CH2M Hill Companies Inactive 10-K25 Feb 142013 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 07, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CH2M HILL COMPANIES LTD	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000777491	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1.70
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	28,779,436	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$294,261	$310,638
Available-for-sale securities	1,074	2,135
Receivables, net-	'	'
Client accounts	779,159	794,903
Unbilled revenue	611,197	570,914
Other	21,503	19,606
Income tax receivable	15,999	6,905
Deferred income taxes	51,379	75,556
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	80,923	82,299
Total current assets	1,855,495	1,862,956
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	92,287	118,008
Property, plant and equipment, net	226,425	212,007
Goodwill	573,487	562,461
Intangible assets, net	96,658	133,657
Deferred income taxes	129,591	155,250
Employee benefit plan assets and other	82,454	70,245
Total assets	3,056,397	3,114,584
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	4,099	3,497
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	463,516	568,507
Billings in excess of revenue	358,590	385,985
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	337,546	335,457
Other accrued liabilities	188,600	216,907
Total current liabilities	1,352,351	1,510,353
Long-term employee related liabilities	574,816	574,406
Long-term debt	387,023	248,832
Other long-term liabilities	99,623	164,285
Total liabilities	2,413,813	2,497,876
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, Class A $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,782,277 and 29,845,190 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	288	298
Retained earnings	763,095	734,033
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-138,963	-130,671
Total CH2M HILL common stockholders' equity	624,420	603,660
Noncontrolling interests	18,164	13,048
Total equity	642,584	616,708
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,056,397	$3,114,584

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets	'	'
Preferred stock, Class A par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, Class A shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, Class A shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,782,277	29,845,190
Common stock, shares outstanding	28,782,277	29,845,190

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income	'	'	'
Gross revenue	$5,877,819	$6,160,553	$5,555,233
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	54,010	63,674	64,477
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Direct cost of services and overhead	-4,686,005	-4,967,318	-4,487,584
General and administrative	-1,053,462	-1,098,070	-946,973
Operating income	192,362	158,839	185,153
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest income	1,742	1,496	534
Interest expense	-12,244	-9,972	-4,328
Income before provision for income taxes	181,860	150,363	181,359
Provision for income taxes	-50,708	-52,066	-55,930
Net income	131,152	98,297	125,429
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-12,818	-5,321	-12,132
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	$118,334	$92,976	$113,297
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL per common share:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$4	$2.99	$3.68
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$3.96	$2.95	$3.60
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	29,612,309	31,081,679	30,823,954
Diluted (in shares)	29,889,844	31,483,901	31,427,823

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Net Income	$131,152	$98,297	$125,429
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-4,596	13,384	-15,052
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	-3,053	-83,066	-26,868
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments and other, net of tax	-642	-133	-34
Other comprehensive loss	-8,291	-69,815	-41,954
Comprehensive income	122,861	28,482	83,475
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-12,818	-5,321	-12,132
Comprehensive income attributable to CH2M HILL	$110,043	$23,161	$71,343

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$554,168	$305	'	$563,343	($18,768)	$9,288
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	30,527,473	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	125,429	'	'	113,297	'	12,132
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-15,052	'	'	'	-15,185	133
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	-26,868	'	'	'	-26,868	'
Unrealized loss on equity investments, net of tax	-34	'	'	'	-34	'
Distributions to affiliates, net	-11,799	'	'	'	'	-11,799
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans	115,255	16	115,239	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	'	1,535,357	'	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with purchase of Halcrow Holdings, Ltd.	18,841	3	18,838	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with purchase of Halcrow Holdings, Ltd. (in shares)	'	342,379	'	'	'	'
Shares purchased and retired	-93,627	-13	-134,077	40,463	'	'
Shares purchased and retired (in shares)	'	-1,354,555	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	666,313	311	'	717,103	-60,855	9,754
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	31,050,654	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	98,297	'	'	92,976	'	5,321
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	13,384	'	'	'	13,383	1
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	-83,066	'	'	'	-83,066	'
Unrealized loss on equity investments, net of tax	-133	'	'	'	-133	'
Distributions to affiliates, net	-2,028	'	'	'	'	-2,028
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans	81,154	12	81,142	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	'	1,236,561	'	'	'	'
Shares purchased and retired	-157,213	-25	-81,142	-76,046	'	'
Shares purchased and retired (in shares)	'	-2,442,025	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	616,708	298	'	734,033	-130,671	13,048
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	29,845,190	29,845,190	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	131,152	'	'	118,334	'	12,818
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-4,596	'	'	'	-4,597	1
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	-3,053	'	'	'	-3,053	'
Unrealized loss on equity investments, net of tax	-642	'	'	'	-642	'
Distributions to affiliates, net	-7,703	'	'	'	'	-7,703
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans	64,583	11	64,572	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	'	1,115,748	'	'	'	'
Shares purchased and retired	-153,865	-21	-64,572	-89,272	'	'
Shares purchased and retired (in shares)	'	-2,178,661	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$642,584	$288	'	$763,095	($138,963)	$18,164
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	28,782,277	28,782,277	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$131,152	$98,297	$125,429
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	74,533	79,631	48,215
Stock-based employee compensation	50,682	61,390	71,495
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	5,039	886	2,403
Gain on termination of lease obligation	-15,468	'	'
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	4,487	4,060	5,846
Deferred income taxes	31,908	-21,958	-22,107
Undistributed earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-54,010	-63,674	-64,477
Distributions of income from unconsolidated affiliates	54,332	42,449	57,597
Contributions to defined benefit pension plans	-31,309	-34,034	-14,659
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:	'	'	'
Receivables and unbilled revenue	-42,183	-216,070	25,513
Prepaid expenses and other	-8,076	-33,676	-18,209
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	-100,885	167,945	-34,605
Billings in excess of revenues	-14,584	-8,717	85,775
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	5,630	36,034	28,814
Other accrued liabilities	-32,378	-15,135	-12,420
Current income taxes	-9,789	29,862	-68,279
Long-term employee related liabilities and other	44,161	6,901	41,069
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,242	134,191	257,400
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-93,157	-46,710	-30,202
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	'	'	-187,678
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-41,114	-24,491	-29,162
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	70,663	37,172	23,627
Proceeds from sale of operating assets	5,692	956	6,415
Net cash used in investing activities	-57,916	-33,073	-217,000
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings on long-term debt	1,662,136	1,438,455	451,129
Payments on long-term debt	-1,523,190	-1,279,010	-476,796
Repurchases and retirements of common stock	-146,044	-157,213	-93,627
Payment on termination of lease obligation	-27,033	'	'
Acquisition payments	-2,670	-9,174	'
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	6,083	10,741	13,066
Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	-7,703	-2,028	-11,799
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-38,421	1,771	-118,027
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-13,282	-517	-4,512
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-16,377	102,372	-82,139
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	310,638	208,266	290,405
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	294,261	310,638	208,266
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	12,122	9,704	3,994
Cash paid for income taxes	$6,253	$34,932	$113,426

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'

	(1) Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

	Summary of Business

	CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. and subsidiaries ("We", "Our", "CH2M HILL" or the "Company") is a project delivery firm founded in 1946. We are a large employee-controlled professional engineering services firm providing engineering, construction, consulting, design, design-build, procurement, engineering-procurement-construction ("EPC"), operations and maintenance, program management and technical services to U.S. federal, state, municipal and local government agencies, national governments, as well as private industry and utilities, around the world. A substantial portion of our professional fees are derived from projects that are funded directly or indirectly by government entities.

	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CH2M HILL and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. Partially owned affiliates and joint ventures are evaluated for consolidation. The consolidated financial statements (referred to herein as "financial statements") are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").

	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in companies which we do not control; however, we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee. Our consolidated net income includes our Company's proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. The cost method of accounting is used for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. These investments are recorded at cost.

	Certain amounts in prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

	Use of Estimates

	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

	Capital Structure

	Our Company has authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of Class A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The bylaws and articles of incorporation provide for the imposition of certain restrictions on the stock including, but not limited to, the right but not the obligation to repurchase shares upon termination of employment or affiliation, the right of first refusal and ownership limits.

	Foreign Currency Translation

	All assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars as of each balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses related to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries are reflected in stockholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period and included in the consolidated statements of income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statements of income.

	Revenue Recognition

	We earn revenue from different types of services performed under various types of contracts, including cost-plus, fixed-price and time-and-materials. We evaluate contractual arrangements to determine how to recognize revenue. We primarily perform engineering and construction related services and recognize revenue for these contracts on the percentage-of-completion method where progress towards completion is measured by relating the actual cost of work performed to date to the current estimated total cost of the respective contracts. In making such estimates, judgments are required to evaluate potential variances in schedule, the cost of materials and labor, productivity, liability claims, contract disputes, and achievement of contract performance standards.

	Change orders are included in total estimated contract revenue when it is probable that the change order will result in an addition to contract value and can be estimated. Management evaluates when a change order is probable based upon its experience in negotiating change orders, the customer's written approval of such changes or separate documentation of change order costs that are identifiable. Losses on construction and engineering contracts in process are recognized in their entirety when the loss becomes evident and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

	Performance incentive and award fee arrangements are included in total estimated contract revenue upon the achievement of some measure of contract performance in relation to agreed-upon targets. We adjust our project revenue estimate by the probable amounts of these performance incentives and award fee arrangements we expect to earn if we achieve the agreed-upon criteria.

	We also perform operations and maintenance services. Revenue is recognized on operations and maintenance contracts on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract once we have an arrangement, service has begun, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

	Unbilled Revenue and Billings in Excess of Revenue

	Unbilled revenue represents the excess of contract revenue recognized over billings to date on contracts in process. These amounts become billable according to the contract terms, which usually consider the passage of time, achievement of certain milestones or completion of the project.

	Billings in excess of revenue represent the excess of billings to date, per the contract terms, over revenue recognized on contracts in process.

	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable

	We reduce accounts receivable by estimating an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. Management determines the estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts based on their judgments in evaluating the aging of the receivables and the financial condition of our clients, which may be dependent on the type of client and the client's current financial condition.

	Fair Value Measurements

	Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Assets and liabilities are valued based upon observable and non-observable inputs. Valuations using Level 1 inputs are based off of unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs utilize significant other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly; and valuations using Level 3 inputs are based off of significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. There were no significant transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2013.

	Income Taxes

	We account for income taxes utilizing an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactment of changes in the tax laws or rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will not be realized. Annually, we determine the amount of undistributed foreign earnings invested indefinitely in our foreign operations. Deferred taxes are not provided on those earnings. In addition, the calculation of tax assets and liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. For income tax benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. We record reserves for uncertain tax positions that do not meet these criteria.

	Cash and Cash Equivalents

	Highly liquid investments with original short-term maturities of less than three months are considered cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows. We maintain a cash management system which provides for cash sufficient to pay checks as they are submitted for payment and we invest cash in excess of this amount in interest-bearing short-term investments such as certificates of deposit and commercial paper. In addition, cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets include cash held within our consolidated joint venture entities which is used for operating activities of those joint ventures. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, cash and cash equivalents held in our consolidated joint ventures and reflected on the consolidated balance sheets totaled $112.2 million and $118.8 million, respectively.

	Available-for-Sale Securities

	Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrecognized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. Losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized when a loss is determined to be other than temporary or when realized. The fair value of available-for-sale securities is estimated using Level 1 inputs.

Property, Plant and Equipment

All additions, including betterments to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Any gain or loss on retirements is reflected in operating income in the year of disposition.

Depreciation for owned property is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. Useful lives for buildings range from 6 to 20 years. Furniture, fixtures, computers, software and other equipment are depreciated over their useful lives from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining term of the associated lease up to 10 years.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill acquired in a purchase business combination is not amortized, but instead, is tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), as amended under Accounting Standards Update 2011-08 ("ASU 2011-08"). In performing the annual impairment test, we evaluate our goodwill at the reporting unit level which we have determined based upon our various lines of business within each of our reporting segments. Under the guidance of ASC 350, we have the option to assess either quantitative or qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units are less than their carrying amounts. If after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units are less than their carrying amounts, then the next step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If we conclude otherwise, then we are required to test goodwill for impairment under the two-step process. The two-step process involves comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to the unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired; therefore, the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we would then perform a second step to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recorded. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using a market approach. Our market based valuation method provides estimates of the fair value of our reporting units based on applying a multiple to our estimate of a cash flow metric for each business unit. Our annual goodwill impairment test is conducted as of October 1st of each year. For 2013, we selected the qualitative method to assess if it was not more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceeds their fair value and, as a result, we considered various relevant factors including current and expected macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, specific reporting unit performance and other changes in the overall business. Based on these considerations, we concluded there was no indication of impairment of goodwill in any of our reporting units.

Other Long-Lived Assets

We may acquire other intangible assets in business combinations. Intangible assets are stated at fair value as of the date acquired in a business combination. We amortize intangible assets with finite lives on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, currently up to seven years. For those intangible assets with no legal, regulatory, contractual or other factors that would reasonably limit the useful life of the intangible asset, management has determined that the life is indefinite and therefore, they are not amortized.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain on equity investments and benefit plan adjustments. These components are included in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Taxes are not provided on the foreign currency translation gains and losses as deferred taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries to which they relate. For the year ended December 31, 2013, changes to accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):


Benefit plans:
Balance at beginning of year		$	(143,171	)
Reclassification adjustment			4,935
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year			(7,988	)


Balance at end of year		$	(146,224	)




Unrealized gain on equity investments:
Balance at beginning of year		$	854
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year			(642	)


Balance at end of year		$	212




Foreign currency translation:
Balance at beginning of year		$	11,646
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year			(4,597	)


Balance at end of year		$	7,049





Other comprehensive loss related to our benefit plans includes pretax reclassification adjustments of $8.2 million ($4.9 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2013 and is recognized in the Direct cost of services and overhead and the General and administrative lines of our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 15—Employee Retirement Plans.

Derivative instruments

We primarily enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates. We are primarily subject to this risk on long term projects whereby the currency being paid by our client differs from the currency in which we incurred our costs, as well as, intercompany trade balances among entities with differing currencies. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. All derivatives are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other receivables or other accrued liabilities as applicable. The periodic change in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in earnings.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject our company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and trade receivables. Our cash is primarily held with major banks and financial institutions throughout the world and typically is insured up to a set amount. Accordingly, we believe the risk of any potential loss on deposits held in these institutions is minimal. Concentrations of credit risk relative to trade receivables are limited due to our diverse client base, which includes the U.S. federal government, various states and municipalities, foreign government agencies, and a variety of U.S. and foreign corporations operating in a broad range of industries and geographic areas.

Contracts with the U.S. federal government and its prime contractors usually contain standard provisions for permitting the government to modify, curtail or terminate the contract for convenience of the government or such prime contractors if program requirements or budgetary constraints change. Upon such a termination, we are generally entitled to recover costs incurred, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to termination.

Recent Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 allows entities testing an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the asset. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. The adoption of this standard did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted FASB ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to amend the reporting of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") to require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of AOCI on the respective line items in net income if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income in the same reporting period. An entity shall provide this information together in one location, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented, or as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. As this update only required additional disclosures, adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date, which requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors as well as any additional amount the entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for our reporting periods beginning on December 31, 2013 and retrospective application is required. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, to clarify the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary within a foreign entity. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods beginning with the Company's December 31, 2013 financial statements. The adoption of the amendments in this ASU did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The provisions of the rule requires, with certain exceptions, an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset in the financial statements for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The provisions relating to this update are prospective and effective for interim and annual periods beginning with the Company's December 31, 2013 financial statements. The implementation of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Receivables_net

Receivables, net	12 Months Ended
Receivables, net	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables, net	'
Receivables, net	'

	(2) Receivables, net

	Receivables are stated at net realizable values and consist of receivables billed to clients as well as receivables for which revenue has been earned but has not yet been billed. The U.S. federal government accounted for approximately 18% and 16% of our net receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No other customer exceeded 10% of total receivables at December 31, 2013 or 2012.

	The change in the allowance for uncollectible accounts consists of the following for the years ended December 31:


	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	10,072		$	7,520		$	12,076
	Provision charged to expense		4,487			4,060			5,846
	Accounts written off		(3,437	)		(579	)		(9,576	)
	Other		(2,705	)		(929	)		(826	)


	Balance at end of year	$	8,417		$	10,072		$	7,520

Variable_Interest_Entities_and

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	'
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	'

	(3) Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments

	We routinely enter into teaming arrangements to perform projects for our clients. Such arrangements are customary in the engineering and construction industry and generally are project specific. The arrangements facilitate the completion of projects that are jointly contracted with our partners. These arrangements are formed to leverage the skills of the respective partners and include consulting, construction, design, design-build, program management and operations and maintenance contracts. Our risk of loss on these arrangements is usually shared with our partners. The liability of each partner is usually joint and several, which means that each partner may become liable for the entire risk of loss on the project.

