Davey Tree Expert 10-Q 5 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DAVEY TREE EXPERT CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000277638	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	13,541,284

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash	$15,239	$19,647
Accounts receivable, net	115,928	115,563
Operating supplies	5,865	6,030
Other current assets	30,769	20,509
Total current assets	167,801	161,749
Property and equipment	477,840	451,679
Less accumulated depreciation	340,773	325,963
Property and equipment	137,067	125,716
Other assets	17,520	14,284
Identified intangible assets and goodwill, net	28,044	29,183
Total assets	350,432	330,932
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	30,190	36,972
Accrued expenses	28,550	34,462
Other current liabilities	30,889	27,107
Total current liabilities	89,629	98,541
Long-term debt	74,534	54,787
Self-insurance accruals	40,509	41,618
Other noncurrent liabilities	17,468	17,880
Total liabilities	222,140	212,826
Common shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common shares, $1.00 par value, per share; 24,000 shares authorized; 21,457 shares issued and outstanding	21,457	21,457
Additional paid-in capital	5,318	3,431
Common shares subscribed, unissued	10,723	11,055
Retained earnings	226,210	210,652
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7,389	-7,115
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock	256,319	239,480
Less: Cost of Common shares held in treasury; 7,895 shares at September 28, 2013 and 7,731 shares at December 31, 2012	120,219	112,159
Common shares subscription receivable	7,808	9,215
Common shareholders' equity	128,292	118,106
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$350,432	$330,932

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	24,000,000	24,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,457,000	21,457,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,457,000	21,457,000
Treasury stock, shares	7,894,613	7,730,878

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Revenues	$194,772	$178,647	$533,675	$507,702
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Operating	125,658	114,103	346,310	330,459
Selling	32,376	28,618	89,623	81,218
General and administrative	12,103	11,558	37,330	35,636
Depreciation and amortization	10,255	9,935	29,471	29,062
Gain on sale of assets, net	-501	-219	-1,161	-1,103
Costs and expenses	179,891	163,995	501,573	475,272
Income from operations	14,881	14,652	32,102	32,430
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-711	-661	-2,052	-2,071
Interest income	76	65	237	121
Other, net	-713	-638	-2,022	-2,147
Income before income taxes	13,533	13,418	28,265	28,333
Income taxes	4,889	5,122	10,797	11,192
Net income	$8,644	$8,296	$17,468	$17,141
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.63	$0.59	$1.24	$1.22
Diluted	$0.61	$0.56	$1.20	$1.18
Weighted-average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	13,720	14,133	14,087	14,008
Diluted	14,255	14,766	14,547	14,535
Dividends declared per share	$0.05	$0.05	$0.14	$0.13

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Net income	$8,644	$8,296	$17,468	$17,141
Components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	444	1,028	-925	903
Change in deferred gains on cash flow hedges	0	0	0	77
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	216	159	646	700
Prior service cost	1	3	5	8
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	217	162	651	708
Other comprehensive income (loss)	661	1,190	-274	1,688
Comprehensive income	$9,305	$9,486	$17,194	$18,829

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Operating activities	'	'
Net Income	$17,468	$17,141
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	29,471	29,062
Other	-314	-793
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-365	-27,599
Operating liabilities	-14,441	1,097
Other, net	-14,105	-2,752
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	246	-985
Net cash provided by operating activities	17,714	16,156
Capital expenditures:	'	'
Equipment	-37,639	-24,736
Land and buildings	-2,592	-399
Purchases of businesses	-80	-100
Other	1,748	1,971
Net cash used in investing activities	-38,563	-23,264
Financing activities	'	'
Revolving credit facility proceeds, net	20,300	7,500
Purchase of common shares for treasury	13,716	9,682
Sale of common shares from treasury	7,959	8,912
Dividends	-1,910	-1,915
Other	3,808	3,225
Net cash provided by financing activities	16,441	8,040
Increase/(Decrease) in cash	-4,408	932
Cash, beginning of period	19,647	10,267
Cash, end of period	15,239	11,199
Supplemental cash flow information follows:	'	'
Interest paid	2,370	2,503
Income taxes paid	$16,901	$8,888

Basis_of_Financial_Statement_P

Basis of Financial Statement Preparation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Basis of Financial Statement Preparation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Financial Statement Preparation [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Financial Statement Preparation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries. “We,” “us,” “our,” “Davey,” “Davey Tree” and the “Company” means The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
	We have prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. The consolidated financial statements include all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Certain information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. We suggest that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Annual Report”).
	Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation--The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Our consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.  Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounts receivable valuation, depreciable lives of fixed assets, self-insurance accruals, income taxes and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Interim Results of Operations--Interim results may not be indicative of calendar year performance because of seasonal and short-term variations.
	Recent Accounting Guidance
	The FASB Accounting Standards Codification--Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issuing Accounting Standards Updates (or “ASUs”) to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification™ (the “Codification”). The Codification is the single source of nongovernmental authoritative U.S. GAAP in the United States. All other accounting guidance not included in the Codification is considered nonauthoritative. The Accounting Standards Updates are not authoritative in their own right; these updates serve only to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance, and provide the bases for conclusions on the changes in the Codification.
	In the description of the ASU that follows, references relate to the Codification Topic and descriptive title.
	Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income--In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line-items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail on these amounts. ASU 2013-01 requires prospective adoption and effects financial statement presentation only. We adopted ASU 2013-02 as of the first quarter ended March 30, 2013 with no effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Seasonality_of_Business

Seasonality of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Seasonality of Business [Abstract]	'
Seasonality of Business [Text Block]	'
	Seasonality of Business
	Due to the seasonality of our business, our operating results for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 are not indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2013. Business seasonality is the result of traditionally higher revenues during the second and third quarters as compared with the first and fourth quarters of the year, while the methods of accounting for fixed costs, such as depreciation expense, amortization, rent and interest expense, are not significantly impacted by business seasonality.

Accounts_Receivable_Net_and_Su

Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance-Sheet Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable net and supplemental balance-sheet information [Text Block]	'
	Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance-Sheet Information
	The following comprise accounts receivable, net, and other:
	Accounts receivable, net	September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accounts receivable	$	94,855	$	105,044
	Receivables under contractual arrangements	22,837		12,961
		117,692		118,005
	Less allowances for doubtful accounts	1,764		2,442
	Accounts receivable, net	$	115,928	$	115,563
	Receivables under contractual arrangements consist of work-in-process in accordance with the terms of contracts, primarily with utility services customers.
	The following comprise the amounts included in the balance sheet:
	Other current assets	September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Refundable income taxes	$	3,906	$	—
	Deferred income taxes	8,521		8,815
	Prepaid expenses	17,297		9,101
	Other	1,045		2,593
	Total	$	30,769	$	20,509
	C.	Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance-Sheet Information (continued)
	Accrued expenses	September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Employee compensation	$	16,657	$	17,888
	Accrued compensated absences	7,185		7,080
	Self-insured medical claims	1,270		2,571
	Income tax payable	—		2,013
	Customer advances, deposits	—		1,346
	Taxes, other than income	2,503		2,463
	Other	935		1,101
	Total	$	28,550	$	34,462

