Willbros 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 19, 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	'WG	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Willbros Group, Inc.\NEW\	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001449732	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	49,863,655	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$251,283,000

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$42,569	$48,778
Accounts receivable, net	383,461	380,570
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	57,431	89,658
Prepaid expenses and other assets	25,008	31,515
Parts and supplies inventories	4,355	5,264
Deferred income taxes	10,323	10,368
Assets associated with discontinued operations	58,723	90,940
Total current assets	581,870	657,093
Property, plant and equipment, net	111,566	123,985
Intangible assets, net	143,139	158,062
Deferred income taxes	'	113
Other assets	34,093	38,993
Total assets	870,668	978,246
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	259,060	295,507
Contract billings in excess of cost and recognized income	25,933	36,243
Current portion of capital lease obligations	890	1,317
Notes payable and current portion of other long-term debt	6,505	5,869
Current portion of settlement obligation of discontinued operations	36,500	5,000
Accrued income taxes	10,022	8,387
Other current liabilities	5,846	8,084
Liabilities associated with discontinued operations	10,130	26,174
Total current liabilities	354,886	386,581
Long-term debt	268,425	294,353
Capital lease obligations	1,388	2,281
Long-term portion of settlement obligation of discontinued operations	'	36,500
Long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	4,544	4,956
Deferred income taxes	9,066	8,624
Other long-term liabilities	43,585	38,618
Total liabilities	681,894	771,913
Contingencies and commitments (Note 13)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	'	'
Common stock, par value $.05 per share, 70,000,000 shares authorized and 50,930,303 shares issued at December 31, 2013 (50,084,890 at December 31, 2012)	2,543	2,504
Additional paid-in capital	691,123	687,101
Accumulated deficit	-501,918	-486,051
Treasury stock at cost, 1,147,974 shares at December 31, 2013 (1,013,399 at December 31, 2012)	-12,070	-11,394
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,807	13,504
Total Willbros Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	188,485	205,664
Noncontrolling interest	289	669
Total stockholders' equity	188,774	206,333
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$870,668	$978,246

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.05	$0.05
Common stock, shares authorized	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	50,930,303	50,084,890
Treasury stock, shares	1,147,974	1,013,399

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Contract revenue	$2,018,783	$1,928,800	$1,376,369
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Contract	1,801,870	1,738,977	1,249,025
Amortization of intangibles	15,082	14,985	15,108
General and administrative	167,700	151,967	127,488
Settlement of project dispute	'	'	8,236
Goodwill impairment	'	8,067	178,575
Changes in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	-10,000
Total operating expenses	1,984,652	1,913,996	1,568,432
Operating income (loss)	34,131	14,804	-192,063
Other expense:	'	'	'
Interest expense, net	-30,729	-29,393	-45,035
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	-11,573	-3,405	-6,304
Other, net	-731	-570	-539
Total other income (expense)	-43,033	-33,368	-51,878
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-8,902	-18,564	-243,941
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	14,534	4,727	-33,558
Loss from continuing operations	-23,436	-23,291	-210,383
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	7,569	-5,944	-82,438
Net income (loss)	-15,867	-29,235	-292,821
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	-976	-1,195
Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	-15,867	-30,211	-294,016
Reconciliation of net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	-23,436	-23,291	-210,383
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	7,569	-6,920	-83,633
Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	($15,867)	($30,211)	($294,016)
Basic loss per share attributable to Company Shareholders:	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	($0.48)	($0.49)	($4.43)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.16	($0.14)	($1.76)
Net income (loss)	($0.32)	($0.63)	($6.19)
Diluted loss per share attributable to Company Shareholders:	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	($0.48)	($0.49)	($4.43)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.16	($0.14)	($1.76)
Net income (loss)	($0.32)	($0.63)	($6.19)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic	48,560,167	48,019,303	47,475,680
Diluted	48,560,167	48,019,303	47,475,680

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($15,867)	($29,235)	($292,821)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,665	-1,521	-1,450
Changes in derivative financial instruments	-1,032	455	-1,918
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-4,697	-1,066	-3,368
Total comprehensive loss	-20,564	-30,301	-296,189
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	-976	-1,195
Total comprehensive loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	($20,564)	($31,277)	($297,384)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Stock- holders' Equity Willbros Group, Inc. [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$523,540	$2,427	$674,173	($161,824)	($10,045)	$17,938	$522,669	$871
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	48,546,817	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-292,821	'	'	-294,016	'	'	-294,016	1,195
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-1,450	'	'	'	'	-1,450	-1,450	'
Derivatives, net of tax	-1,918	'	'	'	'	-1,918	-1,918	'
Dividend distributed to noncontrolling interest	-1,139	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,139
Share-based award modification	-1,770	'	-1,770	'	'	'	-1,770	'
Amortization of stock-based compensation	7,930	'	7,930	'	'	'	7,930	'
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans	'	44	-44	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans, shares	'	876,335	'	'	'	'	'	'
Additions to treasury stock, vesting and forfeitures of restricted stock	-794	'	'	'	-794	'	-794	'
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	231,578	2,471	680,289	-455,840	-10,839	14,570	230,651	927
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	49,423,152	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-29,235	'	'	-30,211	'	'	-30,211	976
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-1,521	'	'	'	'	-1,521	-1,521	'
Derivatives, net of tax	455	'	'	'	'	455	455	'
Dividend distributed to noncontrolling interest	-1,234	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,234
Share-based award modification	330	'	330	'	'	'	330	'
Amortization of stock-based compensation	6,515	'	6,515	'	'	'	6,515	'
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans	'	33	-33	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans, shares	'	661,738	'	'	'	'	'	'
Additions to treasury stock, vesting and forfeitures of restricted stock	-555	'	'	'	-555	'	-555	'
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	206,333	2,504	687,101	-486,051	-11,394	13,504	205,664	669
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	50,084,890	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-15,867	'	'	-15,867	'	'	-15,867	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-3,665	'	'	'	'	-3,665	-3,665	'
Derivatives, net of tax	-1,032	'	'	'	'	-1,032	-1,032	'
Sale of noncontrolling interest	-3,100	'	-2,720	'	'	'	-2,720	-380
Amortization of stock-based compensation	6,781	'	6,781	'	'	'	6,781	'
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans	'	39	-39	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans, shares	'	845,413	'	'	'	'	'	'
Additions to treasury stock, vesting and forfeitures of restricted stock	-676	'	'	'	-676	'	-676	'
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$188,774	$2,543	$691,123	($501,918)	($12,070)	$8,807	$188,485	$289
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	50,930,303	'	'	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net loss	($15,867)	($29,235)	($292,821)
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	-7,569	5,944	82,438
Depreciation and amortization	42,194	46,345	52,748
Goodwill impairment	'	8,067	178,575
Changes in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	-10,000
Stock-based compensation	7,142	7,607	9,706
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	11,573	3,405	6,304
Deferred income tax benefit	548	-4,939	-29,767
Amortization of debt issue costs	4,093	4,546	7,505
Non-cash interest expense	2,237	2,287	6,608
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	-3,152	-3,223	-5,379
Settlement of project dispute	'	'	8,236
Provision for bad debts	1,245	1,327	791
Other non-cash	-111	'	27
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-8,742	-134,051	7,538
Payments on government fines	'	'	-6,575
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	31,209	-57,956	-9,372
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,959	29,836	33,106
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-38,042	101,066	47,500
Accrued income taxes	1,988	4,606	2,264
Contract billings in excess of cost and recognized income	-10,041	20,061	5,730
Other assets and liabilities, net	1,199	-12,894	-32,926
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	26,863	-7,201	62,236
Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations	-24,394	-28,537	-50,523
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2,469	-35,738	11,713
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from working capital settlement	'	'	9,402
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	3,000	19,328	32,939
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	38,900	'	18,749
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-15,744	-12,486	-10,047
Cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations	26,156	6,842	51,043
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations	-201	15,394	7,333
Cash provided by investing activities	25,955	22,236	58,376
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from term loan issuance	'	60,000	'
Proceeds from revolver and notes payable	324,260	92,804	59,357
Payments on capital leases	-1,419	-1,820	-8,269
Payments of revolver and notes payable	-161,484	-89,437	-67,277
Payments on term loan facility	-189,796	-46,700	-123,379
Payments to reacquire common stock	-676	-555	-794
Payments to noncontrolling interest owners	-3,100	'	'
Dividend distributed to noncontrolling interest	'	-1,234	-1,139
Costs of debt issuance	-5,235	-5,723	-4,935
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations	-37,450	7,335	-146,436
Cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations	-180	-761	-860
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-37,630	6,574	-147,296
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,564	-2,137	-449
Cash used in all activities	-10,770	-9,065	-77,656
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at beginning of period	48,778	52,859	111,924
Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at beginning of period	5,602	10,586	29,177
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	54,380	63,445	141,101
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	43,610	54,380	63,445
Less: cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of period	-1,041	-5,602	-10,586
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	42,569	48,778	52,859
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest (including discontinued operations)	26,856	22,029	32,374
Cash paid for income taxes (including discontinued operations)	13,327	1,253	5,039
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing transactions:	'	'	'
Prepaid insurance obtained by note payable	1,182	18,763	6,829
Capital expenditure included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$890	$1,827	$2,676

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Company – Willbros Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Willbros” or “WGI”), is a specialty energy infrastructure contractor serving the oil, gas, refinery, petrochemical and power industries. The Company’s offerings include engineering, procurement and construction (either individually or as an integrated “EPC” service offering), turnarounds, maintenance, facilities development and operations services. The Company’s principal markets for continuing operations are the United States and Canada. The Company obtains its work through competitive bidding and through negotiations with prospective clients. Contract values range from several thousand dollars to several hundred million dollars and contract durations range from a few weeks to more than two years.
	The disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to continuing operations, except as otherwise indicated.
	Discontinued Operations – As of December 31, 2013, the Company has divested certain of its businesses in the United States, Canada, Oman, Libya and Nigeria. Together, these businesses are presented as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and collectively are referred to as the “Discontinued Operations”. Net assets and net liabilities related to the Discontinued Operations are included in the line item “Assets associated with discontinued operations” and “Liabilities associated with discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. Liabilities related to the settlement agreement with West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (“WAPCo”) are included in the line items “Current portion of settlement obligation of discontinued operations” and “Long-term portion of settlement obligation of discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. The results of the Discontinued Operations are included in the line item “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. For further discussion of Discontinued Operations, see Note 16 – Discontinued Operations.
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements of the Company include all of its majority-owned subsidiaries and all of its wholly-controlled entities. Inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The ownership interest of noncontrolling participants in subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned is included as a separate component of equity. The noncontrolling participants’ share of the net income is included as “Income attributable to noncontrolling interest” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interests in the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.
	Use of Estimates – The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and include certain estimates and assumptions made by management of the Company in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions relate to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: revenue recognition under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, including estimates of progress toward completion and estimates of gross profit or loss accrual on contracts in progress; tax accruals and certain other accrued liabilities; quantification of amounts recorded for contingencies; valuation allowances for accounts receivable and deferred income tax assets; and the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes relevant under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Reclassifications — Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on the Company’s previously reported consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Out-of-Period Adjustment — The Company recorded an out-of-period adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2013 related to the reversal of an over-accrual of certain letter of credit and commitment fees. The net impact of the adjustment was a decrease to pre-tax loss, net loss from continuing operations and net loss of $0.6 million. The Company does not believe the adjustment is material individually or in the aggregate to its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, nor does it believe such items are material to any of its previously issued consolidated quarterly and annual financial statements.
	Commitments and Contingencies – Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when management assesses that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Recoveries of costs from third parties, which management assesses as being probable of realization, are recorded as “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Legal costs incurred in connection with matters relating to contingencies are expensed in the period incurred. See Note 13 – Contingencies, Commitments and Other Circumstances for further discussion of the Company’s commitments and contingencies.
	Accounts Receivable – Most of the accounts receivable and contract work in progress are from clients in the oil, gas, refinery, petrochemical and power industries in North America. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Most contracts require payments as the projects progress or, in certain cases, advance payments. The Company generally does not require collateral, but in most cases can place liens against the property, plant or equipment constructed or terminate the contract if a material default occurs. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the probable amount of credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of receivables. Relevant assessment factors include the creditworthiness of the customer and prior collection history. Balances over 90 days past due and over a specified minimum amount are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all reasonable means of collection are exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The allowance requirements are based on the most current facts available and are re-evaluated and adjusted on a regular basis and as additional information is received.
	Inventories – Inventories, consisting primarily of parts and supplies, are stated at the lower of actual cost or market. Parts and supplies are evaluated at least annually and adjusted for excess and obsolescence. No excess or obsolescence allowances existed at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation, including amortization of capital leases, is provided on the straight-line method using estimated lives as follows:
	Construction equipment	3-20 years
	Furniture and equipment	3-12 years
	Buildings	20 years
	Transportation equipment	3-17 years
	Marine equipment	10 years
	Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period. Normal repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.
	Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment of such asset is necessary. This requires the Company to make long-term forecasts of the future revenues and costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions about demand for the Company’s products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment, and the Company’s projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require an impairment charge in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be to expense the difference between the fair value (less selling costs) of such asset and its carrying value. Such expense would be reflected in earnings.
	Intangible Assets – The Company’s intangible assets with finite lives include customer relationships, trade names, non-compete agreements and developed technology. The value of customer relationships is estimated using the income approach, specifically the excess earnings method. The excess earnings analysis consists of discounting to present value the projected cash flows attributable to the customer relationships, with consideration given to customer contract renewals, the importance or lack thereof of existing customer relationships to the Company’s business plan, income taxes and required rates of return. The value of trade names is estimated using the relief-from-royalty method of the income approach. This approach is based on the assumption that in lieu of ownership, a company would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of this intangible asset.
	The Company amortizes intangible assets based upon the estimated consumption of the economic benefits of each intangible asset or on a straight-line basis if the pattern of economic benefits consumption cannot otherwise be reliably estimated. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment and are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For instance, a significant change in business climate or a loss of a significant customer, among other things, may trigger the need for interim impairment testing of intangible assets. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
	Revenue – A number of factors relating to the Company’s business affect the recognition of contract revenue. The Company typically structures contracts as unit-price, time and materials, fixed-price or cost plus fixed fee. The Company believes that its operating results should be evaluated over a time horizon during which major contracts in progress are completed and change orders, extra work, variations in the scope of work and cost recoveries and other claims are negotiated and realized. Revenue from unit-price and time and materials contracts is recognized as earned.
	Revenue for fixed-price and cost plus fixed fee contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Under this method, estimated contract income and resulting revenue is generally accrued based on costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs, taking into consideration physical completion. Total estimated costs, and thus contract income, are impacted by changes in productivity, scheduling, the unit cost of labor, subcontracts, materials and equipment. Additionally, external factors such as weather, client needs, client delays in providing permits and approvals, labor availability, governmental regulation and politics may affect the progress of a project’s completion and thus the estimated amount and timing of revenue recognition. Certain fixed-price and cost plus fixed fee contracts include, or are amended to include, incentive bonus amounts, contingent on accomplishing a stated milestone. Revenue attributable to incentive bonus amounts is recognized when the risk and uncertainty surrounding the achievement of the milestone have been removed. The Company does not recognize income on a fixed-price contract until the contract is approximately five to ten percent complete, depending upon the nature of the contract. If a current estimate of total contract cost indicates a loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full when determined.
	The Company considers unapproved change orders to be contract variations on which the Company has customer approval for scope change, but not for price associated with that scope change. Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated cost to complete the contracts and are expensed as incurred. The Company recognizes revenue equal to cost incurred on unapproved change orders when realization of price approval is probable and is estimable. Revenue recognized on unapproved change orders is included in “Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue recognized on unapproved change orders is subject to adjustment in subsequent periods to reflect the changes in estimates or final agreements with customers.
	The Company considers claims to be amounts that the Company seeks or will seek to collect from customers or others for customer-caused changes in contract specifications or design, or other customer-related causes of unanticipated additional contract costs on which there is no agreement with customers on both scope and price changes. Revenue from claims is recognized when agreement is reached with customers as to the value of the claims, which in some instances may not occur until after completion of work under the contract. Costs associated with claims are included in the estimated costs to complete the contracts and are expensed when incurred.
	Depreciation – The Company depreciates assets based on their estimated useful lives at the time of acquisition using the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization related to operating activities is included in contract costs; and depreciation and amortization related to general and administrative activities is included in “General and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Contract costs and General and administrative expenses are included within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Further, amortization of assets under capital lease obligations is included in depreciation expense.
	Insurance– The Company is insured for workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, auto liability and general liability claims, subject to a deductible of $1.0 million per occurrence. Additionally, the Company’s largest non-union employee-related health care benefit plan is subject to a deductible of $0.3 million per claimant per year.
	Losses are accrued based upon the Company’s estimates of the ultimate liability for claims incurred (including an estimate of claims incurred but not reported), with assistance from third-party actuaries. For these claims, to the extent the Company has insurance coverage above the deductible amounts, a receivable is recorded and reflected in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These insurance liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends.
	Income Taxes – The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standard for income taxes takes into account the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to examination for 2008 forward for the United States and the majority of the state jurisdictions, for 2007 forward in Canada and for 2008 forward with respect to Oman.
	Warranty Costs – The Company warrants labor for new installations and construction and servicing of existing infrastructure and maintains a warranty program which specifically covers its cable remediation services. A warranty reserve of $2.9 million and $2.6 million for cable remediation services is included within “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Retirement Plans and Benefits – The Company has a voluntary defined contribution retirement plan for U.S. based employees that is qualified, and is contributory on the part of the employees, and a voluntary savings plan for certain international employees that is non-qualified, and is contributory on the part of the employees. Additionally, the Company is subject to collective bargaining agreements with various unions. As a result, the Company participates with other companies in the unions’ multi-employer pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
	Stock-Based Compensation – Compensation cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions is recognized in the financial statements measured based on the grant-date fair value of the instrument issued and is recognized over the vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation method to determine the fair value of stock options granted as of the grant date. Share-based compensation related to restricted stock and restricted stock rights, also described collectively as restricted stock units (“RSU’s”), is recorded based on the Company’s stock price as of the grant date. Awards granted are expensed ratably over the vesting period of the award. Expense on awards granted prior to March 12, 2009 is accelerated upon reaching retirement age. This provision does not exist for awards granted on or after March 12, 2009.
	Foreign Currency Translation – All significant monetary asset and liability accounts denominated in currencies other than United States dollars are translated into United States dollars at current exchange rates. Translation adjustments are included in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”). Revenue and expense accounts are converted at prevailing rates throughout the year. Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions are recorded in income in the period in which they are incurred.
	Concentration of Credit Risk – The Company has a concentration of customers in the oil, gas, refinery, petrochemical and power industries which expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk within a single industry. The Company seeks to obtain advance and progress payments for contract work performed on major contracts. Receivables are generally not collateralized. An allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.4 million and $2.2 million is included within “Accounts receivable, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Income (Loss) per Common Share – Basic income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss), less any preferred dividend requirements, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated by including the weighted average number of all potentially dilutive common shares with the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Shares of common stock underlying the Company’s convertible notes are included in the calculation of diluted income per share using the “if-converted” method. Therefore, the numerator for diluted income per share is calculated excluding the after-tax interest expense associated with the Company’s convertible notes as long as the associated interest per weighted average convertible share does not exceed basic earnings per share.
	Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company may use derivative financial instruments such as forward contracts, options or other financial instruments as hedges to mitigate non-U.S. currency exchange risk when the Company is unable to match non-U.S. currency revenue with expense in the same currency. In addition, the Company is subject to hedging arrangements to fix or otherwise limit the interest cost of the variable interest rate borrowings and is subject to interest rate risk on its debt and investment of cash and cash equivalents arising in the normal course of business, as the Company does not engage in speculative trading strategies.
	Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Related Party Transactions – One of the Company’s board members serves as an officer of a customer in both the Oil & Gas and Professional Services segments. The Company performed midstream natural gas construction and engineering services for this customer generating approximately $0.0 million, $0.9 million and $32.7 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, these projects represent approximately $0.0 million and $0.1 million in accounts payable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Short-term Investments – The Company may invest a portion of its cash in short-term time deposits, some of which may have early withdrawal penalties. All such deposits have maturity dates that exceed three months. There were no short-term investments outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard related to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“Accumulated OCI”). Under this standard, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of Accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB clarified the scope of revised disclosure requirements related to balance sheet offsetting that was issued in December 2011. The amendment clarifies that the scope applies to derivatives accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging. The adoption of this revision is required for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this revision did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB amended the accounting standard related to a parent company’s accounting for the foreign cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. Under this standard, a parent entity who ceases to have a controlling interest in a subsidiary that is a business within a foreign entity should only release the cumulative translation adjustment into net income if the loss of controlling interest represents complete, or substantially complete, liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary, or asset group, had resided. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and would affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements if it disposes of a foreign entity.
	In July 2013, the FASB amended the accounting standard related to hedge accounting by permitting the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes in addition to the U.S. Treasury Rate and the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The amendment also removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The amendment is effective prospectively for qualifying new or re-designated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB amended the accounting standard related to income taxes to eliminate a diversity in practice for the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses or tax credit carryforwards exist. The amendment requires that the unrecognized tax benefit be presented as a reduction of the deferred tax assets associated with the carryforwards except in certain circumstances when it would be reflected as a liability. The adoption of this revision is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	2. Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable, net as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Trade	$	264,976		$	252,178
	Unbilled revenue		78,279			79,157
	Contract retention		39,065			40,188
	Other receivables		2,542			11,267
	Total accounts receivable		384,862			382,790
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(1,401	)		(2,220	)
	Total accounts receivable, net	$	383,461		$	380,570
	The Company expects all accounts receivable to be collected within one year. The provision for bad debts included in “General and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to retainage provisions in certain contracts will be due upon completion of the contracts and acceptance by the customer. Based on the Company’s experience with similar contracts within recent years, the majority of the retention balances at each balance sheet date will be collected within the next twelve months.

