of Credit [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Multicurrency [Member]

Swingline Loans [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Terra [Member]

LIBOR Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

LIBOR Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

$24,000,000

$125,000,000

'

$175,000,000

$50,000,000

$10,000,000

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility optional increase capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, interest rate description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Depending on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), borrowings under the new revolving credit facility will bear interest at the option of the Company at either a LIBOR rate plus a margin of between 1.50% to 2.50% per annum or a base rate plus a margin of between 0.50% to 1.50% per annum.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

1.50%

1.50%

0.50%

Letters of credit outstanding

89,040,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letter of credit remaining borrowing capacity

50,960,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

$250,000,000

$10,547,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate

'

'

7.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

1-Feb-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of facility covered

'

'

'

'

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Longterm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Long

Long-term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note payable	'	$13,047	'
Revolving credit facility	35,000	'	'
7.375% senior notes	250,000	250,000	250,000
Long term debt	285,000	263,047	'
Current portion of note payable	'	-13,047	'
Noncurrent long term debt	285,000	250,000	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility	35,000	'	'
7.375% senior notes	$250,000	$250,000	'

LongTerm_Debt_Maturities_Of_Lo

Long-Term Debt (Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'	'
2017	$35,000	'
Thereafter	250,000	'
Long term debt	$285,000	$263,047

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011	31-May-09
	gal
Derivative asset, notional amount	'	'	'	$50,000,000
Derivative, average fixed interest rate	'	'	'	7.75%
Derivative underlying hedge percent	80.00%	'	'	'
Derivative nonmonetary notional gallons amount	6,500,000	'	'	'
Senior Notes	250,000,000	250,000,000	250,000,000	'
Reclassification of derivative losses to earnings-net of tax	270,000	'	'	'
Fair value hedge liabilities	332,000	'	'	'
Fair value hedge assets	'	178,000	'	'
Senior notes interest rate	7.38%	'	7.38%	'
Impairment	21,474,000	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fixed price range	3.14	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fixed price range	2.87	'	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Impairment	-21,474,000	'	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	250,000,000	250,000,000	'	'
Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	$261,250,000	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, fair value disclosure	$332	$178
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets, fair value disclosure	$332	$178

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements Balance Sheet Location) (Details) (Fuel Hedge Contracts [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Other Current Assets [Member]	Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset	$332	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross liability	'	$178

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Measurements, Goodwill, Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Impairment	$21,474
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'
Balance at January 1,	21,474
Impairment	($21,474)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Change

Fair Value Measurements (Changes In Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'		'		'
Cumulative translation adjustments-net of tax	($397)		($6)		($267)
Reclassification of derivative losses (gains) to earnings-net of tax	270		3		-1,437
Change in fair value of derivatives-net of tax	34		-380		1,350
Net unrealized gain on derivatives-net of tax	304	[1]	-377	[1]	-87	[1]
Other comprehensive loss-net of tax	($93)		($383)		($354)
[1]	Net of income tax (provision) benefit of $204, $(250) and $(58) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Adjustm

Fair Value Measurement (Adjustments Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Earnings) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Costs of contract revenues	$631,123	$510,272	$437,499
Income tax provision	10,460	5,419	9,944
Net income	-34,993	-3,340	17,251
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income tax provision	10,757	5,413	9,954
Net income	-34,993	-3,340	17,251
Fuel Hedge Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Costs of contract revenues	450	5	-2,319
Income tax provision	180	2	-882
Net income	$270	$3	($1,437)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$253	$471	$633	$630
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits which would have an impact on the effective tax rate	164	241	'	'
Interest and penalties recorded	18	148	'	'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	37,537	26,918	'	'
Valuation allowance for net operating loss carryforwards	0	720	'	'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	7,194	10,164	10,164	'
Valuation allowance for net operating loss carryforwards	$2,505	$2,632	'	'

Income_Taxes_Income_tax_Provis

Income Taxes (Income tax (Provision Benefit from Continuing and Discontinuing Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax (provision) benefit	($10,460)	($5,419)	($9,944)
Income tax benefit	19,116	7,490	399
Income tax (provision) benefit from continuing and discontinuing operations	8,656	2,071	-9,545
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Income tax (provision) benefit	($10,757)	($5,413)	($9,954)