Identified_Intangible_Assets_a

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Identified intangible assets and goodwill, net [Text Block]	'
	Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net
	The carrying amounts of the identified intangibles and goodwill acquired in connection with our historical investments in businesses were as follows:
		September 28, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net	Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer lists/relationships	$	14,438	$	11,137	$	14,378	$	10,319
	Employment-related	5,634		5,446		5,430		5,082
	Tradenames	4,527		3,634		4,528		3,267
	Amortized intangible assets	$	24,599	$	20,217	$	24,336	$	18,668
	Less accumulated amortization	20,217				18,668
	Identified intangibles, net	4,382				5,668
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Goodwill	23,662				23,515
		$	28,044			$	29,183

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term debt [Text Block]	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Our long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Revolving credit facility
	Prime rate borrowings	$	500	$	9,200
	LIBOR borrowings	44,000		15,000
		44,500		24,200
	Senior unsecured notes	30,000		30,000
	Term loans	11,417		7,579
		85,917		61,779
	Less current portion	11,383		6,992
		$	74,534	$	54,787
	Revolving Credit Facility and 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes--We have a $140,000 revolving credit facility with a group of banks, which will expire in December 2014 and permits borrowings, as defined, up to $140,000 with a letter of credit sublimit of $100,000 and which, under certain circumstances, may be increased to $160,000.  The revolving credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for this type of facility and includes financial covenant ratios, as defined, with respect to funded debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and funded debt to capitalization.
	As of September 28, 2013, we had unused commitments under the facility approximating $46,646, with $93,354 committed, consisting of borrowings of $44,500 and issued letters of credit of $48,854. Borrowings outstanding bear interest, at Davey Tree’s option, of either (a) a base rate plus a margin adjustment ranging from .0% to .25% or (b) LIBOR plus a margin adjustment ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%--with the margin adjustments in both instances based on a ratio of funded debt to EBITDA. The base rate is the greater of (i) the agent bank’s prime rate, (ii) LIBOR plus 1.5%, or (iii) the federal funds rate plus .5%. A commitment fee ranging from .20% to .30% is also required based on the average daily unborrowed commitment.
	We issued $30,000 of 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series A, during July 2010 that are due July 22, 2020 (the “5.09% Senior Notes”).  The 5.09% Senior Notes were issued pursuant to a Master Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) between the Company and the purchasers of the 5.09% Senior Notes.
	The 5.09% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commence on July 22, 2016 (the sixth anniversary of issuance).  The Purchase Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based compensation[Text Block]	'
	F.	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Davey Tree Expert Company 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “Stock Plan”) was approved by our shareholders at our annual shareholders' meeting in May 2004. The Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation
	Committee of the Board of Directors, with the maximum number of common shares that may be granted to or purchased by all employees and directors under the Stock Plan being 10,000,000. In addition to the maintenance of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Stock Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards, and other stock or performance-based incentives. These awards are payable in cash or common shares, or any combination thereof, as established by the Compensation Committee.
	Stock-based compensation expense under all share-based payment plans -- our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights and performance-based restricted stock units -- included in the results of operations follows:
		Three months ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,				September 29,		September 28,				September 29,
		2013				2012		2013				2012
	Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	$	342			$	285	$	1,018			$	1,210
	Stock-based compensation consisted of the following:
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan--Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, all full-time employees with one year of service are eligible to purchase, through payroll deduction, common shares. Employee purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan are at 85% of the fair market value of the common shares--a 15% discount. We recognize compensation costs as payroll deductions are made. The 15% discount of total shares purchased under the plan resulted in compensation cost of $307 being recognized for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 and $312 for the nine months ended September 29, 2012.
	Stock Option Plans--Stock options awarded before January 1, 2006 were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common shares at the dates of grant. Stock options awarded on or after January 1, 2006 were required to be measured at fair value. At September 28, 2013, there were 667,207 stock options outstanding that were awarded after January 1, 2006. The stock options were awarded under a graded vesting schedule and have a term of ten years. Compensation costs for stock options are recognized over the requisite service period on the straight-line recognition method. Compensation cost recognized for stock options was $162 for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 and $122 for the nine months ended September 29, 2012.
	Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights--During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 117,280 Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights (“SSARs”) to certain management employees and nonemployee directors, which vest ratably over five years. A stock-settled stock appreciation right is an award that allows the recipient to receive common stock equal to the appreciation in the fair market value of our common stock between the date the award was granted and the conversion date of the shares vested.
	F.	Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
	The following table summarizes our SSARs as of September 28, 2013.
	Stock-Settled		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-		Unrecognized				Aggregate
	Stock Appreciation Rights		of			Average		Average		Compensation				Intrinsic
			Rights			Award Date		Remaining		Cost				Value
						Value		Contractual
								Life
	Unvested, January 1, 2013		257,817			$	3.17
	Granted		117,280			3.17
	Forfeited		—			—
	Vested		(86,044	)		3.22
	Unvested, September 28, 2013		289,053			$	3.16	2.3 years		$	712			$	6,909
	Employee SSARs		259,320			$	3.24	2.3 years		$	651			$	6,198
	Nonemployee Director SSARs		29,733			$	2.32	2.7 years		$	61			$	711
	Compensation costs for stock appreciation rights are determined using a fair-value method and amortized over the requisite service period. Compensation expense for stock appreciation rights was $233 for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 and $217 for the nine months ended September 29, 2012.
	Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units--During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 42,290 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units to certain directors and management employees. The Compensation Committee made similar awards in prior periods. The awards vest over specified periods. The following table summarizes Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units as of September 28, 2013.
	Performance-Based		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-		Unrecognized				Aggregate
	Restricted Stock Units		of			Average		Average		Compensation				Intrinsic
			Stock			Grant Date		Remaining		Cost				Value
			Units			Value		Contractual
								Life
	Unvested, January 1, 2013		78,653			$	16.87
	Granted		42,290			21.67
	Forfeited		—			—
	Vested		(22,754	)		16.48
	Unvested, September 28, 2013		98,189			$	19.03	3.1 years		$	1,227			$	2,347
	The fair value of the restricted stock units for awards made prior to January 1, 2006 is based on the market price of our common shares on the date of award and is recognized as compensation cost on the straight-line recognition method over the vesting period. Compensation cost for awards made after December 31, 2005 is determined using a fair-value method and amortized over the requisite service period. Compensation expense on restricted stock awards totaled $316 for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 and $559 for the nine months ended September 29, 2012.
	F.	Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
	For stock-based awards issued on or after January 1, 2006, we estimated the fair value of each award on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our stock prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise and forfeiture assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.
	The fair values of stock-based awards granted were estimated at the dates of grant with the following weighted-average assumption.
		Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012
	Volatility rate	11.3	%		11.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1	%		1.6	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.5	%		1.5	%
	Expected life of awards (years)	9.4			9.1
	General Stock Option Information--The following table summarizes activity under the stock option plans for the nine months ended September 28, 2013.
	Stock Options		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
			of			Average		Average		Intrinsic
			Options			Exercise		Remaining		Value
			Outstanding			Price		Contractual
								Life
	Outstanding, January 1, 2013		761,254			$	11.38
	Granted		198,500			23.2
	Exercised		(173,547	)		7.83
	Forfeited		—			—
	Outstanding, September 28, 2013		786,207			$	15.14	5.2 years		$	6,884
	Exercisable, September 28, 2013		466,107			$	11.4	3.0 years		$	5,824
	As of September 28, 2013, there was approximately $939 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options outstanding. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.3 years. “Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the market price of a common share exceeds the exercise price of an option.
	Common shares are issued from treasury upon the exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units or purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Net_Periodic_Benefit_Cost_Defi

Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Abstract]	'
Net periodic benefit cost--defined benefit pension plans [Text Block]	'
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost--Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	The results of operations included the following net periodic benefit cost recognized related to our defined-benefit pension plans.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of pension cost
	Service costs--increase in benefit obligation earned	$	55		$	47		$	166		$	138
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	379			412			1,136			1,244
	Expected return on plan assets	(439		)	(424		)	(1,319		)	(1,277		)
	Settlement loss	—			—			—			219
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	347			259			1,041			781
	Amortization of prior service cost	3			3			10			10
	Net pension cost of defined benefit pension plans	$	345		$	297		$	1,034		$	1,115
	Employer Contributions--Contributions of $548 were made to our defined-benefit pension plans during the nine months ended September 28, 2013. We expect, as of September 28, 2013, to make additional defined-benefit plan contributions totaling $167 before December 31, 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income taxes [Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes
	Our income tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate and, if our estimated annual tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment. The 2013 annual effective tax rate is estimated to approximate 39%.  Our annual effective tax rate for 2012 was 39.5%.
	At December 31, 2012, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $2,638, of which $1,933 would affect our effective rate if recognized, and accrued interest expense related to unrecognized benefits of $142. At September 28, 2013, there were no significant changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, including the amount that would affect our effective rate if recognized, or the accrued interest expense related to the unrecognized benefits. Unrecognized tax benefits are the differences between a tax position taken, or expected to be taken in a tax return, and the benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes.
	H. Income Taxes (continued)
	The Company is routinely under audit by federal, state, local and Canadian authorities in the area of income tax. These audits include questioning the timing and the amount of income and deductions and the allocation of income and deductions among various tax jurisdictions. During 2010, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for 2007 and 2008 and Canada Revenue Agency completed its audit of the Company's Canadian operations for 2006, 2007 and 2008. With the exception of U.S. state jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for the years through 2008.
	The Company's U.S. income tax returns for 2011 and 2010 are currently under audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. As of September 28, 2013, if certain pending tax matters settle, we believe it is reasonably possible that additional tax payments will be made during the next twelve months within a range of $500 to $800.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (or loss) is comprised of net income (or net loss) and other components, including currency translation adjustments and defined-benefit pension plan adjustments.
	The following summarizes the components of other comprehensive income (loss) accumulated in shareholders’ equity:
		Foreign			Defined			Accumulated
		Currency			Benefit			Other
		Translation			Pension			Comprehensive
		Adjustments			Plans			Income (Loss)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	3,511		$	(10,626	)	$	(7,115	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
	Unrealized losses	(925		)	—			(925		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			1,051			1,051
	Tax effect	—			(400		)	(400		)
	Net of tax amount	(925		)	651			(274		)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	2,586		$	(9,975	)	$	(7,389	)
	The change in defined benefit pension plans of $651, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 is included in net periodic pension expense and is classified in the condensed statement of operations as costs and expenses, general and administrative.

Per_Share_Amounts_and_Common_S

Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'
Per share amounts and common shares outstanding [Text Block]	'
	J.    Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding
	We calculate our basic earnings per share by dividing net income or net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated in a similar manner, but include the effect of dilutive securities. To the extent these securities are antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation of earnings per share. The per share amounts were computed as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Income available to common shareholders:
	Net Income	$	8,644	$	8,296	$	17,468	$	17,141
	Weighted-average shares:
	Basic:
	Outstanding	13,583		14,039		13,680		13,914
	Partially-paid share subscriptions	137		94		407		94
	Basic weighted-average shares	13,720		14,133		14,087		14,008
	Diluted:
	Basic from above	13,720		14,133		14,087		14,008
	Incremental shares from assumed:
	Exercise of stock subscription purchase rights	59		17		35		5
	Exercise of stock options and awards	476		616		425		522
	Diluted weighted-average shares	14,255		14,766		14,547		14,535
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.63	$	0.59	$	1.24	$	1.22
	Diluted	$	0.61	$	0.56	$	1.2	$	1.18
	Common Shares Outstanding--A summary of the activity of the common shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 follows:
	Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013	13,726,002
	Shares purchased	(589,155	)
	Shares sold	226,959
	Stock subscription offering -- cash purchases	13,473
	Options and awards exercised	184,988
		(163,735	)
	Shares outstanding at September 28, 2013	13,562,267
	J.	Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding (continued)
	On September 28, 2013, we had 13,562,267 common shares outstanding, employee and director options exercisable to purchase 466,107 common shares, partially-paid subscriptions for 544,339 common shares and purchase rights outstanding for 208,674 common shares.
	Stock Subscription Offering--Beginning May 2012, the Company offered to eligible employees and nonemployee directors the right to subscribe to common shares of the Company at $19.70 per share in accordance with the provisions of The Davey Tree Expert Company 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan and the rules of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (collectively, the "plan"). The offering period ended on August 1, 2012 and resulted in the subscription of 637,714 common shares for $12,563 at $19.70 per share.
	Under the plan, a participant in the offering purchasing common shares for an aggregate purchase price of less than $5 had to pay with cash. All participants (excluding Company directors and officers) purchasing $5 or more of the common shares had an option to finance their purchase through a down-payment of at least 10% of the total purchase price and a seven-year promissory note for the balance due with interest at 2%. Payments on the promissory note can be made either by payroll deductions or annual lump-sum payments of both principal and interest.
	Common shares purchased under the plan have been pledged as security for the payment of the promissory note and the common shares will not be issued until the promissory note is paid-in-full. Dividends will be paid on all subscribed shares, subject to forfeiture to the extent that payment is not ultimately made for the shares.
	All participants in the offering purchasing in excess of $5 of common shares were granted a "right" to purchase one additional common share at a price of $19.70 per share for every three common shares purchased under the plan. As a result of the stock subscription, employees were granted rights to purchase 211,800 common shares. Each right may be exercised at the rate of one-seventh per year and will expire seven years after the date that the right was granted. Employees may not exercise a right should they cease to be employed by the Company.