Contracts_in_Progress

Contracts in Progress	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Contracts in Progress	'
	3. Contracts in Progress
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed on uncompleted contracts arise when recorded revenues for a contract exceed the amounts billed under the terms of the contracts. Contract billings in excess of cost and recognized income arise when billed amounts exceed revenues recorded. Amounts are billable to customers upon various measures of performance, including achievement of certain milestones, completion of specified units or completion of the contract. Also included in contract cost and recognized income not yet billed on uncompleted contracts are amounts the Company seeks to collect from customers for change orders approved in scope but not for price associated with that scope change (unapproved change orders). Revenue for these amounts is recorded equal to the lesser of the expected revenue or cost incurred when realization of price approval is probable. Recognizing revenues from unapproved change orders involves the use of estimates, and it is reasonably possible that revisions to the estimated recoverable amounts of recorded unapproved change orders may be made in the near-term. If the Company does not successfully resolve these matters, a reduction in revenues may be required to amounts that have been previously recorded.
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed and related amounts billed as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Cost incurred on contracts in progress	$	718,143		$	932,844
	Recognized income		163,615			132,869
			881,758			1,065,713
	Progress billings and advance payments		(850,260	)		(1,012,298	)
		$	31,498		$	53,415
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	$	57,431		$	89,658
	Contract billings in excess of cost and recognized income		(25,933	)		(36,243	)
		$	31,498		$	53,415
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed includes $5.1 million and $5.9 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, on completed contracts.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	4. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment, which are used to secure debt or are subject to lien, at cost, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Construction equipment	$	92,155		$	94,933
	Furniture and equipment		47,532			50,325
	Land and buildings		13,511			12,384
	Transportation equipment		108,411			107,116
	Leasehold improvements		13,324			23,063
	Marine equipment		95			107
	Total property, plant and equipment		275,028			287,928
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(163,462	)		(163,943	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	111,566		$	123,985
	Amounts above include $4.1 million and $4.0 million of construction in progress as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation expense included in operating expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $27.1 million, $31.4 million and $37.6 million, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company’s goodwill by segment as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):
	Utility T&D		Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
						Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012		$	151,610		$	(143,543	)	$	8,067
	Impairment losses			—			(8,067	)		(8,067	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	151,610		$	(151,610	)	$	—
	Impairment losses			—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	151,610		$	(151,610	)	$	—
	Oil & Gas		Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
						Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012		$	85,395		$	(85,395	)	$	—
	Impairment losses			—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	85,395		$	(85,395	)	$	—
	Impairment losses			—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	85,395		$	(85,395	)	$	—
	Canada		Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
						Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012		$	2,210		$	(2,210	)	$	—
	Impairment losses			—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	2,210		$	(2,210	)	$	—
	Impairment losses			—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	2,210		$	(2,210	)	$	—
	Professional Services		Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
						Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012		$	7,427		$	(7,427	)	$	—
	Impairment losses			—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	7,427		$	(7,427	)	$	—
	Impairment losses			—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	7,427		$	(7,427	)	$	—
	The Company records as goodwill the amount by which the total purchase price the Company pays in its acquisition transactions exceeds its estimated fair value of the identifiable net assets it has acquired. The Company’s goodwill impairment assessment includes a two-step fair value-based test and is performed annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances exist which indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The Company has determined that its segments represent its reporting units for the purpose of assessing goodwill impairments.
	The first step of the two-step fair value-based test involves comparing the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the implied fair value of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss would be recorded as a reduction to goodwill with a corresponding charge to operating expense.
	The Company performs the required annual impairment test for goodwill by determining the fair values of its reporting units using a weighted combination of the following generally accepted valuation approaches:
		•		Income Approach – discounted cash flows of future benefit streams;
		•		Market Approach – public comparable company multiples of EBITDA; and
		•		Market Approach – multiples generated from recent transactions comparable in size, nature and industry.
	These approaches include numerous assumptions with respect to future circumstances, such as industry and/or local market conditions that might directly impact operations in the future, and are, therefore, uncertain. These approaches are utilized to develop a range of fair values and a weighted average of these approaches are utilized to determine the best fair value estimate within that range.
	Income Approach – Discounted Cash Flows. This valuation approach derives a present value of the reporting unit’s projected future annual cash flows over the next eight years and the present residual value of the segment. The Company used a variety of underlying assumptions to estimate these future cash flows, including assumptions relating to future economic market conditions, sales volumes, costs and expenses and capital expenditures. These assumptions are dependent on regional market conditions, including competitive position, degree of vertical integration, supply and demand for materials and other industry conditions. The discount rate used in the Company’s analysis for 2012, specifically the weighted average cost of capital, was approximately 16 percent. The revenue compounded annual growth rates used in the Company’s analysis for 2012 varied from (7.7) percent to 3.0 percent. The Company’s EBITDA margins derived from these underlying assumptions for its 2012 analysis varied between approximately 8.0 percent and 8.2 percent. The terminal growth rate used for its 2012 analysis was 3.0 percent.
	Market Approach – Multiples of EBITDA. This valuation approach utilizes publicly traded construction companies’ enterprise values, as compared to their recent EBITDA information. For the 2012 analysis, the Company used an average EBITDA multiple of 4.3 times in determining this market approach metric. This multiple is used as a valuation metric to the Company’s most recent financial performance. The Company used EBITDA as an indicator of demand because it is a widely used key indicator of the cash generating capacity of similar companies.
	Market Approach – Comparisons of Recent Transactions. This valuation approach uses publicly available information regarding recent third-party sales transactions in the Company’s industry to derive a valuation metric of the target’s respective enterprise values over their EBITDA amounts. For the Company’s 2012 analysis, the Company did not weight this market approach because current economic conditions did not yield significant recent transactions to derive an appropriate valuation metric.
	The Company selected these valuation approaches because it believes the combination of these approaches, along with its best judgment regarding underlying assumptions and estimates, provides the Company with the best estimate of fair value. The Company believes these valuation approaches are proven and appropriate for its industry and widely accepted by investors. The estimated fair value would change if the Company’s weighting assumptions under these valuation approaches were materially modified. For its 2012 analysis, the Company weighted the Income Approach – Discounted Cash Flows at 70 percent, the Market Approach – Multiples of EBITDA at 30 percent and the Market Approach – Comparison of Recent Transactions at 0 percent This weighting was utilized to reflect fair value in current market conditions.
	The Company’s valuation model utilizes assumptions, which represent its best estimate of future events, but would be sensitive to positive or negative changes in each of the underlying assumptions as well as an alternative weighting of valuation methods, which would result in a potentially higher or lower goodwill impairment charge.
	Detailed below is a table of key underlying assumptions for all reporting units utilized in the fair value estimate calculation for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
			2012		2011
	Income Approach – Discounted Cash Flows
	Revenue Growth Rates		(7.7)% to 3.0%		2.5% to 41.0%
	Weighted Average Cost of Capital		16.00%		17.0% to 18.0%
	Terminal Value Rate		3.00%		2.50%
	EBITDA Margin Rate		8.0% to 8.2%		4.1% to 12.0%
	Market Approach – Multiples of EBITDA
	EBITDA Multiples Used		4.3		3.0 to 4.5
	Market Approach – Comparison of Recent Transactions
	EBITDA Multiples Used		N/A		N/A
	In 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $8.1 million in its Utility T&D segment which represented a full write-off of the goodwill associated with this segment. The operating performance and future outlook for the electric and gas distribution business in the Northeast continued to decline, which ultimately resulted in the Company’s decision to sell the business and discontinue its operations. Further, the challenging competitive landscape contributed to the full write-off of goodwill attributed to this segment.
	In 2011, the Company recorded impairment charges of $143.5 million, $30.7 million, $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in its Utility T&D, Oil & Gas, Canada and Professional Services segments. The slow economic recovery, exacerbated by the instability in world financial markets and the hard-hit U.S. housing sector, resulted in a reassessment of future growth rates and a reduction in the outlook for future cash flows in the Utility T&D segment. The impairment charge for the Company’s Oil & Gas, Professional Services and Canada segments represented a full write-off of goodwill associated with these segments and was a result of a depressed fair market valuation.
	The Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			December 31, 2013
			Customer			Trademark/			Non-compete
			Relationships			Tradename			Agreements			Technology			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	143,909		$	9,702		$	328		$	4,123		$	158,062
	Amortization			(13,037	)		(1,275	)		(220	)		(550	)		(15,082	)
	Other			—			159			—			—			159
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	130,872		$	8,586		$	108		$	3,573		$	143,139
Weighted average remaining amortization period			10.3 yrs			6.4 yrs			0.5 yrs			6.5 yrs
		December 31, 2012
		Customer			Trademark/			Non-compete
		Relationships			Tradename			Agreements			Technology			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2011		$	156,857		$	10,794		$	550		$	4,675		$	172,876
Amortization			(12,948	)		(1,263	)		(222	)		(552	)		(14,985	)
Other			—			171			—			—			171
Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	143,909		$	9,702		$	328		$	4,123		$	158,062
Weighted average remaining amortization period			11.3 yrs			7.4 yrs			1.5 yrs			7.5 yrs
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 5 to 15 years.
Estimated amortization expense for each of the subsequent five years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal year:
2014		$	14,955
2015			14,845
2016			14,845
2017			14,845
2018			14,845
Thereafter			68,804
Total amortization		$	143,139

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	'
	6. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Trade accounts payable	$	109,131	$	131,441
	Payroll and payroll liabilities		57,431		48,917
	Accrued contract costs		43,059		58,301
	Self-insurance accrual		14,785		18,559
	Other accrued liabilities		34,654		38,289
	Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	259,060	$	295,507

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	7. Long-term Debt
	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Term loan, net of unamortized discount of $8,306 and $4,983		$	241,069		$	184,187
	Revolver borrowings			18,953			104,407
	Capital lease obligations			2,278			3,598
	Other obligations			14,908			11,167
	Total debt			277,208			303,359
	Less: current portion			(7,395	)		(6,725	)
	Long-term debt, net		$	269,813		$	296,634
	2013 Credit Facilities
	Effective August 7, 2013 the Company completed the refinancing of its credit facility indebtedness by entering into a five-year $150.0 million asset based senior revolving credit facility maturing on August 7, 2018 with Bank of America, N.A. serving as sole administrative agent for the lenders thereunder, collateral agent, issuing bank and swingline lender (the “ABL Credit Facility”), and a six-year $250.0 million term loan facility maturing on August 7, 2019 with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. serving as a sole administrative agent for the lenders thereunder (the “2013 Term Loan Facility” and, together with the ABL Credit Facility, the “2013 Credit Facilities”). Proceeds from the 2013 Term Loan Facility were used to repay all indebtedness under the previous credit facility, to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions and for working capital purposes. As a result of this repayment, the Company recorded debt extinguishment costs of $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which consisted of original issue discount and financing costs inclusive of new creditor fees.
	ABL Credit Facility
	The initial aggregate amount of commitments for the ABL Credit Facility is comprised of $125.0 million for the U.S. facility (the “U.S. Facility”) and $25.0 million for the Canadian facility (the “Canadian Facility”). The ABL Credit Facility includes a sublimit of $100.0 million for letters of credit and an accordion feature permitting the borrowers, under certain conditions, to increase the aggregate amount by an incremental $75.0 million, with additional commitments from existing lenders or new commitments from lenders reasonably acceptable to the administrative agent. The borrowers under the U.S. Facility consist of all of the Company’s U.S. operating subsidiaries with assets included in the borrowing base and is guaranteed by Willbros Group, Inc. and its material U.S. subsidiaries, other than excluded subsidiaries. The borrower under the Canadian Facility is Willbros Construction Services (Canada) LP and the Canadian Facility is guaranteed by Willbros Group, Inc. and all of its material U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries, other than excluded subsidiaries.
	Advances under the U.S. and Canadian Facility are limited to a borrowing base consisting of the sum of 85 percent of the value of “eligible accounts” and 60 percent of the value of “eligible unbilled accounts” less applicable reserves, which the administrative agent may establish from time to time in its permitted discretion. Eligible unbilled accounts may not exceed $50.0 million in the aggregate. Advances in U.S. dollars will initially bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 250 basis points or the U.S. or Canadian base rate plus 150 basis points. Advances in Canadian dollars will initially bear interest at the Bankers Acceptance (“BA”) Equivalent Rate plus 250 basis points or the Canadian prime rate plus 150 basis points.
	The interest rate margins will be adjusted each quarter based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio as of the end of the previous quarter as follows:
	Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		U.S. Base Rate, Canadian			LIBOR Loans, BA Rate Loans and
			Base Rate and Canadian			Letter of Credit Fees
			Prime Rate Loans
	>1.25 to 1			1.25	%		2.25	%
	£ 1.25 to 1 and 1.15 to 1			1.5	%		2.5	%
	£ 1.15 to 1			1.75	%		2.75	%
	The borrowers will also pay an unused line fee on each of the U.S. and Canadian Facilities equal to 50 basis points when usage under the applicable facility during the preceding calendar month is less than 50 percent of the commitments or 37.5 basis points when usage under the applicable facility equals or exceeds 50 percent of the commitments for such period. With respect to the letters of credit, the borrowers will pay a letter of credit fee equal to the applicable LIBOR margin, shown in the table above, on all letters of credit and a 0.125 percent fronting fee to the issuing bank, in each case, payable monthly in arrears.
	Obligations under the ABL Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in the borrowers’ and guarantors’ accounts receivable, deposit accounts and similar assets (the “ABL Priority Collateral”) and a second priority security interest in the borrowers’ and guarantors’ equipment, inventory, subsidiary capital stock and intellectual property, which is subject to the first priority security interest of the collateral agent for the 2013 Term Loan Facility (the “Term Loan Priority Collateral”).
	2013 Term Loan Facility
	The 2013 Term Loan Facility provides for a $250.0 million term loan, which the Company drew in full on the effective date of the credit agreement for the 2013 Term Loan Facility. Term loans were issued at a discount such that the funded portion was equal to 96.5 percent of the principal amount of the term loans. The borrower under the Term Loan Facility is Willbros Group, Inc. with all of its obligations guaranteed by its material U.S. subsidiaries, other than excluded subsidiaries. The 2013 Credit Facilities permit the Company, under certain conditions, to add one or more incremental term loans to the 2013 Term Loan Facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $50.0 million.
	The term loans are repayable in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25 percent of the original amount of the 2013 Term Loan Facility. The balance of the terms loan are repayable on August 7, 2019. The Company is permitted to make optional prepayments at any time, subject to a variable prepayment premium if the prepayment is made prior to August 6, 2016. Mandatory prepayments of term loans are required from (i) 100 percent of the proceeds of the sale of assets constituting Term Loan Priority Collateral, subject to reinvestment provisions and certain exceptions and thresholds, (ii) 100 percent of the net cash proceeds from issuances of debt by the Company and its subsidiaries, other than permitted indebtedness and (iii) 75 percent (with step-downs to 50 percent and 0 percent based on a leverage ratio) of annual “excess cash flow” provided that any voluntary prepayments of term loans will be credited against excess cash flow obligations. Mandatory prepayments of excess cash flow are payable within five business days after annual financial statements are delivered to the administrative agent beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.
	The term loans will bear interest at the Adjusted Base Rate (“ABR”) plus an applicable margin, or the “Eurodollar Rate” plus an applicable margin. The ABR is the highest of (i) the rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, (iii) the Eurodollar Rate applicable for a period of one month plus 1.0 percent and (iv) 2.25 percent. The Eurodollar Rate is the rate for Eurodollar deposits for a period equal to one, two, three or six months, as selected by the Company. The applicable margin for ABR loans is 8.75 percent, and the applicable margin for Eurodollar loans is 9.75 percent.
	Obligations under the 2013 Term Loan Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in the Term Loan Priority Collateral and a second priority security interest in the ABL Priority Collateral.
	The table below sets forth the primary financial covenants included in the 2013 Credit Facilities and the calculation with respect to these covenants at December 31, 2013:
			Covenants		Actual Ratios
			Requirements		at December 31, 2013
	Maximum Total Leverage Ratio(1) under the 2013 Term Loan Facility (the ratio of Consolidated Debt to Consolidated EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement for the 2013 Term Loan Facility) should be equal to or less than:		4.00 to 1		3
	Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio(2) under the 2013 Term Loan Facility (the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense as defined in the credit agreement for the 2013 Term Loan Facility) should be equal to or greater than:		3.25 to 1		3.62
	Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio(3) under the ABL Credit Facility (the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures and cash income taxes to Consolidated Interest Expense, Restricted Payments made in cash and scheduled cash principal payments made on borrowed money as defined in the credit agreement for the ABL Credit Facility) should be equal to or greater than:		1.15 to 1		N/A(3)
	(1)	The Maximum Total Leverage Ratio decreases to 3.50 as of March 31, 2014, 3.00 as of June 30, 2014 and 2.75 as of March 31, 2015.
	(2)	The Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio increases to 3.50 as of March 31, 2014.
	(3)	The Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is applicable only if excess availability under the ABL Credit Facility is less than the greater of 15 percent of the commitments or $22.5 million. In addition, prepayments of indebtedness under the 2013 Term Loan Facility are permitted if excess availability under the ABL Credit Facility exceeds the greater of 20 percent of the commitments and $30.0 million and the borrowers and guarantors are in compliance with the Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a pro forma basis immediately prior to and giving effect to the prepayment. Prepayments of indebtedness under the 2013 Term Loan Facility are permitted without restriction to the extent such prepayments are from the proceeds of dispositions of the Term Loan Priority Collateral.
	Depending on its financial performance, the Company may be required to request amendments, or waivers for the primary covenants, dispose of assets, reduce overhead, or obtain refinancing in future periods. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain amendments or waivers, complete asset sales, reduce sufficient amounts of overhead or negotiate agreeable refinancing terms should it become needed.
	The 2013 Credit Facilities also include customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, including:
		•		limitations on liens and indebtedness;
		•		limitations on dividends and other payments in respect of capital stock;
		•		limitations on capital expenditures; and
		•		limitations on modifications of the documentation of the 2013 Credit Facilities.
	A default under the 2013 Credit Facilities may be triggered by events such as a failure to comply with financial covenants or other covenants under the 2013 Credit Facilities, a failure to make payments when due under the 2013 Credit Facilities, a failure to make payments when due in respect of, or a failure to perform obligations relating to, debt obligations in excess of $15.0 million, a change of control of the Company and certain insolvency proceedings. A default under the ABL Credit Facility would permit the lenders to terminate their commitment to make cash advances or issue letters of credit, require the immediate repayment of any outstanding cash advances with interest and require the cash collateralization of outstanding letter of credit obligations. A default under the 2013 Term Loan Facility would permit the lenders to require immediate repayment of all principal, interest, fees and other amounts payable thereunder.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the 2013 Credit Facilities.
	The Company’s primary sources of capital are its cash on hand, operating cash flows and borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $19.0 million in outstanding revolver borrowings and $60.1 million in outstanding letters of credit. The Company’s borrowing base in effect at December 31, 2013 allowed a maximum borrowing, including outstanding letters of credit, of $150.0 million. The Company’s unused availability under the ABL Credit Facility at December 31, 2013 was $70.9 million. If the Company’s unused availability under the ABL Credit Facility is less than the greater of (i) 15 percent of the revolving commitments or $22.5 million for five consecutive days, or (ii) 12.5 percent of the revolving commitments or $18.8 million at any time, or upon the occurrence of certain events of default under the ABL Credit Facility, the Company is subject to increased reporting requirements, the administrative agent shall have exclusive control over any deposit account, the Company will not have any right of access to, or withdrawal from, any deposit account, or any right to direct the disposition of funds in any deposit account, and amounts in any deposit account will be applied to reduce the outstanding amounts under the ABL Credit Facility.
	Subsequent to December 31, 2013, the Company paid the outstanding revolver borrowings in full.
	Fair Value of Debt
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt instruments as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Term Loan		$	252,372		$	192,752
	Revolver borrowings			18,953			104,407
	Capital lease obligations			2,278			3,598
	Other obligations			14,908			11,167
	Total fair value of debt instruments		$	288,511		$	311,924
	The 2013 Term Loan Facility, revolver borrowings under the 2013 ABL Credit Facility, capital lease obligations and other obligations are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the 2013 Term Loan Facility has been estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements. A significant increase or decrease in the inputs could result in a directionally opposite change in the fair value of the 2013 Term Loan Facility.
	6.5% Senior Convertible Notes
	The Company’s 6.5% Senior Convertible Notes (the “6.5% Notes”) matured on December 15, 2012 and the Company repaid the 6.5% Notes in full, which consisted of a cash payment of $33,092 to the holders of the 6.5% Notes, which included $1,042 of accrued interest and the $32,050 outstanding principal balance.
	The amount of interest expense recognized and effective interest rate related to this debt for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
Contractual coupon interest		$	—		$	1,996		$	2,083
Amortization of discount			—			—			—
Interest expense		$	—		$	1,996		$	2,083
Effective interest rate			N/A			6.5	%		6.5	%
Capital Leases
The Company has entered into multiple capital lease agreements to acquire various construction and transportation equipment which have a weighted average of interest paid of 8.14 percent. Assets held under capital leases at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
Construction equipment		$	2,456		$	3,615
Transportation equipment			—			2,619
Furniture and equipment			2,227			3,506
Total assets held under capital lease			4,683			9,740
Less: accumulated depreciation			(1,261	)		(3,910	)
Net assets under capital lease		$	3,422		$	5,830
The following are the minimum lease payments for assets financed under capital lease arrangements as of December 31, 2013 and for each of the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
Fiscal year:
2014		$	1,052
2015			1,003
2016			480
2017			—
2018			—
Thereafter			—
Total minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations			2,535
Less: future interest expense			(257	)
Net minimum lease payments under capital leases obligations			2,278
Less: current portion of net minimum lease payments			(890	)
Long-term net minimum lease payments		$	1,388
Maturities
The principal amounts due under the Company’s remaining debt obligations as of December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Fiscal year:
2014		$	7,662
2015			7,096
2016			7,096
2017			3,054
2018			21,453
Thereafter			236,875
		$	283,236