Income_Taxes_PreTax_Income_Fro

Income Taxes (Pre-Tax Income From Domestic And Foreign Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic operations	$23,716	$15,884	$21,067
Foreign operations	6,601	-4,170	5,206
Total pre-tax income	$30,317	$11,714	$26,273

Income_Taxes_Provision_For_Inc

Income Taxes (Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current federal tax expense (benefit)	$8,384	$859	($4,577)
Deferred federal tax expense (benefit)	2,107	1,948	13,064
Current state tax expense (benefit)	439	156	339
Deferred state tax expense (benefit)	-326	481	781
Current foreign tax expense (benefit)	1,831	'	337
Deferred foreign tax expense (benefit)	($1,975)	$1,975	'

Recovered_Sheet2

Income Taxes (Income Tax Provision Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Tax provision (benefit) at statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	$10,611	$4,100	$9,196
State income tax - net of federal income tax benefit	500	245	769
Foreign income tax provision (benefit)	238	'	-1,367
Change in deferred state tax rate	'	246	'
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	-196	-137	15
Changes in valuation allowance	-500	228	1,588
Other	-193	737	-257
Income tax provision	10,460	5,419	9,944
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Income tax provision	$10,757	$5,413	$9,954

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits - January 1	$471	$633	$630
Gross increases - tax positions in prior period	'	79	3
Gross increases - current period tax positions	42	80	'
Gross decreases - expirations in prior period	-201	-321	'
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period	-59	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits - December 31,	$253	$471	$633

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued liabilities	$9,427	$8,120
Tax credit carryforwards	2,486	2,366
Foreign NOLs	2,505	2,632
State NOLs	1,599	1,197
Fuel hedges	'	71
Valuation allowance	-2,505	-3,352
Total deferred tax assets	13,512	11,034
Depreciation and amortization	-115,542	-111,321
Other liabilities	'	-1,975
Fuel hedges	-132	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	-115,674	-113,296
Net current deferred tax assets (included in other current assets)	6,349	3,866
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilites	-108,511	-106,128
Net deferred tax liabilities	-102,162	-102,262
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilites	($108,531)	($106,144)

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2007
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares available for grant	'	'	'	'	5,800,000
Allocated share-based compensation expense	$3,251	'	$3,081	$1,838	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	'	$4.06	$2.93	$2.23	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested NQSOs and RSUs	'	3,786	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition	'	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'	'	'
Amount related to shares used for tax withholding obligations	'	308	231	'	'
Shares of common stock received by employee directors	'	'	93	83	'
Annual retainer per non-employee director, percentage paid in cash	'	50.00%	'	'	'
Annual retainer per non-employee director, percentage paid in common stock	'	50.00%	'	'	'
Shares of common stock received by nonemployee directors	'	96	'	'	'
Non-Employee Directors [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Annual retainer per non-employee director	'	'	155	'	'
Chairman of the Board [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Additional compensation to annual retainer, paid in stock	'	$250	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	222	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Option

Share-Based Compensation (Option Pricing Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected volatility	58.20%	55.00%	50.00%
Expected dividends	0.00%	1.30%	1.60%
Risk free rate, minimum	1.00%	0.70%	1.50%
Risk free rate, maximum	'	1.00%	2.20%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected term	'6 years	'5 years 6 months	'5 years 6 months
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected term	'	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 6 months

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Options outstanding as of January 1, 2013	1,637
Options granted	369
Options exercised	-84
Options foreited or expired	-10
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013	1,912
Options vested at December 31, 2013	1,015
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	1,903
Weighted average exercise price outstanding as of January 1, 2012	$5.56
Weighted average exercise price, granted	$7.56
Weighted average exercise price, exercised	$4.11
Weighted average exercise price, forfeited or expired	$7.56
Weighted average exercise price outstanding as of December 31, 2013	$6
Weighted avergage exercise price, vested at December 31, 2013	$5.39
Weighted avergage exercise price, vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	$5.99
Weighted average remaining contractual term at December 31, 2013	'7 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested as of December 31, 2013	'6 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2013	'8 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding as of December 31, 2013	$6,129
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested at December 31, 2013	3,864
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	$2,240