Operations_by_Business_Segment

Operations by Business Segment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Operations by Business Segment [Abstract]	'
Operations by business segment [Text Block]	'
	Operations by Business Segment
	Our operating results are reported in two segments: Residential and Commercial Services, and Utility Services. Residential and Commercial Services provides for the treatment, preservation, maintenance, cultivation, planting and removal of trees, shrubs and other plant life; its services also include the practice of landscaping, tree surgery, tree feeding, and tree spraying, as well as the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides. Utility Services is principally engaged in the practice of line clearing for investor-owned and municipal utilities, including the clearing of tree growth from power lines, clearance of rights-of-way and chemical brush control. Davey Resource Group, which provides services related to natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning, is a nonreportable segment and, along with other operating activities, including research, technical support and diagnostic facilities are included in “All Other.”
	Measurement of Segment Profit and Loss and Segment Assets--We evaluate performance and allocate resources based primarily on operating income and also actively manage business unit operating assets. Segment information, including reconciling adjustments, is presented consistent with the basis described in the 2012 Annual Report.
	K.    Operations by Business Segment (continued)
	Segment information reconciled to consolidated external reporting information follows:
		Utility		Residential		All		Reconciling				Consolidated
		Services		Commercial		Other		Adjustments
				Services
	Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	87,805	$	89,457	$	17,510	$	—			$	194,772
	Income (loss) from operations	3,040		11,213		1,579		(951		)	(a)	14,881
	Interest expense							(711		)		(711		)
	Interest income							76				76
	Other income (expense), net							(713		)		(713		)
	Income before income taxes											$	13,533
	Segment assets, total	$	131,309	$	123,556	$	21,118	$	74,449		(b)	$	350,432
	Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
	Revenues	$	80,874	$	81,438	$	16,335	$	—			$	178,647
	Income (loss) from operations	2,343		10,925		1,633		(249		)	(a)	14,652
	Interest expense							(661		)		(661		)
	Interest income							65				65
	Other income (expense), net							(638		)		(638		)
	Income before income taxes											$	13,418
	Segment assets, total	$	125,178	$	114,940	$	21,528	$	67,268		(b)	$	328,914
	Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	245,982	$	237,690	$	50,003	$	—			$	533,675
	Income (loss) from operations	7,034		25,474		1,552		(1,958		)	(a)	32,102
	Interest expense							(2,052		)		(2,052		)
	Interest income							237				237
	Other income (expense), net							(2,022		)		(2,022		)
	Income before income taxes											$	28,265
	Segment assets, total	$	131,309	$	123,556	$	21,118	$	74,449		(b)	$	350,432
	Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
	Revenues	$	240,359	$	219,864	$	47,479	$	—			$	507,702
	Income (loss) from operations	7,398		23,058		3,235		(1,261		)	(a)	32,430
	Interest expense							(2,071		)		(2,071		)
	Interest income							121				121
	Other income (expense), net							(2,147		)		(2,147		)
	Income before income taxes											$	28,333
	Segment assets, total	$	125,178	$	114,940	$	21,528	$	67,268		(b)	$	328,914
	Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include unallocated corporate items:
	(a)	Reclassification of depreciation expense and allocation of corporate expenses.
	(b)	Corporate assets include cash, prepaid expenses, corporate facilities, enterprise-wide information systems and other nonoperating assets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Fi

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair value measurements and financial instruments [Text Block]	'
	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Market participants are defined as buyers or sellers in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability that are independent of the reporting entity, knowledgeable, and able and willing to transact for the asset or liability.
	Valuation Hierarchy--A valuation hierarchy is used for presentation of the inputs to measure fair value.  This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels.  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.  A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 28, 2013, were as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements at
						September 28, 2013 Using:
	Assets and Liabilities Recorded at		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	Fair Value on a Recurring Basis		Carrying			in			Other			Unobservable
			Value at			Active			Observable			Inputs
			September 28,			Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
			2013			(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent		$	13,182		$	13,182		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses		$	29		$	—		$	29		$	—
	Deferred compensation		1,105			—			1,105			—
	L.	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)
	Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 were as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements at
						December 31, 2012 Using:
	Assets and Liabilities Recorded at		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	Fair Value on a Recurring Basis		Carrying			in			Other			Unobservable
			Value at			Active			Observable			Inputs
			December 31,			Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
			2012			(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent		$	10,758		$	10,758		$	—		$	—
	Fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets		38			—			38			—
	Liabilities:
	Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses		$	24		$	—		$	24		$	—
	Deferred compensation		873			—			873			—
	The assets invested for self-insurance are money market funds--classified as Level 1--based on quoted market prices of the identical underlying securities in active markets. The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments are calculated based on market rates to settle the instruments, representing the amount we would receive upon sale or pay upon transfer--Level 2 inputs. The estimated fair value of the deferred compensation--classified as Level 2--is based on the value of the Company's common shares, determined by independent valuation.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments--Fair value information is required to be presented for all financial instruments, whether reported at fair value or historical carrying value.
	The fair values of our current assets and current liabilities, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses among others, approximate their reported carrying values because of their short-term nature. The assets invested for self-insurance and derivative instruments are reported at fair value. Financial instruments classified as noncurrent liabilities and their carrying values and fair values were as follows:
			September 28, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Financial Instruments Recorded at		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
	Historical Carrying Value		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Revolving credit facility, noncurrent		$	44,500		$	44,500		$	24,200		$	24,200
	Senior unsecured notes		30,000			28,959			30,000			29,762
	Term loans, noncurrent		34			34			587			587
	Total		$	74,534		$	73,493		$	54,787		$	54,549
	L.	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)
	The carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value as the interest rates on the amounts outstanding are variable. The fair value of our senior unsecured notes and our term loans is determined based on expected future weighted-average interest rates with the same remaining maturities--Level 2 inputs.
	Market Risk and Derivative Financial Instruments
	In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We use derivative financial instruments from time-to-time to manage risks, in part, associated with changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices.
	Foreign Currency Rate Risk--We are exposed to market risk related to foreign currency exchange rate risk resulting from our operations in Canada, where we provide a comprehensive range of horticultural services. Our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in the foreign currency exchange rate or differing economic conditions in the Canadian markets as compared with the markets for our services in the United States. Our earnings are affected by translation exposures from currency fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar. Similarly, the Canadian dollar-denominated assets and liabilities may result in financial exposure as to the timing of transactions and the net asset / liability position of our Canadian operations. Presently, we do not engage in hedging activities related to our foreign currency rate risk.
	Interest Rate Risk--We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates on long-term debt obligations. We regularly monitor and measure our interest rate risk and, to the extent that we believe we are exposed, from time-to-time we have entered into interest rate swap contracts--derivative financial instruments--with the objective of altering interest rate exposures related to a portion of variable debt.
	Interest Rate Swaps--From time-to-time we have held interest rate swaps—cash-flow hedges—to effectively convert a portion of our variable-rate revolving credit borrowings to a fixed rate, thus reducing the impact of interest-rate changes on future interest expense. Under the contracts, we agree with the counterparty to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between variable-rate and fixed-rate amounts calculated on a notional principal amount. During the first quarter 2012, all interest rate swap contracts previously entered into expired.
	Fuel Derivatives--Beginning in the second quarter 2011, we entered into fuel derivatives as “economic hedges” related to fuel consumed by Davey Tree service vehicles. The objectives of the economic hedges are to fix the price of a portion of our fuel needs and mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility attributable to the risk of changing prices.
	L.	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)
	The following tables set forth quantitative information related to our derivatives instruments and where these amounts are recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
			As of
			September 28,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Economic Hedges - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Fuel Derivatives:
	Asset fair value of fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets		$	—		$	38
	Liability fair value of fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses		$	29		$	24
	Longest remaining term, in months		3			12
	Notional hedged volume, in thousands of gallons		300			1,250
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
Cash Flow Hedges - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps:
Hedge gains, recognized in other comprehensive income		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	123
Economic Hedges - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Fuel Derivatives:
Change in fair value, recognized in results of operations, as a (reduction)/increase in operating costs and expenses		$	(92	)	$	(616	)	$	(125	)	$	(650	)