Retirement_Plans_and_Benefits

Retirement Plans and Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans and Benefits	'
	8. Retirement Plans and Benefits
	Multiemployer Plans
	The Company contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain union-represented employees. Currently, the Company has no intention to withdraw from these plans. The risks of participating in a multiemployer plan are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
		a.	Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
		b.	If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
		c.	If a participating employer chooses to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, the employer may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
	The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), as amended by the Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, imposes certain liabilities upon employers who are contributors to a multi-employer plan in the event of the employer’s withdrawal from, or upon termination of, such plan. The plans do not maintain information on the net assets and actuarial present value of the plans’ unfunded vested benefits allocable to the Company. As such, the amount, if any, for which the Company may be contingently liable, is not ascertainable at this time.
	The majority of the Company’s unionized employees work in the building and construction industry (“B&C”), and therefore, the Company believes it satisfies the criteria for the B&C industry exception under ERISA for those multiemployer pension plans that primarily cover employees in the B&C industry. As a result, the Company does not expect to be assessed a withdrawal liability when it ceases making contributions to those plans after the completion of a project or projects, so long as it does not continue to perform work in the jurisdiction of the pension plan on a non-union basis. The applicability of the B&C industry proviso is fact specific, so there can be no assurance in any particular situation whether the B&C proviso applies or whether withdrawal liability will be assessed.
	The Pension Protection Act of 2006 added new funding rules generally applicable to plan years beginning after 2007 for multiemployer plans that are classified as “endangered,” “seriously endangered,” or “critical” status. For a plan in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status, additional required contributions and benefit reductions may apply. A number of plans to which the Company’s business units contribute or may contribute in the future are in “endangered” or “critical” status. Certain of these plans may require additional contributions, generally in the form of a surcharge on future benefit contributions required for future work performed by union employees covered by these plans. The amount of additional funds, if any, that the Company may be obligated to contribute to these plans in the future cannot be estimated, as such amounts will likely be based on future levels of work that require the specific use of those union employees covered by these plans.
	The following table contains a summary of plan information relating to the Company’s participation in multiemployer pension plans, including Company contributions for the last three years, status of the multiemployer plan, and whether the plan is subject to a funding improvement, rehabilitation plan or contribution surcharges. Information has been presented separately for individually significant plans (defined as plans that make up 70 to 80 percent of the total Company defined benefit contributions and any plan that exceeds individual contributions of $0.1 million in any plan year presented).
	Fund		EIN/PN	PPA	Plan Year	Subject to	2013		2012		2011		Surcha-	Expiration
				Zone	End for	Funding	Contributions		Contributions		Contributions		rge	Date of
				Status	Zone	Improvement/							Impose	Collective
				-1	Status	Rehabilitation								Bargaining
						Plan(2)								Agreement
	Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust		48-6168020/	Yellow	12/31/13	Yes	$	8,468	$	6,577	$	3,759	No		12/31/13
			1
	Pennsylvania Heavy and Highway Contractors Pension Trust		23-6531755/	Green	12/31/13	No	$	1,171	$	1,192	$	625	No		5/31/16
			1
	Pension Plan of Steamfitters Pension Fund 475		22-6029738/	Yellow	12/31/13	Yes	$	1,048	$	207	$	81	No		4/30/16
			1
	Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund		52-6152779/	Yellow	6/30/13	Yes	$	494	$	731	$	431	No		8/31/14
			1
	Pipe Trades Pension of Montana		91-1530117/	Green	6/30/13	No	$	353	$	—	$	15	No		8/31/14
			1
	Alaska Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Pension Fund		52-6103810/	Green	12/31/13	No	$	226	$	—	$	—	No		6/30/14
			1
	Central Pension Fund of the IUOE and Participating Employers		36-6052390/	Green	1/31/13	No	$	127	$	126	$	45	No		5/31/14
			1
	Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 553 Pension Plan		37-6052808/	Green	12/31/13	Yes	$	—	$	303	$	—	No		12/31/13
			1
	Other Funds						$	503	$	493	$	452
	Total Contributions:						$	12,390	$	9,629	$	5,408
	(1)	The zone status is based on information that Company received from the plan as well as publicly available information per the Department of Labor website and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded.
	(2)	The “Subject to Funding Improvement / Rehabilitation Plan” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject.
	Based upon the most recent and available plan financial information, the Company did not make any contributions that represented more than 5 percent of total plan contributions in any of the plan years presented above.
	Defined Contribution Plans
	In addition to the contributions noted above to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans, the Company also makes contributions to defined contribution plans. Contributions to all defined contribution plans were $13.2 million, $9.4 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The zone status outlined above does not apply to defined contribution plans.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9. Income Taxes
	The Company is domiciled in the United States and operates primarily in the United States and Canada. During January 2013, the Company’s operations in Oman were sold. These countries have different tax regimes and tax rates which affect the consolidated income tax provision of the Company and its effective tax rate. Moreover, losses from one country generally cannot be used to offset taxable income from another country and some expenses incurred in certain tax jurisdictions receive no tax benefit thereby affecting the effective tax rate.
	Income (loss) before income taxes on continuing operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Foreign	$	34,739		$	(838	)	$	(7,731	)
	United States		(43,641	)		(18,702	)		(237,405	)
			(8,902	)		(19,540	)		(245,136	)
	Oman noncontrolling interest		—			976			1,195
		$	(8,902	)	$	(18,564	)	$	(243,941	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes on continuing operations by country consists of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current provision (benefit):
	Foreign	$	10,363		$	2,987		$	(4,173	)
	United States:
	Federal		1,957			117			(1,672	)
	State		1,614			1,336			2,258
			13,934			4,440			(3,587	)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Foreign		280			251			3,338
	United States		320			36			(33,309	)
			600			287			(29,971	)
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	14,534		$	4,727		$	(33,558	)
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes has been determined based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. The Company and its subsidiaries operating in the United States are subject to federal income tax rates up to 35 percent and varying state income tax rates and methods of computing tax liabilities. The Company’s principal international continuing operations are in Canada. Oman’s operations were sold in January 2013. The Company’s subsidiaries in Canada are subject to a corporate income tax rate of 25 percent. The Company did not have any non-taxable foreign earnings from tax holidays for taxable years 2011 through 2013.
	In April 2011, the Company discontinued its strategy of reinvesting foreign earnings in foreign operations. This change in strategy continues through December 31, 2013. The Company’s current operating strategy is not to reinvest all earnings of its operations internationally. Instead, dividends are distributed to the U.S. parent or its U.S. affiliates. Deemed dividends were paid from foreign operations to Willbros Group, Inc. during 2013. Due to the current deficit in foreign earnings and profits, the Company does not anticipate a significant tax expense to future repatriations of foreign earnings in the United States.
	A reconciliation of the differences between the provision (benefit) for income tax computed at the appropriate statutory rates and the reported provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands). For 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company was domiciled in the United States, which has a 35 percent statutory tax rate.
		2013			2012			2011
	Taxes on earnings at statutory rate in domicile of parent company	$	(3,105	)	$	(6,844	)	$	(84,677	)
	Earnings taxed at rates less or greater than parent company rates:
	Foreign		(4,662	)		1,991			5,773
	State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit		1,250			869			(767	)
	Contingent earnout		—			—			(3,500	)
	Other impairment		—			(992	)		—
	Goodwill impairment		—			1,282			23,372
	Non deductibles		5,739			5,087			1,651
	Acquisition costs		21			(128	)		—
	Changes in provision for unrecognized tax positions		1,381			1,154			(786	)
	Change in valuation allowance		4,601			3,806			26,902
	Stock-based compensation		(133	)		1,100			915
	Deferred tax adjustments		(420	)		(3,543	)		(85	)
	Section 162M		244			—			—
	Deemed dividend/previously taxed income		8,728			—			—
	Prior year tax settlement		856			—			—
	Other		34			945			(2,356	)
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	14,534		$	4,727		$	(33,558	)
	During 2013, the Company had a net increase in uncertain tax positions related to prior years for $0.5 million. In addition, uncertain tax positions were decreased by $1.3 million and $0.6 million due to settlements and expiration of statute of limitations, respectively. Of the aforementioned changes, a decrease of $0.5 million related to discontinued operations’ prior years uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	3,290		$	2,581
	Change in measurement of existing tax positions related to expiration of statute of limitations		(600	)		(55	)
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		—			117
	Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		516			752
	Settlements		(1,329	)		(149	)
	Foreign exchange difference in Canadian operations		84			44
	Ending balance	$	1,961		$	3,290
	The $2.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits will impact the Company’s effective tax rate if ultimately recognized. This amount is exclusive of unrecognized tax benefits related to discontinued operations in the amount of $0.5 million which was reduced due to the sale of Oman’s operation in January 2013. The Company does not expect to have significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months except due to the expiration of statute of limitations. Assuming that the statute of limitations expires, the Company would release reserves in the amount of $1.6 million.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company has recognized $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in interest and penalties expense. The cumulative accrual for interest and penalties carried on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is $2.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
	The Company files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction, in various states and in various foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to examination for 2008 forward for the United States and the majority of the state jurisdictions, for 2007 forward in Canada, and for 2008 forward with respect to Oman.
	The principal components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
Current:
Accrued vacation	$	3,886		$	4,292
Allowance for doubtful accounts		484			952
Estimated loss		258			1,814
Prepaid expenses		12,635			8,919
Various accrued liabilities		1,079			1,001
Other		692			502
		19,034			17,480
Non-current:
Deferred compensation		4,299			3,871
Insurance reserve		—			2,475
Term loan amortization		—			1,332
Goodwill impairment		31,075			55,142
U.S. tax net operating loss carry forwards		49,542			20,991
State tax net operating loss carry forwards		11,024			8,480
Foreign tax net operating loss carry forwards		3,335			4,632
Bond discount amortization		410			919
Other		2,095			2,802
Gross deferred tax assets		120,814			118,124
Valuation allowance		(62,828	)		(51,916	)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		57,986			66,208
Deferred tax liabilities:
Non-current:
Goodwill and intangibles		(36,921	)		(35,218	)
Depreciation		(19,808	)		(29,575	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(56,729	)		(64,793	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,257		$	1,415
United States	$	670		$	948
Foreign		587			467
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,257		$	1,415
The valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $62.8 million and $51.9 million, respectively. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carry forwards, including federal and state net operating loss carry forwards, is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in a particular tax jurisdiction during the periods in which the use of such net operating losses are allowed. The Company considers future taxable income, including the impacts of reversing taxable temporary differences, future forecasted income and available tax planning strategies, when evaluating whether deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized prior to expiration.
At December 31, 2013, the Company has remaining U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards of $49.5 million and state net operating loss carry forwards of $17.0 million. Australia has a net operating loss carry forward of $3.3 million.
The Company’s U.S. federal net operating losses expire beginning in 2031. The Company’s state net operating losses generally expire 20 years after the period in which the net operating loss was incurred. The Company filed an amended U.S. Federal tax return to carry back operating losses incurred in 2010 of approximately $26.0 million to offset taxable income in 2008. Additionally, management will be carrying back 2011 tax losses to the extent of taxable income in 2009. After the effect of tax planning strategies, carrybacks of certain federal net operating losses, reversals of existing temporary differences, and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets can be utilized to offset taxable income, the remaining net federal deferred tax asset is not more likely than not realizable in the foreseeable future.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	10. Stockholders’ Equity
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
		Foreign currency			Changes in			Total
		translation			derivative			accumulated
		adjustments			financial			comprehensive
					instruments			income
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	14,945		$	(1,441	)	$	13,504
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(3,797	)		(2,053	)		(5,850	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		132			1,021			1,153
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(3,665	)		(1,032	)		(4,697	)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	11,280		$	(2,473	)	$	8,807
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
		Foreign currency			Changes in			Total
		translation			derivative			accumulated
		adjustments			financial			comprehensive
					instruments			income
	Balance December 31, 2011	$	16,466		$	(1,896	)	$	14,570
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(1,521	)		(326	)		(1,847	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			781			781
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,521	)		455			(1,066	)
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	14,945		$	(1,441	)	$	13,504
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		(in thousands)
		Foreign currency			Changes in			Total
		translation			derivative			accumulated
		adjustments			financial			comprehensive
					instruments			income
	Balance December 31, 2010	$	17,916		$	22		$	17,938
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(1,450	)		(1,960	)		(3,410	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			42			42
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(1,450	)		(1,918	)		(3,368	)
	Balance December 31, 2011	$	16,466		$	(1,896	)	$	14,570
	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount			Details about
	Comprehensive Income Components	Reclassified from			Accumulated Other
		Accumulated Other			Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Comprehensive			Components
		Income (Loss)
	Interest rate contracts	$	1,021		Interest expense, net
	Total	$	1,021
	Year Ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount			Details about
	Comprehensive Income Components	Reclassified from			Accumulated Other
		Accumulated Other			Comprehensive
		Comprehensive			Income (Loss)
		Income (Loss)			Components
	Interest rate contracts	$	781		Interest expense, net
	Total	$	781
	Year Ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount Reclassified			Details about
	Comprehensive Income Components	from Accumulated			Accumulated Other
		Other Comprehensive			Comprehensive
		Income (Loss)			Income (Loss)
					Components
	Interest rate contracts	$	42		Interest expense, net
	Total	$	42
	Stock Ownership Plans
	In May 1996, the Company established the Willbros Group, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan (the “1996 Plan”) with 1,125,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance to provide for awards to key employees of the Company, and the Willbros Group, Inc. Director Stock Plan (the “Director Plan”) with 125,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance to provide for the grant of stock options to non-employee directors. The number of shares authorized for issuance under the 1996 Plan, and the Director Plan, was increased to 4,825,000 and 225,000, respectively, by stockholder approval. The Director Plan expired August 16, 2006.
	In 2006, the Company established the 2006 Director Restricted Stock Plan (the “2006 Director Plan”) with 50,000 shares authorized for issuance to grant shares of restricted stock and restricted stock rights to non-employee directors. The number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2006 Director Plan was increased in 2008 to 250,000 and in 2012 to 550,000, by stockholder approval.
On May 26, 2010, the Company established the Willbros Group, Inc. 2010 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2010 Plan”) with 2,100,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance (increased in 2012 to 3,450,000 shares by stockholder approval) to provide for awards to key employees of the Company. All future grants of stock awards to key employees will be made through the 2010 Plan. As a result, the 1996 Plan was frozen, with the exception of normal vesting, forfeiture and other activity associated with awards previously granted under the 1996 Plan. At December 31, 2013, the 2010 Plan had 1,217,400 shares available for grant.
Restricted stock and restricted stock units or rights, also described collectively as restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and options granted to employees vest generally over a three to four year period. Options granted under the 2010 Plan expire 10 years subsequent to the grant date. Upon stock option exercise, common shares are issued from treasury stock. Options granted under the Director Plan are fully vested. Restricted stock and restricted stock rights granted under the 2006 Director Plan vest one year after the date of grant. At December 31, 2013, the 2006 Director Plan had 132,720 shares available for grant. For RSUs granted prior to March of 2009, certain provisions allow for accelerated vesting upon eligible retirement. Additionally, certain provisions allow for accelerated vesting in the event of involuntary termination not for cause or a change of control of the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, $0.2 million, $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of compensation expense was recognized due to accelerated vesting of RSU’s due to retirements and separation from the Company.
Share-based compensation related to RSU’s is recorded based on the Company’s stock price as of the grant date. Expense from both stock options and RSU’s, which is inclusive of both liability-based and equity-based stock awards, totaled $7.1 million, $7.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
The Company determines fair value of stock options as of its grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation method. No options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011.
The Company’s stock option activity and related information consist of:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013
	Shares			Weighted-Average
				Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of year		227,750		$	15.28
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited or expired		—			—
Outstanding, end of year		227,750		$	15.28
Exercisable at end of year		227,750		$	15.28
As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable was $0.1 million. The weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding and stock options exercisable is 1.70 years and 1.70 years, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0, $0 and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There was no material tax benefit realized related to those exercises. The total fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $0, $0 and $0.1 million, respectively.
The Company did not have any nonvested stock options at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
The Company’s RSU activity and related information consist of:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013
	Shares			Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date Fair
				Value
Nonvested, beginning of year		1,221,977		$	6.51
Granted		952,560			9.23
Vested		(659,556	)		7.26
Forfeited		(66,725	)		6.42
Nonvested, end of year		1,448,256		$	7.88
The total fair value of RSU’s vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $4.8 million, $6.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, there was a total of $9.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock ownership plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.41 years.

Income_Loss_Per_Common_Share

Income (Loss) Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Income (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	11. Income (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period and the assumed exercise of potentially dilutive stock options and warrants and vesting of RSUs less the number of treasury shares assumed to be purchased from the proceeds using the average market price of the Company’s stock for each of the periods presented. The Company’s convertible notes are included in the calculation of diluted income per share under the “if-converted” method. Additionally, diluted income (loss) per share for continuing operations is calculated excluding the after-tax interest expense associated with the convertible notes since these notes are treated as if converted into common stock.
	Basic and diluted loss per common share is computed as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(23,436	)	$	(23,291	)	$	(210,383	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—
	Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Willbros Group, Inc. (numerator for basic calculation)		(23,436	)		(23,291	)		(210,383	)
	Add: Interest and debt issuance costs associated with convertible notes		—			—			—
	Net loss from continuing operations applicable to common shares (numerator for diluted calculation)	$	(23,436	)	$	(23,291	)	$	(210,383	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic income per share		48,560,167			48,019,303			47,475,680
	Weighted average number of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding		—			—			—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for diluted income per share		48,560,167			48,019,303			47,475,680
	Loss per common share from continuing operations:
	Basic	$	(0.48	)	$	(0.49	)	$	(4.43	)
	Diluted	$	(0.48	)	$	(0.49	)	$	(4.43	)
	The Company has excluded shares potentially issuable under the terms of use of the securities listed below from the number of potentially dilutive shares outstanding as the effect would be anti-dilutive:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	6.5% Senior Convertible Notes		—			—			1,825,587
	Stock options		181,279			227,750			181,666
	Restricted stock and restricted stock rights		499,371			263,119			158,672
			680,650			490,869			2,165,925
	In accordance with the FASB’s standard on earnings per share – contingently convertible instruments, the shares issuable upon conversion of the convertible notes would have been included in diluted income (loss) per share, if those securities were dilutive, regardless of whether the Company’s stock price was greater than or equal to the conversion prices of $17.56. However, these securities are only dilutive to the extent that interest per weighted average convertible share does not exceed basic earnings per share.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	12. Segment Information
	The Company’s segments are comprised of strategic businesses that are defined by the industries or geographic regions they serve. Each is managed as an operation with well-established strategic directions and performance requirements.
	In January 2013, the Company implemented a change to its operational and organizational structure in order to emphasize its commitment to its engineering, procurement and integrity services and to align its business interests to better reflect market conditions. As a result, the Company created a new and fourth segment, Professional Services. Professional Services, together with Oil & Gas, Utility T&D and Canada represent the Company’s organizational structure for which its operating results are reported. Previously reported segments by periods have been revised to conform to this new structure.
	Management evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on operating income. To support the segments, the Company has a focused corporate operation led by the executive management team, which, in addition to oversight and leadership, provides general, administrative and financing functions for the organization. The costs to provide these services are allocated, as are certain other corporate costs, to the four operating segments.
	The tables below have been revised to reflect the Company’s operations by its current reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Oil & Gas			Utility T&D			Professional			Canada			Eliminations			Consolidated
								Services
	Revenue	$	791,076		$	446,216		$	342,746		$	445,213		$	(6,468	)	$	2,018,783
	Operating expenses		831,269			422,983			327,031			409,837			(6,468	)		1,984,652
	Operating income (loss)	$	(40,193	)	$	23,233		$	15,715		$	35,376		$	—			34,131
	Other expense																	(43,033	)
	Provision for income taxes																	14,534
	Loss from continuing operations																	(23,436	)
	Income from discontinued operations net of provision for income taxes																	7,569
	Loss from continuing and discontinued operations																	(15,867	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest																	—
	Net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.																$	(15,867	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Oil & Gas			Utility T&D			Professional			Canada			Eliminations			Consolidated
								Services
	Revenue	$	902,688		$	483,603		$	330,594		$	216,793		$	(4,878	)	$	1,928,800
	Operating expenses		904,167			470,639			319,168			216,833			(4,878	)		1,905,929
	Goodwill impairment		—			8,067			—			—			—			8,067
	Operating income (loss)	$	(1,479	)	$	4,897		$	11,426		$	(40	)	$	—			14,804
	Other expense																	(33,368	)
	Provision for income taxes																	4,727
	Loss from continuing operations																	(23,291	)
	Loss from discontinued operations net of provision for income taxes																	(5,944	)
	Loss from continuing and discontinued operations																	(29,235	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest																	(976	)
	Net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.																$	(30,211	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Oil & Gas			Utility T&D			Professional			Canada			Eliminations			Consolidated
								Services
	Revenue	$	560,202		$	388,438		$	278,101		$	153,411		$	(3,783	)	$	1,376,369
	Operating expenses		586,655			392,617			275,627			148,741			(3,783	)		1,399,857
	Goodwill impairment		30,709			143,543			2,113			2,210						178,575
	Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability		—			—			—			—			—			(10,000	)
	Operating loss	$	(57,162	)	$	(147,722	)	$	361		$	2,460		$	—			(192,063	)
	Other expense																	(51,878	)
	Benefit for income taxes																	(33,558	)
	Loss from continuing operations																	(210,383	)
	Loss from discontinued operations net of provision (benefit) for income taxes																	(82,438	)
	Loss from continuing and discontinued operations																	(292,821	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest																	(1,195	)
	Net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.																$	(294,016	)
	Depreciation and amortization expense by segment are presented below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Oil & Gas	$	11,731		$	12,700		$	15,688
	Utility T&D		24,839			28,299			31,151
	Professional Services		2,945			3,150			3,496
	Canada		2,679			2,196			2,413
	Total	$	42,194		$	46,345		$	52,748
	Amounts above include corporate allocated depreciation of $565, $616 and $565 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Capital expenditures by segment are presented below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Oil & Gas	$	3,934		$	5,766		$	3,923
	Utility T&D		3,149			2,061			2,828
	Professional Services		2,735			1,227			1,255
	Canada		3,928			661			52
Corporate		2,552			944			1,989
Total	$	16,298		$	10,659		$	10,047
Total assets by segment as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are presented below (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
Oil & Gas	$	278,115		$	329,198
Utility T&D		260,867			279,480
Professional Services		91,677			88,133
Canada		123,838			103,157
Corporate		57,448			87,338
Total assets, continuing operations	$	811,945		$	887,306
Due to a limited number of major projects and clients, the Company may at any one time have a substantial part of its operations dedicated to one project, client and country.
Customers representing 10 percent or more of total contract revenue are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Oncor		11.5	%		16.3	%		15.5	%
Enterprise Products Partners L.P.		10.4	%		—			—
Information about the Company’s operations in its work countries is shown below (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Contract revenue:
United States	$	1,568,411		$	1,705,653		$	1,210,993
Canada		445,213			216,793			153,411
Other		5,159			6,354			11,965
	$	2,018,783		$	1,928,800		$	1,376,369
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
Property, plant and equipment, net:
United States	$	103,560		$	117,205
Canada		7,955			6,689
Other		51			91
	$	111,566		$	123,985