	We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether our company is the primary beneficiary once an entity is identified as a variable interest entity ("VIE"). A qualitative assessment begins with an understanding of the nature of the risks in the entity as well as the nature of the entity's activities including terms of the contracts entered into by the entity, ownership interests issued by the entity and how they were marketed, and the parties involved in the design of the entity. All of the variable interests held by parties involved with the VIE are identified and a determination of which activities are most significant to the economic performance of the entity and which variable interest holder has the power to direct those activities are made. Most of the VIEs with which our company is involved have relatively few variable interests and are primarily related to our equity investments, subordinated financial support, and subcontracting arrangements. We consolidate those VIEs in which we have both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive the benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As of December 31, 2013, total assets of VIEs that were consolidated were $158.6 million and total liabilities were $105.0 million.

	We held investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $92.3 million and $118.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our proportionate share of net income or loss is included as equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies in the consolidated statements of income. In general, the equity investment in our unconsolidated affiliates is equal to our current equity investment plus our portion of the entities' undistributed earnings. We provide certain services, including engineering, construction management and computer and telecommunications support, to these unconsolidated entities. These services are billed to the joint ventures in accordance with the provisions of the agreements.

	Summarized financial information for our unconsolidated VIEs and equity method investments as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


	($ in thousands)		2013			2012
	FINANCIAL POSITION:
	Current assets		$	611,879		$	802,755
	Noncurrent assets			25,366			48,623


	Total assets		$	637,245		$	851,378




	Current liabilities		$	407,687		$	522,152
	Noncurrent liabilities			3,119			22,755
	Partners'/Owners' equity			226,439			306,471


	Total liabilities and equity		$	637,245		$	851,378




	CH2M HILL's share of equity		$	92,287		$	118,008









	($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
	Revenue		$	2,515,747		$	2,787,830		$	3,037,595
	Direct costs			(2,305,945	)		(2,513,302	)		(2,779,990	)


	Gross margin			209,802			274,528			257,605
	General and administrative expenses			(37,880	)		(39,408	)		(50,307	)


	Operating income			171,922			235,120			207,298
	Other (loss) income, net			(6,024	)		(15,095	)		130


	Net income		$	165,898		$	220,025		$	207,428




	CH2M HILL's share of net income		$	54,010		$	63,674		$	64,477





We have the following significant investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies:


		% Ownership
Domestic:
AGVIQ—CH2M HILL Joint Venture III			49	%
Americas Gateway Builders			40	%
CH2M / WG Idaho, LLC			50.5	%
Coastal Estuary Services			49.9	%
Connecting Idaho Partners			49	%
National Security Technologies, LLC			10	%
Savannah River Remediation LLC			15	%
URS/CH2M OAK RIDGE LLC			45	%
Washington Closure, LLC			30	%
Foreign:
A-one+ Integrated Highway Services.			33.3	%
Cavendish Dounreay Partnership, Ltd.			30	%
CH2M HILL BECA, Ltd.			50	%
CH2M HILL—Kunwon PMC			54	%
CH2M Olayan			49	%
CLM Delivery Partner, Limited			37.5	%
Consorcio Integrador Rio de Janeiro			49	%
Consorcio Sondotecnica-Cobrape-CH2M			25	%
CPG Consultants—CH2M HILL NIP Joint Venture			50	%
ECC-VECO, LLC			50	%
Halcrow (Shanghai) Engineering Consulting Co., LTD			49	%
Halcrow-Sinergia-Setepla Consortium			29.3	%
HWC Treatment Program Alliance Joint Venture			50	%
JJCH2M, a Joint Venture			40	%
Luggage Point Alliance			50	%
OMI BECA, Ltd.			50	%
SMNM VECO Joint Venture			50	%
Sydney Water Corporation-Odour Management Program Alliance			50	%
Transcend Partners, Ltd			40	%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'

	(4) Property, Plant and Equipment

	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of December 31:


	($ in thousands)	2013			2012
	Land	$	22,120		$	23,012
	Building and land improvements		93,088			112,062
	Furniture and fixtures		26,560			25,963
	Computer and office equipment		146,645			110,094
	Field equipment		121,186			115,378
	Leasehold improvements		72,759			86,306


			482,358			472,815
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(255,933	)		(260,808	)


	Net property, plant and equipment	$	226,425		$	212,007





	Depreciation expense is reflected in the consolidated statements of income in direct costs and general and administrative costs depending on the intended use of the asset and totaled $39.1 million, $41.0 million and $37.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets

Employee Benefit Plan Assets	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'

	(5) Employee Benefit Plan Assets

	We have investments that support deferred compensation arrangements and other employee benefit plans. These assets are recorded at fair market value primarily using Level 2 inputs. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair market value of these assets were $80.0 million and $66.3 million, respectively, and are included in employee benefit plan assets and other on the consolidated balance sheets.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions	'
Acquisitions	'

	(6) Acquisitions

	On July 29, 2011, we acquired Booz Allen Hamilton's State and Local Government Transportation and Consulting ("BAH") business. The purchase price was $28.5 million adjusted for working capital and other purchase price adjustments and was paid in cash. We performed an analysis of the fair market value of the tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as any identifiable intangible assets purchased. Included in the intangible assets acquired are the estimated fair value of customer relationships of $8.8 million and contracted backlog of $1.2 million, with useful lives of seven and three years, respectively. In addition, we recorded $10.5 million in goodwill related to the acquisition. The results of operations for this acquisition are reported in the Government, Environment and Infrastructure operating segment since the date of the acquisition.

	On November 10, 2011, we purchased all the share capital of Halcrow for approximately £124.0 million ($197.3 million). Halcrow is a United Kingdom-headquartered engineering, planning, design and management services firm specializing in developing infrastructure. Halcrow's employees provide services to our clients in the United Kingdom, Middle East, Canada, the United States, China, India, Australia, South America, and Europe. Halcrow's clients include public and private-sector organizations around the world, including local, regional and national governments, asset owners, international funding agencies, regulators, financial institutions, contractors, developers and operators. The purchase price was paid to the selling stockholders of Halcrow in the form of $41.7 million of cash, $18.8 million of common stock of CH2M HILL, based on the stock price on the closing date, and $136.8 million of notes payable which were satisfied in full in December 2011. The results of operations for this acquisition are reported in both the Government, Environment and Infrastructure operating segment and the Energy, Water and Facilities operating segment since the date of the acquisition.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'

	(7) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

	The following table presents the changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31:


	($ in thousands)	2013		2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	562,461	$	545,443
	Foreign currency translation		11,026		17,018


	Balance at end of year	$	573,487	$	562,461





	Intangible assets with finite lives consist of the following:


	($ in thousands)	Cost		Accumulated			Net finite-lived
	($ in thousands)	Cost		Amortization			intangible assets
	December 31, 2013
	Contracted backlog	$	79,576	$	(70,306	)	$	9,270
	Customer relationships		162,444		(88,436	)		74,008
	Tradename		24,588		(11,208	)		13,380


	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	266,608	$	(169,950	)	$	96,658




	December 31, 2012
	Contracted backlog	$	81,014	$	(64,850	)	$	16,164
	Customer relationships		160,651		(62,386	)		98,265
	Tradename		24,862		(5,634	)		19,228


	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	266,527	$	(132,870	)	$	133,657





	All intangible assets are being amortized over their expected lives of between three and seven years. The amortization expense reflected in the consolidated statements of income totaled $35.4 million, $38.6 million and $11.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These intangible assets are expected to be fully amortized in 2018. At December 31, 2013, the future estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets is (in thousands):


	Year Ending:
	2014	$	33,468
	2015		25,437
	2016		21,276
	2017		15,743
	2018		734


		$	96,658

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'

	(8) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

	Cash and cash equivalents, client accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs and billings in excess of revenue are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short maturities. Fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, is estimated based on Level 2 inputs, except the amount outstanding on the revolving credit facility for which the carrying value approximates fair value. Fair value is determined by discounting future cash flows using interest rates available for issues with similar terms and average maturities. The estimated fair values of our financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value are as follows:


		2013				2012
	($ in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	10,472	$	9,260	$	12,159	$	10,718
	Equipment financing		2,446		2,279		4,348		3,716

	The fair value of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, which totaled $1.1 million and $2.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were valued based on Level 1 inputs whereby a readily determinable market value exists for the specific asset.

	We primarily enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates. These currency derivative instruments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and are typically based upon Level 2 inputs including third party quotes. At December 31, 2013, we had forward foreign exchange contracts on world currencies with varying durations, none of which extend beyond five years. At December 31, 2012, there were no foreign exchange contracts outstanding.

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	Dec. 31, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	'
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	'

	(9) Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt

	We finance our operations, acquisitions and capital expenditures using a variety of capital vehicles. On December 6, 2010, we entered into a Credit Agreement providing for an unsecured revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") in an amount up to $600.0 million. We entered into an amendment to the original Credit Agreement on September 27, 2011 which provided modifications to certain covenants and other provisions of the Credit Agreement to take into account the acquisition of Halcrow. On April 19, 2012, we amended and restated our Credit Agreement ("Amended Credit Agreement") providing for an unsecured revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility"), for the purposes of increasing the size of the Credit Facility to $900.0 million, extending the maturity to April 19, 2017, increasing the capacity of certain sub-facilities as well as improving our borrowing rates. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement we may be able to invite existing and new lenders to increase the amount available to be borrowed under the agreement by up to $200 million. The revised credit facility has a subfacility for the issuance of standby letters of credit in a face amount up to $500.0 million and a subfacility up to $300.0 million for multicurrency borrowings.

	Revolving loans under the Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either (i) the base rate plus a margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio or (ii) the eurodollar rate, based on interest periods of one, two, three or six months, plus a margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio. The base rate is defined as the highest of (i) the "Federal Funds Rate," as published from time to time by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus 0.5%, (ii) the Agent's "prime rate" in effect from time to time, and (iii) the one month eurodollar rate in effect from time to time, plus 1.0%. Our "consolidated leverage ratio" on any date is the ratio of our consolidated total funded debt to our consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the preceding four fiscal quarters. The definition of consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was amended to allow for the addition of, among other things, all expenses associated with the non-cash portion of all stock-based compensation. We are also obligated to pay other closing fees, commitment fees and letter of credit fees customary for a credit facility of this size and type. Under the terms of the amended agreement, the margin added to either the base rate or the eurodollar rate has decreased, which provides us with access to capital at lower overall borrowing rates.

	The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and conditions to borrowing, including customary affirmative and negative covenants, which include covenants that limit or restrict our ability to incur indebtedness and other obligations, grant liens to secure their obligations, make investments, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets outside the ordinary course of business, in each case subject to customary exceptions for credit facilities of this size and type. We are also required to comply with a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants required by the Amended Credit Agreement.

	At December 31, 2013, $376.8 million in borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility. The average rate of interest charged on that balance was 2.07% as of December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, company-wide issued and outstanding letters of credit, and bank guarantee facilities of $201.9 million were outstanding. The remaining unused borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2013 was $385.6 million.

	Our nonrecourse and other long-term debt, as of December 31 consist of the following:


	($ in thousands)	2013		2012
	Nonrecourse:
	Mortgage payable in monthly installments to July 2020, secured by real estate, rents and leases. The note bears interest at 5.35%	$	9,259	$	10,374
	Mortgage payable in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by real estate. The note bears interest at 6.59%		1,213		1,785


			10,472		12,159
	Other:
	Revolving credit facility	$	376,829	$	235,500
	Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 4.14% to 8.89%		2,446		4,348
	Other notes payable		1,375		322


	Total debt		391,122		252,329
	Less current portion of debt		4,099		3,497


	Total long-term portion of debt	$	387,023	$	248,832





	At December 31, 2013, future principal payments on long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ending:
	2014	$	4,099
	2015		3,197
	2016		1,419
	2017		378,265
	2018		1,462
	Thereafter		2,680


		$	391,122

Operating_Lease_Obligations

Operating Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
Operating Lease Obligations	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Lease Obligations	'
Operating Lease Obligations	'

	(10) Operating Lease Obligations

	We have entered into certain noncancellable leases, which are being accounted for as operating leases. At December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments, without consideration of sublease income, are as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ending:
	2014	$	98,999
	2015		80,686
	2016		66,140
	2017		50,333
	2018		31,364
	Thereafter		37,207


		$	364,729





	Rental expense charged to operations, net of sublease income, was $121.2 million, $125.8 million and $121.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, including amortization of a deferred gain of $4.3 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and 2011 related to the sale-leaseback of our corporate offices. Certain of our operating leases contain provisions for a specific rent-free period and escalation clauses. We accrue rental expense during the rent-free period based on total expected rent payments to be made over the life of the related lease.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'

	(11) Income Taxes

	Income before provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following:


	($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	U.S. income		$	129,049		$	137,033		$	146,721
	Foreign income			39,993			8,009			22,506


	Income before taxes		$	169,042		$	145,042		$	169,227





	The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following:


	($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax (benefit)/expense:
	Federal		$	(3,601	)	$	49,468		$	55,576
	Foreign			22,475			19,098			13,016
	State and local			(2,656	)		7,556			7,839


	Total current income tax expense			16,218			76,122			76,431
	Deferred income tax expense/(benefit):
	Federal			29,991			(22,481	)		(17,619	)
	Foreign			(2,837	)		2,810			(806	)
	State			7,336			(4,385	)		(2,076	)


	Total deferred income tax benefit			34,490			(24,056	)		(20,501	)


	Total income tax expense		$	50,708		$	52,066		$	55,930





	The reconciliations of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 are as follows:


	($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Pretax income		$	169,042		$	145,042		$	169,227
	Federal statutory rate			35	%		35	%		35	%


	Expected tax expense			59,165			50,765			59,229
	Reconciling items:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit			8,076			4,200			6,402
	Nondeductible meals and entertainment			2,605			2,452			2,466
	Section 199—Domestic manufacturer deduction			(3,591	)		(4,263	)		(5,472	)
	Subsidiary earnings			(3,488	)		(7,001	)		(6,126	)
	Permanent expenses			3,530			(5,124	)		(3,091	)
	Foreign tax rate differential			(12,554	)		(8,436	)		(3,593	)
	Tax credits			(36,948	)		(5,387	)		(9,071	)
	Change in valuation allowance			(1,127	)		17,685			2,140
	Foreign permanent expenses and other			35,469			8,746			13,722
	Other			(429	)		(1,571	)		(676	)


Provision for income taxes		$	50,708		$	52,066		$	55,930





The effective tax rate for the quarter ended and year ended December 31, 2013 was 24.5% and 30.0% compared to 38.0% and 35.9%, respectively for the same periods in the prior year. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the company restructured the legal ownership of certain foreign operations to align with their strategic priorities, to better manage project risk, and to enhance their treasury function. The restructuring enabled the company to utilize tax attributes in the determination of the tax provision that reduced the effective tax rate for the quarter ended and the year ended December 31, 2013.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:


($ in thousands)		2013			2012
Deferred tax assets:
Net foreign operating loss carryforwards		$	155,445		$	161,474
Deferred gain, insurance and other			25,504			29,829
Investments in affiliates			—			1,909
Accrued employee benefits			262,283			282,974


Total deferred tax assets			443,232			476,186
Valuation allowance			(226,970	)		(231,717	)


Net deferred tax assets			216,262			244,469
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investments in affiliates			(15,827	)		—
Depreciation and amortization			(19,465	)		(13,663	)


Net deferred tax liabilities			(35,292	)		(13,663	)


Net deferred tax assets		$	180,970		$	230,806





A valuation allowance is required to be established for those deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not that they will not be realized. The above valuation allowances relate primarily to operating loss carryforwards from foreign operations and employee benefits of $469.9 million and $498.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The foreign net operating losses can be carried forward for varying terms depending on the foreign jurisdiction between three years and an unlimited carry forward period. There was $7.3 million of foreign tax credit available for carryforward through 2022. Additionally, there was $0.8 and $1.3 million of research tax credit available for carryforward through 2032 and 2033, respectively.

Undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $266.3 million at December 31, 2013. These earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been made. If these earnings were repatriated as of December 31, 2013, approximately $19.2 million of income tax expense would be incurred. Cash held in international accounts at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $247.8 million and $260.0 million, respectively.