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Contingencies [Text Block]	'
	Contingencies
	We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business.
	With respect to all such matters, we record an accrual for a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In addition, narrative information is provided for matters as to which management believes a material loss is reasonably possible.
	Management has assessed all such matters, including the matter described below, based on current information and made a judgment concerning their potential outcome, giving due consideration to the nature of the claim, the amount and nature of damages sought and the probability of success.  Management's judgment is made subject to the known uncertainty of litigation and management's judgment as to estimates made may prove materially different from actual results.
	California Fire Litigation: San Diego County--Davey Tree Surgery Company, a Davey subsidiary, and Davey Resource Group, a Davey division, along with the Company have previously been sued, together with a utility services customer, San Diego Gas & Electric ("SDG&E"), and its parent company, as defendants, and as cross-defendants in cross-complaints filed by SDG&E, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Diego, arising out of a wildfire in San Diego County that started on October 22, 2007, referred to as the Rice Canyon fire.
	Numerous lawsuits related to the Rice Canyon fire were filed against SDG&E, its parent company, Sempra Energy, and Davey. The earliest of the lawsuits naming Davey was filed on April 18, 2008. The Court ordered that the lawsuits be organized into four groups based on type of plaintiff, namely insurance subrogation claimants, individual/business claimants, governmental claimants, and plaintiffs seeking class certification. Plaintiffs' motions seeking class certification were denied and the orders denying class certification were affirmed on appeal. SDG&E filed cross-complaints against Davey for contractual indemnity, declaratory relief, and breach of contract. SDG&E has settled many of the third-party claims and asserted its claims against Davey for indemnity.
	During the third quarter 2012, Davey entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement (the “Agreement”) among Davey, SDG&E and Davey's insurers.
	Under the Agreement (a) Davey paid SDG&E an amount previously expensed and accrued as self-insurance, (b) Davey's insurers paid SDG&E amounts under Davey's insurance policies in effect during the period of the Rice Canyon fire, and (c) SDG&E dismissed its cross-complaints against Davey and agreed to defend and hold harmless Davey from any and all claims that are currently asserted against Davey.

Basis_of_Financial_Statement_P1

Basis of Financial Statement Preparation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Basis of Financial Statement Preparation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The condensed consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries. “We,” “us,” “our,” “Davey,” “Davey Tree” and the “Company” means The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
	We have prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. The consolidated financial statements include all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Certain information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. We suggest that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Annual Report”).
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation--The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Our consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.  Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounts receivable valuation, depreciable lives of fixed assets, self-insurance accruals, income taxes and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income--In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line-items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail on these amounts. ASU 2013-01 requires prospective adoption and effects financial statement presentation only. We adopted ASU 2013-02 as of the first quarter ended March 30, 2013 with no effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	We calculate our basic earnings per share by dividing net income or net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated in a similar manner, but include the effect of dilutive securities. To the extent these securities are antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation of earnings per share.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Our income tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate and, if our estimated annual tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Measurement of Segment Profit and Loss and Segment Assets--We evaluate performance and allocate resources based primarily on operating income and also actively manage business unit operating assets. Segment information, including reconciling adjustments, is presented consistent with the basis described in the 2012 Annual Report.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business.
	With respect to all such matters, we record an accrual for a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

Accounts_Receivable_Net_and_Su1

Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance-Sheet Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable, net [Table Text Block]	'
	The following comprise accounts receivable, net, and other:
	Accounts receivable, net	September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accounts receivable	$	94,855	$	105,044
	Receivables under contractual arrangements	22,837		12,961
		117,692		118,005
	Less allowances for doubtful accounts	1,764		2,442
	Accounts receivable, net	$	115,928	$	115,563
Other current assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following comprise the amounts included in the balance sheet:
	Other current assets	September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Refundable income taxes	$	3,906	$	—
	Deferred income taxes	8,521		8,815
	Prepaid expenses	17,297		9,101
	Other	1,045		2,593
	Total	$	30,769	$	20,509
Accrued expenses [Table Text Block]	'
	Accrued expenses	September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Employee compensation	$	16,657	$	17,888
	Accrued compensated absences	7,185		7,080
	Self-insured medical claims	1,270		2,571
	Income tax payable	—		2,013
	Customer advances, deposits	—		1,346
	Taxes, other than income	2,503		2,463
	Other	935		1,101
	Total	$	28,550	$	34,462

Identified_Intangible_Assets_a1

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of identified intangible assets and goodwill, net [Table Text Block]	'
	The carrying amounts of the identified intangibles and goodwill acquired in connection with our historical investments in businesses were as follows:
		September 28, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net	Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer lists/relationships	$	14,438	$	11,137	$	14,378	$	10,319
	Employment-related	5,634		5,446		5,430		5,082
	Tradenames	4,527		3,634		4,528		3,267
	Amortized intangible assets	$	24,599	$	20,217	$	24,336	$	18,668
	Less accumulated amortization	20,217				18,668
	Identified intangibles, net	4,382				5,668
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Goodwill	23,662				23,515
		$	28,044			$	29,183

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Our long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Revolving credit facility
	Prime rate borrowings	$	500	$	9,200
	LIBOR borrowings	44,000		15,000
		44,500		24,200
	Senior unsecured notes	30,000		30,000
	Term loans	11,417		7,579
		85,917		61,779
	Less current portion	11,383		6,992
		$	74,534	$	54,787