Contingencies_Commitments_and_

Contingencies, Commitments and Other Circumstances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies, Commitments and Other Circumstances	'
	13. Contingencies, Commitments and Other Circumstances
	Contingencies
	Central Maine Power
	On January 20, 2014, the Company settled a lawsuit against Central Maine Power Company (“CMP”) in connection with an existing project to install transmission lines and perform construction services for CMP, for the project generally known as the Transmission Line Construction of the Southern Loop and Southern Connector portion of the Maine Power Reliability Program (the “MPRP Project”). Under terms of the settlement, CMP will make a payment to the Company in the first quarter of 2014 of approximately $20.1 million, which consists of $17.0 million in settlement proceeds and $3.1 million as an early payment of retention. In addition, CMP will extend the schedule and provide other relief to reduce the Company’s cost on the remainder of the MPRP Project. The Company continues to perform the MPRP Project which has an expected completion date in the third quarter of 2014.
	Other
	In addition to the matters discussed above and in Note 16 – Discontinued Operations, the Company is party to a number of other legal proceedings. Management believes that the nature and number of these proceedings are typical for a firm of similar size engaged in a similar type of business and that none of these proceedings is material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
	Commitments
	From time to time, the Company enters into commercial commitments, usually in the form of commercial and standby letters of credit, surety bonds and financial guarantees. Contracts with the Company’s customers may require the Company to secure letters of credit or surety bonds with regard to the Company’s performance of contracted services. In such cases, the commitments can be called upon in the event of failure to perform contracted services. Likewise, contracts may allow the Company to issue letters of credit or surety bonds in lieu of contract retention provisions, where the client withholds a percentage of the contract value until project completion or expiration of a warranty period. Retention commitments can be called upon in the event of warranty or project completion issues, as prescribed in the contracts. At December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $60.1 million of outstanding letters of credit, all of which related to continuing operations. This amount represents the maximum amount of payments the Company could be required to make if these letters of credit are drawn upon. Additionally, the Company issues surety bonds customarily required by commercial terms on construction projects. At December 31, 2013, the Company had bonds outstanding, primarily performance bonds, with a face value at $556.1 million related to continuing operations. This amount represents the bond penalty amount of future payments the Company could be required to make if the Company fails to perform its obligations under such contracts. The performance bonds do not have a stated expiration date; rather, each is released when the contract is accepted by the owner. The Company’s maximum exposure as it relates to the value of the bonds outstanding is lowered on each bonded project as the cost to complete is reduced. As of December 31, 2013, no liability has been recognized for letters of credit or surety bonds.
	Operating Leases
	The Company has certain operating leases for various equipment and office facilities. Rental expense for continuing operations excluding daily rentals and reimbursable rentals under cost plus contracts was $42.3 million in 2013, $35.0 million in 2012, and $26.0 million in 2011.
	Minimum lease commitments under operating leases as of December 31, 2013, totaled $145.8 million and are payable as follows: 2014, $39.5 million; 2015, $22.0 million; 2016, $17.6 million; 2017, $14.4 million; 2018, $11.3 million and thereafter, $41.0 million.
	Other Circumstances
	The Company has the usual liability of contractors for the completion of contracts and the warranty of its work. In addition, the Company acts as prime contractor on a majority of the projects it undertakes and is normally responsible for the performance of the entire project, including subcontract work. Management is not aware of any material exposure related thereto which has not been provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	14. Fair Value Measurements
	The FASB’s standard on fair value measurements defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	The FASB’s standard on fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. This standard establishes 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.
	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities.
	There were no transfers between levels in 2013.
	The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, long-term debt and interest rate contracts. The fair value estimates of the Company’s financial instruments have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies and approximates carrying value.
	Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The Company measures certain financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of these financial instruments (in thousands) was determined using the following inputs as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Total				Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets for			Other			Other
						Identical Assets			Observable			Unobservable
						(Level 1)			Inputs			Inputs
									(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,473			$	—		$	2,473		$	—
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Total				Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets for			Other			Other
						Identical Assets			Observable			Unobservable
						(Level 1)			Inputs			Inputs
									(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,441			$	—		$	1,441		$	—
	Hedging Arrangements
	The Company attempts to negotiate contracts that provide for payment in U.S. dollars, but it may be required to take all or a portion of payment under a contract in another currency. To mitigate non-U.S. currency exchange risk, the Company seeks to match anticipated non-U.S. currency revenue with expenses in the same currency whenever possible. To the extent, it is unable to match non-U.S. currency revenue with expenses in the same currency; the Company may use forward contracts, options or other common hedging techniques in the same non-U.S. currencies. The Company had no derivative financial instruments to hedge currency risk at December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
	Interest Rate Swaps
	The Company is subject to hedging arrangements to fix or otherwise limit the interest cost of its variable interest rate borrowings. The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its debt and investment of cash and cash equivalents arising in the normal course of business. The Company does not engage in speculative trading strategies.
	In August 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $124.1 million to hedge changes in the variable rate interest expense on $124.1 million of its existing or replacement LIBOR indexed debt. Under the swap agreement, which is effective June 30, 2014 through August 7, 2019, the Company receives interest at either one-month LIBOR or 1.25 percent (whichever is greater) and pays interest at a fixed rate of 2.84 percent. The swap is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedging instrument with the effective portion of the swap’s change in fair value recorded in OCI. The swap is highly effective in offsetting changes in interest expense and no hedge ineffectiveness has been recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts in OCI will be reclassified to interest expense when the hedged interest payments on the underlying debt are recognized.
	In September 2010, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements for a total notional amount of $150.0 million to hedge changes in the variable rate interest expense on $150.0 million of its then existing or replacement LIBOR indexed debt. Under each swap agreement, the Company was to receive interest at either three-month LIBOR or 2 percent (whichever was greater) and pay interest at a fixed rate of 2.68 percent through June 30, 2014. Through August 7, 2013, the swap agreements were designated and qualified as cash flow hedging instruments, with the effective portion of the swaps’ change in fair value recorded in OCI. Amounts in OCI were reclassified to interest expense when the hedged interest payments on the underlying debt are recognized during the period when the swaps were designated as cash flow hedges. Through August 7, 2013, the swaps were highly effective hedges, and only an immaterial amount of hedge ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On August 7, 2013, the swaps were de-designated due to the refinancing of the underlying debt, which decreased the interest rate floor from 2 percent to 1.25 percent. In addition, on August 7, 2013, each swap agreement was transferred to another party through a novation transaction, which increased the Company’s interest rate to 2.70 percent through June 30, 2014. Changes in the value of the swaps that remain open are reported in earnings and were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The carrying amount and fair value of these swap agreements are equivalent since the Company accounts for these instruments at fair value. The values, as identified below (in thousands), are derived from pricing models using inputs based upon market information, including contractual terms, market prices and yield curves. The inputs to the valuation pricing models are observable in the market, and as such are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. For validation purposes, the swap valuations are periodically compared to those produced by swap counterparties. Amounts of OCI relating to the interest rate swaps expected to be recognized in interest expense in the coming twelve months totaled $1.5 million.
		Liability Derivatives
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet	Fair
		Location		Value				Location	Value
	Interest rate contracts – swaps	Other current liabilities		$	1,505			Other current liabilities	$	927
	Interest rate contracts – swaps	Other long-term liabilities		$	968			Other long-term liabilities	$	514
	Total derivatives			$	2,473				$	1,441
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain Recognized										Financial Statement		Amount of Loss
		in OCI										Classification		Reclassified from
		on Derivative												Accumulated OCI
		(Effective Portion)												into Income
														(Effective Portion)
		2013				2012			2011					2013		2012		2011
	Interest rate contracts	$	(2,053	)		$	(326	)	$	(1,960	)	Interest expense, net		$	1,021	$	781	$	42
	Total	$	(2,053	)		$	(326	)	$	(1,960	)			$	1,021	$	781	$	42

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	15. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is presented below (in thousands).
	Year 2013 Quarter Ended		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,			Total
			2013			2013			2013			2013			2013
	Contract revenue		$	487,359		$	487,864		$	503,038		$	540,522		$	2,018,783
	Contract income			39,842			55,057			57,345			64,669			216,913
	Operating income (loss)			(1,558	)		9,363			10,868			15,458			34,131
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes			(9,017	)		2,133			(9,261	)		7,243			(8,902	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes			(11,629	)		1,007			(12,466	)		(348	)		(23,436	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of provision (benefit) for income taxes			15,821			(7,908	)		(13,467	)		13,123			7,569
	Net income (loss)			4,192			(6,901	)		(25,933	)		12,775			(15,867	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.		$	4,192		$	(6,901	)	$	(25,933	)	$	12,775		$	(15,867	)
	Reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(11,629	)	$	1,007		$	(12,466	)	$	(348	)	$	(23,436	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			15,821			(7,908	)		(13,467	)		13,123			7,569
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.		$	4,192		$	(6,901	)	$	(25,933	)	$	12,775		$	(15,867	)
	Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(0.24	)	$	0.02		$	(0.26	)	$	0		$	(0.48	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.33			(0.16	)		(0.28	)		0.27			0.16
	Net income (loss)		$	0.09		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.54	)	$	0.27		$	(0.32	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(0.24	)	$	0.02		$	(0.26	)	$	0		$	(0.48	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.33			(0.16	)		(0.28	)		0.27			0.16
	Net income (loss)		$	0.09		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.54	)	$	0.27		$	(0.32	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
	Basic			48,307,330			48,586,757			48,642,180			48,704,399			48,560,167
	Diluted			48,307,330			49,235,297			48,642,180			48,704,399			48,560,167
	Additional Notes:
		•		During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company sold all of its shares of capital in Willbros Middle East Limited, which held the Company’s operations in Oman. As a result, the Company recognized a gain of $23.6 million on the sale, which is included in the line item “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes. In addition, the results of operations specific to this business are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
		•		The Company recorded an out-of-period adjustment during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 related to the reversal of an over-accrual of certain letter of credit and commitment fees. The net impact of the adjustment was a decrease to pre-tax loss, net loss from continuing operations and net loss of $0.6 million. The Company does not believe the adjustment is material, individually or in the aggregate, to its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, nor does it believe the adjustment is material to any of its previously issued consolidated quarterly and annual financial statements.
		•		During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded debt extinguishment costs of $11.6 million which consisted of Original Issue Discount and financing costs inclusive of new creditor fees.
		•		During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold certain assets comprising its electric and gas distribution business in the Northeast (“Hawkeye”). As a result, the Company recognized a net loss in 2013 of $2.7 million on the sale, which is included in the line item “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes. In addition, the results of operations specific to this business are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	Year 2012 Quarter Ended		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,			Total
			2012			2012			2012			2012			2012
	Contract revenue		$	373,706		$	450,422		$	547,993		$	556,679		$	1,928,800
	Contract income			31,626			44,405			53,219			60,573			189,823
	Operating income (loss)			(9,720	)		7,494			11,318			5,712			14,804
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes			(20,177	)		(783	)		4,744			(2,348	)		(18,564	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes			(21,150	)		(1,991	)		3,847			(3,997	)		(23,291	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of provision for income taxes			770			5,699			(3,112	)		(9,301	)		(5,944	)
	Net income (loss)			(20,380	)		3,708			735			(13,298	)		(29,235	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest			(344	)		(328	)		(273	)		(31	)		(976	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.		$	(20,724	)	$	3,380		$	462		$	(13,329	)	$	(30,211	)
	Reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(21,150	)	$	(1,991	)	$	3,847		$	(3,997	)	$	(23,291	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			426			5,371			(3,385	)		(9,332	)		(6,920	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.		$	(20,724	)	$	3,380		$	462		$	(13,329	)	$	(30,211	)
	Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(0.44	)	$	(0.04	)	$	0.08		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.49	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.01			0.11			(0.07	)		(0.19	)		(0.14	)
	Net income (loss)		$	(0.43	)	$	0.07		$	0.01		$	(0.28	)	$	(0.63	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(0.44	)	$	(0.04	)	$	0.08		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.49	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.01			0.11			(0.07	)		(0.19	)		(0.14	)
	Net income (loss)		$	(0.43	)	$	0.07		$	0.01		$	(0.28	)	$	(0.63	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
	Basic			47,781,396			47,994,987			48,119,758			48,176,071			48,019,303
	Diluted			47,781,396			47,994,987			48,452,014			48,176,071			48,019,303
	Additional Notes:
		•		During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Company made the decision to sell its electric and gas distribution business in the Northeast. As such, the results of operations specific to this business are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
		•		During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a non-cash, pre-tax charge of $8.1 million for impairment of goodwill.
		•		The Company recorded out-of-period adjustments during the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily related to correct errors to eliminate Cumulative Translation Adjustment balances that stemmed from the dissolution and liquidation of foreign currency based subsidiaries in jurisdictions where the Company no longer conducts business. The net impact of these adjustments was an increase to income from discontinued operations in the amount of $2.5 million and a decrease to net loss in the amount of $2.5 million. These adjustments did not have any impact on the Company’s pre-tax loss or loss from continuing operations for any periods during 2012. The Company does not believe these adjustments are materially individually or in the aggregate to its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, nor does it believe such items are material to any of its previously issued consolidated quarterly and annual financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	16. Discontinued Operations
	Business and Asset Disposals
	Hawkeye
	As part of its ongoing strategic evaluation of operations, the Company made the decision to exit the electric and gas distribution market in the Northeast in December 2012 and sell the related Hawkeye business. In connection with its decision to sell the business, the Company evaluated the recoverability of its net assets and recorded impairment charges of approximately $3.2 million and $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The impairment charges were related to the continued decline in the operating performance and future outlook of the business, coupled with its challenging competitive landscape.
	In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company sold certain assets comprising the Hawkeye business to Elecnor Hawkeye, LLC, a subsidiary of Elecnor, Inc. (“Elecnor”). In connection with the sale, the Company recorded total consideration of $27.7 million, subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment. The total consideration is included in the line item “Assets associated with discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At the closing, Elecnor delivered two letters of credit, one to the Company for $16.2 million and the other to the escrow agent for $8.0 million.
	As a result of the above transactions, the Company recorded a net loss on sale in 2013 of $2.7 million included in the line item “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company received $21.2 million in cash consisting of full payment against the $16.2 million letter of credit and $5.0 million of the $8.0 million in escrow. The Company expects to receive the remaining $6.5 million in proceeds, once the post-closing working capital adjustment is finalized.
	Oman
	In the first quarter of 2013, the Company sold all of its shares of capital in Willbros Middle East Limited, which held the Company’s operations in Oman. The Company received total proceeds of $38.9 million in cash and $2.4 million in the form of an escrow deposit from the buyer, which was paid in full in the third quarter of 2013. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a gain on sale of $23.6 million included in the line item “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	InterCon
	In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company completed the sale of all assets and operations of InterCon, which was determined to be a non-strategic subsidiary within the Utility T&D segment. The Company received total compensation of $18.7 million in cash and $0.3 million in the form of an escrow deposit from the buyer, which was paid in full in the fourth quarter of 2012. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a loss on sale of $2.4 million included in the line item “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Nigeria Assets and Nigeria-Based Operations
	Litigation and Settlement
	On March 29, 2012, the Company and Willbros Global Holdings, Inc., formerly known as Willbros Group, Inc., a Panama corporation (“WGHI”), which is now a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with WAPCo to settle a lawsuit filed against WGHI by WAPCo in 2010 under English law in the London High Court in which WAPCo was seeking $273.7 million plus costs and interest. The lawsuit was based upon a parent company guarantee issued by WGHI to WAPCo in connection with a Nigerian project undertaken by a WGHI subsidiary that was later sold to a third party. WAPCo alleged that the third party defaulted in the performance of the project and thereafter brought the lawsuit against WGHI under the parent company guarantee for its claimed losses.
	The Settlement Agreement provides that WGHI must make payments to WAPCo totaling $55.5 million of which $14.0 million was paid in 2012 and $5.0 million was paid in 2013. Of the remaining $36.5 million due to WAPCo, $3.8 million is due at the end of the second quarter of 2014 and $32.7 million is due at the end of the fourth quarter of 2014.
	WGI and WGHI are jointly and severally liable for payment of the amount due to WAPCo under the Settlement Agreement. WGHI and WGI are subject to a penalty rate of interest and collection efforts in the London court in the event they fail to meet any of the payments required by the Settlement Agreement.
	The Company currently has no employees working in Nigeria and does not intend to return to Nigeria.
	Results of Discontinued Operations
	Condensed Statements of Operations of the Discontinued Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Canada			Libya			WAGP			InterCon			Hawkeye			Oman		Other			Total
	Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	81,724		$	—	$	—		$	81,724
	Operating income (loss)		(27	)		(70	)		29			—			(15,461	)		23,639		(507	)		7,603
	Pre-tax income (loss)		(27	)		(70	)		29			—			(15,620	)		23,639		(382	)		7,569
	Provision for taxes		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—
	Net income (loss)		(27	)		(70	)		29			—			(15,620	)		23,639		(382	)		7,569
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Canada			Libya			WAGP			InterCon			Hawkeye			Oman		Other			Total
	Revenue	$	31,587		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	108,878		$	75,446	$	—		$	215,911
	Operating income (loss)		12,779			(58	)		(4,274	)		—			(20,825	)		6,392		(239	)		(6,225	)
	Pre-tax income (loss)		13,848			(58	)		(4,274	)		—			(20,685	)		6,566		2,567			(2,036	)
	Provision for taxes		2,796			—			—			—			—			1,112		—			3,908
	Net income (loss)		11,052			(58	)		(4,274	)		—			(20,685	)		5,454		2,567			(5,944	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Canada			Libya			WAGP			InterCon			Hawkeye			Oman		Other			Total
	Revenue	$	136,036		$	—		$	—		$	42,826		$	164,842		$	73,829	$	—		$	417,533
	Operating income (loss)		(18,589	)		(487	)		(71,858	)		(5,326	)		(3,863	)		11,204		—			(88,919	)
	Pre-tax income (loss)		(18,484	)		(487	)		(71,858	)		(5,329	)		(3,921	)		11,289		—			(88,790	)
	Provision (benefit) for taxes		(6,548	)		—			—			(1,069	)		—			1,265		—			(6,352	)
	Net income (loss)		(11,936	)		(487	)		(71,858	)		(4,260	)		(3,921	)		10,024		—			(82,438	)
	Condensed Balance Sheets of the Discontinued Operations are as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		Hawkeye			Oman			WAPCo			Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,041		$	—		$	—		$	1,041
	Accounts receivable, net		36,404			—			—			36,404
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed		18,379			—			—			18,379
	Property, plant and equipment, net		1,195			—			—			1,195
	Intangible assets, net		—			—			—			—
	Other		1,704			—			—			1,704
	Total assets		58,723			—			—			58,723
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	9,952		$	—		$	—		$	9,952
	Settlement obligations		—			—			36,500			36,500
	Other		178			—			—			178
	Total liabilities		10,130			—			36,500			46,630
	Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations		48,593			—			(36,500	)		12,093
		December 31, 2012
		Hawkeye			Oman			WAPCo			Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	5,602		$	—		$	5,602
	Accounts receivable, net		39,825			13,697			—			53,522
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed		6,327			524			—			6,851
	Property, plant and equipment, net		6,683			4,339			—			11,022
	Intangible assets, net		5,135			—			—			5,135
	Other		4,834			3,974			—			8,808
Total assets		62,804			28,136			—			90,940
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	14,303		$	9,438		$	—		$	23,741
Settlement obligations		—			—			41,500			41,500
Other		1,081			1,352			—			2,433
Total liabilities		15,384			10,790			41,500			67,674
Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations		47,420			17,346			(41,500	)		23,266