The tax benefit from stock-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $6.1 million, $10.7 million and $13.1million, respectively. These amounts are reflected as additional paid-in capital in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income and are reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $38.5 million and $30.2 million, respectively, recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions and accrued interest. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $6.8 million and $5.4 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):


Balance at December 31, 2011		$	25,309
Additions for current year tax positions			1,349
Additions for prior year tax positions			1,002
Reductions for prior year tax positions			(866	)
Settlement with taxing authorities			(168	)
Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations			(1,866	)


Balance at December 31, 2012		$	24,760
Additions for current year tax positions			1,862
Additions for prior year tax positions			8,370
Reductions for prior year tax positions			(1,604	)
Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations			(585	)


Balance at December 31, 2013		$	32,803





If recognized, the $32.8 million in uncertain tax positions would affect the effective tax rate. It is also possible that the reserve could change within twelve months of the reporting date related to the state research and experimentation credit as a result of tax authority settlement. The estimated range of unrecognized change is zero to $1.2 million at December 31, 2013.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities in major tax jurisdictions for years before 2004.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings Per Share	'

	(12) Earnings Per Share

	Basic earnings per share ("EPS") excludes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, which consists of stock options, and is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.

	Reconciliations of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31 are as follows:


	($ in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	118,334	$	92,976	$	113,297




	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		29,612		31,082		30,824
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		278		402		604


	Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents		29,890		31,484		31,428




	Basic net income per common share	$	4	$	2.99	$	3.68




	Diluted net income per common share	$	3.96	$	2.95	$	3.6

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'

	(13) Employee Benefit Plans

	Deferred Compensation Plans

	In 2009, we amended and restated the CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan ("DCRP") to form the CH2M HILL Supplemental Executive Retirement and Retention Plan ("SERRP"). The Plan is intended to be unfunded and maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"). Under this plan, each participant's account consists of various contributions made to the account by our Company on behalf of the participant. The SERRP was amended effective January 1, 2013 to, in general, allow participants to select the investment vehicles available under the plan. The plan can be used to provide additional retirement benefits for certain of our senior executives at the Company's discretion. Compensation expense was $1.5 million, $2.0 million, $3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

	In addition to the SERRP, we have a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits payable to officers and certain highly compensated employees at specified future dates, or upon retirement, disability or death. In 2011, we amended and restated the Deferred Compensation Plan and Executive Deferred Compensation Plan to combine both plans into a single plan. The plan allows eligible participants to defer up to a certain amount of base compensation and incentive compensation received, in cash or common stock. It also allows a more select group of eligible participants, whose 401(k) Plan contributions are limited by the ERISA, to defer additional base compensation to which we may make a matching contribution. The plan is also used to provide additional retirement benefits for certain of our senior executives at levels to be determined from time-to-time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

	The deferred compensation plans are unfunded; therefore, benefits are paid from the general assets of our company. The participant's cash deferrals earn a return based on the participant's selection of investments in several hypothetical investment options. All deferrals of common stock must remain invested in common stock and are distributed in common stock. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounts due under the deferred compensation plans were $89.2 and $75.2, respectively.

	Compensation expense for the two nonqualified plans was $1.4 million, $2.7 million and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

	Death Benefit Only Plan

	Effective as of September 13, 2012, we amended and restated the CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. Death Benefit Only Plan. The plan provides for a payment of five times the base salary (pre-tax) in a lump sum to the beneficiary of select executives (including the named executive officers) upon his or her death. This is a pre-retirement employment benefit similar to term life insurance while the executive remains a CH2M HILL employee.

	Stock Option Plans

	In 2009, the Board of Directors and stockholders approved the CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. 2009 Stock Option Plan ("2009 Stock Option Plan") which reserved 3,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance upon exercise of stock options granted. Effective May 7, 2012, the 2009 Stock Option Plan was amended and restated to increase the number of reserved shares to 5,500,000. All options outstanding under the previously cancelled plans ("1999 and 2004 Stock Option Plans"), that expired or for any other reason cease to be exercisable, were rolled into the 2009 Stock Option Plan and are available for grant in addition to the 5,500,000 options reserved.

	Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant. Stock options granted generally become exercisable 25%, 25% and 50% after one, two and three years, respectively, and have a term of five years from the date of grant. The following table summarizes the activity relating to the 2009 Stock Option Plan during 2013:


	Stock Options:		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			2,620,537		$	44.65
	Granted			652,308		$	58.3
	Exercised			(688,319	)	$	35.57
	Forfeited			(125,910	)	$	52.91
	Expired			(41,595	)	$	36.97


	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,417,021		$	50.61




	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			982,074		$	44.31




	Available for future grants			5,884,954





	The weighted-average remaining contractual term for all options outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 2.8 years and 2.7 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of all options outstanding was $26.9 million and $26.7 million, at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual term for options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 1.7 years and 1.5 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for the vested and exercisable options was $17.1 million and $20.3 million, at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	We received $4.8 million, $5.2 million and $4.6 million from options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Our stock option plans also allow participants to satisfy the exercise price and participant tax withholding obligation by tendering shares of company stock that have been owned by the participants for at least six months. The intrinsic value associated with exercises was $12.2 million, $18.0 million and $16.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

	We measure the fair value of each stock option grant at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $6.99 and $5.85, respectively. The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value of options granted during 2013 and 2012:


			2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate		0.91%		0.62%
	Expected dividend yield		0.00%		0.00%
	Expected option life		4.2 Years		4.2 Years
	Expected stock price volatility		12.30%		11.72%

	We estimate the expected term of options granted based on historical experience of employee exercise behavior. We estimate the volatility of our common stock by using the weighted-average of historical volatility over the same period as the option term. We use the Treasury Yield Curve rates for the risk-free interest rate in the option valuation model with maturities similar to the expected term of the options. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero in the option valuation model. We are required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. All stock-based payment awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.

The total compensation expense recognized for stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $3.7 million, $2.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively. The remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested awards as of December 31, 2013 is $5.4 million. We expect to recognize this compensation expense over the weighted average remaining recognition period of 1.5 years, subject to forfeitures that may occur during that period.

Payroll Deduction Stock Purchase Plan

In November 1999, we established the Payroll Deduction Stock Purchase Plan ("PDSPP") which provides for the purchase of common stock at 90% of the market value as of the date of purchase through payroll deductions by participating employees. Eligible employees may purchase common stock totaling up to 15% of an employee's compensation through payroll deductions. An employee cannot purchase more than $25,000 of common stock under the PDSPP in any calendar year. The PDSPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC"). The PDSPP is not intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the IRC and is not subject to ERISA. The PDSPP is non-compensatory since the plan is available to all stockholders and incorporates no option features such as a look-back period. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized in the financial statements for the PDSPP. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, a total of 464,514 shares, 540,134 shares and 527,503 shares, respectively, were issued under the PDSPP, for total proceeds of $24.8 million, $26.3 million and $24.4 million, respectively.

Phantom Stock Plan

In January 2000, we established the Phantom Stock Plan, which provides eligible individuals with added incentives to continue in the long-term service of our company. Eligible individuals are generally individuals who are not residents of the U.S. Phantom stock grants are 100% vested on the grant date and may be redeemed after six months from the grant date. The value of phantom stock is equal to the market value of our common stock. All amounts granted under the Phantom Stock Plan are payable in cash only and are generally granted in connection with the short and long term incentive plans. Compensation expense under this plan is based on the value of the units on the date of grant.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no units granted under the Phantom Stock Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, a total of 711 units and 731 units, respectively, were granted under the Phantom Stock Plan. The fair values of the units granted under the Phantom Stock Plan during 2012 and 2011 were $57.01 and $49.90, respectively. Compensation expense related to the Phantom Stock Plan during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was zero, zero and $0.6 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the activity relating to the Phantom Stock Plan during 2013:


		Number of Units
Balance at December 31, 2012			27,432
Exercised			(4,231	)
Forfeited			(304	)


Balance at December 31, 2013			22,897





Stock Appreciation Rights Plan

In February 1999, we established the Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") Plan. Eligible individuals are generally individuals who are not residents of the U.S. SARs are granted at an exercise price equal to the market value of our common stock and generally become exercisable 25%, 25% and 50% after one, two and three years, respectively, and have a term of five years from the date of the grant. All amounts granted under the SARs Plan are payable in cash only. Compensation expense under this plan is based on the vesting provisions and the market value of our common stock.

Compensation expense related to the SARs Plan during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The following table summarizes the activity relating to the SARs Plan during 2013:


		Number			Weighted Average
		of Rights			Exercise Price
Balance at December 31, 2012			18,589		$	46.26
Granted			10,666		$	58.87
Exercised			(3,471	)	$	35.28
Cancelled			(1,874	)	$	53.8


Balance at December 31, 2013			23,910		$	52.88





Incentive Plans

The Annual Incentive Plan ("AIP") aids in the recruitment, motivation, and retention of employees. Management determines which employees participate in the AIP. All of the 2013 and 2012 awards were paid in cash. Therefore no stock-based compensation was recognized in 2013 or 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2011, 58,045 shares were issued under the AIP. The fair value of the shares issued under the AIP was $46.75 for the year ended December 31, 2011. We accrued compensation expense related to common stock awards under the AIP in the amount of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") rewards certain executives and senior leaders for the creation of value in the organization through the achievement of specific long-term (3 year) goals of earnings growth and strategic initiatives. The Compensation Committee of the Board reviews and endorses participation in the LTIP in any program year and a new program is established each year. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, a total of 235,590 shares, 304,736 shares and 219,087 shares, respectively, were issued under the LTIP at a fair value of $57.22, $57.01 and $46.75 per share, respectively. Compensation expense for common stock awards under the LTIP amounted to $4.1 million, $7.2 million and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Restricted Stock Plan

In 2000, we established the Restricted Stock Policy Plan (as amended and restated in 2011 and 2013) which provides eligible individuals with added incentives to continue in the long-term service of our company. The awards are made for no consideration, vest over various periods, and may include performance requirements, but are considered outstanding at the time of grant. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, a total of 122,009 shares, 163,469 shares and 136,696 shares, respectively, were granted under the Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan.

We recognize compensation costs, net of forfeitures, over the vesting term based on the fair value of the restricted stock at the date of grant. The amount of compensation expense recognized under the Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan was $4.2 million, $6.7 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there was $6.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock grants. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.14 years.

The following table summarizes the activity relating to the Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan during 2013:


		Non-vested Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 2012			344,218		$	45.92
Granted			122,009		$	59.23
Vested			(175,324	)	$	45.48
Cancelled			(21,101	)	$	54.4


Balance at December 31, 2013			269,802		$	51.57





The weighted-average fair values of the shares granted under the Restricted Stock Plan during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $59.23, $54.96 and $50.37, respectively.

Employee_Retirement_Plans

Employee Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Retirement Plans	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Retirement Plans	'
Employee Retirement Plans	'

	(14) Employee Retirement Plans

	Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan

	The Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan ("401(k) Plan") is a retirement plan that includes a cash or deferred arrangement that is intended to qualify under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and provides benefits to eligible employees upon retirement. In September 2012, our Board of Directors approved the CH2M HILL Companies, LTD Amended and Restated 401(k) Plan which became effective January 1, 2013 ("401(k) Plan"). The 401(k) Plan allows for matching contributions up to 6% of employee's base compensation, although specific subsidiaries may have different limits on employer matching. The matching contributions may be made in both cash and/or stock. Employer defined contributions will no longer be made under the 401(k) Plan. Expenses related to matching contributions made in common stock for the 401(k) Plan were $36.5, $45.5 and $44.8 million for the 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

	Defined Benefit Plans

	We sponsor several defined benefit pension plans primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom.

	In the U.S., we have three noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. Plan benefits in two of the plans are frozen while one plan remains active. Benefits are generally based on years of service and compensation during the span of employment.

	In the U.K., we assumed several defined benefit plans as part of our acquisition of Halcrow on November 10, 2011, of which the largest is the Halcrow Pension Scheme. These defined benefit plans have been closed to new entrants for many years. The information related to these plans is presented in the Non-U.S. Pension Plans columns of the tables below.

	Defined Benefit Plans

	We sponsor several defined benefit pension plans primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom.

	In the U.S., we have three noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. Plan benefits in two of the plans are frozen while one plan remains active. Benefits are generally based on years of service and compensation during the span of employment.

	In the U.K., we assumed several defined benefit plans as part of our acquisition of Halcrow on November 10, 2011, of which the largest is the Halcrow Pension Scheme. These defined benefit plans have been closed to new entrants for many years. The information related to these plans is presented in the Non-U.S. Pension Plans columns of the tables below.

	Benefit Expense

	The weighted average actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic pension expense are based upon information available as of the beginning of the year, as presented in the following table.


			U.S. Pension									Non-U.S.
			Plans									Pension Plans
			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012
	Discount rate			4.2	%		5.3	%		5.8	%		4.5	%		4.9	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets			6.75	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		4.63	%		5.81	%
	Rate of compensation increase			3	%		3	%		3	%		4	%		4.1	%

	The components of the net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31 are detailed below:


			U.S. Pension									Non-U.S.
			Plans									Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost		$	3,833		$	3,532		$	3,666		$	4,041		$	2,350		$	320
	Interest cost			10,015			10,592			10,585			47,752			45,628			5,969
	Expected return on plan assets			(10,801	)		(10,756	)		(10,462	)		(32,440	)		(36,647	)		(5,674	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credits)			(766	)		(781	)		(783	)		—			—			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss			7,490			5,546			3,549			931			—			—


	Net expense included in current income		$	9,771		$	8,133		$	6,555		$	20,284		$	11,331		$	615





	Benefit Obligations

	The measurement date used for the U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans is December 31. The significant actuarial weighted average assumptions used to compute the projected benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans at December 31 are as follows:


			U.S. Pension						Non-U.S.
			Plans						Pension Plans
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Discount rate			5.1	%		4.2	%		4.4	%		4.5	%
Rate of compensation increase			3.3	%		3	%		4	%		4	%

The discount rate assumption for the U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans was determined using actuarial bond models. The models assume we purchase high quality, Aa-rated or better, corporate bonds such that the expected cash flow from the selected bond portfolio generally matches the timing of our projected benefit payments. The models develop the average yield on this portfolio of bonds as of the measurement date. This average yield is used as the discount rate.

The following table summarizes the change in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets for the defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31:


		U.S. Pension						Non-U.S.
		Plans						Pension Plans
($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	245,077		$	205,750		$	1,063,952		$	922,259
Service cost			3,833			3,532			4,041			2,350
Interest cost			10,015			10,592			47,752			45,628
Actuarial loss			(26,876	)		34,584			52,050			82,069
Participant contributions			—			—			338			347
Currency translation			—			—			16,639			43,707
Benefits paid			(11,189	)		(9,381	)		(37,262	)		(32,408	)


Benefit obligation at end of year		$	220,860		$	245,077		$	1,147,510		$	1,063,952




Plan assets at beginning of year		$	162,665		$	141,491		$	701,256		$	623,972
Actual return on plan assets			12,274			18,195			52,571			57,968
Company contributions			8,189			12,360			23,120			21,674
Participant contributions			—			—			338			347
Currency translation			—			—			11,120			29,703
Benefits paid			(11,189	)		(9,381	)		(37,262	)		(32,408	)
Assets obtained from the Halcrow acquisition and other			—			—			—			—


Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	171,939		$	162,665		$	751,143		$	701,256





Assuming no changes in current assumptions, the Company expects to fund approximately $40 million to $44 million in Company contributions for calendar year 2014.

The expected benefit payments for the U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans are as follows:


($ in thousands)		U.S. Pension			Non-U.S.
($ in thousands)		Plans			Pension Plans
2014		$	12,654		$	44,613
2015			13,307			42,747
2016			14,257			44,124
2017			15,123			45,534
2018			15,591			48,256
Thereafter			83,358			265,916


		$	154,290		$	491,190





Benefit Plan Assets

The target allocation for the U.S. pension plans and the weighted-average asset allocations for the defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 by asset category are set out below. For the non-U.S. pension plans, the targeted allocation of assets is generally related to the expected benefit payments over the next five to ten years. The target is to hold sufficient assets in fixed income securities to meet these cash flows. So as the benefit plan matures, an increasing proportion of plan assets will be held in fixed income securities.


		U.S. Pension Plans									Non-U.S. Pension Plans
		Target			2013			2012			2013			2012
		Allocation			2013			2012			2013			2012
Equity securities			55	%		63	%		54	%		38	%		36	%
Debt securities			45	%		36	%		46	%		55	%		50	%
Other			—			1	%		—	%		7	%		14	%


Total			100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%





The investment philosophy for the defined benefit pension plans is primarily to have the asset values and long-term rates of return exceed those of the relative benchmarks in order to protect and pay the expected future benefit payments to participants. Asset allocation decisions are made in an attempt to construct a total portfolio that achieves the desired expected risk and return needed to meet long term liabilities of the plans. For non-U.S. plans, the asset allocation decisions are often made by an independent board of trustees. In order to accomplish the investment philosophy and strategy, the benefit plan trustees monitor the asset classes allowed for investment, the strategic mix targets, and allowable ranges of such.