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of share-based compensation arrangements by share-based payment award [Table Text Block]	'
	Stock-based compensation expense under all share-based payment plans -- our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights and performance-based restricted stock units -- included in the results of operations follows:
		Three months ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,				September 29,		September 28,				September 29,
		2013				2012		2013				2012
	Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	$	342			$	285	$	1,018			$	1,210
Schedule of share-based compensation, stock-settled stock appreciation rights award activity [Table Text Block]	'
	F.	Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
	The following table summarizes our SSARs as of September 28, 2013.
	Stock-Settled		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-		Unrecognized				Aggregate
	Stock Appreciation Rights		of			Average		Average		Compensation				Intrinsic
			Rights			Award Date		Remaining		Cost				Value
						Value		Contractual
								Life
	Unvested, January 1, 2013		257,817			$	3.17
	Granted		117,280			3.17
	Forfeited		—			—
	Vested		(86,044	)		3.22
	Unvested, September 28, 2013		289,053			$	3.16	2.3 years		$	712			$	6,909
	Employee SSARs		259,320			$	3.24	2.3 years		$	651			$	6,198
	Nonemployee Director SSARs		29,733			$	2.32	2.7 years		$	61			$	711
Schedule of share-based compensation, performance-based restricted stock units award activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units as of September 28, 2013.
	Performance-Based		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-		Unrecognized				Aggregate
	Restricted Stock Units		of			Average		Average		Compensation				Intrinsic
			Stock			Grant Date		Remaining		Cost				Value
			Units			Value		Contractual
								Life
	Unvested, January 1, 2013		78,653			$	16.87
	Granted		42,290			21.67
	Forfeited		—			—
	Vested		(22,754	)		16.48
	Unvested, September 28, 2013		98,189			$	19.03	3.1 years		$	1,227			$	2,347
Schedule of share-based payment award, stock options, valuation assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair values of stock-based awards granted were estimated at the dates of grant with the following weighted-average assumption.
		Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012
	Volatility rate	11.3	%		11.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1	%		1.6	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.5	%		1.5	%
	Expected life of awards (years)	9.4			9.1
Schedule of share-based compensation, stock options activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes activity under the stock option plans for the nine months ended September 28, 2013.
	Stock Options		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
			of			Average		Average		Intrinsic
			Options			Exercise		Remaining		Value
			Outstanding			Price		Contractual
								Life
	Outstanding, January 1, 2013		761,254			$	11.38
	Granted		198,500			23.2
	Exercised		(173,547	)		7.83
	Forfeited		—			—
	Outstanding, September 28, 2013		786,207			$	15.14	5.2 years		$	6,884
	Exercisable, September 28, 2013		466,107			$	11.4	3.0 years		$	5,824

Net_Periodic_Benefit_Cost_Defi1

Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Abstract]	'
Schedule of defined benefit pension plans, components of pesion cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The results of operations included the following net periodic benefit cost recognized related to our defined-benefit pension plans.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of pension cost
	Service costs--increase in benefit obligation earned	$	55		$	47		$	166		$	138
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	379			412			1,136			1,244
	Expected return on plan assets	(439		)	(424		)	(1,319		)	(1,277		)
	Settlement loss	—			—			—			219
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	347			259			1,041			781
	Amortization of prior service cost	3			3			10			10
	Net pension cost of defined benefit pension plans	$	345		$	297		$	1,034		$	1,115

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following summarizes the components of other comprehensive income (loss) accumulated in shareholders’ equity:
		Foreign			Defined			Accumulated
		Currency			Benefit			Other
		Translation			Pension			Comprehensive
		Adjustments			Plans			Income (Loss)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	3,511		$	(10,626	)	$	(7,115	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
	Unrealized losses	(925		)	—			(925		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			1,051			1,051
	Tax effect	—			(400		)	(400		)
	Net of tax amount	(925		)	651			(274		)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	2,586		$	(9,975	)	$	(7,389	)

Per_Share_Amounts_and_Common_S1

Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'
Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	J.    Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding
	We calculate our basic earnings per share by dividing net income or net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated in a similar manner, but include the effect of dilutive securities. To the extent these securities are antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation of earnings per share. The per share amounts were computed as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Income available to common shareholders:
	Net Income	$	8,644	$	8,296	$	17,468	$	17,141
	Weighted-average shares:
	Basic:
	Outstanding	13,583		14,039		13,680		13,914
	Partially-paid share subscriptions	137		94		407		94
	Basic weighted-average shares	13,720		14,133		14,087		14,008
	Diluted:
	Basic from above	13,720		14,133		14,087		14,008
	Incremental shares from assumed:
	Exercise of stock subscription purchase rights	59		17		35		5
	Exercise of stock options and awards	476		616		425		522
	Diluted weighted-average shares	14,255		14,766		14,547		14,535
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.63	$	0.59	$	1.24	$	1.22
	Diluted	$	0.61	$	0.56	$	1.2	$	1.18
Schedule of common shares outstanding [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the activity of the common shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 follows:
	Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013	13,726,002
	Shares purchased	(589,155	)
	Shares sold	226,959
	Stock subscription offering -- cash purchases	13,473
	Options and awards exercised	184,988
		(163,735	)
	Shares outstanding at September 28, 2013	13,562,267

Operations_by_Business_Segment1

Operations by Business Segment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Operations by Business Segment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Segment information reconciled to consolidated external reporting information follows:
		Utility		Residential		All		Reconciling				Consolidated
		Services		Commercial		Other		Adjustments
				Services
	Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	87,805	$	89,457	$	17,510	$	—			$	194,772
	Income (loss) from operations	3,040		11,213		1,579		(951		)	(a)	14,881
	Interest expense							(711		)		(711		)
	Interest income							76				76
	Other income (expense), net							(713		)		(713		)
	Income before income taxes											$	13,533
	Segment assets, total	$	131,309	$	123,556	$	21,118	$	74,449		(b)	$	350,432
	Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
	Revenues	$	80,874	$	81,438	$	16,335	$	—			$	178,647
	Income (loss) from operations	2,343		10,925		1,633		(249		)	(a)	14,652
	Interest expense							(661		)		(661		)
	Interest income							65				65
	Other income (expense), net							(638		)		(638		)
	Income before income taxes											$	13,418
	Segment assets, total	$	125,178	$	114,940	$	21,528	$	67,268		(b)	$	328,914
	Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	245,982	$	237,690	$	50,003	$	—			$	533,675
	Income (loss) from operations	7,034		25,474		1,552		(1,958		)	(a)	32,102
	Interest expense							(2,052		)		(2,052		)
	Interest income							237				237
	Other income (expense), net							(2,022		)		(2,022		)
	Income before income taxes											$	28,265
	Segment assets, total	$	131,309	$	123,556	$	21,118	$	74,449		(b)	$	350,432
	Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
	Revenues	$	240,359	$	219,864	$	47,479	$	—			$	507,702
	Income (loss) from operations	7,398		23,058		3,235		(1,261		)	(a)	32,430
	Interest expense							(2,071		)		(2,071		)
	Interest income							121				121
	Other income (expense), net							(2,147		)		(2,147		)
	Income before income taxes											$	28,333
	Segment assets, total	$	125,178	$	114,940	$	21,528	$	67,268		(b)	$	328,914
	Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include unallocated corporate items:
	(a)	Reclassification of depreciation expense and allocation of corporate expenses.
	(b)	Corporate assets include cash, prepaid expenses, corporate facilities, enterprise-wide information systems and other nonoperating assets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Fi1