SCHEDULE_II_CONSOLIDATED_VALUA

SCHEDULE II - CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II - CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	SCHEDULE II – CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(In thousands)
	Year Ended	Description	Balance at		Charged		Charge			Balance
			Beginning		(Credited)		Offs and			at End
			of Year		to Costs		Other			of Year
					and
					Expense
	31-Dec-11	Allowance for Bad Debts	$	4,293	$	790	$	(4,090	)	$	993
	31-Dec-11	Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance		7,170		29,701		—			36,871
	31-Dec-12	Allowance for Bad Debts	$	993	$	1,327	$	(100	)	$	2,220
	31-Dec-12	Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance		36,871		15,045		—			51,916
	31-Dec-13	Allowance for Bad Debts	$	2,220	$	1,245	$	(2,064	)	$	1,401
	31-Dec-13	Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance		51,916		10,912		—			62,828

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Company	'
	Company – Willbros Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Willbros” or “WGI”), is a specialty energy infrastructure contractor serving the oil, gas, refinery, petrochemical and power industries. The Company’s offerings include engineering, procurement and construction (either individually or as an integrated “EPC” service offering), turnarounds, maintenance, facilities development and operations services. The Company’s principal markets for continuing operations are the United States and Canada. The Company obtains its work through competitive bidding and through negotiations with prospective clients. Contract values range from several thousand dollars to several hundred million dollars and contract durations range from a few weeks to more than two years.
	The disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to continuing operations, except as otherwise indicated.
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations – As of December 31, 2013, the Company has divested certain of its businesses in the United States, Canada, Oman, Libya and Nigeria. Together, these businesses are presented as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and collectively are referred to as the “Discontinued Operations”. Net assets and net liabilities related to the Discontinued Operations are included in the line item “Assets associated with discontinued operations” and “Liabilities associated with discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. Liabilities related to the settlement agreement with West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (“WAPCo”) are included in the line items “Current portion of settlement obligation of discontinued operations” and “Long-term portion of settlement obligation of discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. The results of the Discontinued Operations are included in the line item “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. For further discussion of Discontinued Operations, see Note 16 – Discontinued Operations.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements of the Company include all of its majority-owned subsidiaries and all of its wholly-controlled entities. Inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The ownership interest of noncontrolling participants in subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned is included as a separate component of equity. The noncontrolling participants’ share of the net income is included as “Income attributable to noncontrolling interest” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interests in the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates – The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and include certain estimates and assumptions made by management of the Company in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions relate to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: revenue recognition under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, including estimates of progress toward completion and estimates of gross profit or loss accrual on contracts in progress; tax accruals and certain other accrued liabilities; quantification of amounts recorded for contingencies; valuation allowances for accounts receivable and deferred income tax assets; and the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes relevant under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications — Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on the Company’s previously reported consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Out-of-Period Adjustment	'
	Out-of-Period Adjustment — The Company recorded an out-of-period adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2013 related to the reversal of an over-accrual of certain letter of credit and commitment fees. The net impact of the adjustment was a decrease to pre-tax loss, net loss from continuing operations and net loss of $0.6 million. The Company does not believe the adjustment is material individually or in the aggregate to its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, nor does it believe such items are material to any of its previously issued consolidated quarterly and annual financial statements.
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies – Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when management assesses that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Recoveries of costs from third parties, which management assesses as being probable of realization, are recorded as “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Legal costs incurred in connection with matters relating to contingencies are expensed in the period incurred. See Note 13 – Contingencies, Commitments and Other Circumstances for further discussion of the Company’s commitments and contingencies.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable – Most of the accounts receivable and contract work in progress are from clients in the oil, gas, refinery, petrochemical and power industries in North America. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Most contracts require payments as the projects progress or, in certain cases, advance payments. The Company generally does not require collateral, but in most cases can place liens against the property, plant or equipment constructed or terminate the contract if a material default occurs. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the probable amount of credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of receivables. Relevant assessment factors include the creditworthiness of the customer and prior collection history. Balances over 90 days past due and over a specified minimum amount are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all reasonable means of collection are exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The allowance requirements are based on the most current facts available and are re-evaluated and adjusted on a regular basis and as additional information is received.
Inventories	'
	Inventories – Inventories, consisting primarily of parts and supplies, are stated at the lower of actual cost or market. Parts and supplies are evaluated at least annually and adjusted for excess and obsolescence. No excess or obsolescence allowances existed at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation, including amortization of capital leases, is provided on the straight-line method using estimated lives as follows:
	Construction equipment	3-20 years
	Furniture and equipment	3-12 years
	Buildings	20 years
	Transportation equipment	3-17 years
	Marine equipment	10 years
	Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period. Normal repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.
	Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment of such asset is necessary. This requires the Company to make long-term forecasts of the future revenues and costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions about demand for the Company’s products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment, and the Company’s projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require an impairment charge in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be to expense the difference between the fair value (less selling costs) of such asset and its carrying value. Such expense would be reflected in earnings.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets – The Company’s intangible assets with finite lives include customer relationships, trade names, non-compete agreements and developed technology. The value of customer relationships is estimated using the income approach, specifically the excess earnings method. The excess earnings analysis consists of discounting to present value the projected cash flows attributable to the customer relationships, with consideration given to customer contract renewals, the importance or lack thereof of existing customer relationships to the Company’s business plan, income taxes and required rates of return. The value of trade names is estimated using the relief-from-royalty method of the income approach. This approach is based on the assumption that in lieu of ownership, a company would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of this intangible asset.
	The Company amortizes intangible assets based upon the estimated consumption of the economic benefits of each intangible asset or on a straight-line basis if the pattern of economic benefits consumption cannot otherwise be reliably estimated. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment and are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For instance, a significant change in business climate or a loss of a significant customer, among other things, may trigger the need for interim impairment testing of intangible assets. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
Revenue	'
	Revenue – A number of factors relating to the Company’s business affect the recognition of contract revenue. The Company typically structures contracts as unit-price, time and materials, fixed-price or cost plus fixed fee. The Company believes that its operating results should be evaluated over a time horizon during which major contracts in progress are completed and change orders, extra work, variations in the scope of work and cost recoveries and other claims are negotiated and realized. Revenue from unit-price and time and materials contracts is recognized as earned.
	Revenue for fixed-price and cost plus fixed fee contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Under this method, estimated contract income and resulting revenue is generally accrued based on costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs, taking into consideration physical completion. Total estimated costs, and thus contract income, are impacted by changes in productivity, scheduling, the unit cost of labor, subcontracts, materials and equipment. Additionally, external factors such as weather, client needs, client delays in providing permits and approvals, labor availability, governmental regulation and politics may affect the progress of a project’s completion and thus the estimated amount and timing of revenue recognition. Certain fixed-price and cost plus fixed fee contracts include, or are amended to include, incentive bonus amounts, contingent on accomplishing a stated milestone. Revenue attributable to incentive bonus amounts is recognized when the risk and uncertainty surrounding the achievement of the milestone have been removed. The Company does not recognize income on a fixed-price contract until the contract is approximately five to ten percent complete, depending upon the nature of the contract. If a current estimate of total contract cost indicates a loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full when determined.
	The Company considers unapproved change orders to be contract variations on which the Company has customer approval for scope change, but not for price associated with that scope change. Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated cost to complete the contracts and are expensed as incurred. The Company recognizes revenue equal to cost incurred on unapproved change orders when realization of price approval is probable and is estimable. Revenue recognized on unapproved change orders is included in “Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue recognized on unapproved change orders is subject to adjustment in subsequent periods to reflect the changes in estimates or final agreements with customers.
	The Company considers claims to be amounts that the Company seeks or will seek to collect from customers or others for customer-caused changes in contract specifications or design, or other customer-related causes of unanticipated additional contract costs on which there is no agreement with customers on both scope and price changes. Revenue from claims is recognized when agreement is reached with customers as to the value of the claims, which in some instances may not occur until after completion of work under the contract. Costs associated with claims are included in the estimated costs to complete the contracts and are expensed when incurred.
Depreciation	'
	Depreciation – The Company depreciates assets based on their estimated useful lives at the time of acquisition using the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization related to operating activities is included in contract costs; and depreciation and amortization related to general and administrative activities is included in “General and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Contract costs and General and administrative expenses are included within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Further, amortization of assets under capital lease obligations is included in depreciation expense.
Insurance	'
	Insurance– The Company is insured for workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, auto liability and general liability claims, subject to a deductible of $1.0 million per occurrence. Additionally, the Company’s largest non-union employee-related health care benefit plan is subject to a deductible of $0.3 million per claimant per year.
	Losses are accrued based upon the Company’s estimates of the ultimate liability for claims incurred (including an estimate of claims incurred but not reported), with assistance from third-party actuaries. For these claims, to the extent the Company has insurance coverage above the deductible amounts, a receivable is recorded and reflected in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These insurance liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes – The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standard for income taxes takes into account the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to examination for 2008 forward for the United States and the majority of the state jurisdictions, for 2007 forward in Canada and for 2008 forward with respect to Oman.
Warranty Costs	'
	Warranty Costs – The Company warrants labor for new installations and construction and servicing of existing infrastructure and maintains a warranty program which specifically covers its cable remediation services. A warranty reserve of $2.9 million and $2.6 million for cable remediation services is included within “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively
Retirement Plans and Benefits	'
	Retirement Plans and Benefits – The Company has a voluntary defined contribution retirement plan for U.S. based employees that is qualified, and is contributory on the part of the employees, and a voluntary savings plan for certain international employees that is non-qualified, and is contributory on the part of the employees. Additionally, the Company is subject to collective bargaining agreements with various unions. As a result, the Company participates with other companies in the unions’ multi-employer pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation – Compensation cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions is recognized in the financial statements measured based on the grant-date fair value of the instrument issued and is recognized over the vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation method to determine the fair value of stock options granted as of the grant date. Share-based compensation related to restricted stock and restricted stock rights, also described collectively as restricted stock units (“RSU’s”), is recorded based on the Company’s stock price as of the grant date. Awards granted are expensed ratably over the vesting period of the award. Expense on awards granted prior to March 12, 2009 is accelerated upon reaching retirement age. This provision does not exist for awards granted on or after March 12, 2009.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation – All significant monetary asset and liability accounts denominated in currencies other than United States dollars are translated into United States dollars at current exchange rates. Translation adjustments are included in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”). Revenue and expense accounts are converted at prevailing rates throughout the year. Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions are recorded in income in the period in which they are incurred.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk – The Company has a concentration of customers in the oil, gas, refinery, petrochemical and power industries which expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk within a single industry. The Company seeks to obtain advance and progress payments for contract work performed on major contracts. Receivables are generally not collateralized. An allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.4 million and $2.2 million is included within “Accounts receivable, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Income (Loss) per Common Share	'
	Income (Loss) per Common Share – Basic income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss), less any preferred dividend requirements, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated by including the weighted average number of all potentially dilutive common shares with the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Shares of common stock underlying the Company’s convertible notes are included in the calculation of diluted income per share using the “if-converted” method. Therefore, the numerator for diluted income per share is calculated excluding the after-tax interest expense associated with the Company’s convertible notes as long as the associated interest per weighted average convertible share does not exceed basic earnings per share.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company may use derivative financial instruments such as forward contracts, options or other financial instruments as hedges to mitigate non-U.S. currency exchange risk when the Company is unable to match non-U.S. currency revenue with expense in the same currency. In addition, the Company is subject to hedging arrangements to fix or otherwise limit the interest cost of the variable interest rate borrowings and is subject to interest rate risk on its debt and investment of cash and cash equivalents arising in the normal course of business, as the Company does not engage in speculative trading strategies.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions – One of the Company’s board members serves as an officer of a customer in both the Oil & Gas and Professional Services segments. The Company performed midstream natural gas construction and engineering services for this customer generating approximately $0.0 million, $0.9 million and $32.7 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, these projects represent approximately $0.0 million and $0.1 million in accounts payable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Short-term Investments	'
	Short-term Investments – The Company may invest a portion of its cash in short-term time deposits, some of which may have early withdrawal penalties. All such deposits have maturity dates that exceed three months. There were no short-term investments outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard related to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“Accumulated OCI”). Under this standard, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of Accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB clarified the scope of revised disclosure requirements related to balance sheet offsetting that was issued in December 2011. The amendment clarifies that the scope applies to derivatives accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging. The adoption of this revision is required for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this revision did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB amended the accounting standard related to a parent company’s accounting for the foreign cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. Under this standard, a parent entity who ceases to have a controlling interest in a subsidiary that is a business within a foreign entity should only release the cumulative translation adjustment into net income if the loss of controlling interest represents complete, or substantially complete, liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary, or asset group, had resided. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and would affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements if it disposes of a foreign entity.
	In July 2013, the FASB amended the accounting standard related to hedge accounting by permitting the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes in addition to the U.S. Treasury Rate and the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The amendment also removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The amendment is effective prospectively for qualifying new or re-designated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB amended the accounting standard related to income taxes to eliminate a diversity in practice for the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses or tax credit carryforwards exist. The amendment requires that the unrecognized tax benefit be presented as a reduction of the deferred tax assets associated with the carryforwards except in certain circumstances when it would be reflected as a liability. The adoption of this revision is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment	'
	Depreciation, including amortization of capital leases, is provided on the straight-line method using estimated lives as follows:
	Construction equipment	3-20 years
	Furniture and equipment	3-12 years
	Buildings	20 years
	Transportation equipment	3-17 years
	Marine equipment	10 years

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable, Net	'
	Accounts receivable, net as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Trade	$	264,976		$	252,178
	Unbilled revenue		78,279			79,157
	Contract retention		39,065			40,188
	Other receivables		2,542			11,267
	Total accounts receivable		384,862			382,790
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(1,401	)		(2,220	)
	Total accounts receivable, net	$	383,461		$	380,570

Contracts_in_Progress_Tables

Contracts in Progress (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Contract Cost and Recognized Income Not Yet Billed and Related Amounts	'
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed and related amounts billed as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Cost incurred on contracts in progress	$	718,143		$	932,844
	Recognized income		163,615			132,869
			881,758			1,065,713
	Progress billings and advance payments		(850,260	)		(1,012,298	)
		$	31,498		$	53,415
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	$	57,431		$	89,658
	Contract billings in excess of cost and recognized income		(25,933	)		(36,243	)
		$	31,498		$	53,415

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment, which are used to secure debt or are subject to lien, at cost, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Construction equipment	$	92,155		$	94,933
	Furniture and equipment		47,532			50,325
	Land and buildings		13,511			12,384
	Transportation equipment		108,411			107,116
	Leasehold improvements		13,324			23,063
	Marine equipment		95			107
	Total property, plant and equipment		275,028			287,928
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(163,462	)		(163,943	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	111,566		$	123,985

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The Company’s goodwill by segment as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):
	Utility T&D	Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
					Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	151,610		$	(143,543	)	$	8,067
	Impairment losses		—			(8,067	)		(8,067	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	151,610		$	(151,610	)	$	—
	Impairment losses		—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	151,610		$	(151,610	)	$	—
	Oil & Gas	Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
					Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	85,395		$	(85,395	)	$	—
	Impairment losses		—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	85,395		$	(85,395	)	$	—
	Impairment losses		—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	85,395		$	(85,395	)	$	—
	Canada	Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
					Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	2,210		$	(2,210	)	$	—
	Impairment losses		—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	2,210		$	(2,210	)	$	—
	Impairment losses		—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	2,210		$	(2,210	)	$	—
	Professional Services	Goodwill			Impairment			Total, Net
					Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	7,427		$	(7,427	)	$	—
	Impairment losses		—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	7,427		$	(7,427	)	$	—
	Impairment losses		—			—			—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	7,427		$	(7,427	)	$	—
Schedule of Fair Value Estimate Calculation of Goodwill	'
	Detailed below is a table of key underlying assumptions for all reporting units utilized in the fair value estimate calculation for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
		2012		2011
	Income Approach – Discounted Cash Flows
	Revenue Growth Rates	(7.7)% to 3.0%		2.5% to 41.0%
	Weighted Average Cost of Capital	16.00%		17.0% to 18.0%
	Terminal Value Rate	3.00%		2.50%
	EBITDA Margin Rate	8.0% to 8.2%		4.1% to 12.0%
	Market Approach – Multiples of EBITDA
	EBITDA Multiples Used	4.3		3.0 to 4.5
	Market Approach – Comparison of Recent Transactions
	EBITDA Multiples Used	N/A		N/A
Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amounts of Intangible Assets	'
	The Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013
		Customer			Trademark/			Non-compete
		Relationships			Tradename			Agreements			Technology			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	143,909		$	9,702		$	328		$	4,123		$	158,062
	Amortization		(13,037	)		(1,275	)		(220	)		(550	)		(15,082	)
	Other		—			159			—			—			159
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	130,872		$	8,586		$	108		$	3,573		$	143,139
	Weighted average remaining amortization period		10.3 yrs			6.4 yrs			0.5 yrs			6.5 yrs
		December 31, 2012
		Customer			Trademark/			Non-compete
		Relationships			Tradename			Agreements			Technology			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	156,857		$	10,794		$	550		$	4,675		$	172,876
	Amortization		(12,948	)		(1,263	)		(222	)		(552	)		(14,985	)
	Other		—			171			—			—			171
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	143,909		$	9,702		$	328		$	4,123		$	158,062
	Weighted average remaining amortization period		11.3 yrs			7.4 yrs			1.5 yrs			7.5 yrs
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense for each of the subsequent five years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	14,955
	2015		14,845
	2016		14,845
	2017		14,845
	2018		14,845
	Thereafter		68,804
	Total amortization	$	143,139

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Trade accounts payable	$	109,131	$	131,441
	Payroll and payroll liabilities		57,431		48,917
	Accrued contract costs		43,059		58,301
	Self-insurance accrual		14,785		18,559
	Other accrued liabilities		34,654		38,289
	Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	259,060	$	295,507