Investments in domestic and international equity securities are utilized with the expectation that they will provide a higher rate of return than debt securities for periods in excess of five to ten years, albeit with greater risk. Investments in debt securities, such as government and corporate bonds of domestic and international entities, are utilized with the expectation that they are generally low in risk and can meet the shorter term cash flow needs of the plans.

We use long-term historical actual return experience with consideration of the expected investment mix of the plan assets, as well as future estimates of long-term investment returns to develop the expected rate of return assumptions used in calculating the net periodic pension cost.

The following tables summarize the fair values of our defined benefit pension plan assets by major asset category:


		U.S. Pension Plans
($ in thousands)		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant Unobservable
					Active Markets			Observable Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
December 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,610		$	1,610		$	—		$	—
Equity funds			108,726			108,726			—			—
Fixed income securities			61,603			61,603			—			—


Total		$	171,939		$	171,939		$	—		$	—




December 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents		$	937		$	937		$	—		$	—
Equity funds			87,143			87,143			—			—
Fixed income securities			74,585			74,585			—			—


Total		$	162,665		$	162,665		$	—		$	—









		Non-U.S. Pension Plans
($ in thousands)		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant Unobservable
					Active Markets			Observable Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
December 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents		$	20,543		$	18,380		$	2,163		$	—
Equity funds			281,191			244,804			36,387			—
Fixed income securities			407,461			349,941			57,520			—
International property fund			14,186			1,148			11,708			1,330
Other			27,762			21,636			6,126			—


Total		$	751,143		$	635,909		$	113,904		$	1,330




December 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents		$	42,969		$	41,988		$	981		$	—
Equity funds			254,538			217,996			36,542			—
Fixed income securities			351,558			288,590			62,968			—
International property fund			31,697			1,632			30,065			—
Other			20,494			18,719			1,775			—


Total		$	701,256		$	568,925		$	132,331		$	—





Funded Status

The following table presents the underfunded status of the defined benefit pension plans at December 31:


		U.S. Pension Plans						Non-U.S.
		U.S. Pension Plans						Pension Plans
($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
Projected benefit obligation		$	220,860		$	245,077		$	1,147,510		$	1,063,952
Fair value of plan assets			171,939			162,665			751,143			701,256
Overfunded status			—			—			765			—


Underfunded status		$	(48,921	)	$	(82,412	)	$	(397,132	)	$	(362,696	)




Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss		$	60,004		$	95,843		$	115,399		$	83,037
Net prior service cost (credits)			(7,115	)		(7,881	)		—			—


Total		$	52,889		$	87,962		$	115,399		$	83,037




Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic pension expense:
Net actuarial loss		$	4,598		$	7,490		$	1,195			918
Net prior service cost (credits)			(766	)		(766	)		—			—


Total		$	3,832		$	6,724		$	1,195			918




Additional information:
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	216,824		$	238,234		$	1,139,224		$	1,056,442





The liability for the underfunded status is included in long-term employee related liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Other Postretirement Benefits

We sponsor a medical benefit plan for retired employees of certain subsidiaries. The plan is contributory, and retiree premiums are based on years of service at retirement. The benefits contain limitations and a cap on future cost increases. We fund postretirement medical benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. Additionally, we have a frozen non-qualified pension plan that provides additional retirement benefits to certain senior executives that remained employed and retired from CH2M HILL on or after age 65.

The non-qualified pension and postretirement healthcare benefit payments, including expected future services, are expected to be paid from plan assets and operating cash flows as follows:


($ in thousands)		Non-Qualified			Postretirement
($ in thousands)		Pension Plan			Benefit Plans
2014		$	165		$	2,603
2015			163			2,745
2016			155			2,911
2017			147			3,082
2018			141			3,269
2019-2023			613			18,619


		$	1,384		$	33,229





Benefit Expense

The measurement date used for non-qualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans is December 31. The actuarial assumptions used to compute the non-qualified pension benefit expense and postretirement benefit expense are based upon information available as of the beginning of the year, as presented in the following table.


		Non-Qualified									Postretirement
		Pension Plan									Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Discount rate			4.2	%		5.3	%		5.8	%		4.2	%		5.3	%		5.8	%
Initial healthcare costs trend rate			na			na			na			na			na			na
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate			na			na			na			na			na			na
Year ultimate trend rate is reached			na			na			na			na			na			na


na—not applicable

We have instituted caps on the potential growth of our retiree healthcare costs. The retiree healthcare cost caps have been reached and apply in all future years. As healthcare costs continue to increase, these caps are intended to remain in force at current levels. As a result, a 1% change in the healthcare cost trends has no impact on the postretirement benefit obligation or costs.

The components of the non-qualified pension benefit expense and postretirement benefit expense for the years ended December 31 are detailed below:


		Non-Qualified									Postretirement
		Pension Plan									Benefit Plans
($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Service cost		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,816		$	1,828		$	1,971
Interest cost			81			38			34			2,196			2,416			2,519
Amortization of transition obligation			—			—			—			—			100			349
Amortization of prior service costs			—			—			—			206			341			354
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)			21			36			12			336			—			50


Net expense included in current income		$	102		$	74		$	46		$	4,554		$	4,685		$	5,243





The discount rate used to compute the benefit obligations for the non-qualified pension plan and postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were 5.10% and 4.20%, respectively.

The discount rate assumptions are set annually based on an actuarial bond model. The bond model assumes we purchase high quality corporate bonds such that the expected cash flows generally match the maturity of the benefits. The following table summarizes the change in benefit obligation and change in plan assets for the non-qualified pension and postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31:


		Non-Qualified						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	1,994		$	770		$	53,686		$	46,821
Service cost			—			—			1,816			1,828
Interest cost			81			38			2,196			2,416
Transfer of existing obligations			—			1,200			—			—
Plan contributions			—			—			1,960			2,045
Actuarial loss (gain)			(341	)		86			(10,907	)		4,246
Participant contributions			—			—			41			25
Benefits paid			(126	)		(100	)		(4,456	)		(3,695	)


Benefit obligation at end of year		$	1,608		$	1,994		$	44,336		$	53,686





Funded Status

The following table presents the underfunded status of the non-qualified pension and postretirement benefit plans at December 31:


		Non-Qualified						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
($ in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
Projected benefit obligation		$	1,608		$	1,994		$	—		$	—
Accumulated benefit obligation			—			—			44,336			53,686


Underfunded status		$	(1,608	)	$	(1,994	)	$	(44,336	)	$	(53,686	)




Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss		$	55		$	416		$	(2,784	)	$	8,460
Net prior service cost			—			—			(262	)		(56	)
Transition obligation			—			—			—			—


Total		$	55		$	416		$	(3,046	)	$	8,404




Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss		$	—		$	21		$	(11	)	$	336
Transition obligation			—			—			—			—
Net prior service cost			—			—			(29	)		206


Total		$	—		$	21		$	(40	)	$	542





Benefits expected to be paid in 2014 are included in short-term employee related liabilities with the remaining liability balance included in long-term employee related liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Multiemployer Plans

We participate in various multiemployer pension plans for certain employees represented by labor unions. We are required to make contributions to these plans in amounts established under collective bargaining agreements, generally based on the number of hours worked. We made contributions to the various plans totaling approximately $5.7 million, $6.1 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We are unable to obtain additional financial information from the multiemployer pension plans sponsors in order to determine unfunded liability amounts and other plan data, however based upon the small number of our employees that have participated in these plans, we do not believe any of these amounts will have a material impact on our financial results.

We have employees who participate in benefit plans with the U.S. Department of Energy for which information is not provided because we are not responsible for the current or future funded status of those plans.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'

	(15) Segment Information

	Through December 31, 2013, we organized our reporting structure into two segments—the EWF segment and the GEI segment. We evaluate performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating income. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We use operating income as our measurement of segment profit. Corporate expenses, including costs for centralized management activities, are not allocable to individual operating segments and are included in "Corporate" below. These costs primarily include expenses associated with administrative functions such as executive management, legal, and general business development efforts.

	Certain financial information for each segment is provided below (in thousands):


	2013	Energy, Water		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		and Facilities		Environment					Statement
				and Infrastructure					Balances
	Revenue from external customers	$	3,215,938	$	2,661,881	$	—		$	5,877,819
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies		10,508		43,502		—			54,010
	Depreciation and amortization		41,710		32,823		—			74,533
	Operating income (loss)		83,941		127,571		(19,150	)		192,362
	Segment assets		1,430,611		1,625,786		—			3,056,397
	Goodwill		223,991		349,496		—			573,487





	2012	Energy, Water		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		and Facilities		Environment					Statement
				and Infrastructure					Balances
	Revenue from external customers	$	3,474,768	$	2,685,785	$	—		$	6,160,553
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies		22,612		41,062		—			63,674
	Depreciation and amortization		45,711		33,920		—			79,631
	Operating income (loss)		88,216		93,249		(22,626	)		158,839
	Segment assets		960,456		2,154,128		—			3,114,584
	Goodwill		221,539		340,922		—			562,461





	2011	Energy, Water		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		and Facilities		Environment					Statement
				and Infrastructure					Balances
	Revenue from external customers	$	2,784,418	$	2,770,815	$	—		$	5,555,233
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies		25,025		39,452		—			64,477
	Depreciation and amortization		38,021		10,194		—			48,215
	Operating income (loss)		99,642		106,970		(21,459	)		185,153
	Segment assets		813,600		1,940,439		—			2,754,039
	Goodwill		217,756		327,687		—			545,443

	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded significant losses on a fixed-price contract to design and construct significant improvements to an existing power generation facility. These losses resulted from multiple sources that caused labor and material cost overruns. As of December 31, 2013 this project was substantially complete.

	We derived approximately 18%, 18% and 20% of our total revenues from contracts with the U.S. federal government in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Although we provide services in numerous countries, no single country outside of the U.S. accounted for 10% or greater of the total consolidated revenue. Total U.S. and international revenue for the years ended December 31 were as follows:


	($ in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	U.S.	$	3,915,091	$	4,237,918	$	4,185,501
	International		1,962,728		1,922,635		1,369,732


	Total	$	5,877,819	$	6,160,553	$	5,555,233

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'

	(16) Commitments and Contingencies

	We maintain a variety of commercial commitments that are generally made available to provide support for various provisions in our engineering and construction contracts. Letters of credit are provided to clients in the ordinary course of the contracting business in lieu of retention or for performance and completion guarantees on engineering and construction contracts. We also post surety bonds, which are contractual agreements issued by a surety, for the purpose of guaranteeing our performance on contracts. Bid bonds are also issued by a surety to protect owners and are subject to full or partial forfeiture for failure to perform obligations arising from a successful bid.

	Commercial commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2013 are summarized below:


		Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
	($ in thousands)	Less than		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		Over 5 Years		Total
		1 Year								Amount
										Committed
	Letters of credit	$	121.1	$	10.5	$	8.1	$	24.9	$	164.6
	Bank guarantees		17.3		13.4		6.6		—		37.3
	Surety and bid bonds		1,301.60		274.1		20.8		—		1,596.50


	Total	$	1,440.00	$	298	$	35.5	$	24.9	$	1,798.40





	We are party to various contractual guarantees and legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Because a large portion of our business comes from U.S. federal, state and municipal sources, our procurement and certain other practices at times are subject to review and investigation by U.S. and state attorneys offices. Such state and U.S. government investigations, whether relating to government contracts or conducted for other reasons, could result in administrative, civil or criminal liabilities, including repayments, fines or penalties or could lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. government contracting. These investigations often take years to complete and many result in no adverse action or alternatively could result in settlement. Damages assessed in connection with and the cost of defending any such actions could be substantial. While the outcomes of pending proceedings and legal actions are often difficult to predict, management believes that proceedings and legal actions currently pending would not result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations of financial condition even if the final outcome is adverse to our company.

	Many claims that are currently pending against us are covered by our professional liability insurance. Management estimates that the levels of insurance coverage (after retentions and deductibles) are generally adequate to cover our liabilities, if any, with regard to such claims. Any amounts that are probable of payment are accrued when such amounts are estimable. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities were $15.5 million and $34.4 million, respectively.

	In 2010, we were notified that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington is investigating overtime practices in connection with the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford tank farms management contract which we transitioned to another contractor in 2008. In 2011 and 2012, eight former CH2M HILL Hanford Group ("CH2M HILL Subsidiary") employees pleaded guilty on felony charges related to time card fraud committed while working on the Hanford Tank Farm Project. As part of its investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office raised the possibility of violations of the civil False Claims Act and criminal charges for possible violations of federal criminal statutes arising from CH2M HILL's Subsidiary overtime practices on the project. In September 2012, the government intervened in a civil False Claims Act case filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington by one of the employees who plead guilty to time card fraud. In March 2013, we entered into a Non-Prosecution Agreement ("NPA") concluding the criminal investigation so long as we comply with the terms of the NPA. The NPA requires us to comply with ongoing requirements for three years after the effective date. By a separate agreement, we obtained dismissal of the civil False Claims Act case. We paid $18.5 million in total under both agreements. As a result, no criminal charges were brought against CH2M HILL Subsidiary or any CH2M HILL entities, and the civil False Claims Act case was dismissed.

	In connection with the Halcrow acquisition, we assumed a lease obligation for office space which was entered into by a Halcrow subsidiary in 1981 and was previously occupied and used as one of their primary office locations. Subsequently, Halcrow vacated the space and was subleasing the building to third parties. The lease required Halcrow to continue to make lease payments until 2080 with rent escalating provisions that could have increased with market conditions. In 2012, we obtained a final third party determination of the fair value of this lease obligation and the associated real property in order to complete the purchase price allocation. As a result, the capital lease and related obligations, as well as the related building asset were included in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. Capital lease and related obligations as of December 31, 2012 were $66.1 million and was included primarily in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. We also assumed an operating lease for the associated land on which the building is located with total lease payments due over the remaining term of the lease totaling $36.8 million as of December 31, 2012. In September 2013, Halcrow entered into an agreement to terminate its obligations under the lease, including $66.1 million remaining on the capital lease and related obligations as well as the operating lease obligation, to a third party. Under the terms of this agreement Halcrow paid $27.0 million to the third party which resulted in a gain on termination of the obligations of $15.5 million. The related building asset and obligations were relieved from the consolidated balance sheets and the gain was recognized as a reduction in general and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	'
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	'

	(17) Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

	Our quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:


	(In thousands except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth		For the
	(In thousands except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year Ended
	2013
	Revenue	$	1,447,749	$	1,513,006	$	1,472,603	$	1,444,461	$	5,877,819
	Operating income		13,965		49,086		56,851		72,460		192,362
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		7,114		27,496		33,693		50,031		118,334
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.24	$	0.92	$	1.14	$	1.71	$	4
	Diluted	$	0.24	$	0.91	$	1.13	$	1.7	$	3.96
	2012
	Revenue	$	1,401,944	$	1,540,612	$	1,603,456	$	1,614,541	$	6,160,553
	Operating income		9,604		46,030		47,822		55,383		158,839
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		5,124		27,602		29,613		30,637		92,976
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.16	$	0.88	$	0.95	$	1.01	$	2.99
	Diluted	$	0.16	$	0.87	$	0.94	$	1	$	2.95

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif1

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'

	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CH2M HILL and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. Partially owned affiliates and joint ventures are evaluated for consolidation. The consolidated financial statements (referred to herein as "financial statements") are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").

	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in companies which we do not control; however, we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee. Our consolidated net income includes our Company's proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. The cost method of accounting is used for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. These investments are recorded at cost.

	Certain amounts in prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates	'

	Use of Estimates

	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

Capital Structure and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'

	Capital Structure

	Our Company has authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of Class A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The bylaws and articles of incorporation provide for the imposition of certain restrictions on the stock including, but not limited to, the right but not the obligation to repurchase shares upon termination of employment or affiliation, the right of first refusal and ownership limits.