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	'
	Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 28, 2013, were as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements at
						September 28, 2013 Using:
	Assets and Liabilities Recorded at		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	Fair Value on a Recurring Basis		Carrying			in			Other			Unobservable
			Value at			Active			Observable			Inputs
			September 28,			Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
			2013			(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent		$	13,182		$	13,182		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses		$	29		$	—		$	29		$	—
	Deferred compensation		1,105			—			1,105			—
	L.	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)
	Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 were as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements at
						December 31, 2012 Using:
	Assets and Liabilities Recorded at		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	Fair Value on a Recurring Basis		Carrying			in			Other			Unobservable
			Value at			Active			Observable			Inputs
			December 31,			Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
			2012			(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent		$	10,758		$	10,758		$	—		$	—
	Fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets		38			—			38			—
	Liabilities:
	Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses		$	24		$	—		$	24		$	—
	Deferred compensation		873			—			873			—
Financial instruments recorded at historical carrying value [Table Text Block]	'
	Financial instruments classified as noncurrent liabilities and their carrying values and fair values were as follows:
			September 28, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Financial Instruments Recorded at		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
	Historical Carrying Value		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Revolving credit facility, noncurrent		$	44,500		$	44,500		$	24,200		$	24,200
	Senior unsecured notes		30,000			28,959			30,000			29,762
	Term loans, noncurrent		34			34			587			587
	Total		$	74,534		$	73,493		$	54,787		$	54,549
Schedule of derivative instruments in statement of financial position, fair value [Table Text Block]	'
	L.	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)
	The following tables set forth quantitative information related to our derivatives instruments and where these amounts are recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
			As of
			September 28,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Economic Hedges - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Fuel Derivatives:
	Asset fair value of fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets		$	—		$	38
	Liability fair value of fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses		$	29		$	24
	Longest remaining term, in months		3			12
	Notional hedged volume, in thousands of gallons		300			1,250
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Cash Flow Hedges - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest Rate Swaps:
	Hedge gains, recognized in other comprehensive income		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	123
	Economic Hedges - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Fuel Derivatives:
	Change in fair value, recognized in results of operations, as a (reduction)/increase in operating costs and expenses		$	(92	)	$	(616	)	$	(125	)	$	(650	)

Accounts_Receivable_Net_and_Su2

Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance-Sheet Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, net	'	'
Accounts receivable	$94,855	$105,044
Receivables under contractual arrangements	22,837	12,961
Accounts receivable, gross, current	117,692	118,005
Less allowances for doubtful accounts	1,764	2,442
Accounts receivable, net	115,928	115,563
Other current assets	'	'
Refundable income taxes	3,906	0
Deferred income taxes	8,521	8,815
Prepaid expenses	17,297	9,101
Other	1,045	2,593
Other current assets, total	30,769	20,509
Accrued expenses	'	'
Employee compensation	16,657	17,888
Accrued compensated absences	7,185	7,080
Self-insured medical claims	1,270	2,571
Income tax payable	0	2,013
Customer advances, deposits	0	1,346
Taxes, other than income	2,503	2,463
Other	935	1,101
Total	$28,550	$34,462

Identified_Intangible_Assets_a2

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	$24,599	$24,336
Accumulated amortization	20,217	18,668
Identified intangibles, net	4,382	5,668
Goodwill	23,662	23,515
Identified intangible assets and goodwill, net	28,044	29,183
Customer lists/relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	14,438	14,378
Accumulated amortization	11,137	10,319
Employment-related [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	5,634	5,430
Accumulated amortization	5,446	5,082
Tradenames [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	4,527	4,528
Accumulated amortization	$3,634	$3,267

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Prime rate borrowings	$500	$9,200
LIBOR borrowings	44,000	15,000
Revolving credit facility borrowings, total	44,500	24,200
Senior unsecured notes	30,000	30,000
Term loans	11,417	7,579
Long-term debt	85,917	61,779
Less current portion	11,383	6,992
Long-term debt	$74,534	$54,787

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

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

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Line of credit [Member]

Line of credit [Member]

Line of credit [Member]

Line of credit [Member]

Line of credit [Member]

Line of credit [Member]

Line of credit [Member]

Letter of credit [Member]

Base rate, LIBOR [Member]

Base rate, federal funds [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, current borrowing Capacity

$140,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letter of credit, sublimit

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing Capacity

160,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unused commitments under credit facility

46,646

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Committed under credit facility

'

'

'

'

93,354

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility borrowings

44,500

24,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,854

Outstanding borrowings interest rate margin adjustment, range

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.25%

1.25%

1.75%

'

Debt instrument, variable rate, base rate calculation

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage

'

'

0.20%

0.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior unsecured notes

$30,000

$30,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior unsecured notes, interest rate

5.09%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of principal payments

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anniversary when principal payments begin

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, number of shares authorized	10,000,000	'	10,000,000	'
Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	$342	$285	$1,018	$1,210
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Volatility rate	'	'	11.30%	11.70%
Risk free interest rate	'	'	2.10%	1.60%
Expected dividend yield	'	'	1.50%	1.50%
Expected life of awards (years)	'	'	'9 years 4 months 24 days	'9 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning balance	'	'	761,254	'
Granted	'	'	198,500	'
Exercised	'	'	-173,547	'
Forfeited	'	'	0	'
Outstanding, ending balance	786,207	'	786,207	'
Exercisable, ending balance	466,107	'	466,107	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price, beginning balance	'	'	$11.38	'
Granted, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$23.20	'
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$7.83	'
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$0	'
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price, ending balance	$15.14	'	$15.14	'
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price, ending balance	$11.40	'	$11.40	'
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'	'	'5 years 2 months 27 days	'
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'	'	'2 years 11 months 19 days	'
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	6,884	'	6,884	'
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	5,824	'	5,824	'
Outstanding, unrecognized compensation cost	939	'	939	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'3 years 3 months 22 days	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	'	'	307	312
Employee stock purchase plan, service period	'	'	'1 year	'
Employee stock purchase plan, percentage of market price, Purchase Date	'	'	85.00%	'
Employee stock purchase, discount from market price, purchase date	'	'	15.00%	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	'	'	162	122
Stock options, awarded, outstanding	667,207	'	667,207	'
Stock options awarded, vesting period (years)	'	'	'10 years	'
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	'	'	233	217
Stock options awarded, vesting period (years)	'	'	'5 years	'
Stock appreciation rights, awarded	'	'	117,280	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, beginning balance	'	'	257,817	'
Granted	'	'	117,280	'
Forfeited	'	'	0	'
Vested	'	'	-86,044	'
Unvested, ending balance	289,053	'	289,053	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, weighted average award date value, beginning balance	'	'	$3.17	'
Granted, weighted average award date value	'	'	$3.17	'
Forfeited, weighted average award date value	'	'	$0	'
Vested, weighted average award date value	'	'	$3.22	'
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$3.16	'	$3.16	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'	'	'2 years 3 months 18 days	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	712	'	712	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	6,909	'	6,909	'
Employee SSARs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, ending balance	259,320	'	259,320	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$3.24	'	$3.24	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'	'	'2 years 3 months 18 days	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	651	'	651	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	6,198	'	6,198	'
Nonemployee Director SSARs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, ending balance	29,733	'	29,733	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$2.32	'	$2.32	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'	'	'2 years 8 months 12 days	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	61	'	61	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	711	'	711	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	'	'	316	559
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, beginning balance	'	'	78,653	'
Granted	'	'	42,290	'
Forfeited	'	'	0	'
Vested	'	'	-22,754	'
Unvested, ending balance	98,189	'	98,189	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unvested, weighted average award date value, beginning balance	'	'	$16.87	'
Granted, weighted average award date value	'	'	$21.67	'
Forfeited, weighted average award date value	'	'	$0	'
Vested, weighted average award date value	'	'	$16.48	'
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$19.03	'	$19.03	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'	'	'3 years 1 month 6 days	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,227	'	1,227	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	$2,347	'	$2,347	'