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Term loan, net of unamortized discount of $8,306 and $4,983		$	241,069		$	184,187
	Revolver borrowings			18,953			104,407
	Capital lease obligations			2,278			3,598
	Other obligations			14,908			11,167
	Total debt			277,208			303,359
	Less: current portion			(7,395	)		(6,725	)
	Long-term debt, net		$	269,813		$	296,634
Schedule of Interest Rate Margins	'
	The interest rate margins will be adjusted each quarter based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio as of the end of the previous quarter as follows:
	Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		U.S. Base Rate, Canadian			LIBOR Loans, BA Rate Loans and
			Base Rate and Canadian			Letter of Credit Fees
			Prime Rate Loans
	>1.25 to 1			1.25	%		2.25	%
	£ 1.25 to 1 and 1.15 to 1			1.5	%		2.5	%
	£ 1.15 to 1			1.75	%		2.75	%
Schedule of Primary Covenants Included in 2013 Credit Facilities	'
	The table below sets forth the primary financial covenants included in the 2013 Credit Facilities and the calculation with respect to these covenants at December 31, 2013:
			Covenants		Actual Ratios
			Requirements		at December 31, 2013
	Maximum Total Leverage Ratio(1) under the 2013 Term Loan Facility (the ratio of Consolidated Debt to Consolidated EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement for the 2013 Term Loan Facility) should be equal to or less than:		4.00 to 1		3
	Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio(2) under the 2013 Term Loan Facility (the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense as defined in the credit agreement for the 2013 Term Loan Facility) should be equal to or greater than:		3.25 to 1		3.62
	Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio(3) under the ABL Credit Facility (the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures and cash income taxes to Consolidated Interest Expense, Restricted Payments made in cash and scheduled cash principal payments made on borrowed money as defined in the credit agreement for the ABL Credit Facility) should be equal to or greater than:		1.15 to 1		N/A(3)
	(1)	The Maximum Total Leverage Ratio decreases to 3.50 as of March 31, 2014, 3.00 as of June 30, 2014 and 2.75 as of March 31, 2015.
	(2)	The Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio increases to 3.50 as of March 31, 2014.
	(3)	The Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is applicable only if excess availability under the ABL Credit Facility is less than the greater of 15 percent of the commitments or $22.5 million. In addition, prepayments of indebtedness under the 2013 Term Loan Facility are permitted if excess availability under the ABL Credit Facility exceeds the greater of 20 percent of the commitments and $30.0 million and the borrowers and guarantors are in compliance with the Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a pro forma basis immediately prior to and giving effect to the prepayment. Prepayments of indebtedness under the 2013 Term Loan Facility are permitted without restriction to the extent such prepayments are from the proceeds of dispositions of the Term Loan Priority Collateral.
Fair Value of Debt Instruments	'
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt instruments as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Term Loan		$	252,372		$	192,752
	Revolver borrowings			18,953			104,407
	Capital lease obligations			2,278			3,598
	Other obligations			14,908			11,167
	Total fair value of debt instruments		$	288,511		$	311,924
Amount of Interest Expense Recognized and Effective Interest Rate	'
	The amount of interest expense recognized and effective interest rate related to this debt for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Contractual coupon interest		$	—		$	1,996		$	2,083
	Amortization of discount			—			—			—
	Interest expense		$	—		$	1,996		$	2,083
	Effective interest rate			N/A			6.5	%		6.5	%
Summary of Assets Held under Capital Leases	'
	Assets held under capital leases at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Construction equipment		$	2,456		$	3,615
	Transportation equipment			—			2,619
	Furniture and equipment			2,227			3,506
	Total assets held under capital lease			4,683			9,740
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(1,261	)		(3,910	)
	Net assets under capital lease		$	3,422		$	5,830
Minimum Lease Payments for Assets Financed under Capital Lease Arrangements	'
	The following are the minimum lease payments for assets financed under capital lease arrangements as of December 31, 2013 and for each of the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2014		$	1,052
	2015			1,003
	2016			480
	2017			—
	2018			—
	Thereafter			—
	Total minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations			2,535
	Less: future interest expense			(257	)
	Net minimum lease payments under capital leases obligations			2,278
	Less: current portion of net minimum lease payments			(890	)
	Long-term net minimum lease payments		$	1,388
Principal Amounts Due under Remaining Debt Obligations	'
	The principal amounts due under the Company’s remaining debt obligations as of December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
	Fiscal year:
	2014		$	7,662
	2015			7,096
	2016			7,096
	2017			3,054
	2018			21,453
	Thereafter			236,875
			$	283,236

Retirement_Plans_and_Benefits_

Retirement Plans and Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans and Benefits	'
	The following table contains a summary of plan information relating to the Company’s participation in multiemployer pension plans, including Company contributions for the last three years, status of the multiemployer plan, and whether the plan is subject to a funding improvement, rehabilitation plan or contribution surcharges. Information has been presented separately for individually significant plans (defined as plans that make up 70 to 80 percent of the total Company defined benefit contributions and any plan that exceeds individual contributions of $0.1 million in any plan year presented).
	Fund		EIN/PN	PPA	Plan Year	Subject to	2013		2012		2011		Surcha-	Expiration
				Zone	End for	Funding	Contributions		Contributions		Contributions		rge	Date of
				Status	Zone	Improvement/							Impose	Collective
				-1	Status	Rehabilitation								Bargaining
						Plan(2)								Agreement
	Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust		48-6168020/	Yellow	12/31/13	Yes	$	8,468	$	6,577	$	3,759	No		12/31/13
			1
	Pennsylvania Heavy and Highway Contractors Pension Trust		23-6531755/	Green	12/31/13	No	$	1,171	$	1,192	$	625	No		5/31/16
			1
	Pension Plan of Steamfitters Pension Fund 475		22-6029738/	Yellow	12/31/13	Yes	$	1,048	$	207	$	81	No		4/30/16
			1
	Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund		52-6152779/	Yellow	6/30/13	Yes	$	494	$	731	$	431	No		8/31/14
			1
	Pipe Trades Pension of Montana		91-1530117/	Green	6/30/13	No	$	353	$	—	$	15	No		8/31/14
			1
	Alaska Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Pension Fund		52-6103810/	Green	12/31/13	No	$	226	$	—	$	—	No		6/30/14
			1
	Central Pension Fund of the IUOE and Participating Employers		36-6052390/	Green	1/31/13	No	$	127	$	126	$	45	No		5/31/14
			1
	Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 553 Pension Plan		37-6052808/	Green	12/31/13	Yes	$	—	$	303	$	—	No		12/31/13
			1
	Other Funds						$	503	$	493	$	452
	Total Contributions:						$	12,390	$	9,629	$	5,408
	(1)	The zone status is based on information that Company received from the plan as well as publicly available information per the Department of Labor website and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded.
	(2)	The “Subject to Funding Improvement / Rehabilitation Plan” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes on Continuing Operations	'
	Income (loss) before income taxes on continuing operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Foreign	$	34,739		$	(838	)	$	(7,731	)
	United States		(43,641	)		(18,702	)		(237,405	)
			(8,902	)		(19,540	)		(245,136	)
	Oman noncontrolling interest		—			976			1,195
		$	(8,902	)	$	(18,564	)	$	(243,941	)
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes on Continuing Operations by Country	'
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes on continuing operations by country consists of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current provision (benefit):
	Foreign	$	10,363		$	2,987		$	(4,173	)
	United States:
	Federal		1,957			117			(1,672	)
	State		1,614			1,336			2,258
			13,934			4,440			(3,587	)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Foreign		280			251			3,338
	United States		320			36			(33,309	)
			600			287			(29,971	)
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	14,534		$	4,727		$	(33,558	)
Reconciliation of Differences Between Provision (Benefit) for Income Tax Computed and Reported Provision for Income Taxes	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Taxes on earnings at statutory rate in domicile of parent company	$	(3,105	)	$	(6,844	)	$	(84,677	)
	Earnings taxed at rates less or greater than parent company rates:
	Foreign		(4,662	)		1,991			5,773
	State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit		1,250			869			(767	)
	Contingent earnout		—			—			(3,500	)
	Other impairment		—			(992	)		—
	Goodwill impairment		—			1,282			23,372
	Non deductibles		5,739			5,087			1,651
	Acquisition costs		21			(128	)		—
	Changes in provision for unrecognized tax positions		1,381			1,154			(786	)
	Change in valuation allowance		4,601			3,806			26,902
	Stock-based compensation		(133	)		1,100			915
	Deferred tax adjustments		(420	)		(3,543	)		(85	)
	Section 162M		244			—			—
	Deemed dividend/previously taxed income		8,728			—			—
	Prior year tax settlement		856			—			—
	Other		34			945			(2,356	)
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	14,534		$	4,727		$	(33,558	)
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	3,290		$	2,581
	Change in measurement of existing tax positions related to expiration of statute of limitations		(600	)		(55	)
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		—			117
	Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		516			752
	Settlements		(1,329	)		(149	)
	Foreign exchange difference in Canadian operations		84			44
	Ending balance	$	1,961		$	3,290
Summary of Principal Components of Company's Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	'
	The principal components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Current:
	Accrued vacation	$	3,886		$	4,292
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		484			952
	Estimated loss		258			1,814
	Prepaid expenses		12,635			8,919
	Various accrued liabilities		1,079			1,001
	Other		692			502
			19,034			17,480
	Non-current:
	Deferred compensation		4,299			3,871
	Insurance reserve		—			2,475
	Term loan amortization		—			1,332
	Goodwill impairment		31,075			55,142
	U.S. tax net operating loss carry forwards		49,542			20,991
	State tax net operating loss carry forwards		11,024			8,480
	Foreign tax net operating loss carry forwards		3,335			4,632
	Bond discount amortization		410			919
	Other		2,095			2,802
	Gross deferred tax assets		120,814			118,124
	Valuation allowance		(62,828	)		(51,916	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		57,986			66,208
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Non-current:
	Goodwill and intangibles		(36,921	)		(35,218	)
	Depreciation		(19,808	)		(29,575	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(56,729	)		(64,793	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,257		$	1,415
	United States	$	670		$	948
	Foreign		587			467
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,257		$	1,415

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component	'
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
		Foreign currency			Changes in			Total
		translation			derivative			accumulated
		adjustments			financial			comprehensive
					instruments			income
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	14,945		$	(1,441	)	$	13,504
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(3,797	)		(2,053	)		(5,850	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		132			1,021			1,153
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(3,665	)		(1,032	)		(4,697	)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	11,280		$	(2,473	)	$	8,807
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
		Foreign currency			Changes in			Total
		translation			derivative			accumulated
		adjustments			financial			comprehensive
					instruments			income
	Balance December 31, 2011	$	16,466		$	(1,896	)	$	14,570
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(1,521	)		(326	)		(1,847	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			781			781
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,521	)		455			(1,066	)
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	14,945		$	(1,441	)	$	13,504
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		(in thousands)
		Foreign currency			Changes in			Total
		translation			derivative			accumulated
		adjustments			financial			comprehensive
					instruments			income
	Balance December 31, 2010	$	17,916		$	22		$	17,938
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(1,450	)		(1,960	)		(3,410	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			42			42
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(1,450	)		(1,918	)		(3,368	)
	Balance December 31, 2011	$	16,466		$	(1,896	)	$	14,570
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount			Details about
	Comprehensive Income Components	Reclassified from			Accumulated Other
		Accumulated Other			Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Comprehensive			Components
		Income (Loss)
	Interest rate contracts	$	1,021		Interest expense, net
	Total	$	1,021
	Year Ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount			Details about
	Comprehensive Income Components	Reclassified from			Accumulated Other
		Accumulated Other			Comprehensive
		Comprehensive			Income (Loss)
		Income (Loss)			Components
	Interest rate contracts	$	781		Interest expense, net
	Total	$	781
	Year Ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount Reclassified			Details about
	Comprehensive Income Components	from Accumulated			Accumulated Other
		Other Comprehensive			Comprehensive
		Income (Loss)			Income (Loss)
					Components
	Interest rate contracts	$	42		Interest expense, net
	Total	$	42
Stock Option Activity and Related Information	'
	The Company’s stock option activity and related information consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013
		Shares			Weighted-Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding, beginning of year		227,750		$	15.28
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Forfeited or expired		—			—
	Outstanding, end of year		227,750		$	15.28
	Exercisable at end of year		227,750		$	15.28
RSU Activity and Related Information	'
	The Company’s RSU activity and related information consist of:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013
		Shares			Weighted-Average
					Grant-Date Fair
					Value
	Nonvested, beginning of year		1,221,977		$	6.51
	Granted		952,560			9.23
	Vested		(659,556	)		7.26
	Forfeited		(66,725	)		6.42
	Nonvested, end of year		1,448,256		$	7.88

Income_Loss_Per_Common_Share_T

Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share	'
	Basic and diluted loss per common share is computed as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(23,436	)	$	(23,291	)	$	(210,383	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—
	Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Willbros Group, Inc. (numerator for basic calculation)		(23,436	)		(23,291	)		(210,383	)
	Add: Interest and debt issuance costs associated with convertible notes		—			—			—
	Net loss from continuing operations applicable to common shares (numerator for diluted calculation)	$	(23,436	)	$	(23,291	)	$	(210,383	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic income per share		48,560,167			48,019,303			47,475,680
	Weighted average number of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding		—			—			—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for diluted income per share		48,560,167			48,019,303			47,475,680
	Loss per common share from continuing operations:
	Basic	$	(0.48	)	$	(0.49	)	$	(4.43	)
	Diluted	$	(0.48	)	$	(0.49	)	$	(4.43	)
Schedule of Potentially Dilutive Shares	'
	The Company has excluded shares potentially issuable under the terms of use of the securities listed below from the number of potentially dilutive shares outstanding as the effect would be anti-dilutive:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	6.5% Senior Convertible Notes		—			—			1,825,587
	Stock options		181,279			227,750			181,666
	Restricted stock and restricted stock rights		499,371			263,119			158,672
			680,650			490,869			2,165,925

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Company's Operations by Reportable Segment	'
	The tables below have been revised to reflect the Company’s operations by its current reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Oil & Gas			Utility T&D			Professional			Canada			Eliminations			Consolidated
								Services
	Revenue	$	791,076		$	446,216		$	342,746		$	445,213		$	(6,468	)	$	2,018,783
	Operating expenses		831,269			422,983			327,031			409,837			(6,468	)		1,984,652
	Operating income (loss)	$	(40,193	)	$	23,233		$	15,715		$	35,376		$	—			34,131
	Other expense																	(43,033	)
	Provision for income taxes																	14,534
	Loss from continuing operations																	(23,436	)
	Income from discontinued operations net of provision for income taxes																	7,569
	Loss from continuing and discontinued operations																	(15,867	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest																	—
	Net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.																$	(15,867	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Oil & Gas			Utility T&D			Professional			Canada			Eliminations			Consolidated
								Services
	Revenue	$	902,688		$	483,603		$	330,594		$	216,793		$	(4,878	)	$	1,928,800
	Operating expenses		904,167			470,639			319,168			216,833			(4,878	)		1,905,929
	Goodwill impairment		—			8,067			—			—			—			8,067
	Operating income (loss)	$	(1,479	)	$	4,897		$	11,426		$	(40	)	$	—			14,804
	Other expense																	(33,368	)
	Provision for income taxes																	4,727
	Loss from continuing operations																	(23,291	)
	Loss from discontinued operations net of provision for income taxes																	(5,944	)
	Loss from continuing and discontinued operations																	(29,235	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest																	(976	)
	Net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.																$	(30,211	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Oil & Gas			Utility T&D			Professional			Canada			Eliminations			Consolidated
								Services
	Revenue	$	560,202		$	388,438		$	278,101		$	153,411		$	(3,783	)	$	1,376,369
	Operating expenses		586,655			392,617			275,627			148,741			(3,783	)		1,399,857
	Goodwill impairment		30,709			143,543			2,113			2,210						178,575
	Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability		—			—			—			—			—			(10,000	)
	Operating loss	$	(57,162	)	$	(147,722	)	$	361		$	2,460		$	—			(192,063	)
	Other expense																	(51,878	)
	Benefit for income taxes																	(33,558	)
	Loss from continuing operations																	(210,383	)
	Loss from discontinued operations net of provision (benefit) for income taxes																	(82,438	)
	Loss from continuing and discontinued operations																	(292,821	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest																	(1,195	)
	Net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.																$	(294,016	)
	Depreciation and amortization expense by segment are presented below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Oil & Gas	$	11,731		$	12,700		$	15,688
	Utility T&D		24,839			28,299			31,151
	Professional Services		2,945			3,150			3,496
	Canada		2,679			2,196			2,413
	Total	$	42,194		$	46,345		$	52,748
	Amounts above include corporate allocated depreciation of $565, $616 and $565 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Capital expenditures by segment are presented below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Oil & Gas	$	3,934		$	5,766		$	3,923
	Utility T&D		3,149			2,061			2,828
	Professional Services		2,735			1,227			1,255
	Canada		3,928			661			52
	Corporate		2,552			944			1,989
	Total	$	16,298		$	10,659		$	10,047
	Total assets by segment as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are presented below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
Oil & Gas	$	278,115		$	329,198
Utility T&D		260,867			279,480
Professional Services		91,677			88,133
Canada		123,838			103,157
Corporate		57,448			87,338
Total assets, continuing operations	$	811,945		$	887,306
Total Contract Revenue	'
	Customers representing 10 percent or more of total contract revenue are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Oncor		11.5	%		16.3	%		15.5	%
	Enterprise Products Partners L.P.		10.4	%		—			—
Information about the Company's Operation	'
	Information about the Company’s operations in its work countries is shown below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Contract revenue:
	United States	$	1,568,411		$	1,705,653		$	1,210,993
	Canada		445,213			216,793			153,411
	Other		5,159			6,354			11,965
		$	2,018,783		$	1,928,800		$	1,376,369
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	United States	$	103,560		$	117,205
	Canada		7,955			6,689
	Other		51			91
		$	111,566		$	123,985

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The fair value of these financial instruments (in thousands) was determined using the following inputs as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Total				Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets for			Other			Other
						Identical Assets			Observable			Unobservable
						(Level 1)			Inputs			Inputs
									(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,473			$	—		$	2,473		$	—
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Total				Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets for			Other			Other
						Identical Assets			Observable			Unobservable
						(Level 1)			Inputs			Inputs
									(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,441			$	—		$	1,441		$	—
Interest Rate Swaps and Caps Derivatives Recognized in Earnings	'
		Liability Derivatives
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet	Fair
		Location		Value				Location	Value
	Interest rate contracts – swaps	Other current liabilities		$	1,505			Other current liabilities	$	927
	Interest rate contracts – swaps	Other long-term liabilities		$	968			Other long-term liabilities	$	514
	Total derivatives			$	2,473				$	1,441
Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain Recognized										Financial Statement		Amount of Loss
		in OCI										Classification		Reclassified from
		on Derivative												Accumulated OCI
		(Effective Portion)												into Income
														(Effective Portion)
		2013				2012			2011					2013		2012		2011
	Interest rate contracts	$	(2,053	)		$	(326	)	$	(1,960	)	Interest expense, net		$	1,021	$	781	$	42
	Total	$	(2,053	)		$	(326	)	$	(1,960	)			$	1,021	$	781	$	42

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data	'
	Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is presented below (in thousands).
	Year 2013 Quarter Ended	March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,			Total
		2013			2013			2013			2013			2013
	Contract revenue	$	487,359		$	487,864		$	503,038		$	540,522		$	2,018,783
	Contract income		39,842			55,057			57,345			64,669			216,913
	Operating income (loss)		(1,558	)		9,363			10,868			15,458			34,131
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(9,017	)		2,133			(9,261	)		7,243			(8,902	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes		(11,629	)		1,007			(12,466	)		(348	)		(23,436	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of provision (benefit) for income taxes		15,821			(7,908	)		(13,467	)		13,123			7,569
	Net income (loss)		4,192			(6,901	)		(25,933	)		12,775			(15,867	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	$	4,192		$	(6,901	)	$	(25,933	)	$	12,775		$	(15,867	)
	Reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(11,629	)	$	1,007		$	(12,466	)	$	(348	)	$	(23,436	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		15,821			(7,908	)		(13,467	)		13,123			7,569
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	$	4,192		$	(6,901	)	$	(25,933	)	$	12,775		$	(15,867	)
	Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.24	)	$	0.02		$	(0.26	)	$	0		$	(0.48	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0.33			(0.16	)		(0.28	)		0.27			0.16
	Net income (loss)	$	0.09		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.54	)	$	0.27		$	(0.32	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.24	)	$	0.02		$	(0.26	)	$	0		$	(0.48	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0.33			(0.16	)		(0.28	)		0.27			0.16
	Net income (loss)	$	0.09		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.54	)	$	0.27		$	(0.32	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
	Basic		48,307,330			48,586,757			48,642,180			48,704,399			48,560,167
	Diluted		48,307,330			49,235,297			48,642,180			48,704,399			48,560,167
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,			Total
		2012			2012			2012			2012			2012
	Year 2012 Quarter Ended
	Contract revenue	$	373,706		$	450,422		$	547,993		$	556,679		$	1,928,800
	Contract income		31,626			44,405			53,219			60,573			189,823
	Operating income (loss)		(9,720	)		7,494			11,318			5,712			14,804
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(20,177	)		(783	)		4,744			(2,348	)		(18,564	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes		(21,150	)		(1,991	)		3,847			(3,997	)		(23,291	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of provision for income taxes		770			5,699			(3,112	)		(9,301	)		(5,944	)
	Net income (loss)		(20,380	)		3,708			735			(13,298	)		(29,235	)
	Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(344	)		(328	)		(273	)		(31	)		(976	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	$	(20,724	)	$	3,380		$	462		$	(13,329	)	$	(30,211	)
	Reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(21,150	)	$	(1,991	)	$	3,847		$	(3,997	)	$	(23,291	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		426			5,371			(3,385	)		(9,332	)		(6,920	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	$	(20,724	)	$	3,380		$	462		$	(13,329	)	$	(30,211	)
	Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.04	)	$	0.08		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.49	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0.01			0.11			(0.07	)		(0.19	)		(0.14	)
	Net income (loss)	$	(0.43	)	$	0.07		$	0.01		$	(0.28	)	$	(0.63	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.04	)	$	0.08		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.49	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0.01			0.11			(0.07	)		(0.19	)		(0.14	)
	Net income (loss)	$	(0.43	)	$	0.07		$	0.01		$	(0.28	)	$	(0.63	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
	Basic		47,781,396			47,994,987			48,119,758			48,176,071			48,019,303
	Diluted		47,781,396			47,994,987			48,452,014			48,176,071			48,019,303