	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain on equity investments and benefit plan adjustments. These components are included in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Taxes are not provided on the foreign currency translation gains and losses as deferred taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries to which they relate. For the year ended December 31, 2013, changes to accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):


	Benefit plans:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	(143,171	)
	Reclassification adjustment		4,935
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		(7,988	)


	Balance at end of year	$	(146,224	)




	Unrealized gain on equity investments:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	854
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		(642	)


	Balance at end of year	$	212




	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	11,646
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		(4,597	)


	Balance at end of year	$	7,049





	Other comprehensive loss related to our benefit plans includes pretax reclassification adjustments of $8.2 million ($4.9 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2013 and is recognized in the Direct cost of services and overhead and the General and administrative lines of our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 15—Employee Retirement Plans.

Foreign Currency Translation	'

	Foreign Currency Translation

	All assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars as of each balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses related to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries are reflected in stockholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period and included in the consolidated statements of income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statements of income.

Revenue Recognition	'

	Revenue Recognition

	We earn revenue from different types of services performed under various types of contracts, including cost-plus, fixed-price and time-and-materials. We evaluate contractual arrangements to determine how to recognize revenue. We primarily perform engineering and construction related services and recognize revenue for these contracts on the percentage-of-completion method where progress towards completion is measured by relating the actual cost of work performed to date to the current estimated total cost of the respective contracts. In making such estimates, judgments are required to evaluate potential variances in schedule, the cost of materials and labor, productivity, liability claims, contract disputes, and achievement of contract performance standards.

	Change orders are included in total estimated contract revenue when it is probable that the change order will result in an addition to contract value and can be estimated. Management evaluates when a change order is probable based upon its experience in negotiating change orders, the customer's written approval of such changes or separate documentation of change order costs that are identifiable. Losses on construction and engineering contracts in process are recognized in their entirety when the loss becomes evident and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

	Performance incentive and award fee arrangements are included in total estimated contract revenue upon the achievement of some measure of contract performance in relation to agreed-upon targets. We adjust our project revenue estimate by the probable amounts of these performance incentives and award fee arrangements we expect to earn if we achieve the agreed-upon criteria.

	We also perform operations and maintenance services. Revenue is recognized on operations and maintenance contracts on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract once we have an arrangement, service has begun, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

Unbilled Revenue and Billings in Excess of Revenue	'

	Unbilled Revenue and Billings in Excess of Revenue

	Unbilled revenue represents the excess of contract revenue recognized over billings to date on contracts in process. These amounts become billable according to the contract terms, which usually consider the passage of time, achievement of certain milestones or completion of the project.

	Billings in excess of revenue represent the excess of billings to date, per the contract terms, over revenue recognized on contracts in process.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable	'

	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable

	We reduce accounts receivable by estimating an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. Management determines the estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts based on their judgments in evaluating the aging of the receivables and the financial condition of our clients, which may be dependent on the type of client and the client's current financial condition.

Fair Value Measurements	'

	Fair Value Measurements

	Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Assets and liabilities are valued based upon observable and non-observable inputs. Valuations using Level 1 inputs are based off of unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs utilize significant other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly; and valuations using Level 3 inputs are based off of significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. There were no significant transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Income Taxes	'

	Income Taxes

	We account for income taxes utilizing an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactment of changes in the tax laws or rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will not be realized. Annually, we determine the amount of undistributed foreign earnings invested indefinitely in our foreign operations. Deferred taxes are not provided on those earnings. In addition, the calculation of tax assets and liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. For income tax benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. We record reserves for uncertain tax positions that do not meet these criteria.

Cash and Cash Equivalents	'

	Cash and Cash Equivalents

	Highly liquid investments with original short-term maturities of less than three months are considered cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows. We maintain a cash management system which provides for cash sufficient to pay checks as they are submitted for payment and we invest cash in excess of this amount in interest-bearing short-term investments such as certificates of deposit and commercial paper. In addition, cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets include cash held within our consolidated joint venture entities which is used for operating activities of those joint ventures. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, cash and cash equivalents held in our consolidated joint ventures and reflected on the consolidated balance sheets totaled $112.2 million and $118.8 million, respectively.

Available-for-Sale Securities	'

	Available-for-Sale Securities

	Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrecognized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. Losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized when a loss is determined to be other than temporary or when realized. The fair value of available-for-sale securities is estimated using Level 1 inputs.

Property, Plant and Equipment	'

	Property, Plant and Equipment

	All additions, including betterments to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Any gain or loss on retirements is reflected in operating income in the year of disposition.

	Depreciation for owned property is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. Useful lives for buildings range from 6 to 20 years. Furniture, fixtures, computers, software and other equipment are depreciated over their useful lives from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining term of the associated lease up to 10 years.

Goodwill	'

	Goodwill

	Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill acquired in a purchase business combination is not amortized, but instead, is tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), as amended under Accounting Standards Update 2011-08 ("ASU 2011-08"). In performing the annual impairment test, we evaluate our goodwill at the reporting unit level which we have determined based upon our various lines of business within each of our reporting segments. Under the guidance of ASC 350, we have the option to assess either quantitative or qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units are less than their carrying amounts. If after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units are less than their carrying amounts, then the next step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If we conclude otherwise, then we are required to test goodwill for impairment under the two-step process. The two-step process involves comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to the unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired; therefore, the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we would then perform a second step to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recorded. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using a market approach. Our market based valuation method provides estimates of the fair value of our reporting units based on applying a multiple to our estimate of a cash flow metric for each business unit. Our annual goodwill impairment test is conducted as of October 1st of each year. For 2013, we selected the qualitative method to assess if it was not more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceeds their fair value and, as a result, we considered various relevant factors including current and expected macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, specific reporting unit performance and other changes in the overall business. Based on these considerations, we concluded there was no indication of impairment of goodwill in any of our reporting units.

Other Long-Lived Assets	'

	Other Long-Lived Assets

	We may acquire other intangible assets in business combinations. Intangible assets are stated at fair value as of the date acquired in a business combination. We amortize intangible assets with finite lives on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, currently up to seven years. For those intangible assets with no legal, regulatory, contractual or other factors that would reasonably limit the useful life of the intangible asset, management has determined that the life is indefinite and therefore, they are not amortized.

Derivative instruments	'

	Derivative instruments

	We primarily enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates. We are primarily subject to this risk on long term projects whereby the currency being paid by our client differs from the currency in which we incurred our costs, as well as, intercompany trade balances among entities with differing currencies. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. All derivatives are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other receivables or other accrued liabilities as applicable. The periodic change in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in earnings.

Concentrations of Credit Risk	'

	Concentrations of Credit Risk

	Financial instruments which potentially subject our company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and trade receivables. Our cash is primarily held with major banks and financial institutions throughout the world and typically is insured up to a set amount. Accordingly, we believe the risk of any potential loss on deposits held in these institutions is minimal. Concentrations of credit risk relative to trade receivables are limited due to our diverse client base, which includes the U.S. federal government, various states and municipalities, foreign government agencies, and a variety of U.S. and foreign corporations operating in a broad range of industries and geographic areas.

	Contracts with the U.S. federal government and its prime contractors usually contain standard provisions for permitting the government to modify, curtail or terminate the contract for convenience of the government or such prime contractors if program requirements or budgetary constraints change. Upon such a termination, we are generally entitled to recover costs incurred, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to termination.

Recent Accounting Standards	'

	Recent Accounting Standards

	Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 allows entities testing an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the asset. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. The adoption of this standard did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

	Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted FASB ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to amend the reporting of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") to require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of AOCI on the respective line items in net income if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income in the same reporting period. An entity shall provide this information together in one location, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented, or as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. As this update only required additional disclosures, adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date, which requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors as well as any additional amount the entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for our reporting periods beginning on December 31, 2013 and retrospective application is required. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, to clarify the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary within a foreign entity. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods beginning with the Company's December 31, 2013 financial statements. The adoption of the amendments in this ASU did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The provisions of the rule requires, with certain exceptions, an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset in the financial statements for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The provisions relating to this update are prospective and effective for interim and annual periods beginning with the Company's December 31, 2013 financial statements. The implementation of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif2

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'

	For the year ended December 31, 2013, changes to accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):


	Benefit plans:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	(143,171	)
	Reclassification adjustment		4,935
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		(7,988	)


	Balance at end of year	$	(146,224	)




	Unrealized gain on equity investments:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	854
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		(642	)


	Balance at end of year	$	212




	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	11,646
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		(4,597	)


	Balance at end of year	$	7,049

Receivables_net_Tables

Receivables, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Receivables, net (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables, net	'
Schedule of changes in the allowance for uncollectible accounts	'






	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	10,072		$	7,520		$	12,076
	Provision charged to expense		4,487			4,060			5,846
	Accounts written off		(3,437	)		(579	)		(9,576	)
	Other		(2,705	)		(929	)		(826	)


	Balance at end of year	$	8,417		$	10,072		$	7,520

Variable_Interest_Entities_and1

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	'
Schedule of summarized financial information for unconsolidated VIEs and equity method investments	'






	($ in thousands)	2013			2012
	FINANCIAL POSITION:
	Current assets	$	611,879		$	802,755
	Noncurrent assets		25,366			48,623


	Total assets	$	637,245		$	851,378




	Current liabilities	$	407,687		$	522,152
	Noncurrent liabilities		3,119			22,755
	Partners'/Owners' equity		226,439			306,471


	Total liabilities and equity	$	637,245		$	851,378




	CH2M HILL's share of equity	$	92,287		$	118,008









	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
	Revenue	$	2,515,747		$	2,787,830		$	3,037,595
	Direct costs		(2,305,945	)		(2,513,302	)		(2,779,990	)


	Gross margin		209,802			274,528			257,605
	General and administrative expenses		(37,880	)		(39,408	)		(50,307	)


	Operating income		171,922			235,120			207,298
	Other (loss) income, net		(6,024	)		(15,095	)		130


	Net income	$	165,898		$	220,025		$	207,428




	CH2M HILL's share of net income	$	54,010		$	63,674		$	64,477




Schedule of significant investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'






		% Ownership
	Domestic:
	AGVIQ—CH2M HILL Joint Venture III		49	%
	Americas Gateway Builders		40	%
	CH2M / WG Idaho, LLC		50.5	%
	Coastal Estuary Services		49.9	%
	Connecting Idaho Partners		49	%
	National Security Technologies, LLC		10	%
	Savannah River Remediation LLC		15	%
	URS/CH2M OAK RIDGE LLC		45	%
	Washington Closure, LLC		30	%
	Foreign:
	A-one+ Integrated Highway Services.		33.3	%
	Cavendish Dounreay Partnership, Ltd.		30	%
	CH2M HILL BECA, Ltd.		50	%
	CH2M HILL—Kunwon PMC		54	%
	CH2M Olayan		49	%
	CLM Delivery Partner, Limited		37.5	%
	Consorcio Integrador Rio de Janeiro		49	%
	Consorcio Sondotecnica-Cobrape-CH2M		25	%
	CPG Consultants—CH2M HILL NIP Joint Venture		50	%
	ECC-VECO, LLC		50	%
	Halcrow (Shanghai) Engineering Consulting Co., LTD		49	%
	Halcrow-Sinergia-Setepla Consortium		29.3	%
	HWC Treatment Program Alliance Joint Venture		50	%
	JJCH2M, a Joint Venture		40	%
	Luggage Point Alliance		50	%
	OMI BECA, Ltd.		50	%
	SMNM VECO Joint Venture		50	%
	Sydney Water Corporation-Odour Management Program Alliance		50	%
	Transcend Partners, Ltd		40	%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Components of property, plant and equipment	'






	($ in thousands)	2013			2012
	Land	$	22,120		$	23,012
	Building and land improvements		93,088			112,062
	Furniture and fixtures		26,560			25,963
	Computer and office equipment		146,645			110,094
	Field equipment		121,186			115,378
	Leasehold improvements		72,759			86,306


			482,358			472,815
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(255,933	)		(260,808	)


	Net property, plant and equipment	$	226,425		$	212,007

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Schedule of changes in goodwill	'






	($ in thousands)	2013		2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	562,461	$	545,443
	Foreign currency translation		11,026		17,018


	Balance at end of year	$	573,487	$	562,461




Schedule of components of finite-lived intangible assets	'






	($ in thousands)	Cost		Accumulated			Net finite-lived
	($ in thousands)	Cost		Amortization			intangible assets
	December 31, 2013
	Contracted backlog	$	79,576	$	(70,306	)	$	9,270
	Customer relationships		162,444		(88,436	)		74,008
	Tradename		24,588		(11,208	)		13,380


	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	266,608	$	(169,950	)	$	96,658




	December 31, 2012
	Contracted backlog	$	81,014	$	(64,850	)	$	16,164
	Customer relationships		160,651		(62,386	)		98,265
	Tradename		24,862		(5,634	)		19,228


	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	266,527	$	(132,870	)	$	133,657




Schedule of future estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets	'

	At December 31, 2013, the future estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets is (in thousands):


	Year Ending:
	2014	$	33,468
	2015		25,437
	2016		21,276
	2017		15,743
	2018		734


		$	96,658

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
Estimated fair values of financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value	'






		2013				2012
	($ in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	10,472	$	9,260	$	12,159	$	10,718
	Equipment financing		2,446		2,279		4,348		3,716

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_1

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	'
Components of nonrecourse and other long-term debt	'






	($ in thousands)	2013		2012
	Nonrecourse:
	Mortgage payable in monthly installments to July 2020, secured by real estate, rents and leases. The note bears interest at 5.35%	$	9,259	$	10,374
	Mortgage payable in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by real estate. The note bears interest at 6.59%		1,213		1,785


			10,472		12,159
	Other:
	Revolving credit facility	$	376,829	$	235,500
	Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 4.14% to 8.89%		2,446		4,348
	Other notes payable		1,375		322


	Total debt		391,122		252,329
	Less current portion of debt		4,099		3,497


	Total long-term portion of debt	$	387,023	$	248,832




Schedule of future principal payments on long-term debt	'

	At December 31, 2013, future principal payments on long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ending:
	2014	$	4,099
	2015		3,197
	2016		1,419
	2017		378,265
	2018		1,462
	Thereafter		2,680


		$	391,122

Operating_Lease_Obligations_Ta

Operating Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Operating Lease Obligations (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Lease Obligations	'
Schedule of future minimum lease payments of noncancellable operating leases	'

	At December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments, without consideration of sublease income, are as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ending:
	2014	$	98,999
	2015		80,686
	2016		66,140
	2017		50,333
	2018		31,364
	Thereafter		37,207


		$	364,729

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Schedule of income before provision for income taxes	'






	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	U.S. income	$	129,049		$	137,033		$	146,721
	Foreign income		39,993			8,009			22,506


	Income before taxes	$	169,042		$	145,042		$	169,227




Schedule of provision for income taxes	'






	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax (benefit)/expense:
	Federal	$	(3,601	)	$	49,468		$	55,576
	Foreign		22,475			19,098			13,016
	State and local		(2,656	)		7,556			7,839


	Total current income tax expense		16,218			76,122			76,431
	Deferred income tax expense/(benefit):
	Federal		29,991			(22,481	)		(17,619	)
	Foreign		(2,837	)		2,810			(806	)
	State		7,336			(4,385	)		(2,076	)


	Total deferred income tax benefit		34,490			(24,056	)		(20,501	)


	Total income tax expense	$	50,708		$	52,066		$	55,930




Schedule of reconciliations of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to effective income tax rate	'






	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Pretax income	$	169,042		$	145,042		$	169,227
	Federal statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%


	Expected tax expense		59,165			50,765			59,229
	Reconciling items:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		8,076			4,200			6,402
	Nondeductible meals and entertainment		2,605			2,452			2,466
	Section 199—Domestic manufacturer deduction		(3,591	)		(4,263	)		(5,472	)
	Subsidiary earnings		(3,488	)		(7,001	)		(6,126	)
	Permanent expenses		3,530			(5,124	)		(3,091	)
	Foreign tax rate differential		(12,554	)		(8,436	)		(3,593	)
	Tax credits		(36,948	)		(5,387	)		(9,071	)
	Change in valuation allowance		(1,127	)		17,685			2,140
	Foreign permanent expenses and other		35,469			8,746			13,722
	Other		(429	)		(1,571	)		(676	)


	Provision for income taxes	$	50,708		$	52,066		$	55,930




Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities	'






	($ in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net foreign operating loss carryforwards	$	155,445		$	161,474
	Deferred gain, insurance and other		25,504			29,829
	Investments in affiliates		—			1,909
	Accrued employee benefits		262,283			282,974


	Total deferred tax assets		443,232			476,186
	Valuation allowance		(226,970	)		(231,717	)


	Net deferred tax assets		216,262			244,469
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Investments in affiliates		(15,827	)		—
	Depreciation and amortization		(19,465	)		(13,663	)


	Net deferred tax liabilities		(35,292	)		(13,663	)


	Net deferred tax assets	$	180,970		$	230,806




Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions	'