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Units) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Options outstanding as of January 1, 2012	608
Options granted	222
Options vested	-112
Options forfeited	-127
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012	591
Options expected to vest	511
Weighted-average grant-date fair value as of January 1, 2012	$5.96
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	$7.60
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, vested	$5.94
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited	$6.73
Weighted-average grant-date fair value as of December 31, 2012	$6.43
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, expected to vest at December 31, 2012	$6.27

Retirement_Plans_Narrative_Det

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	item
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of sponsored 401(k) plans	4	'	'
Expense for matching and discretionary contributions	$5,123	$4,017	$3,936

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011
Letters of credit outstanding	$89,040	'	'	'
Letter of credit remaining borrowing capacity	50,960	'	'	'
Senior notes interest rate	7.38%	'	'	7.38%
Outstanding performance bonds	819,584	'	'	'
Revenue value remaining from outstanding performance bonds	405,561	'	'	'
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000	'	250,000
Proceeds from loss of use claim	13,372	'	'	'
Rent expense under long term operating lease arrangements	21,620	18,370	18,316	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Bids bond range	10,000	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Bids bond range	1,000	'	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000	'	'
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding performance bonds	$81,784	'	'	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
2013	$18,581
2014	17,773
2015	16,532
2016	14,270
2017	5,871
Thereafter	9,891
Total minimum operating lease payments	$82,918

RelatedParty_Transactions_Deta

Related-Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related party expenses	$95	$95	$103
Beneficial Owner [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of related party transaction	449	449	483
Majority Shareholder [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related party expenses	$243	$0	$0

Business_Combinations_And_Disp2

Business Combinations And Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				Terra [Member]	Terra [Member]	Terra [Member]	Terra [Member]	Terra [Member]	Terra [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
						Accrued Liabilities [Member]	Accrued Liabilities [Member]	Other Liabilities [Member]	Other Liabilities [Member]	Terra [Member]	Terra [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets of the business reported as discontinued operations held	$85,456,000	$52,256,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liabilities of the business reported as discontinued operations held	23,669,000	33,705,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Base purchase price	'	'	'	26,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase agreement, earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,500,000,000	4,000,000,000
Purchase agreement, multiplication factor	'	'	'	25.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase agreement, base additional amount	'	'	'	500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase agreement, multiplication factor for amount exceeded	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum earnout payment	'	'	'	2,000,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of the earnout liability	'	'	'	1,833,000	1,636,000	725,000	647,000	1,108,000	989,000	'	'
Seller note	'	'	'	10,547,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tangible assets acquired	'	'	'	27,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Receivables	'	'	'	14,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment	'	'	'	11,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	'	'	'	2,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average amortization period	'3 years 8 months 12 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'1 year
Accounts payable	'	'	'	18,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liabilities assumed	'	'	'	17,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$79,326,000	$79,326,000	$76,575,000	$2,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Business_Combinations_And_Disp3

Business Combinations And Dispositions (Results Of Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue	$39,550	$100,602	$107,199
Income (loss) before income taxes from discontinued operations	-55,530	-17,125	523
Loss on disposition of assets held for sale	-18,436	'	'
Income tax benefit	19,116	7,490	399
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-54,850	-9,635	922
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	($62,162)	($11,363)	($74)

Business_Combinations_And_Disp4

Business Combinations And Dispositions (Major Classes Of Asset And Liabilities Of Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations And Dispositions [Abstract]	'	'
Current assets	$15,445	$24,928
Property and equipment - net	8,765	11,030
Contract revenues in excess of billings from discontinued	13,130	19,355
Other current assets from discontinued	14,825	8,512
Goodwill	'	21,474
Other intangible assets - net	91	157
Assets of discontinued operations	52,256	85,456
Accounts payable from discontinued operations	9,480	13,783
Accrued expenses from disconinued liabilities operations	4,091	6,669
Reserve for loss on disposal from discontinued operations	18,436	'
Other current liabilities of discontinued operations	486	1,677
Other liabilities	1,212	1,540
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$33,705	$23,669

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	2	'	'
Long-lived assets, net book value	104,099	88,003	'
Bahrain [Member] | Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	'	14.20%	9.10%
Dredging [Member] | Sales [Member] | Federal Government Agencies [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	45.00%	68.90%	55.60%
Dredging [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Federal Government Agencies [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	48.70%	32.60%	'
Dredging [Member] | Bahrain [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	13.10%	24.50%	'