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Major Classes of Revenue and Income (Losses) with Respect to Discontinued Operations	'
	Condensed Statements of Operations of the Discontinued Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Canada			Libya			WAGP			InterCon			Hawkeye			Oman		Other			Total
	Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	81,724		$	—	$	—		$	81,724
	Operating income (loss)		(27	)		(70	)		29			—			(15,461	)		23,639		(507	)		7,603
	Pre-tax income (loss)		(27	)		(70	)		29			—			(15,620	)		23,639		(382	)		7,569
	Provision for taxes		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—
	Net income (loss)		(27	)		(70	)		29			—			(15,620	)		23,639		(382	)		7,569
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Canada			Libya			WAGP			InterCon			Hawkeye			Oman		Other			Total
	Revenue	$	31,587		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	108,878		$	75,446	$	—		$	215,911
	Operating income (loss)		12,779			(58	)		(4,274	)		—			(20,825	)		6,392		(239	)		(6,225	)
	Pre-tax income (loss)		13,848			(58	)		(4,274	)		—			(20,685	)		6,566		2,567			(2,036	)
	Provision for taxes		2,796			—			—			—			—			1,112		—			3,908
	Net income (loss)		11,052			(58	)		(4,274	)		—			(20,685	)		5,454		2,567			(5,944	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Canada			Libya			WAGP			InterCon			Hawkeye			Oman		Other			Total
	Revenue	$	136,036		$	—		$	—		$	42,826		$	164,842		$	73,829	$	—		$	417,533
	Operating income (loss)		(18,589	)		(487	)		(71,858	)		(5,326	)		(3,863	)		11,204		—			(88,919	)
	Pre-tax income (loss)		(18,484	)		(487	)		(71,858	)		(5,329	)		(3,921	)		11,289		—			(88,790	)
	Provision (benefit) for taxes		(6,548	)		—			—			(1,069	)		—			1,265		—			(6,352	)
	Net income (loss)		(11,936	)		(487	)		(71,858	)		(4,260	)		(3,921	)		10,024		—			(82,438	)
	Condensed Balance Sheets of the Discontinued Operations are as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		Hawkeye			Oman			WAPCo			Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,041		$	—		$	—		$	1,041
	Accounts receivable, net		36,404			—			—			36,404
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed		18,379			—			—			18,379
	Property, plant and equipment, net		1,195			—			—			1,195
	Intangible assets, net		—			—			—			—
	Other		1,704			—			—			1,704
	Total assets		58,723			—			—			58,723
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	9,952		$	—		$	—		$	9,952
	Settlement obligations		—			—			36,500			36,500
	Other		178			—			—			178
	Total liabilities		10,130			—			36,500			46,630
	Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations		48,593			—			(36,500	)		12,093
		December 31, 2012
		Hawkeye			Oman			WAPCo			Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	5,602		$	—		$	5,602
	Accounts receivable, net		39,825			13,697			—			53,522
	Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed		6,327			524			—			6,851
	Property, plant and equipment, net		6,683			4,339			—			11,022
	Intangible assets, net		5,135			—			—			5,135
	Other		4,834			3,974			—			8,808
	Total assets		62,804			28,136			—			90,940
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	14,303		$	9,438		$	—		$	23,741
	Settlement obligations		—			—			41,500			41,500
	Other		1,081			1,352			—			2,433
	Total liabilities		15,384			10,790			41,500			67,674
	Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations		47,420			17,346			(41,500	)		23,266

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Decrease to net loss due to out of period adjustments	$600,000	'	'
Number of balance days due	'90 days	'	'
Obsolescence allowances	0	0	'
Deductible insurance claims for workers	1,000,000	'	'
Deductible non-union employee-related health care benefit plan	300,000	'	'
Warranty Reserves	2,900,000	2,600,000	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,401,000	2,220,000	'
Maturity period of liquid investments	'Three months or less	'	'
Revenue from natural gas and engineering	0	900,000	32,700,000
Accounts payable	0	100,000	'
Short term investment maturity period minimum	'3 months	'	'
Short term investment	$0	$0	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Construction equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'3 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'3 years
Minimum [Member] | Transportation equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'3 years
Maximum [Member] | Construction equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'20 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'12 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'20 years
Maximum [Member] | Transportation equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'17 years
Maximum [Member] | Marine equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of the step up related to PP&E	'10 years

Accounts_Receivable_Accounts_R

Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total accounts receivable	$384,862	$382,790
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-1,401	-2,220
Total accounts receivable, net	383,461	380,570
Trade [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total accounts receivable	264,976	252,178
Unbilled revenue [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total accounts receivable	78,279	79,157
Contract retention [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total accounts receivable	39,065	40,188
Other receivables [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total accounts receivable	$2,542	$11,267

Accounts_Receivable_Additional

Accounts Receivable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	$1,401	$2,220	'
General and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	$1,200	$1,300	$800

Contracts_in_Progress_Schedule

Contracts in Progress - Schedule of Contract Cost and Recognized Income Not Yet Billed and Related Amounts (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Contract Cost And Recognized Income Not Yet Billed And Related Amounts [Abstract]	'	'
Cost incurred on contracts in progress	$718,143	$932,844
Recognized income	163,615	132,869
Contract cost in excess of cost and recognized income	881,758	1,065,713
Progress billings and advance payments	-850,260	-1,012,298
Total Contract in progress	31,498	53,415
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	57,431	89,658
Contract billings in excess of cost and recognized income	-25,933	-36,243
Net cost of contracts in progress	$31,498	$53,415

Contracts_in_Progress_Addition

Contracts in Progress - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Contractors [Abstract]	'	'
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed on completed agreements	$5.10	$5.90

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	$275,028	$287,928
Less: accumulated depreciation	-163,462	-163,943
Total property, plant and equipment, net	111,566	123,985
Construction equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	92,155	94,933
Furniture and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	47,532	50,325
Land and Building [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	13,511	12,384
Transportation equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	108,411	107,116
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	13,324	23,063
Marine equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	$95	$107

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Construction in progress	$4,100,000	$4,000,000	'
Depreciation expense included in operating expense	$42,194,000	$46,345,000	$52,748,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Utility T&D [Member]

Utility T&D [Member]

Utility T&D [Member]

Oil & Gas [Member]

Oil & Gas [Member]

Oil & Gas [Member]

Canada [Member]

Canada [Member]

Canada [Member]

Professional Services [Member]

Professional Services [Member]

Professional Services [Member]

Goodwill [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill Beginning Balance

'

'

'

$151,610

'

$151,610

'

$85,395

$85,395

'

$2,210

$2,210

'

$7,427

$7,427

Impairment losses

8,100

8,067

178,575

-8,067

143,500

'

30,700

'

'

2,200

'

'

2,100

'

'

Goodwill Ending Balance

'

'

'

151,610

151,610

151,610

85,395

85,395

85,395

2,210

2,210

2,210

7,427

7,427

7,427

Impairment Reserves Beginning Balance

'

'

'

-143,543

'

-151,610

'

-85,395

-85,395

'

-2,210

-2,210

'

-7,427

-7,427

Impairment losses

8,100

8,067

178,575

-8,067

143,500

'

30,700

'

'

2,200

'

'

2,100

'

'

Impairment Reserves Ending Balance

'

'

'

-151,610

-143,543

-151,610

-85,395

-85,395

-85,395

-2,210

-2,210

-2,210

-7,427

-7,427

-7,427

Total , Net Beginning Balance

'

'

'

8,067

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment losses

8,100

8,067

178,575

-8,067

143,500

'

30,700

'

'

2,200

'

'

2,100

'

'

Total , Net Ending Balance

'

'

'

'

$8,067

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	$8,100	'	$8,067	$178,575
Amortization method	'	'on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of intangible asset	'	'	'5 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of intangible asset	'	'	'	'15 years
Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flows [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Projected future annual cash flows period	'	'	'8 years	'
Weighted Average Cost of Capital	'	'	16.00%	'
Terminal growth rate used for analysis	'	'	3.00%	'
Company weighted approaches	'	'	70.00%	'
Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flows [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Cost of Capital	'	'	'	17.00%
Revenue compounded annual growth rates	'	'	-7.70%	2.50%
EBITDA margins	'	'	8.00%	4.10%
Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flows [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Cost of Capital	'	'	'	18.00%
Revenue compounded annual growth rates	'	'	3.00%	41.00%
EBITDA margins	'	'	8.20%	12.00%
Market Approach - Multiples of EBITDA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	'	'	4.3	'
Company weighted approaches	'	'	0.00%	'
Market Approach - Multiples of EBITDA [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	'	'	'	3
Market Approach - Multiples of EBITDA [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	'	'	'	4.5
Market Approach - Comparisons of Recent Transactions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	'	'	0	0
Company weighted approaches	'	'	30.00%	'
Utility T&D [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	'	-8,067	143,500
Oil & Gas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	'	'	30,700
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	'	'	2,200
Professional Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	'	'	$2,100

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Fair Value Estimate Calculation of Goodwill (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flows [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Cost of Capital	16.00%	'
Terminal Value Rate	3.00%	2.50%
Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flows [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue Growth Rates	-7.70%	2.50%
Weighted Average Cost of Capital	'	17.00%
EBITDA Margin Rate	8.00%	4.10%
Income Approach - Discounted Cash Flows [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue Growth Rates	3.00%	41.00%
Weighted Average Cost of Capital	'	18.00%
EBITDA Margin Rate	8.20%	12.00%
Market Approach - Multiples of EBITDA [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	4.3	'
Market Approach - Multiples of EBITDA [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	'	3
Market Approach - Multiples of EBITDA [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	'	4.5
Market Approach - Comparisons of Recent Transactions [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
EBITDA Multiples Used	0	0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amounts of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$158,062	$172,876	'
Amortization	-15,082	-14,985	-15,108
Other	159	171	'
Ending Balance	143,139	158,062	172,876
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	143,909	156,857	'
Amortization	-13,037	-12,948	'
Ending Balance	130,872	143,909	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period	'10 years 3 months 18 days	'11 years 3 months 18 days	'
Trademark / Tradename [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	9,702	10,794	'
Amortization	-1,275	-1,263	'
Other	159	171	'
Ending Balance	8,586	9,702	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period	'6 years 4 months 24 days	'7 years 4 months 24 days	'
Non-compete Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	328	550	'
Amortization	-220	-222	'
Ending Balance	108	328	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period	'6 months	'1 year 6 months	'
Technology [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	4,123	4,675	'
Amortization	-550	-552	'
Ending Balance	$3,573	$4,123	'
Weighted average remaining amortization period	'6 years 6 months	'7 years 6 months	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets6

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fiscal year:	'	'	'
2014	$14,955	'	'
2015	14,845	'	'
2016	14,845	'	'
2017	14,845	'	'
2018	14,845	'	'
Thereafter	68,804	'	'
Total amortization	$143,139	$158,062	$172,876

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]	'	'
Trade accounts payable	$109,131	$131,441
Payroll and payroll liabilities	57,431	48,917
Accrued contract costs	43,059	58,301
Self-insurance accrual	14,785	18,559
Other accrued liabilities	34,654	38,289
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$259,060	$295,507

Longterm_Debt_Long_Term_Debt_D

Long-term Debt - Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$277,208	$303,359
Less: current portion	-7,395	-6,725
Long-term debt, net	269,813	296,634
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	241,069	184,187
Capital lease obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	2,278	3,598
Other obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	14,908	11,167
Revolver borrowings [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$18,953	$104,407

Longterm_Debt_Long_Term_Debt_P

Long-term Debt - Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unamortized discount	$8,306	$4,983

Longterm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 07, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 07, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Eurodollar Rate [Member]

6.5% Senior Convertible Notes [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

ABL Credit Facility [Member]

Term Loan Facility [Member]

Term Loan Facility [Member]

Term Loan Facility [Member]

ABR [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Usage less than 50 Percent [Member]

Usage equals or exceeds 50 Percent [Member]

Bankers Acceptance [Member]

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

U.S. or Canadian Base Rate [Member]

Canadian Prime Rate [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

U.S. Facility [Member]

Canadian Facility [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Short-term Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, Principal amount

'

'

'

'

$150,000,000

$150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$125,000,000

$25,000,000

'

$250,000,000

'

'

'

Expiry period

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'

'

'

Maturity of notes

'

'

'

15-Dec-12

7-Aug-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7-Aug-19

'

'

'

'

Debt extinguishment cost

11,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sublimit for letters of credit

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Possible borrowings subject to certain conditions

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of credit facility limited to eligible accounts receivable

'

'

'

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of credit facility limited to eligible unbilled amounts

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Eligible unbilled amount maximum limit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

2.50%

1.50%

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee description

'

'

'

'

'The borrowers will also pay an unused line fee on each of the U.S. and Canadian Facilities equal to 50 basis points when usage under the applicable facility during the preceding calendar month is less than 50 percent of the commitments or 37.5 basis points when usage under the applicable facility equals or exceeds 50 percent of the commitments for such period.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unused line fee percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fronting fee percentage

'

'

'

'

0.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings against credit facility

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

19,000,000

Percentage of principal amount of term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96.50%

'

'

'

'

Possible borrowings subject to certain conditions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

Debt repayment terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The term loans are repayable in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25 percent of the original amount of the 2013 Term Loan Facility.

'

'

'

'

Repayment as percentage of original amount under term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

Maturity period of term loan facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'August 7, 2019

'

'

'

'

Percentage of proceeds from sale of asset subject to mandatory prepayment requirement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

Percentage of net cash proceeds from issuance of debt subject to mandatory prepayment requirement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

Percentage of annual excess cash flow subject to mandatory prepayment requirement

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mandatory prepayments of excess cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 days

'

'

'

'

Interest rate description

'The term loans will bear interest at the Adjusted Base Rate ("ABR") plus an applicable margin, or the "Eurodollar Rate" plus an applicable margin. The ABR is the highest of (i) the rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, (iii) the Eurodollar Rate applicable for a period of one month plus 1.0 percent and (iv) 2.25 percent.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage applicable over federal fund rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

Percentage applicable over eurodollar rate calculated for a period of one month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

Interest percentage

'

'

9.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.75%

'

Minimum amount of debt obligation that will lead to change of control and insolvency proceedings

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding amount of letters of credit

60,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining borrowing capacity of Letter of credit

'

'

'

'

70,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of commitment fee

12.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

Commitment fee, Amount

18,800,000

'

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

Cash payment to holders

'

'

'

33,092

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest

'

'

'

1,042

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt

$277,208,000

$303,359,000

'

$32,050,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average of interest paid

8.14%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Longterm_Debt_Schedule_of_Inte

Long-term Debt - Schedule of Interest Rate Margins (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Greater than 1.25 to 1 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.25
Greater than 1.25 to 1 [Member] | U.S. Base Rate, Canadian Base Rate and Canadian Prime Rate Loans [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
LIBOR and BA Equivalent Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees	1.25%
Greater than 1.25 to 1 [Member] | LIBOR Loans, BA Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
LIBOR and BA Equivalent Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees	2.25%
1.25 to 1 and 1.15 to 1 [Member] | U.S. Base Rate, Canadian Base Rate and Canadian Prime Rate Loans [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
LIBOR and BA Equivalent Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees	1.50%
1.25 to 1 and 1.15 to 1 [Member] | LIBOR Loans, BA Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
LIBOR and BA Equivalent Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees	2.50%
1.25 to 1 and 1.15 to 1 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.15
1.25 to 1 and 1.15 to 1 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.25
1.15 to 1 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.15
1.15 to 1 [Member] | U.S. Base Rate, Canadian Base Rate and Canadian Prime Rate Loans [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
LIBOR and BA Equivalent Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees	1.75%
1.15 to 1 [Member] | LIBOR Loans, BA Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
LIBOR and BA Equivalent Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees	2.75%

Longterm_Debt_Schedule_of_Prim

Long-term Debt - Schedule of Primary Covenants Included in 2013 Credit Facilities (Detail) (Term Loan Facility [Member])	Dec. 31, 2013
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Covenants Requirements	4
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, Covenants Requirements	3.25
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, Covenants Requirements	1.15
Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Actual Ratios	3
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, Actual Ratios	3.62
Minimum fixed charge coverage Ratio, Actual Ratios	'

Longterm_Debt_Schedule_of_Prim1

Long-term Debt - Schedule of Primary Covenants Included in 2013 Credit Facilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Percentage of commitment fee	12.50%
Commitment fee, Amount	$18.80
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Covenants Requirements	4
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio Covenants Requirements	3.25
Commitment fee, Amount	30
Term Loan Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Percentage of commitment fee	20.00%
Term Loan Facility [Member] | March 31, 2014 [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Covenants Requirements	3.5
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio Covenants Requirements	3.5
Term Loan Facility [Member] | June 30, 2014 [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Covenants Requirements	3
Term Loan Facility [Member] | March 31, 2015 [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Covenants Requirements	2.75
ABL Credit Facility [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Commitment fee, Amount	22.5
ABL Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Percentage of commitment fee	15.00%
Commitment fee, Amount	$22.50

Longterm_Debt_Fair_Value_of_De

Long-term Debt - Fair Value of Debt Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of debt instruments	$288,511	$311,924
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of debt instruments	252,372	192,752
Revolver borrowings [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of debt instruments	18,953	104,407
Capital lease obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of debt instruments	2,278	3,598
Other Obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of debt instruments	$14,908	$11,167

Longterm_Debt_Amount_of_Intere

Long-term Debt - Amount of Interest Expense Recognized and Effective Interest Rate (Detail) (6.5% Senior Convertible Notes [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
6.5% Senior Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual coupon interest	'	$1,996	$2,083
Amortization of discount	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	$1,996	$2,083
Effective interest rate	'	6.50%	6.50%

Longterm_Debt_Summary_of_Asset

Long-term Debt - Summary of Assets Held under Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Capital Leases [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets held under capital lease	$4,683	$9,740
Less: accumulated depreciation	-1,261	-3,910
Net assets under capital lease	3,422	5,830
Construction equipment [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Capital Leases [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets held under capital lease	2,456	3,615
Transportation equipment [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Capital Leases [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets held under capital lease	'	2,619
Furniture and equipment [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Capital Leases [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets held under capital lease	$2,227	$3,506

LongTerm_Debt_Minimum_Lease_Pa

Long-Term Debt - Minimum Lease Payments for Assets Financed under Capital Lease Arrangements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$1,052	'
2015	1,003	'
2016	480	'
2017	'	'
2018	'	'
Thereafter	'	'
Total minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations	2,535	'
Less: future interest expense	-257	'
Net minimum lease payments under capital leases obligations	2,278	'
Less: current portion of net minimum lease payments	-890	-1,317
Long-term net minimum lease payments	$1,388	$2,281

LongTerm_Debt_Principal_Amount

Long-Term Debt - Principal Amounts Due under Remaining Debt Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$7,662
2015	7,096
2016	7,096
2017	3,054
2018	21,453
Thereafter	236,875
Total	$283,236

Retirement_Plans_and_Benefits_1

Retirement Plans and Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage limit of total plan contributions	5.00%	'	'
Contributions to defined contribution plans	$13.20	$9.40	$6.10
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage limit of total plan contributions	70.00%	'	'
Limit of individual contributions of plan	$0.10	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage limit of total plan contributions	80.00%	'	'

Retirement_Plans_and_Benefits_2

Retirement Plans and Benefits - Retirement Plans and Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions	$12,390	$9,629	$5,408
Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'48-6168020/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Yellow	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	31-Dec-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'Implemented	'	'
Contributions	8,468	6,577	3,759
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	31-Dec-13	'	'
Pennsylvania Heavy and Highway Contractors Pension Trust [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'23-6531755/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Green	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	31-Dec-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'No	'	'
Contributions	1,171	1,192	625
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	31-May-16	'	'
Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'52-6152779/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Yellow	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	30-Jun-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'Implemented	'	'
Contributions	494	731	431
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	31-Aug-14	'	'
Pension Plan of Steamfitters Pension Fund 475 [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'22-6029738/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Yellow	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	31-Dec-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'Implemented	'	'
Contributions	1,048	207	81
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	30-Apr-16	'	'
Central Pension Fund of the IUOE and Participating Employers [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'36-6052390/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Green	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	31-Jan-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'No	'	'
Contributions	127	126	45
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	31-May-14	'	'
Plumbers and pipefitters Local 553 Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'37-6052808/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Green	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	31-Dec-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'Implemented	'	'
Contributions	'	303	'
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	31-Dec-13	'	'
Other Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions	503	493	452
Pipe Trades Pension Of Montana [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'91-1530117/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Green	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	30-Jun-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'No	'	'
Contributions	353	'	15
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	31-Aug-14	'	'
Alaska Plumbing And Pipefitting Industry Pension Fund [Member]	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN/PN	'52-6103810/ 001	'	'
PPA Zone Status	'Green	'	'
Plan Year End for Zone Status	31-Dec-13	'	'
Subject to Funding Improvement/ Rehabilitation Plan	'No	'	'
Contributions	$226	'	'
Surcharge Impose	'No	'	'
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	30-Jun-14	'	'

Retirement_Plans_and_Benefits_3

Retirement Plans and Benefits - Retirement Plans and Benefits (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Sale Of Subsidiary [Abstract]	'
Multiemployer Plans, Funded Status	'Between 65 and less than 80 percent

Income_Taxes_Income_Loss_Befor

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes on Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$34,739	($838)	($7,731)
United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-43,641	-18,702	-237,405
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,902	-19,540	-245,136
Oman Noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	976	1,195
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$7,243	($9,261)	$2,133	($9,017)	($2,348)	$4,744	($783)	($20,177)	($8,902)	($18,564)	($243,941)