	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	25,309
	Additions for current year tax positions		1,349
	Additions for prior year tax positions		1,002
	Reductions for prior year tax positions		(866	)
	Settlement with taxing authorities		(168	)
	Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations		(1,866	)


	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	24,760
	Additions for current year tax positions		1,862
	Additions for prior year tax positions		8,370
	Reductions for prior year tax positions		(1,604	)
	Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations		(585	)


	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	32,803

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS	'






	($ in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	118,334	$	92,976	$	113,297




	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		29,612		31,082		30,824
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		278		402		604


	Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents		29,890		31,484		31,428




	Basic net income per common share	$	4	$	2.99	$	3.68




	Diluted net income per common share	$	3.96	$	2.95	$	3.6

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans	'
Schedule of activity relating to the 2009 Stock Option Plan	'






	Stock Options:	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		2,620,537		$	44.65
	Granted		652,308		$	58.3
	Exercised		(688,319	)	$	35.57
	Forfeited		(125,910	)	$	52.91
	Expired		(41,595	)	$	36.97


	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,417,021		$	50.61




	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		982,074		$	44.31




	Available for future grants		5,884,954




Schedule of assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted	'






		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.91%		0.62%
	Expected dividend yield	0.00%		0.00%
	Expected option life	4.2 Years		4.2 Years
	Expected stock price volatility	12.30%		11.72%
Schedule of activity relating to the Phantom Stock Plan	'






		Number of Units
	Balance at December 31, 2012		27,432
	Exercised		(4,231	)
	Forfeited		(304	)


	Balance at December 31, 2013		22,897




Schedule of activity relating to the SARs Plan	'






		Number			Weighted Average
		of Rights			Exercise Price
	Balance at December 31, 2012		18,589		$	46.26
	Granted		10,666		$	58.87
	Exercised		(3,471	)	$	35.28
	Cancelled		(1,874	)	$	53.8


	Balance at December 31, 2013		23,910		$	52.88




Summary of activity relating to the Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan	'






		Non-vested Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2012		344,218		$	45.92
	Granted		122,009		$	59.23
	Vested		(175,324	)	$	45.48
	Cancelled		(21,101	)	$	54.4


	Balance at December 31, 2013		269,802		$	51.57

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Tabl

Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic expense	'






		U.S. Pension									Non-U.S.
		Plans									Pension Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012
	Discount rate		4.2	%		5.3	%		5.8	%		4.5	%		4.9	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		6.75	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		4.63	%		5.81	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3	%		4	%		4.1	%
Schedule of components of the net periodic pension expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense	'






		U.S. Pension									Non-U.S.
		Plans									Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost	$	3,833		$	3,532		$	3,666		$	4,041		$	2,350		$	320
	Interest cost		10,015			10,592			10,585			47,752			45,628			5,969
	Expected return on plan assets		(10,801	)		(10,756	)		(10,462	)		(32,440	)		(36,647	)		(5,674	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credits)		(766	)		(781	)		(783	)		—			—			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss		7,490			5,546			3,549			931			—			—


	Net expense included in current income	$	9,771		$	8,133		$	6,555		$	20,284		$	11,331		$	615




Schedule of significant actuarial weighted average assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations for the plans	'






		U.S. Pension						Non-U.S.
		Plans						Pension Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Discount rate		5.1	%		4.2	%		4.4	%		4.5	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.3	%		3	%		4	%		4	%
Schedule of change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans and change in plan assets for the pension plans	'






		U.S. Pension						Non-U.S.
		Plans						Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	245,077		$	205,750		$	1,063,952		$	922,259
	Service cost		3,833			3,532			4,041			2,350
	Interest cost		10,015			10,592			47,752			45,628
	Actuarial loss		(26,876	)		34,584			52,050			82,069
	Participant contributions		—			—			338			347
	Currency translation		—			—			16,639			43,707
	Benefits paid		(11,189	)		(9,381	)		(37,262	)		(32,408	)


	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	220,860		$	245,077		$	1,147,510		$	1,063,952




	Plan assets at beginning of year	$	162,665		$	141,491		$	701,256		$	623,972
	Actual return on plan assets		12,274			18,195			52,571			57,968
	Company contributions		8,189			12,360			23,120			21,674
	Participant contributions		—			—			338			347
	Currency translation		—			—			11,120			29,703
	Benefits paid		(11,189	)		(9,381	)		(37,262	)		(32,408	)
	Assets obtained from the Halcrow acquisition and other		—			—			—			—


	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	171,939		$	162,665		$	751,143		$	701,256




Schedule of expected benefit payments	'






	($ in thousands)	U.S. Pension			Non-U.S.
	($ in thousands)	Plans			Pension Plans
	2014	$	12,654		$	44,613
	2015		13,307			42,747
	2016		14,257			44,124
	2017		15,123			45,534
	2018		15,591			48,256
	Thereafter		83,358			265,916


		$	154,290		$	491,190




Schedule of target allocation and weighted-average asset allocations for the defined benefit pension plans by asset category	'






		U.S. Pension Plans									Non-U.S. Pension Plans
		Target			2013			2012			2013			2012
		Allocation			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Equity securities		55	%		63	%		54	%		38	%		36	%
	Debt securities		45	%		36	%		46	%		55	%		50	%
	Other		—			1	%		—	%		7	%		14	%


	Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%




Summary of the fair values of defined benefit pension plan assets by major asset category	'






		U.S. Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant Unobservable
					Active Markets			Observable Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,610		$	1,610		$	—		$	—
	Equity funds		108,726			108,726			—			—
	Fixed income securities		61,603			61,603			—			—


	Total	$	171,939		$	171,939		$	—		$	—




	December 31, 2012
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	937		$	937		$	—		$	—
	Equity funds		87,143			87,143			—			—
	Fixed income securities		74,585			74,585			—			—


	Total	$	162,665		$	162,665		$	—		$	—









		Non-U.S. Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant Unobservable
					Active Markets			Observable Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	20,543		$	18,380		$	2,163		$	—
	Equity funds		281,191			244,804			36,387			—
	Fixed income securities		407,461			349,941			57,520			—
	International property fund		14,186			1,148			11,708			1,330
	Other		27,762			21,636			6,126			—


	Total	$	751,143		$	635,909		$	113,904		$	1,330




	December 31, 2012
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	42,969		$	41,988		$	981		$	—
	Equity funds		254,538			217,996			36,542			—
	Fixed income securities		351,558			288,590			62,968			—
	International property fund		31,697			1,632			30,065			—
	Other		20,494			18,719			1,775			—


	Total	$	701,256		$	568,925		$	132,331		$	—




Schedule of underfunded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'






		U.S. Pension Plans						Non-U.S.
		U.S. Pension Plans						Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligation	$	220,860		$	245,077		$	1,147,510		$	1,063,952
	Fair value of plan assets		171,939			162,665			751,143			701,256
	Overfunded status		—			—			765			—


	Underfunded status	$	(48,921	)	$	(82,412	)	$	(397,132	)	$	(362,696	)




	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	Net actuarial loss	$	60,004		$	95,843		$	115,399		$	83,037
	Net prior service cost (credits)		(7,115	)		(7,881	)		—			—


	Total	$	52,889		$	87,962		$	115,399		$	83,037




	Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic pension expense:
	Net actuarial loss	$	4,598		$	7,490		$	1,195			918
	Net prior service cost (credits)		(766	)		(766	)		—			—


	Total	$	3,832		$	6,724		$	1,195			918




	Additional information:
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	216,824		$	238,234		$	1,139,224		$	1,056,442




Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic expense	'






		Non-Qualified									Postretirement
		Pension Plan									Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
	Discount rate		4.2	%		5.3	%		5.8	%		4.2	%		5.3	%		5.8	%
	Initial healthcare costs trend rate		na			na			na			na			na			na
	Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate		na			na			na			na			na			na
	Year ultimate trend rate is reached		na			na			na			na			na			na


	na—not applicable

Schedule of components of the net periodic pension expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense	'






		Non-Qualified									Postretirement
		Pension Plan									Benefit Plans
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,816		$	1,828		$	1,971
	Interest cost		81			38			34			2,196			2,416			2,519
	Amortization of transition obligation		—			—			—			—			100			349
	Amortization of prior service costs		—			—			—			206			341			354
	Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		21			36			12			336			—			50


	Net expense included in current income	$	102		$	74		$	46		$	4,554		$	4,685		$	5,243




Schedule of change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans and change in plan assets for the pension plans	'






		Non-Qualified						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,994		$	770		$	53,686		$	46,821
	Service cost		—			—			1,816			1,828
	Interest cost		81			38			2,196			2,416
	Transfer of existing obligations		—			1,200			—			—
	Plan contributions		—			—			1,960			2,045
	Actuarial loss (gain)		(341	)		86			(10,907	)		4,246
	Participant contributions		—			—			41			25
	Benefits paid		(126	)		(100	)		(4,456	)		(3,695	)


	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	1,608		$	1,994		$	44,336		$	53,686




Schedule of expected benefit payments	'






	($ in thousands)	Non-Qualified			Postretirement
	($ in thousands)	Pension Plan			Benefit Plans
	2014	$	165		$	2,603
	2015		163			2,745
	2016		155			2,911
	2017		147			3,082
	2018		141			3,269
	2019-2023		613			18,619


		$	1,384		$	33,229




Schedule of underfunded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'






		Non-Qualified						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligation	$	1,608		$	1,994		$	—		$	—
	Accumulated benefit obligation		—			—			44,336			53,686


	Underfunded status	$	(1,608	)	$	(1,994	)	$	(44,336	)	$	(53,686	)




	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	Net actuarial loss	$	55		$	416		$	(2,784	)	$	8,460
	Net prior service cost		—			—			(262	)		(56	)
	Transition obligation		—			—			—			—


	Total	$	55		$	416		$	(3,046	)	$	8,404




	Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic cost:
	Net actuarial loss	$	—		$	21		$	(11	)	$	336
	Transition obligation		—			—			—			—
	Net prior service cost		—			—			(29	)		206


	Total	$	—		$	21		$	(40	)	$	542

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information	'
Schedule of financial information related to segments	'

	Certain financial information for each segment is provided below (in thousands):


	2013	Energy, Water		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		and Facilities		Environment					Statement
				and Infrastructure					Balances
	Revenue from external customers	$	3,215,938	$	2,661,881	$	—		$	5,877,819
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies		10,508		43,502		—			54,010
	Depreciation and amortization		41,710		32,823		—			74,533
	Operating income (loss)		83,941		127,571		(19,150	)		192,362
	Segment assets		1,430,611		1,625,786		—			3,056,397
	Goodwill		223,991		349,496		—			573,487





	2012	Energy, Water		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		and Facilities		Environment					Statement
				and Infrastructure					Balances
	Revenue from external customers	$	3,474,768	$	2,685,785	$	—		$	6,160,553
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies		22,612		41,062		—			63,674
	Depreciation and amortization		45,711		33,920		—			79,631
	Operating income (loss)		88,216		93,249		(22,626	)		158,839
	Segment assets		960,456		2,154,128		—			3,114,584
	Goodwill		221,539		340,922		—			562,461





	2011	Energy, Water		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		and Facilities		Environment					Statement
				and Infrastructure					Balances
	Revenue from external customers	$	2,784,418	$	2,770,815	$	—		$	5,555,233
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies		25,025		39,452		—			64,477
	Depreciation and amortization		38,021		10,194		—			48,215
	Operating income (loss)		99,642		106,970		(21,459	)		185,153
	Segment assets		813,600		1,940,439		—			2,754,039
	Goodwill		217,756		327,687		—			545,443
Schedule of total U.S. and international revenue	'






	($ in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	U.S.	$	3,915,091	$	4,237,918	$	4,185,501
	International		1,962,728		1,922,635		1,369,732


	Total	$	5,877,819	$	6,160,553	$	5,555,233

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Schedule of commercial commitments outstanding	'






		Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
	($ in thousands)	Less than		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		Over 5 Years		Total
		1 Year								Amount
										Committed
	Letters of credit	$	121.1	$	10.5	$	8.1	$	24.9	$	164.6
	Bank guarantees		17.3		13.4		6.6		—		37.3
	Surety and bid bonds		1,301.60		274.1		20.8		—		1,596.50


	Total	$	1,440.00	$	298	$	35.5	$	24.9	$	1,798.40

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	'
Schedule of quarterly financial information	'






	(In thousands except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth		For the
	(In thousands except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year Ended
	2013
	Revenue	$	1,447,749	$	1,513,006	$	1,472,603	$	1,444,461	$	5,877,819
	Operating income		13,965		49,086		56,851		72,460		192,362
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		7,114		27,496		33,693		50,031		118,334
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.24	$	0.92	$	1.14	$	1.71	$	4
	Diluted	$	0.24	$	0.91	$	1.13	$	1.7	$	3.96
	2012
	Revenue	$	1,401,944	$	1,540,612	$	1,603,456	$	1,614,541	$	6,160,553
	Operating income		9,604		46,030		47,822		55,383		158,839
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		5,124		27,602		29,613		30,637		92,976
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.16	$	0.88	$	0.95	$	1.01	$	2.99
	Diluted	$	0.16	$	0.87	$	0.94	$	1	$	2.95

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif3

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, Class A shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, Class A par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Cash and cash equivalents related to joint ventures	$112,200,000	$118,800,000
Benefit plans:	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	-143,171,000	'
Reclassification adjustment	4,935,000	'
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year	-7,988,000	'
Balance at end of year	-146,224,000	'
Unrealized gain on equity investments:	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	854,000	'
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year	-642,000	'
Balance at end of year	212,000	'
Foreign currency translation:	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	11,646,000	'
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year	-4,597,000	'
Balance at end of year	7,049,000	'
Pretax reclassification adjustments included in other comprehensive loss related to our benefit plans includes pretax reclassification adjustments	$8,200,000	'
Minimum	'	'
Other Long-Lived Assets	'	'
Useful lives of intangible assets	'3 years	'
Maximum	'	'
Other Long-Lived Assets	'	'
Useful lives of intangible assets	'7 years	'
Buildings \| Minimum	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Useful lives of assets	'6 years	'
Buildings \| Maximum	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Useful lives of assets	'20 years	'
Furniture, fixtures, computers, software and other equipment \| Minimum	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Useful lives of assets	'3 years	'
Furniture, fixtures, computers, software and other equipment \| Maximum	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Useful lives of assets	'10 years	'
Leasehold improvements \| Maximum	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Useful lives of assets	'10 years	'

Receivables_net_Details

Receivables, net (Details) (Customer concentration risk, Receivables, U.S. federal government)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Customer concentration risk \| Receivables \| U.S. federal government	'	'
Receivables, net	'	'
Percentage of net receivables accounted	18.00%	16.00%

Receivables_net_Details_2

Receivables, net (Details 2) (Uncollectible Accounts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Uncollectible Accounts	'	'	'
Change in allowance for uncollectible accounts	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$10,072	$7,520	$12,076
Provision charged to expense	4,487	4,060	5,846
Accounts written off	-3,437	-579	-9,576
Other	-2,705	-929	-826
Balance at end of year	$8,417	$10,072	$7,520

Variable_Interest_Entities_and2

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$92,287,000	$118,008,000
Consolidated VIEs	'	'
Variable interest entities	'	'
Total assets of VIEs consolidated	158,600,000	'
Total liabilities of VIEs consolidated	105,000,000	'
Unconsolidated VIE's	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$92,300,000	$118,000,000

Variable_Interest_Entities_and3

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Details 2) (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
FINANCIAL POSITION:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets	$1,855,495	'	'	'	$1,862,956	'	'	'	$1,855,495	$1,862,956	'
Total assets	3,056,397	'	'	'	3,114,584	'	'	'	3,056,397	3,114,584	2,754,039
Current liabilities	1,352,351	'	'	'	1,510,353	'	'	'	1,352,351	1,510,353	'
Partners'/Owners' equity	624,420	'	'	'	603,660	'	'	'	624,420	603,660	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,056,397	'	'	'	3,114,584	'	'	'	3,056,397	3,114,584	'
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	1,444,461	1,472,603	1,513,006	1,447,749	1,614,541	1,603,456	1,540,612	1,401,944	5,877,819	6,160,553	5,555,233
Direct cost of services and overhead	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,686,005	-4,967,318	-4,487,584
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,053,462	-1,098,070	-946,973
Operating income	72,460	56,851	49,086	13,965	55,383	47,822	46,030	9,604	192,362	158,839	185,153
CH2M HILL's share of net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	54,010	63,674	64,477
Unconsolidated VIE's \| Equity method investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
FINANCIAL POSITION:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets	611,879	'	'	'	802,755	'	'	'	611,879	802,755	'
Noncurrent assets	25,366	'	'	'	48,623	'	'	'	25,366	48,623	'
Total assets	637,245	'	'	'	851,378	'	'	'	637,245	851,378	'
Current liabilities	407,687	'	'	'	522,152	'	'	'	407,687	522,152	'
Noncurrent liabilities	3,119	'	'	'	22,755	'	'	'	3,119	22,755	'
Partners'/Owners' equity	226,439	'	'	'	306,471	'	'	'	226,439	306,471	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	637,245	'	'	'	851,378	'	'	'	637,245	851,378	'
CH2M HILL's share of equity	92,287	'	'	'	118,008	'	'	'	92,287	118,008	'
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,515,747	2,787,830	3,037,595
Direct cost of services and overhead	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,305,945	-2,513,302	-2,779,990
Gross margin	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	209,802	274,528	257,605
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37,880	-39,408	-50,307
Operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	171,922	235,120	207,298
Other (loss) income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,024	-15,095	130
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	165,898	220,025	207,428
CH2M HILL's share of net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$54,010	$63,674	$64,477