Segment_Information_Segment_Re

Segment Information (Segment Reporting By Segment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	$731,418	$588,430	$520,134
Operating income (loss)	51,401	32,633	53,479
Depreciation and amortization	46,622	37,430	37,282
Total assets	852,645	826,468	788,460
Property and equipment - net	345,620	335,509	299,041
Goodwill	79,326	79,326	76,575
Investment in joint ventures	8,256	7,047	6,923
Capital expenditures	62,002	64,598	22,860
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-2	-3,240	-3,366
Total assets	676,831	677,162	'
Dredging [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	642,602	588,229	520,134
Operating income (loss)	54,683	32,947	53,793
Depreciation and amortization	44,118	37,279	37,176
Total assets	821,253	757,666	742,292
Property and equipment - net	330,689	323,082	298,140
Goodwill	76,575	76,575	76,575
Investment in joint ventures	8,256	7,047	6,923
Capital expenditures	57,902	64,598	22,860
Demolition [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	94,840	201	'
Operating income (loss)	-3,282	-314	-314
Depreciation and amortization	2,504	150	106
Total assets	31,392	68,802	46,168
Property and equipment - net	14,931	12,427	901
Goodwill	2,751	2,751	'
Capital expenditures	4,100	'	'
Intersegment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	($6,024)	'	'

Segment_Information_Dredging_R

Segment Information (Dredging Revenue By Type Of Work) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$731,418	$588,430	$520,134
Dredging [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	642,602	588,229	520,134
Dredging [Member] | Capital dredging - Foreign [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	138,436	112,242	77,232
Dredging [Member] | Capital Dredging - U.S. [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	153,781	175,317	156,251
Dredging [Member] | Beach Nourishment Dredging [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	228,868	126,873	135,164
Dredging [Member] | Maintenance Dredging [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	90,833	137,924	116,016
Dredging [Member] | Rivers & Lakes [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$30,684	$35,873	$35,471

Segment_Information_Revenues_A

Segment Information (Revenues And Gross Profit From Foreign Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	$731,418	$588,430	$520,134
Costs of contract revenues	631,123	510,272	437,499
Gross profit	100,295	78,158	82,635
Foreign [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	138,436	112,242	77,232
Costs of contract revenues	117,029	104,038	63,256
Gross profit	$21,407	$8,204	$13,976

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Narrativ

Subsidiary Guarantors (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Subsidiary Guarantors [Abstract]	'	'	'
Senior Notes	$250,000	$250,000	$250,000
Senior notes interest rate	7.38%	'	7.38%