Income_Taxes_Provision_Benefit

Income Taxes - Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes on Continuing Operations by Country (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current provision (benefit):	'	'	'
Foreign	$10,363	$2,987	($4,173)
Federal	1,957	117	-1,672
State	1,614	1,336	2,258
Total	13,934	4,440	-3,587
Deferred tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
Foreign	280	251	3,338
United States	320	36	-33,309
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	548	-4,939	-29,767
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$14,534	$4,727	($33,558)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum federal income tax rates	35.00%	'	'
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	'	'
Uncertain tax positions related to prior years	$516,000	$752,000	'
Decrease in uncertain tax position due to settlements	1,300,000	'	'
Decrease in uncertain tax position due to expiration of statute of limitations	600,000	55,000	'
Decrease in uncertain tax position in discontinued operations	500,000	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	2,000,000	'	'
Reserves in income tax expenses	1,600,000	'	'
Recognized interest expense	400,000	800,000	200,000
Accrued interest on income tax	2,600,000	2,200,000	'
Valuation allowance	62,828,000	51,916,000	'
U.S tax net operating loss carry forwards	49,542,000	20,991,000	'
State tax net operating loss carry forwards	11,024,000	8,480,000	'
Foreign tax net operating loss carry forwards	3,335,000	4,632,000	'
Expiry period of net operating losses	'20 years	'	'
Operating loss carry forwards	26,000,000	'	'
Domestic [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S tax net operating loss carry forwards	49,500,000	'	'
Foreign [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign tax net operating loss carry forwards	3,300,000	'	'
State and Local [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
State tax net operating loss carry forwards	17,000,000	'	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Corporate income tax rate	25.00%	'	'
Oman [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$500,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Differences Between Provision (Benefit) for Income Tax Computed and Reported Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Taxes on earnings at statutory rate in domicile of parent company	($3,105)	($6,844)	($84,677)
Earnings taxed at rates less or greater than parent company rates:	'	'	'
Foreign	-4,662	1,991	5,773
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit	1,250	869	-767
Contingent earnout	'	'	-3,500
Other impairment	'	-992	'
Goodwill impairment	'	1,282	23,372
Non deductibles	5,739	5,087	1,651
Acquisition costs	21	-128	'
Changes in provision for unrecognized tax positions	1,381	1,154	-786
Change in valuation allowance	4,601	3,806	26,902
Stock-based compensation	-133	1,100	915
Deferred tax adjustments	-420	-3,543	-85
Section 162M	244	'	'
Deemed dividend/previously taxed income	8,728	'	'
Prior year tax settlement	856	'	'
Other	34	945	-2,356
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$14,534	$4,727	($33,558)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$3,290	$2,581
Change in measurement of existing tax positions related to expiration of statute of limitations	-600	-55
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	'	117
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	516	752
Settlements	-1,329	-149
Foreign exchange difference in Canadian operations	84	44
Ending Balance	$1,961	$3,290

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Princi

Income Taxes - Summary of Principal Components of Company's Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Accrued vacation	$3,886	$4,292
Allowance for doubtful accounts	484	952
Estimated loss	258	1,814
Prepaid expenses	12,635	8,919
Various accrued liabilities	1,079	1,001
Other	692	502
Total	19,034	17,480
Non-current	'	'
Deferred compensation	4,299	3,871
Insurance reserve	'	2,475
Term loan amortization	'	1,332
Goodwill impairment	31,075	55,142
U.S tax net operating loss carry forwards	49,542	20,991
State tax net operating loss carry forwards	11,024	8,480
Foreign tax net operating loss carry forwards	3,335	4,632
Bond discount amortization	410	919
Other	2,095	2,802
Gross deferred tax assets	120,814	118,124
Valuation allowance	-62,828	-51,916
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	57,986	66,208
Non-current:	'	'
Goodwill and intangibles	-36,921	-35,218
Depreciation	-19,808	-29,575
Deferred tax liabilities	9,066	8,624
Net deferred tax assets	1,257	1,415
United States	670	948
Foreign	587	467
Net deferred tax assets	$1,257	$1,415

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning balance	$13,504	$14,570	$17,938
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-5,850	-1,847	-3,410
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,153	781	42
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-4,697	-1,066	-3,368
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending balance	8,807	13,504	14,570
Foreign currency translation adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning balance	14,945	16,466	17,916
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-3,797	-1,521	-1,450
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	132	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-3,665	-1,521	-1,450
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending balance	11,280	14,945	16,466
Changes in derivative financial instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning balance	-1,441	-1,896	22
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-2,053	-326	-1,960
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,021	781	42
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,032	455	-1,918
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending balance	($2,473)	($1,441)	($1,896)

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders' Equity - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	$1,021	$781	$42
Interest rate contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate contracts	$1,021	$781	$42

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

2006 Director Restricted Stock Plan [Member]

2006 Director Restricted Stock Plan [Member]

2006 Director Restricted Stock Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stock Options and Restricted Stock [Member]

Stock Options and Restricted Stock [Member]

Stock Options and Restricted Stock [Member]

1996 Stock Plan [Member]

Director Stock Plan [Member]

2010 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock authorized for issuance to provide for awards to key employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,125,000

125,000

2,100,000

Increased number of share authorized for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

250,000

550,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,825,000

225,000

'

Plan expiration date

16-Aug-06

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of common stock authorized for issuance

'

3,450,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for grant

1,217,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

132,720

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted period under the options plan

'10 years

'

'

'3 years

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

$1,100,000

$500,000

$7,100,000

$7,600,000

$9,700,000

'

'

'

Options granted

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of stock options exercisable

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock options

'1 year 8 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining contractual term of exercisable stock options

'1 year 8 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of options exercised

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Material tax benefit

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of options vested

0

0

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonvested stock options

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of RSU's vested

4,800,000

6,800,000

6,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all non-vested share-based compensation arrangements

$9,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected recognized cost over a weighted-average period

'2 years 4 months 28 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity - Stock Option Activity and Related Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Outstanding balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$15.28	'	'
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Outstanding balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$15.28	$15.28	'
Exercisable at end of year, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$15.28	'	'
Outstanding balance, Shares	227,750	'	'
Granted, Shares	'	0	0
Exercised, Shares	'	'	'
Forfeited or expired, Shares	'	'	'
Outstanding balance, Shares	227,750	227,750	'
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	227,750	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_RSU_Activi

Stockholders' Equity - RSU Activity and Related Information (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding balance, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$6.51
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$9.23
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$7.26
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$6.42
Outstanding balance, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$7.88
Outstanding balance, Shares	1,221,977
Granted, Shares	952,560
Vested, Shares	-659,556
Forfeited, Shares	-66,725
Outstanding balance, Shares	1,448,256

Income_Loss_Per_Share_Schedule

Income (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share Basic Other Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	($348)	($12,466)	$1,007	($11,629)	($3,997)	$3,847	($1,991)	($21,150)	($23,436)	($23,291)	($210,383)
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-976	-1,195
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Willbros Group, Inc. (numerator for basic calculation)	-348	-12,466	1,007	-11,629	-3,997	3,847	-1,991	-21,150	-23,436	-23,291	-210,383
Add: Interest and debt issuance costs associated with convertible notes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss from continuing operations applicable to common shares (numerator for diluted calculation)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($23,436)	($23,291)	($210,383)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic income per share	48,704,399	48,642,180	48,586,757	48,307,330	48,176,071	48,119,758	47,994,987	47,781,396	48,560,167	48,019,303	47,475,680
Weighted average number of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for diluted income per share	48,704,399	48,642,180	49,235,297	48,307,330	48,176,071	48,452,014	47,994,987	47,781,396	48,560,167	48,019,303	47,475,680
Loss per common share from continuing operations:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0	($0.26)	$0.02	($0.24)	($0.09)	$0.08	($0.04)	($0.44)	($0.48)	($0.49)	($4.43)
Diluted	$0	($0.26)	$0.02	($0.24)	($0.09)	$0.08	($0.04)	($0.44)	($0.48)	($0.49)	($4.43)

Income_Loss_Per_Common_Share_S

Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Schedule of Potentially Dilutive Shares (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	680,650	490,869	2,165,925
6.5% Senior Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	'	'	1,825,587
Stock options [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	181,279	227,750	181,666
Restricted stock and restricted stock rights [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	499,371	263,119	158,672

Income_Loss_Per_Common_Share_A

Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items]	'
Convertible Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion	'Company's stock price was greater than or equal to the conversion prices of $17.56
Minimum [Member]	'
Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items]	'
Conversion price	17.56

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Project
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of business segments	4	'	'
Number of operating segments	4	'	'
Corporate allocated depreciation	$565	$616	$565
Number of Projects	1	'	'
Customers representing percent	10.00%	'	'

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Company's Operations by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	$540,522	$503,038	$487,864	$487,359	$556,679	$547,993	$450,422	$373,706	$2,018,783	$1,928,800	$1,376,369
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,984,652	1,913,996	1,568,432
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	8,100	'	'	'	'	8,067	178,575
Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,000
Operating income (loss)	15,458	10,868	9,363	-1,558	5,712	11,318	7,494	-9,720	34,131	14,804	-192,063
Other expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-43,033	-33,368	-51,878
Benefit for income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,534	4,727	-33,558
Loss from continuing operations	-348	-12,466	1,007	-11,629	-3,997	3,847	-1,991	-21,150	-23,436	-23,291	-210,383
Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	13,123	-13,467	-7,908	15,821	-9,332	-3,385	5,371	426	7,569	-6,920	-83,633
Net income (loss)	12,775	-25,933	-6,901	4,192	-13,298	735	3,708	-20,380	-15,867	-29,235	-292,821
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-976	-1,195
Net loss attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	12,775	-25,933	-6,901	4,192	-13,329	462	3,380	-20,724	-15,867	-30,211	-294,016
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,194	46,345	52,748
Capital expenditures by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16,298	10,659	10,047
Total assets, continuing operations	811,945	'	'	'	887,306	'	'	'	811,945	887,306	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	445,213	216,793	153,411
Utility T&D [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,067	143,500
Professional Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,100
Operating Segments [Member] | Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	445,213	216,793	153,411
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	409,837	216,833	148,741
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,210
Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,376	-40	2,460
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,679	2,196	2,413
Capital expenditures by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,928	661	52
Total assets, continuing operations	123,838	'	'	'	103,157	'	'	'	123,838	103,157	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Oil & Gas [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	791,076	902,688	560,202
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	831,269	904,167	586,655
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,709
Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-40,193	-1,479	-57,162
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,731	12,700	15,688
Capital expenditures by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,934	5,766	3,923
Total assets, continuing operations	278,115	'	'	'	329,198	'	'	'	278,115	329,198	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Utility T&D [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	446,216	483,603	388,438
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	422,983	470,639	392,617
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,067	143,543
Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,233	4,897	-147,722
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,839	28,299	31,151
Capital expenditures by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,149	2,061	2,828
Total assets, continuing operations	260,867	'	'	'	279,480	'	'	'	260,867	279,480	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Professional Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	342,746	330,594	278,101
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	327,031	319,168	275,627
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,113
Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,715	11,426	361
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,945	3,150	3,496
Capital expenditures by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,735	1,227	1,255
Total assets, continuing operations	91,677	'	'	'	88,133	'	'	'	91,677	88,133	'
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,552	944	1,989
Total assets, continuing operations	57,448	'	'	'	87,338	'	'	'	57,448	87,338	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,468	-4,878	-3,783
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,468	-4,878	-3,783
Goodwill impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of contingent earnout liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Total_Cont

Segment Information - Total Contract Revenue (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Oncor [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total contract revenue	11.50%	16.30%	15.50%
Enterprise Products Partners L.P. [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total contract revenue	10.40%	'	'

Segment_Information_Informatio

Segment Information - Information about the Company's Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Contract revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	$540,522	$503,038	$487,864	$487,359	$556,679	$547,993	$450,422	$373,706	$2,018,783	$1,928,800	$1,376,369
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	111,566	'	'	'	123,985	'	'	'	111,566	123,985	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,568,411	1,705,653	1,210,993
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	103,560	'	'	'	117,205	'	'	'	103,560	117,205	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	445,213	216,793	153,411
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	7,955	'	'	'	6,689	'	'	'	7,955	6,689	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,159	6,354	11,965
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$51	'	'	'	$91	'	'	'	$51	$91	'

Contingencies_Commitments_and_1

Contingencies, Commitments and Other Circumstances - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 20, 2014
				Continuing Operations [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Legal settlement amount	$55,500,000	'	'	'	$20,100,000
Payments related to Legal Settlements	'	'	'	'	17,000,000
Payments related to retention	'	'	'	'	3,100,000
Outstanding letters of credit, continuing operations	60,100,000	'	'	60,100,000	'
Face value of primarily performance bonds	556,100,000	'	'	'	'
Liability recognized for letters of credit	0	'	'	'	'
Rental expense for continuing operations	42,300,000	35,000,000	26,000,000	'	'
Minimum lease commitments	145,800,000	'	'	'	'
Operating lease payable,2014	39,500,000	'	'	'	'
Operating lease payable,2015	22,000,000	'	'	'	'
Operating lease payable,2016	17,600,000	'	'	'	'
Operating lease payable,2017	14,400,000	'	'	'	'
Operating lease payable,2018	11,300,000	'	'	'	'
Operating lease payable, thereafter	$41,000,000	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	$2,473	$1,441
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	2,473	1,441
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	2,473	1,441
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 07, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 07, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 07, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2010

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Contract

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

'

$124.10

$150

Variable rate interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

124.1

150

Interest rate in addition to LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

1.25%

'

Fixed interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.68%

2.84%

'

Term loan, maturity date

'

'

'

30-Jun-14

'

7-Aug-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR Interest rate period

'

'3 months

'

'1 month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of interest rate swap agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

Decreased in interest rate floor

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

1.25%

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in interest rate

'

'

2.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized interest expense for next twelve months

$1.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Intere

Fair Value Measurements - Interest Rate Swaps and Caps Derivatives Recognized in Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	$2,473	$1,441
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	1,505	927
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	$968	$514

Fair_Value_Measurements_Deriva

Fair Value Measurements - Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	($2,053)	($326)	($1,960)
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	1,021	781	42
Interest rate contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-2,053	-326	-1,960
Interest expense, net [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$1,021	$781	$42

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	$540,522	$503,038	$487,864	$487,359	$556,679	$547,993	$450,422	$373,706	$2,018,783	$1,928,800	$1,376,369
Contract income	64,669	57,345	55,057	39,842	60,573	53,219	44,405	31,626	1,801,870	1,738,977	1,249,025
Operating income (loss)	15,458	10,868	9,363	-1,558	5,712	11,318	7,494	-9,720	34,131	14,804	-192,063
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,243	-9,261	2,133	-9,017	-2,348	4,744	-783	-20,177	-8,902	-18,564	-243,941
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	-348	-12,466	1,007	-11,629	-3,997	3,847	-1,991	-21,150	-23,436	-23,291	-210,383
Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of provision (benefit) for income taxes	13,123	-13,467	-7,908	15,821	-9,301	-3,112	5,699	770	7,569	-5,944	-82,438
Net income (loss)	12,775	-25,933	-6,901	4,192	-13,298	735	3,708	-20,380	-15,867	-29,235	-292,821
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	-31	-273	-328	-344	'	-976	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	12,775	-25,933	-6,901	4,192	-13,329	462	3,380	-20,724	-15,867	-30,211	-294,016
Reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-348	-12,466	1,007	-11,629	-3,997	3,847	-1,991	-21,150	-23,436	-23,291	-210,383
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	13,123	-13,467	-7,908	15,821	-9,332	-3,385	5,371	426	7,569	-6,920	-83,633
Net income (loss) attributable to Willbros Group, Inc.	$12,775	($25,933)	($6,901)	$4,192	($13,329)	$462	$3,380	($20,724)	($15,867)	($30,211)	($294,016)
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$0	($0.26)	$0.02	($0.24)	($0.09)	$0.08	($0.04)	($0.44)	($0.48)	($0.49)	($4.43)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.27	($0.28)	($0.16)	$0.33	($0.19)	($0.07)	$0.11	$0.01	$0.16	($0.14)	($1.76)
Net income (loss)	$0.27	($0.54)	($0.14)	$0.09	($0.28)	$0.01	$0.07	($0.43)	($0.32)	($0.63)	($6.19)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Company shareholders:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$0	($0.26)	$0.02	($0.24)	($0.09)	$0.08	($0.04)	($0.44)	($0.48)	($0.49)	($4.43)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.27	($0.28)	($0.16)	$0.33	($0.19)	($0.07)	$0.11	$0.01	$0.16	($0.14)	($1.76)
Net income (loss)	$0.27	($0.54)	($0.14)	$0.09	($0.28)	$0.01	$0.07	($0.43)	($0.32)	($0.63)	($6.19)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	48,704,399	48,642,180	48,586,757	48,307,330	48,176,071	48,119,758	47,994,987	47,781,396	48,560,167	48,019,303	47,475,680
Diluted	48,704,399	48,642,180	49,235,297	48,307,330	48,176,071	48,452,014	47,994,987	47,781,396	48,560,167	48,019,303	47,475,680

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013
							Willbros Middle East Limited [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on sale of investment	($2,700,000)	'	'	'	'	'	$23,600,000
Decrease in net loss	'	'	600,000	'	2,500,000	'	'
Debt extinguishment cost	'	11,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	'	'	8,100,000	8,067,000	178,575,000	'
Increase to income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	$2,500,000	'	'

Discountinued_Operations_Addit

Discountinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 20, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Oman [Member]

Nigeria Assets and Nigeria-Based Operations [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

InterCon [Member]

December 31, 2012 [Member]

December 31, 2013 [Member]

June 30, 2014 [Member]

December 31, 2014 [Member]

Cash [Member]

Cash [Member]

Cash [Member]

Escrow Deposit [Member]

Escrow Deposit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Oman [Member]

Hawkeye [Member]

InterCon [Member]

Oman [Member]

InterCon [Member]

Escrow Agent [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Escrow Agent [Member]

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment charges

'

'

'

'

$8,100,000

'

'

'

'

$8,067,000

$178,575,000

'

'

'

'

$3,200,000

$1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales consideration from business disposals

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,700,000

'

'

16,200,000

8,000,000

'

16,200,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

38,900,000

21,200,000

18,700,000

2,400,000

300,000

Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of provision for income taxes

13,123,000

-13,467,000

-7,908,000

15,821,000

-9,301,000

-3,112,000

5,699,000

770,000

7,569,000

-5,944,000

-82,438,000

'

23,600,000

'

'

-2,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales consideration from business disposals not yet received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount claimed subsequently amended

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

273,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate payment to DOJ

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,500,000

'

'

20,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

5,000,000

3,800,000

32,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining aggregate payment to DOJ

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$36,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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Discontinuance_of_Operations_H

Discontinuance of Operations, Held for Sale Operations and Asset Disposals - Schedule of Major Classes of Revenue And Income (Losses) With Respect to the Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$81,724	$215,911	$417,533	'
Operating income (loss)	7,603	-6,225	-88,919	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	7,569	-2,036	-88,790	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	3,908	-6,352	'
Net income (loss)	7,569	-5,944	-82,438	'
Assets with respect to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,041	5,602	10,586	29,177
Accounts receivable, net	36,404	53,522	'	'
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	18,379	6,851	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,195	11,022	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	5,135	'	'
Other	1,704	8,808	'	'
Total assets	58,723	90,940	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	9,952	23,741	'	'
Settlement obligations	36,500	41,500	'	'
Other	178	2,433	'	'
Total liabilities	46,630	67,674	'	'
Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations	12,093	23,266	'	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	31,587	136,036	'
Operating income (loss)	-27	12,779	-18,589	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	-27	13,848	-18,484	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	2,796	-6,548	'
Net income (loss)	-27	11,052	-11,936	'
Libya [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-70	-58	-487	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	-70	-58	-487	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-70	-58	-487	'
Oman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	75,446	73,829	'
Operating income (loss)	23,639	6,392	11,204	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	23,639	6,566	11,289	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	1,112	1,265	'
Net income (loss)	23,639	5,454	10,024	'
Assets with respect to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	5,602	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	'	13,697	'	'
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	'	524	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	'	4,339	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Other	'	3,974	'	'
Total assets	'	28,136	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	9,438	'	'
Settlement obligations	'	'	'	'
Other	'	1,352	'	'
Total liabilities	'	10,790	'	'
Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations	'	17,346	'	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-507	-239	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	-382	2,567	'	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-382	2,567	'	'
WAGP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	29	-4,274	-71,858	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	29	-4,274	-71,858	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	29	-4,274	-71,858	'
InterCon [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	42,826	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	-5,326	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	'	'	-5,329	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	'	-1,069	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	-4,260	'
Hawkeye [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	81,724	108,878	164,842	'
Operating income (loss)	-15,461	-20,825	-3,863	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	-15,620	-20,685	-3,921	'
Provision (benefit) for taxes	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-15,620	-20,685	-3,921	'
Assets with respect to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,041	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	36,404	39,825	'	'
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	18,379	6,327	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,195	6,683	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	5,135	'	'
Other	1,704	4,834	'	'
Total assets	58,723	62,804	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	9,952	14,303	'	'
Settlement obligations	'	'	'	'
Other	178	1,081	'	'
Total liabilities	10,130	15,384	'	'
Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations	48,593	47,420	'	'
WAPCo / Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets with respect to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	'	'	'	'
Contract cost and recognized income not yet billed	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'
Total assets	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	'	'
Settlement obligations	36,500	41,500	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	36,500	41,500	'	'
Net assets (liabilities) associated with discontinued operations	($36,500)	($41,500)	'	'

Consolidated_Valuation_and_Qua

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Period	$2,220	$993	$4,293
Charged (Credit) to Costs and Expense	1,245	1,327	790
Charge Offs and Other	-2,064	-100	-4,090
Balance at End of Period	1,401	2,220	993
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Period	51,916	36,871	7,170
Charged (Credit) to Costs and Expense	10,912	15,045	29,701
Balance at End of Period	$62,828	$51,916	$36,871