Variable_Interest_Entities_and4

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Details 3) (Affiliated unconsolidated companies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Domestic \| AGVIQ-CH2M HILL Joint Venture III	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
Domestic \| Americas Gateway Builders	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	40.00%
Domestic \| CH2M-WG Idaho, LLC	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.50%
Domestic \| Coastal Estuary Services	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.90%
Domestic \| Connecting Idaho Partners	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
Domestic \| National Security Technologies, LLC	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	10.00%
Domestic \| Savannah River Remediation LLC	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	15.00%
Domestic \| URS/CH2M OAK RIDGE LLC	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	45.00%
Domestic \| Washington Closure, LLC	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	30.00%
Foreign \| A-one+ Integrated Highway Services	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	33.30%
Foreign \| Cavendish Dounreay Partnership, Ltd.	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	30.00%
Foreign \| CH2M HILL BECA, Ltd.	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| CH2M HILL Kunwon PMC	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	54.00%
Foreign \| CH2M Olayan	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
Foreign \| CLM Delivery Partner, Limited	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	37.50%
Foreign \| Consorcio Integrador Rio de Janeiro	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
Foreign \| Consorcio Sondotecnica-Cobrape-CH2M	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	25.00%
Foreign \| CPG Consultants CH2M HILL NIP Joint Venture	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| ECC-VECO, LLC	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| Halcrow (Shanghai) Engineering Consulting Co., LTD	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
Foreign \| Halcrow-Sinergia-Setepla Consortium	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	29.30%
Foreign \| HWC Treatment Program Alliance Joint Venture	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| JJCH2M, a Joint Venture	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	40.00%
Foreign \| Luggage Point Alliance	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| OMI BECA, Ltd.	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| SMNM VECO Joint Venture	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| Sydney Water Corporation-Odour Management Program Alliance	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Foreign \| Transcend Partners, Ltd.	'
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	'
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	40.00%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$482,358,000	$472,815,000	'
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-255,933,000	-260,808,000	'
Net property, plant and equipment	226,425,000	212,007,000	'
Depreciation expense	39,100,000	41,000,000	37,100,000
Land	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	22,120,000	23,012,000	'
Building and land improvements	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	93,088,000	112,062,000	'
Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	26,560,000	25,963,000	'
Computer and office equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	146,645,000	110,094,000	'
Field equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	121,186,000	115,378,000	'
Leasehold improvements	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$72,759,000	$86,306,000	'

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets_D

Employee Benefit Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'	'
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	$80	$66.30

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended					1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 29, 2011	Jul. 29, 2011	Jul. 29, 2011	Nov. 10, 2011	Nov. 10, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Booz Allen Hamilton	Booz Allen Hamilton	Booz Allen Hamilton	Halcrow	Halcrow	Halcrow
				USD ($)	Customer relationships	Contracted backlog	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)
					USD ($)	USD ($)
Acquisitions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	'	'	'	$28,500,000	'	'	$197,300,000	£ 124,000,000	'
Useful lives	'	'	'	'	'7 years	'3 years	'	'	'
Cash paid	'	'	'	'	'	'	41,700,000	'	'
Value of common stock issued	18,841,000	'	'	'	'	'	18,800,000	'	'
Notes payable paid in full	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	136,800,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'	8,800,000	1,200,000	'	'	'
Goodwill	$545,443,000	$573,487,000	$562,461,000	$10,500,000	'	'	'	'	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in goodwill	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$562,461	$545,443
Foreign currency translation	11,026	17,018
Balance at end of year	$573,487	$562,461

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'
Cost	$266,608,000	$266,527,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-169,950,000	-132,870,000	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	96,658,000	133,657,000	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Amortization expense	35,400,000	38,600,000	11,100,000
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets	'	'	'
2014	33,468,000	'	'
2015	25,437,000	'	'
2016	21,276,000	'	'
2017	15,743,000	'	'
2018	734,000	'	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	96,658,000	133,657,000	'
Minimum	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'3 years	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'7 years	'	'
Contracted backlog	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'
Cost	79,576,000	81,014,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-70,306,000	-64,850,000	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	9,270,000	16,164,000	'
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets	'	'	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	9,270,000	16,164,000	'
Customer relationships	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'
Cost	162,444,000	160,651,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-88,436,000	-62,386,000	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	74,008,000	98,265,000	'
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets	'	'	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	74,008,000	98,265,000	'
Tradename	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'
Cost	24,588,000	24,862,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-11,208,000	-5,634,000	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	13,380,000	19,228,000	'
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets	'	'	'
Net finite-lived intangible assets	$13,380,000	$19,228,000	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount \| Mortgage notes payable	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	$10,472,000	$12,159,000
Carrying Amount \| Equipment financing	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	2,446,000	4,348,000
Fair Value \| Level 2 \| Mortgage notes payable	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	9,260,000	10,718,000
Fair Value \| Level 2 \| Equipment financing	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	2,279,000	3,716,000
Fair Value \| Level 1	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale	$1,100,000	$2,100,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 2) (Forward foreign exchange contracts)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
	contract	Maximum
Derivative financial instruments	'	'
Term of forward foreign exchange contracts	'	'5 years
Foreign exchange contracts outstanding	0	'

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_2

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 19, 2012	Dec. 06, 2010
	Q	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 19, 2012	Dec. 06, 2010
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Total debt	$391,122,000	$252,329,000	'	'
Less: current portion of debt	4,099,000	3,497,000	'	'
Total long-term portion of debt	387,023,000	248,832,000	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	900,000,000	600,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity, option to increase	200,000,000	'	'	'
Maximum available for the issuance of standby letters of credit after amendment	500,000,000	'	'	'
Maximum subfacility available for multicurrency borrowings	300,000,000	'	'	'
Number of Consecutive Quarters Debt Instrument Covenant Compliance, Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Computed Based on Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	4	'	'	'
Amount outstanding	376,800,000	'	'	'
Average rate of interest (as a percent)	2.07%	'	'	'
Remaining unused borrowing capacity available under the credit facility	385,600,000	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Total debt	376,829,000	235,500,000	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility \| Letters of credit and bank guarantee facilities	'	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'	'
Amount outstanding under letters of credit, and bank guarantee facilities	201,900,000	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility \| Variable rate base - option 1	'	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'	'
Variable interest rate basis	'eurodollar (based on a 1, 2, 3, or 6 month interset period), plus a margin based on the entity's consolidated leverage ratio	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility \| Variable rate base - option 2	'	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'	'
Variable interest rate basis	'Federal Funds Rate	'	'	'
Basis points spread on variable interest rate (as a percent)	0.50%	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility \| Variable rate base - option 3	'	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'	'
Variable interest rate basis	'Agent's prime rate	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility \| Variable rate base - option 4	'	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'	'
Variable interest rate basis	'one month eurodollar	'	'	'
Basis points spread on variable interest rate (as a percent)	1.00%	'	'	'
Mortgage payable	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Total debt	10,472,000	12,159,000	'	'
Mortgage payable in monthly installments to July 2020, secured by real estate, rents and leases, interest at 5.35%	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)	5.35%	'	'	'
Total debt	9,259,000	10,374,000	'	'
Mortgage payable in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by real estate, interest at 6.59%	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)	6.59%	'	'	'
Total debt	1,213,000	1,785,000	'	'
Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by equipment, interest ranging from 4.14% to 8.89%	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Minimum interest rate on notes (as a percent)	4.14%	'	'	'
Maximum interest rate on notes (as a percent)	8.89%	'	'	'
Total debt	2,446,000	4,348,000	'	'
Other notes payable	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Total debt	$1,375,000	$322,000	'	'

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_3

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Future principal payments on long-term debt	'	'
2014	$4,099	'
2015	3,197	'
2016	1,419	'
2017	378,265	'
2018	1,462	'
Thereafter	2,680	'
Total debt	$391,122	$252,329

Operating_Lease_Obligations_De

Operating Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Operating Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Future minimum lease payments of noncancellable operating leases	'	'	'
2014	$98,999,000	'	'
2015	80,686,000	'	'
2016	66,140,000	'	'
2017	50,333,000	'	'
2018	31,364,000	'	'
Thereafter	37,207,000	'	'
Total future minimum lease payments of noncancellable operating leases	364,729,000	'	'
Rental expense	121,200,000	125,800,000	121,500,000
Amortization of a deferred gain related to sale-leaseback of corporate offices	$4,300,000	$4,300,000	$4,300,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income before provision for income taxes	'	'	'	'	'
U.S. income	'	'	$129,049,000	$137,033,000	$146,721,000
Foreign income	'	'	39,993,000	8,009,000	22,506,000
Income before taxes	'	'	169,042,000	145,042,000	169,227,000
Current income tax (benefit) / expense:	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	-3,601,000	49,468,000	55,576,000
Foreign	'	'	22,475,000	19,098,000	13,016,000
State and local	'	'	-2,656,000	7,556,000	7,839,000
Total current income tax expense	'	'	16,218,000	76,122,000	76,431,000
Deferred income tax expense / (benefit):	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	29,991,000	-22,481,000	-17,619,000
Foreign	'	'	-2,837,000	2,810,000	-806,000
State	'	'	7,336,000	-4,385,000	-2,076,000
Total deferred income tax benefit	'	'	34,490,000	-24,056,000	-20,501,000
Total income tax expense	'	'	50,708,000	52,066,000	55,930,000
Reconciliations of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to effective income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax income	'	'	169,042,000	145,042,000	169,227,000
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)	'	'	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Expected tax expense	'	'	59,165,000	50,765,000	59,229,000
Reconciling items:	'	'	'	'	'
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	'	'	8,076,000	4,200,000	6,402,000
Nondeductible meals and entertainment	'	'	2,605,000	2,452,000	2,466,000
Section 199-Domestic manufacturer deduction	'	'	-3,591,000	-4,263,000	-5,472,000
Subsidiary earnings	'	'	-3,488,000	-7,001,000	-6,126,000
Permanent expenses	'	'	3,530,000	-5,124,000	-3,091,000
Foreign tax rate differential	'	'	-12,554,000	-8,436,000	-3,593,000
Tax credits	'	'	-36,948,000	-5,387,000	-9,071,000
Change in valuation allowance	'	'	-1,127,000	17,685,000	2,140,000
Foreign permanent expenses and other	'	'	35,469,000	8,746,000	13,722,000
Other	'	'	-429,000	-1,571,000	-676,000
Total income tax expense	'	'	50,708,000	52,066,000	55,930,000
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	24.50%	38.00%	30.00%	35.90%	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Net foreign operating loss carryforwards	155,445,000	161,474,000	155,445,000	161,474,000	'
Deferred gain, insurance and other	25,504,000	29,829,000	25,504,000	29,829,000	'
Investments in affiliates	'	1,909,000	'	1,909,000	'
Accrued employee benefits	262,283,000	282,974,000	262,283,000	282,974,000	'
Total deferred tax assets	443,232,000	476,186,000	443,232,000	476,186,000	'
Valuation allowance	-226,970,000	-231,717,000	-226,970,000	-231,717,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	216,262,000	244,469,000	216,262,000	244,469,000	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in affiliates	-15,827,000	'	-15,827,000	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	-19,465,000	-13,663,000	-19,465,000	-13,663,000	'
Net deferred tax liabilities	-35,292,000	-13,663,000	-35,292,000	-13,663,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	180,970,000	230,806,000	180,970,000	230,806,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards from foreign operations and employee benefits	469,900,000	498,000,000	469,900,000	498,000,000	'
Minimum period operating losses carry forwards in foreign jurisdiction	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Income taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	266,300,000	'	266,300,000	'	'
Approximate income tax expense if foreign earnings were repatriated	'	'	19,200,000	'	'
Cash held in international accounts	247,800,000	260,000,000	247,800,000	260,000,000	'
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation awards reflected as additional paid-in capital	'	'	6,100,000	10,700,000	13,100,000
Liability for uncertain tax positions and accrued interest	38,500,000	30,200,000	38,500,000	30,200,000	'
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	6,800,000	5,400,000	6,800,000	5,400,000	'
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	24,760,000	25,309,000	'
Additions for current year tax positions	'	'	1,862,000	1,349,000	'
Additions for prior year tax positions	'	'	8,370,000	1,002,000	'
Reductions for prior year tax positions	'	'	-1,604,000	-866,000	'
Settlement with taxing authorities	'	'	'	-168,000	'
Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations	'	'	-585,000	-1,866,000	'
Ending balance	32,803,000	24,760,000	32,803,000	24,760,000	25,309,000
Uncertain tax positions that if recognized would affect the effective tax rate	32,800,000	'	32,800,000	'	'
Estimated range of unrecognized change, minimum	0	'	0	'	'
Estimated range of unrecognized change, maximum	1,200,000	'	1,200,000	'	'
Research \| Tax credit carryforward through 2032	'	'	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	'	'	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	800,000	'	800,000	'	'
Research \| Tax credit carryforward through 2033	'	'	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	'	'	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	1,300,000	'	1,300,000	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	'	'	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	$7,300,000	'	$7,300,000	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (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
Numerator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL (in dollars)	$50,031	$33,693	$27,496	$7,114	$30,637	$29,613	$27,602	$5,124	$118,334	$92,976	$113,297
Denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29,612,309	31,081,679	30,823,954
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	278,000	402,000	604,000
Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29,889,844	31,483,901	31,427,823
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.71	$1.14	$0.92	$0.24	$1.01	$0.95	$0.88	$0.16	$4	$2.99	$3.68
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.70	$1.13	$0.91	$0.24	$1	$0.94	$0.87	$0.16	$3.96	$2.95	$3.60

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Executive Retirement and Retention Plan ("SERRP")	'	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$1.50	$2	$3.90
Nonqualified deferred compensation plans	'	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	'	'	'
Compensation expense	1.4	2.7	4.1
Number of nonqualified plans	2	'	'
Amounts due under deferred compensation plans	$89.20	$75.20	'
Death Benefit Only Plan	'	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	'	'	'
Multiple of base salary as payment on death of participants	5	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details1