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Condense

Subsidiary Guarantors (Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$75,338	$24,440	$113,288	'	$48,478
Accounts receivable-net	96,515	124,215	'	'	'
Contract revenues in excess of billings	67,432	50,294	'	'	'
Inventories	32,500	28,460	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	4,211	3,985	'	'	'
Other current assets	39,953	27,135	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	45,104	55,235	'	'	'
Total current assets	361,053	313,764	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-Net	345,620	335,509	299,041	'	'
GOODWILL	79,326	79,326	76,575	'	'
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS-Net	1,976	3,067	'	'	'
INVENTORIES-Noncurrent	38,496	37,392	'	'	'
INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES	8,256	7,047	6,923	'	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Other, Noncurrent	8,856	32,661	'	'	'
OTHER	9,062	17,702	'	'	'
TOTAL	852,645	826,468	788,460	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	116,121	105,623	'	'	'
Accrued expenses	38,531	35,571	'	'	'
Billings in excess of contract revenues	6,754	9,654	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt	'	13,047	'	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	32,493	22,129	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	193,899	186,024	'	'	'
7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES	250,000	250,000	'	250,000	'
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY	35,000	'	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	108,511	106,128	'	'	'
LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE-Noncurrent	1,212	1,540	'	'	'
Other	21,922	9,351	'	'	'
Total liabilities	610,544	553,043	'	'	'
EQUITY:	'	'	'	'	'
Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation equity	242,946	273,635	'	'	'
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	-845	-210	'	'	'
Total equity	242,101	273,425	292,537	'	276,825
TOTAL	852,645	826,468	'	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Receivables from affiliates	12,205	38,115	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	298	102	'	'	'
Other current assets	20,180	13,648	'	'	'
Total current assets	32,683	51,865	'	'	'
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	638,955	618,954	'	'	'
OTHER	5,193	6,343	'	'	'
TOTAL	676,831	677,162	'	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	132	1	'	'	'
Payables to affiliates	30,394	38,648	'	'	'
Accrued expenses	10,430	8,396	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	40,956	47,045	'	'	'
7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES	250,000	250,000	'	'	'
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY	35,000	'	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	108,531	106,144	'	'	'
Other	243	548	'	'	'
Total liabilities	434,730	403,737	'	'	'
EQUITY:	'	'	'	'	'
Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation equity	242,946	273,635	'	'	'
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	-845	-210	'	'	'
Total equity	242,101	273,425	'	'	'
TOTAL	676,831	677,162	'	'	'
Subsidiary Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	71,939	24,272	108,985	'	48,416
Accounts receivable-net	95,476	124,215	'	'	'
Receivables from affiliates	131,984	102,971	'	'	'
Contract revenues in excess of billings	63,591	50,294	'	'	'
Inventories	32,500	28,460	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	3,913	3,883	'	'	'
Other current assets	19,636	13,465	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	41,763	53,694	'	'	'
Total current assets	460,802	401,254	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-Net	345,612	335,500	'	'	'
GOODWILL	79,326	79,326	'	'	'
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS-Net	1,976	3,067	'	'	'
INVENTORIES-Noncurrent	38,496	37,392	'	'	'
INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES	8,256	7,047	'	'	'
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	1,212	2,127	'	'	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Other, Noncurrent	8,796	32,294	'	'	'
OTHER	3,886	11,356	'	'	'
TOTAL	948,362	909,363	'	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	115,235	105,622	'	'	'
Payables to affiliates	96,270	101,475	'	'	'
Accrued expenses	28,086	27,157	'	'	'
Billings in excess of contract revenues	6,754	9,654	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt	'	13,047	'	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	38,158	24,262	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	284,503	281,217	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	-16	'	'	'
LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE-Noncurrent	1,212	1,540	'	'	'
Other	21,679	8,803	'	'	'
Total liabilities	307,394	291,544	'	'	'
EQUITY:	'	'	'	'	'
Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation equity	640,968	617,819	'	'	'
Total equity	640,968	617,819	'	'	'
TOTAL	948,362	909,363	'	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	3,399	168	4,303	'	62
Accounts receivable-net	1,039	'	'	'	'
Receivables from affiliates	7,337	3,882	'	'	'
Contract revenues in excess of billings	3,841	'	'	'	'
Other current assets	137	22	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	11,877	5,344	'	'	'
Total current assets	27,630	9,416	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-Net	8	9	'	'	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Other, Noncurrent	60	367	'	'	'
OTHER	3	3	'	'	'
TOTAL	27,701	9,795	'	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	754	'	'	'	'
Payables to affiliates	24,862	4,845	'	'	'
Accrued expenses	15	18	'	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	2,871	1,670	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	28,502	6,533	'	'	'
Total liabilities	28,502	6,533	'	'	'
EQUITY:	'	'	'	'	'
Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation equity	-801	3,262	'	'	'
Total equity	-801	3,262	'	'	'
TOTAL	27,701	9,795	'	'	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'
Receivables from affiliates	-151,526	-144,968	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	-8,536	-3,803	'	'	'
Total current assets	-160,062	-148,771	'	'	'
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	-640,167	-621,081	'	'	'
OTHER	-20	'	'	'	'
TOTAL	-800,249	-769,852	'	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'	'	'	'
Payables to affiliates	-151,526	-144,968	'	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	-8,536	-3,803	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	-160,062	-148,771	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-20	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	-160,082	-148,771	'	'	'
EQUITY:	'	'	'	'	'
Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation equity	-640,167	-621,081	'	'	'
Total equity	-640,167	-621,081	'	'	'
TOTAL	($800,249)	($769,852)	'	'	'