Net_Periodic_Benefit_Cost_Defi2

Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Details) (Pension plans, defined benefit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Pension plans, defined benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service costs--increase in benefit obligation earned	$55	$47	$166	$138
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	379	412	1,136	1,244
Expected return on plan assets	-439	-424	-1,319	-1,277
Settlement loss	0	0	0	219
Amortization of net actuarial loss	347	259	1,041	781
Amortization of prior service cost	3	3	10	10
Net pension cost of defined benefit pension plans	345	297	1,034	1,115
Contributions by employer	'	'	548	'
Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year	$167	'	$167	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Effective income tax rate	39.00%	39.50%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$2,638	$2,638
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1,933	1,933
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued	142	142
Additional tax payments on pending tax matters, lower bound	500	'
Additional tax payments on pending tax matters, upper bound	$800	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	($7,115)
Unrealized losses	-925
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,051
Tax effect	-400
Net of tax amount	-274
Balance at September 28, 2013	-7,389
Foreign currencty translation adjustments [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	3,511
Unrealized losses	-925
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Tax effect	0
Net of tax amount	-925
Balance at September 28, 2013	2,586
Defined benefit pension plans [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	-10,626
Unrealized losses	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,051
Tax effect	-400
Net of tax amount	651
Balance at September 28, 2013	($9,975)

Per_Share_Amounts_and_Common_S2

Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$8,644	$8,296	$17,468	$17,141
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic	13,583,000	14,039,000	13,680,000	13,914,000
Weighted-average shares, partially-paid share subscriptions	137,000	94,000	407,000	94,000
Basic weighted average shares	13,720,000	14,133,000	14,087,000	14,008,000
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock subscription purchase rights	59,000	17,000	35,000	5,000
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options and awards	476,000	616,000	425,000	522,000
Diluted weighted-average shares	14,255,000	14,766,000	14,547,000	14,535,000
Basic	$0.63	$0.59	$1.24	$1.22
Diluted	$0.61	$0.56	$1.20	$1.18
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013	'	'	13,726,002	'
Shares purchased	'	'	-589,155	'
Shares sold	'	'	226,959	'
Stock subscription offering -- cash purchases	'	'	13,473	'
Options and awards exercised	'	'	184,988	'
Change in shares outstanding	'	'	-163,735	'
Shares outstanding at September 28, 2013	13,562,267	'	13,562,267	'
Employee and director options exercisable	466,107	'	466,107	'
Partially-paid subscriptions	544,339	'	544,339	'
Purchase rights outstanding	208,674	'	208,674	'

Per_Share_Amounts_and_Common_S3

Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding stock subscription (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'
Stock subscription offering, subscription price	$19.70	$19.70
Stock subscription offering, number of shares subscribed	'	637,714
stock subscription offering, value of shares subscribed	'	$12,563,000
Stock subscription offering, minimum financed amount	5,000	5,000
Stock subscription offering, down payment	10.00%	10.00%
Stock subscription offering, term (in years)	'	'7 years
Stock subscription offering interest rate	'	2.00%
Stock subscription offering, minimum amount to receive right	$5,000	$5,000
Stock subscription offering, number of shares purchased to receive one right	'	3
Stock subscription offering, number of rights issued	211,800	'
Stock subscription offering, portion exercisable per year	'	14.29%
Stock subscription offering, right expiration term (in years)	'	'P7Y

Operations_by_Business_Segment2

Operations by Business Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Number of Reportable Segments	'		'		2		'		'
Revenues	$194,772		$178,647		$533,675		$507,702		'
Income (loss) from operations	14,881		14,652		32,102		32,430		'
Interest expense	-711		-661		-2,052		-2,071		'
Interest income	76		65		237		121		'
Other income (expense), net	-713		-638		-2,022		-2,147		'
Income before income taxes	13,533		13,418		28,265		28,333		'
Segment assets, total	350,432		328,914		350,432		328,914		330,932
Utility services [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	87,805		80,874		245,982		240,359		'
Income (loss) from operations	3,040		2,343		7,034		7,398		'
Segment assets, total	131,309		125,178		131,309		125,178		'
Residential commercial services [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	89,457		81,438		237,690		219,864		'
Income (loss) from operations	11,213		10,925		25,474		23,058		'
Segment assets, total	123,556		114,940		123,556		114,940		'
All other [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	17,510		16,335		50,003		47,479		'
Income (loss) from operations	1,579		1,633		1,552		3,235		'
Segment assets, total	21,118		21,528		21,118		21,528		'
Reconciling adjustments [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	0		0		0		0		'
Income (loss) from operations	-951	[1]	-249	[1]	-1,958	[1]	-1,261	[1]	'
Interest expense	-711		-661		-2,052		-2,071		'
Interest income	76		65		237		121		'
Other income (expense), net	-713		-638		-2,022		-2,147		'
Segment assets, total	$74,449	[2]	$67,268	[2]	$74,449	[2]	$67,268	[2]	'
[1]	(a)Reclassification of depreciation expense and allocation of corporate expenses.
[2]	(b)Corporate assets include cash, prepaid expenses, corporate facilities, enterprise-wide information systems and other nonoperating assets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Fi2

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (Details) (Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	$13,182	$10,758
Fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets	'	0
Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	0	0
Fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets	0	38
Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses	29	24
Deferred compensation	1,105	873
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	0	0
Fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets	'	0
Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	13,182	10,758
Fuel derivatives, classified as other current assets	'	38
Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses	29	24
Deferred compensation	$1,105	$873

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Fi3

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Longest remaining term, in months [Member]

Longest remaining term, in months [Member]

Notional hedged volume, in thousands of gallons [Member]

Notional hedged volume, in thousands of gallons [Member]

Change During Period, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Change During Period, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Change During Period, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Change During Period, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

gal

gal

Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, noncurrent

'

'

$44,500

$24,200

$44,500

$24,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior unsecured notes

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

28,959

29,762

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loans, noncurrent

'

'

34

587

34

587

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long term debt

'

'

74,534

54,787

73,493

54,549

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Price Risk Derivatives [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Longest remaining term, in months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 months

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional hedged volume, in thousands of gallons

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

1,250,000

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Hedge gains, recognized in other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

123

Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in fair value, recognized in results of operations, as an (increase in)/decrease in operating costs and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($92)

($616)

($125)

($650)