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	7-May-12	Dec. 31, 2009
Stock Option Plans	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares reserved	'	'	'	5,500,000	3,000,000
Expiration term	'5 years	'	'	'	'
Stock options, Number of Shares	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	2,620,537	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	652,308	'	'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-688,319	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-125,910	'	'	'	'
Expired (in shares)	-41,595	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	2,417,021	2,620,537	'	'	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	982,074	'	'	'	'
Available for future grants (in shares)	5,884,954	'	'	'	'
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$44.65	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$58.30	'	'	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$35.57	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$52.91	'	'	'	'
Expired (in dollars per share)	$36.97	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$50.61	$44.65	'	'	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$44.31	'	'	'	'
Outstanding weighted -average remaining contractual term at the end the period	'2 years 9 months 18 days	'2 years 8 months 12 days	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term for options vested	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'1 year 6 months	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term of options exercisable	'1 year 6 months	'1 year 6 months	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$6.99	$5.85	'	'	'
Additional share-based compensation information	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding aggregate intrinsic value at the end of the period (in dollars)	$26,900,000	$26,700,000	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	17,100,000	20,300,000	'	'	'
Cash received from the exercises of stock option	4,800,000	5,200,000	4,600,000	'	'
Minimum ownership period for tendering shares to satisfy exercise price and tax withholding obligation	'6 months	'	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of option exercises (in dollars)	12,200,000	18,000,000	16,400,000	'	'
Assumption of measure fair value of options	'	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.91%	0.62%	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	'	'	'
Expected option life	'4 years 2 months 12 days	'4 years 2 months 12 days	'	'	'
Expected stock price volatility (as a percent)	12.30%	11.72%	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	3,700,000	2,100,000	4,800,000	'	'
Remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested awards	5,400,000	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining recognition period	'1 year 6 months	'	'	'	'
Stock Option Plans \| Awards exercisable after one year from the date of grant	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%	'	'	'	'
Stock Option Plans \| Awards exercisable after two years from the date of grant	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%	'	'	'	'
Stock Option Plans \| Awards exercisable after three years from the date of grant	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Payroll Deduction Stock Purchase Plan ("PDSPP")	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	0	0	0	'	'
Percentage of market value of common stock as of the date of purchase	90.00%	'	'	'	'
Maximum percentage of payroll deductions on annual compensation	15.00%	'	'	'	'
Maximum dollar amount of common stock that an employee may purchase in any calendar year	25,000	'	'	'	'
Shares issued	464,514	540,134	527,503	'	'
Proceeds from issuance	24,800,000	26,300,000	24,400,000	'	'
Phantom Stock Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	0	0	600,000	'	'
Percentage of awards vested on the date of grant	'100%	'	'	'	'
Minimum period after the grant date to redeem shares	'6 months	'	'	'	'
Stock activity other than options	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	27,432	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	0	711	731	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-4,231	'	'	'	'
Forfeited/Cancelled (in shares)	-304	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	22,897	27,432	'	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	$57.01	$49.90	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Expiration term	'5 years	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	200,000	100,000	100,000	'	'
Stock activity other than options	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	18,589	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	10,666	'	'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-3,471	'	'	'	'
Forfeited/Cancelled (in shares)	-1,874	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	23,910	18,589	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$46.26	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$58.87	'	'	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$35.28	'	'	'	'
Forfeited/Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$53.80	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$52.88	$46.26	'	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan \| Awards exercisable after one year from the date of grant	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%	'	'	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan \| Awards exercisable after two years from the date of grant	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%	'	'	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan \| Awards exercisable after three years from the date of grant	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Annual Incentive Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	0	0	2,700,000	'	'
Shares issued	'	'	58,045	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$46.75	'	'
Long Term Incentive Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	4,100,000	7,200,000	11,800,000	'	'
The period over which long-term goals are assessed to determine eligibility for the award under the plan	'3 years	'	'	'	'
Shares issued	235,590	304,736	219,087	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$57.22	$57.01	$46.75	'	'
Restricted Stock Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	4,200,000	6,700,000	5,500,000	'	'
Remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested awards	$6,700,000	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining recognition period	'2 years 1 month 20 days	'	'	'	'
Stock activity other than options	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	344,218	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	122,009	163,469	136,696	'	'
Vested (in shares)	-175,324	'	'	'	'
Cancelled (in shares)	-21,101	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	269,802	344,218	'	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$45.92	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$59.23	$54.96	$50.37	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	$45.48	'	'	'	'
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$54.40	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$51.57	$45.92	'	'	'

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta

Employee Retirement Plans (Details) (The Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan ("401(k) Plan"), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure	'	'	'
Expenses related to defined contributions made in common stock for 401(k) Plan	$36.50	$45.50	$44.80
Maximum	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure	'	'	'
Employer contribution limit per calendar quarter to 401 (k) plan (as a percent of base compensation)	6.00%	'	'

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta1

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	plan	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans	3	'	'
Number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans discontinued	2	'	'
Number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans remains active	1	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.20%	5.30%	5.80%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	6.75%	7.50%	7.50%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense	'	'	'
Service costs	$3,833	$3,532	$3,666
Interest costs	10,015	10,592	10,585
Expected return on plan assets	-10,801	-10,756	-10,462
Amortization of prior service cost (credits)	-766	-781	-783
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	7,490	5,546	3,549
Net expense included in current income	9,771	8,133	6,555
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows	'	'	'
2014	12,654	'	'
2015	13,307	'	'
2016	14,257	'	'
2017	15,123	'	'
2018	15,591	'	'
Thereafter	83,358	'	'
Total expected future benefit payments	154,290	'	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.50%	4.90%	'
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	4.63%	5.81%	'
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	4.00%	4.10%	'
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense	'	'	'
Service costs	4,041	2,350	320
Interest costs	47,752	45,628	5,969
Expected return on plan assets	-32,440	-36,647	-5,674
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	931	'	'
Net expense included in current income	20,284	11,331	615
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows	'	'	'
2014	44,613	'	'
2015	42,747	'	'
2016	44,124	'	'
2017	45,534	'	'
2018	48,256	'	'
Thereafter	265,916	'	'
Total expected future benefit payments	491,190	'	'
Non-Qualified Pension Plans	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.20%	5.30%	5.80%
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense	'	'	'
Interest costs	81	38	34
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	21	36	12
Net expense included in current income	102	74	46
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows	'	'	'
2014	165	'	'
2015	163	'	'
2016	155	'	'
2017	147	'	'
2018	141	'	'
Thereafter	613	'	'
Total expected future benefit payments	1,384	'	'
Employee age required to participate in the plan	'65 years	'	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.20%	5.30%	5.80%
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense	'	'	'
Service costs	1,816	1,828	1,971
Interest costs	2,196	2,416	2,519
Amortization of transition obligation	'	100	349
Amortization of prior service cost (credits)	206	341	354
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	336	'	50
Net expense included in current income	4,554	4,685	5,243
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows	'	'	'
2014	2,603	'	'
2015	2,745	'	'
2016	2,911	'	'
2017	3,082	'	'
2018	3,269	'	'
Thereafter	18,619	'	'
Total expected future benefit payments	$33,229	'	'

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta2

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Employee Retirement Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plans \| Minimum	'	'	'
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Company contributions expected to be funded for calendar year 2014	$40,000,000	'	'
Target Allocation	'	'	'
Period investments in domestic and international equity securities are utilized with the expectation of higher rate of return than debt securities	'5 years	'	'
Pension Plans \| Maximum	'	'	'
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Company contributions expected to be funded for calendar year 2014	44,000,000	'	'
Target Allocation	'	'	'
Period investments in domestic and international equity securities are utilized with the expectation of higher rate of return than debt securities	'10 years	'	'
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.10%	4.20%	'
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.30%	3.00%	'
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	245,077,000	205,750,000	'
Service costs	3,833,000	3,532,000	3,666,000
Interest costs	10,015,000	10,592,000	10,585,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	-26,876,000	34,584,000	'
Benefits paid	-11,189,000	-9,381,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	220,860,000	245,077,000	205,750,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans	'	'	'
Plan assets at beginning of year	162,665,000	141,491,000	'
Actual return on plan assets	12,274,000	18,195,000	'
Company contributions	8,189,000	12,360,000	'
Benefits paid	-11,189,000	-9,381,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	171,939,000	162,665,000	141,491,000
Target Allocation	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	100.00%	'	'
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Equity securities	'	'	'
Target Allocation	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	55.00%	'	'
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	63.00%	54.00%	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Debt securities	'	'	'
Target Allocation	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	45.00%	'	'
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	36.00%	46.00%	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Other	'	'	'
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	1.00%	'	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.40%	4.50%	'
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	4.00%	4.00%	'
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,063,952,000	922,259,000	'
Service costs	4,041,000	2,350,000	320,000
Interest costs	47,752,000	45,628,000	5,969,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	52,050,000	82,069,000	'
Participant contributions	338,000	347,000	'
Currency translation	16,639,000	43,707,000	'
Benefits paid	-37,262,000	-32,408,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,147,510,000	1,063,952,000	922,259,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans	'	'	'
Plan assets at beginning of year	701,256,000	623,972,000	'
Actual return on plan assets	52,571,000	57,968,000	'
Company contributions	23,120,000	21,674,000	'
Participant contributions	338,000	347,000	'
Currency translation	11,120,000	29,703,000	'
Benefits paid	-37,262,000	-32,408,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	751,143,000	701,256,000	623,972,000
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Equity securities	'	'	'
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	38.00%	36.00%	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Debt securities	'	'	'
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	55.00%	50.00%	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Other	'	'	'
Change in plan assets for the pension plans	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	27,762,000	20,494,000	'
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans	'	'	'
Total (as a percent)	7.00%	14.00%	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Minimum	'	'	'
Target Allocation	'	'	'
Target allocation period	'5 years	'	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Maximum	'	'	'
Target Allocation	'	'	'
Target allocation period	'10 years	'	'
Non-Qualified Pension Plan	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.10%	4.20%	'
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,994,000	770,000	'
Interest costs	81,000	38,000	34,000
Transfer of existing obligations	'	1,200,000	'
Actuarial loss (gain)	-341,000	86,000	'
Benefits paid	-126,000	-100,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,608,000	1,994,000	770,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans	'	'	'
Benefits paid	-126,000	-100,000	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.10%	4.20%	'
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	53,686,000	46,821,000	'
Service costs	1,816,000	1,828,000	1,971,000
Interest costs	2,196,000	2,416,000	2,519,000
Plan contributions	1,960,000	2,045,000	'
Actuarial loss (gain)	-10,907,000	4,246,000	'
Participant contributions	41,000	25,000	'
Benefits paid	-4,456,000	-3,695,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	44,336,000	53,686,000	46,821,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans	'	'	'
Plan assets at beginning of year	53,686,000	'	'
Participant contributions	41,000	25,000	'
Benefits paid	-4,456,000	-3,695,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$44,336,000	$53,686,000	'

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta3

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	$171,939	$162,665	$141,491
U.S. Pension Plans \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	171,939	162,665	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	1,610	937	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	1,610	937	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Equity funds	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	108,726	87,143	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Equity funds \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	108,726	87,143	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Fixed income securities	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	61,603	74,585	'
U.S. Pension Plans \| Fixed income securities \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	61,603	74,585	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	751,143	701,256	623,972
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	635,909	568,925	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Level 2	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	113,904	132,331	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Level 3	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	1,330	'	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	20,543	42,969	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	18,380	41,988	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 2	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	2,163	981	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Equity funds	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	281,191	254,538	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Equity funds \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	244,804	217,996	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Equity funds \| Level 2	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	36,387	36,542	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Fixed income securities	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	407,461	351,558	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Fixed income securities \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	349,941	288,590	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Fixed income securities \| Level 2	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	57,520	62,968	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| International property fund	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	14,186	31,697	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| International property fund \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	1,148	1,632	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| International property fund \| Level 2	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	11,708	30,065	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| International property fund \| Level 3	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	1,330	'	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Other	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	27,762	20,494	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Other \| Level 1	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	21,636	18,719	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans \| Other \| Level 2	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'
Total investment assets at fair value	$6,126	$1,775	'

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta4

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	$220,860	$245,077	$205,750
Accumulated benefit obligation	216,824	238,234	'
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	171,939	162,665	141,491
Underfunded status	48,921	82,412	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	60,004	95,843	'
Net prior service cost (credits)	-7,115	-7,881	'
Total	52,889	87,962	'
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	4,598	7,490	'
Net prior service cost (credits)	-766	-766	'
Total	3,832	6,724	'
Additional information:	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	216,824	238,234	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	1,147,510	1,063,952	922,259
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,139,224	1,056,442	'
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	751,143	701,256	623,972
Overfunded status	765	'	'
Underfunded status	397,132	362,696	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	115,399	83,037	'
Total	115,399	83,037	'
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,195	918	'
Total	1,195	918	'
Additional information:	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,139,224	1,056,442	'
Non-Qualified Pension Plan	'	'	'
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	1,608	1,994	770
Underfunded status	1,608	1,994	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	55	416	'
Total	55	416	'
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	'	21	'
Total	'	21	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	44,336	53,686	46,821
Accumulated benefit obligation	44,336	53,686	'
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	44,336	53,686	'
Underfunded status	44,336	53,686	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	-2,784	8,460	'
Net prior service cost (credits)	-262	-56	'
Total	-3,046	8,404	'
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	-11	336	'
Net prior service cost (credits)	-29	206	'
Total	-40	542	'
Additional information:	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	$44,336	$53,686	'

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta5

Employee Retirement Plans (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Multiemployer Plans	'	'	'
Contributions by employer	$5.70	$6.10	$4.30

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	item	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Revenue from external customers	$1,444,461	$1,472,603	$1,513,006	$1,447,749	$1,614,541	$1,603,456	$1,540,612	$1,401,944	$5,877,819	$6,160,553	$5,555,233
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	54,010	63,674	64,477
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	74,533	79,631	48,215
Operating income (loss)	72,460	56,851	49,086	13,965	55,383	47,822	46,030	9,604	192,362	158,839	185,153
Segment assets	3,056,397	'	'	'	3,114,584	'	'	'	3,056,397	3,114,584	2,754,039
Goodwill	573,487	'	'	'	562,461	'	'	'	573,487	562,461	545,443
Operating \| Energy, Water and Facilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,215,938	3,474,768	2,784,418
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,508	22,612	25,025
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	41,710	45,711	38,021
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	83,941	88,216	99,642
Segment assets	1,430,611	'	'	'	960,456	'	'	'	1,430,611	960,456	813,600
Goodwill	223,991	'	'	'	221,539	'	'	'	223,991	221,539	217,756
Operating \| Government, Environment and Infrastructure	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,661,881	2,685,785	2,770,815
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,502	41,062	39,452
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,823	33,920	10,194
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	127,571	93,249	106,970
Segment assets	1,625,786	'	'	'	2,154,128	'	'	'	1,625,786	2,154,128	1,940,439
Goodwill	349,496	'	'	'	340,922	'	'	'	349,496	340,922	327,687
Corporate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($19,150)	($22,626)	($21,459)

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (Government Contracts Concentration Risk, Revenue, U.S. federal government)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Government Contracts Concentration Risk \| Revenue \| U.S. federal government	'	'	'
Revenue concentration	'	'	'
Percentage of benchmark derived from specified source	18.00%	18.00%	20.00%

Segment_Information_Details_3

Segment Information (Details 3) (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
Total U.S. and international revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$1,444,461	$1,472,603	$1,513,006	$1,447,749	$1,614,541	$1,603,456	$1,540,612	$1,401,944	$5,877,819	$6,160,553	$5,555,233
U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total U.S. and international revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,915,091	4,237,918	4,185,501
International	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total U.S. and international revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,962,728	$1,922,635	$1,369,732

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Commercial Guarantee Commitments	'
Less than 1 year	$1,440,000
1-3 Years	298,000
4-5 Years	35,500
Over 5 Years	24,900
Total Amount Committed	1,798,400
Letters of credit	'
Commercial Guarantee Commitments	'
Less than 1 year	121,100
1-3 Years	10,500
4-5 Years	8,100
Over 5 Years	24,900
Total Amount Committed	164,600
Bank guarantees	'
Commercial Guarantee Commitments	'
Less than 1 year	17,300
1-3 Years	13,400
4-5 Years	6,600
Total Amount Committed	37,300
Surety and bid bonds	'
Commercial Guarantee Commitments	'
Less than 1 year	1,301,600
1-3 Years	274,100
4-5 Years	20,800
Total Amount Committed	$1,596,500

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		employee		employee	employee	Halcrow	Halcrow	Halcrow
							Building lease	Building lease
Purchase price adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities	'	'	$15,500,000	$34,400,000	'	'	'	'
Number of former employees who pleaded guilty in United States District Court	'	'	'	8	8	'	'	'
Number of former employees involved in civil False Claims Act case filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington	'	1	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term required to comply with ongoing requirements under the Non-Prosecution Agreement	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Legal settlement payment in total under both agreements	'	'	18,500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Criminal charges	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Capital lease and related obligations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66,100,000
Operating lease payments due	'	'	364,729,000	'	'	'	'	36,800,000
Termination of obligation under the lease	'	'	'	'	'	136,800,000	66,100,000	'
Payment on termination of lease obligation	'	'	27,033,000	'	'	'	27,000,000	'
Gain on termination of lease obligations	'	'	$15,468,000	'	'	'	$15,500,000	'

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$1,444,461	$1,472,603	$1,513,006	$1,447,749	$1,614,541	$1,603,456	$1,540,612	$1,401,944	$5,877,819	$6,160,553	$5,555,233
Operating income	72,460	56,851	49,086	13,965	55,383	47,822	46,030	9,604	192,362	158,839	185,153
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	$50,031	$33,693	$27,496	$7,114	$30,637	$29,613	$27,602	$5,124	$118,334	$92,976	$113,297
Net income per common share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.71	$1.14	$0.92	$0.24	$1.01	$0.95	$0.88	$0.16	$4	$2.99	$3.68
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.70	$1.13	$0.91	$0.24	$1	$0.94	$0.87	$0.16	$3.96	$2.95	$3.60