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Condense1

Subsidiary Guarantors (Condensed Consolidated Statement Operations And Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Contract revenues	$731,418	$588,430	$520,134
Costs of contract revenues	-631,123	-510,272	-437,499
Gross profit	100,295	78,158	82,635
General and administrative expenses	68,039	45,723	40,892
Proceeds from loss of use claim	-13,372	'	'
Gain on sale of assets-net	-5,773	-198	-11,736
Total operating income	51,401	32,633	53,479
Interest expense-net	-21,941	-20,925	-21,373
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	1,208	124	-406
Loss on foreign currency transactions-net	-351	-118	-282
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	-5,145
Income from continuing operations	19,857	6,295	16,329
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax	-54,850	-9,635	922
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	30,317	11,714	26,273
Income tax (provision) benefit	-10,460	-5,419	-9,944
Net income (loss)	-34,993	-3,340	17,251
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	632	645	-723
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION	-34,361	-2,695	16,528
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	-34,454	-3,078	16,174
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	'	3,145	3,355
Gain on sale of assets-net	2	95	11
Total operating income	-2	-3,240	-3,366
Interest expense-net	-21,549	-20,212	-20,728
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	59,477	36,888	56,518
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	-5,145
Income from continuing operations	27,169	8,023	17,325
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax	-62,162	-11,363	-74
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	37,926	13,436	27,279
Income tax (provision) benefit	-10,757	-5,413	-9,954
Net income (loss)	-34,993	-3,340	17,251
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	632	645	-723
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION	-34,361	-2,695	16,528
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	-34,454	-3,078	16,174
Subsidiary Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	718,041	588,430	518,200
Costs of contract revenues	-614,908	-509,620	-433,641
Gross profit	103,133	78,810	84,559
General and administrative expenses	68,029	42,547	37,479
Proceeds from loss of use claim	-13,372	'	'
Gain on sale of assets-net	-5,775	-293	-11,747
Total operating income	54,251	36,556	58,827
Interest expense-net	-136	-580	-489
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	212	-1	-10
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	1,208	124	-406
Loss on foreign currency transactions-net	-3	-118	-264
Income from continuing operations	55,825	35,975	57,663
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax	-55,106	-9,798	679
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	55,532	35,981	57,658
Income tax (provision) benefit	293	-6	5
Net income (loss)	719	26,177	58,342
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION	719	26,177	58,342
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	1,023	25,800	58,255
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	24,932	'	4,513
Costs of contract revenues	-27,770	-652	-6,437
Gross profit	-2,838	-652	-1,924
General and administrative expenses	10	31	58
Total operating income	-2,848	-683	-1,982
Interest expense-net	-256	-133	-156
Loss on foreign currency transactions-net	-348	'	-18
Income from continuing operations	-3,448	-816	-2,151
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax	-1,448	-1,707	2,328
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	-3,452	-816	-2,156
Income tax (provision) benefit	4	'	5
Net income (loss)	-4,896	-2,523	177
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION	-4,896	-2,523	177
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	-5,293	-2,529	-90
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Contract revenues	-11,555	'	-2,579
Costs of contract revenues	11,555	'	2,579
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-59,689	-36,887	-56,508
Income from continuing operations	-59,689	-36,887	-56,508
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax	63,866	13,233	-2,011
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	-59,689	-36,887	-56,508
Net income (loss)	4,177	-23,654	-58,519
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION	4,177	-23,654	-58,519
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	$4,270	($23,271)	($58,165)

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Condense2

Subsidiary Guarantors (Condensed Consolidated of Cash Flow) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	$86,347	$19,736	$24,814
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations	-11,524	-21,596	-251
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	74,823	-1,860	24,563
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	46,622	37,430	37,282
Equity in earnings of joint ventures	-1,208	-124	406
Loss on extinguishment of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes	'	'	5,145
Deferred income taxes	-304	4,471	13,727
Gain on dispositions of property and equipment	-5,773	-198	-11,736
Amortization of deferred financing fees	1,153	1,245	1,515
Unrealized foreign currency loss	-179	208	513
Share-based compensation expense	3,251	3,081	1,838
Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation	-154	-189	-55
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	36,260	-17,795	-22,080
Inventories	-5,144	-2,603	-4,668
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-10,124	-1,444	-12,256
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	22,622	20,253	6,815
Net cash flows provided by (used in) by operating activities	74,823	-1,860	24,563
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-66,654	-60,516	-28,707
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment	6,953	597	16,679
Acquisition of Terra assets	'	-2,000	'
Proceeds from vendor performance obligations	13,600	'	'
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations	-46,101	-61,919	-12,028
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations	'	-1,524	-4,688
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations	-153	-1,524	-4,688
Cash used in investing activities	-46,254	-63,443	-16,716
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of 7 3/8% senior notes	'	'	250,000
Redemption of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes	'	'	-175,000
Senior subordinated notes redemption premium	'	'	-2,264
Deferred financing fees	'	-2,039	-5,962
Repayment of long term note payable	-13,047	-2,500	-2,500
Distributions paid to minority interests	-3	-133	'
Dividends paid	'	-18,560	-4,711
Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units	'	-196	-36
Taxes paid on settlement of vested share awards	-308	-231	-291
Repayments of equipment debt	'	'	-9
Exercise of stock options	668	461	27
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation	154	189	55
Borrowings under revolving loans	227,000	'	55
Repayments of revolving loans	-192,000	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	22,464	-23,552	57,407
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations	22,464	-23,009	59,309
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations	'	-543	-1,902
Cash provided by financing activities	22,464	-23,552	57,407
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-135	7	-444
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	50,898	-88,848	64,810
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,440	113,288	48,478
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	75,338	24,440	113,288
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	-32,641	-27,977	-36,433
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	-32,641	-27,977	-36,433
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Loss on extinguishment of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes	'	'	5,145
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) by operating activities	-32,641	-27,977	-36,433
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of 7 3/8% senior notes	'	'	250,000
Redemption of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes	'	'	-175,000
Senior subordinated notes redemption premium	'	'	-2,264
Deferred financing fees	'	-2,039	-5,962
Repayment of long term note payable	-10,547	'	'
Distributions paid to minority interests	-3	-133	'
Dividends paid	'	-18,560	-4,711
Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units	'	-196	-36
Taxes paid on settlement of vested share awards	-308	-231	-291
Net change in accounts with affiliates	8,603	48,486	-25,385
Capital contributions	-926	'	'
Exercise of stock options	668	461	27
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation	154	189	'
Borrowings under revolving loans	227,000	'	55
Repayments of revolving loans	-192,000	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	32,641	27,977	36,433
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations	32,641	27,977	36,433
Cash provided by financing activities	32,641	27,977	36,433
Subsidiary Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	126,736	48,544	63,432
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations	-5,049	-20,636	-958
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	121,687	27,908	62,474
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of joint ventures	-1,208	-124	406
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) by operating activities	121,687	27,908	62,474
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-66,654	-60,516	-28,707
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment	6,953	597	16,679
Acquisition of Terra assets	'	-2,000	'
Proceeds from vendor performance obligations	13,600	'	'
Net change in accounts with affiliates from investing activities	-37,282	'	'
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations	-83,383	-61,919	-12,028
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations	'	-1,524	-4,688
Net cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations	-153	'	'
Cash used in investing activities	-83,536	-63,443	-16,716
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Repayment of long term note payable	-2,500	-2,500	-2,500
Net change in accounts with affiliates	'	-46,135	19,222
Repayments of equipment debt	'	'	-9
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	9,516	-49,178	14,811
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations	-2,500	-48,635	16,713
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations	12,016	-543	-1,902
Cash provided by financing activities	9,516	-49,178	14,811
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	47,667	-84,713	60,569
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,272	108,985	48,416
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	71,939	24,272	108,985
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	-7,748	-831	-2,185
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations	-6,475	-960	707
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	-14,223	-1,791	-1,478
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) by operating activities	-14,223	-1,791	-1,478
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net change in accounts with affiliates from investing activities	-302	'	'
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations	-302	'	'
Cash used in investing activities	-302	'	'
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net change in accounts with affiliates	10,342	-2,351	6,163
Capital contributions	926	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	17,891	-2,351	6,163
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations	11,268	-2,351	6,163
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations	6,623	'	'
Cash provided by financing activities	17,891	-2,351	6,163
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-135	7	-444
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,231	-4,135	4,241
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	168	4,303	62
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,399	168	4,303
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net change in accounts with affiliates from investing activities	37,584	'	'
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations	37,584	'	'
Cash used in investing activities	37,584	'	'
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net change in accounts with affiliates	-18,945	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	-37,584	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations	-18,945	'	'
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations	-18,639	'	'
Cash provided by financing activities	($37,584)	'	'

Schedule_IIValuation_And_Quali1

Schedule II-Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$1,051	$855	$855
Additions charged to costs and expenses	478	946	'
Deductions	'	-750	'
Ending Balance	$1,529	$1,051	$855