CH2M Hill Companies 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CH2M HILL COMPANIES LTD	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000777491	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	29,310,962
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$345,109	$310,638
Available-for-sale securities	1,604	2,135
Receivables, net-	'	'
Client accounts	741,288	794,903
Unbilled revenue	610,949	570,914
Other	18,989	19,606
Income tax receivable	30,928	6,905
Deferred income taxes	35,573	75,556
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	88,547	82,299
Total current assets	1,872,987	1,862,956
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	104,064	118,008
Property, plant and equipment, net	225,732	212,007
Goodwill	564,590	562,461
Intangible assets, net	104,114	133,657
Deferred income taxes	175,910	155,250
Employee benefit plan assets and other	77,364	70,245
Total assets	3,124,761	3,114,584
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	3,999	3,497
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	487,848	568,507
Billings in excess of revenue	367,294	385,985
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	352,790	335,457
Other accrued liabilities	191,225	216,907
Total current liabilities	1,403,156	1,510,353
Long-term employee related liabilities	583,151	574,406
Long-term debt	429,340	248,832
Other long-term liabilities	96,663	164,285
Total liabilities	2,512,310	2,497,876
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
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; 29,118,394 and 29,845,190 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	291	298
Retained earnings	735,224	734,033
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-139,058	-130,671
Total CH2M HILL common stockholders' equity	596,457	603,660
Noncontrolling interests	15,994	13,048
Total equity	612,451	616,708
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,124,761	$3,114,584

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	29,118,394	29,845,190
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,118,394	29,845,190

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	$1,472,603	$1,603,456	$4,433,358	$4,546,012
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	15,729	25,257	42,670	44,017
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Direct cost of services and overhead	-1,168,896	-1,308,010	-3,563,251	-3,651,650
General and administrative	-262,585	-272,881	-792,875	-834,923
Operating income	56,851	47,822	119,902	103,456
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	313	133	1,298	563
Interest expense	-3,140	-3,855	-9,735	-6,195
Income before provision for income taxes	54,024	44,100	111,465	97,824
Provision for income taxes	-17,630	-14,366	-34,488	-33,408
Net income	36,394	29,734	76,977	64,416
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,701	-121	-8,674	-2,077
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	$33,693	$29,613	$68,303	$62,339
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.14	$0.95	$2.30	$1.99
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.13	$0.94	$2.28	$1.97
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	29,450,729	31,131,918	29,705,088	31,284,402
Diluted (in shares)	29,704,466	31,459,051	29,985,058	31,717,516

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$36,394	$29,734	$76,977	$64,416
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	13,355	19,905	-8,066	21,170
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities and other, net of tax	-128	-55	-321	59
Other comprehensive income (loss)	13,227	19,850	-8,387	21,229
Comprehensive income	49,621	49,584	68,590	85,645
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,701	121	8,674	2,077
Comprehensive income attributable to CH2M HILL	$46,920	$49,463	$59,916	$83,568

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$76,977	$64,416
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	55,537	59,627
Stock-based employee compensation	34,455	49,145
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	-3,072	783
Gain on transfer of lease obligation	-15,468	'
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	2,593	4,215
Deferred income taxes	19,798	-32,752
Undistributed earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-42,670	-44,017
Distributions of income from unconsolidated affiliates	38,004	40,841
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables and unbilled revenue	4,179	-176,051
Prepaid expenses and other	-12,445	-59,807
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	-77,664	90,115
Billings in excess of revenue	-10,114	42,857
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	19,060	47,893
Other accrued liabilities	-32,895	4,580
Current income taxes	-24,563	37,184
Long-term employee related liabilities and other	12,207	-34,731
Net cash provided by operating activities	43,919	94,298
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-72,186	-36,435
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-23,200	-16,848
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	51,755	11,226
Proceeds from sale of operating assets	4,814	641
Net cash used in investing activities	-38,817	-41,416
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings on long-term debt	1,269,379	1,027,400
Payments on long-term debt	-1,088,170	-932,336
Purchases and retirements of common stock	-109,059	-101,522
Payment on transfer of lease obligation	-27,033	'
Acquisition payments	-2,670	-8,975
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	7,487	9,806
Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	-5,728	-201
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	44,206	-5,828
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-14,837	11,633
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	34,471	58,687
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	310,638	208,266
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	345,109	266,953
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	9,514	5,985
Cash paid for income taxes	$24,923	$16,161

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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”, “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.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information required by GAAP or the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations for complete financial statements. The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best available information. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	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.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded significant additional 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.
	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.
	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 period ended September 30, 2013.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Stockholders’ Equity
	The changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Shares		Amount
	Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2012	29,845		$	616,708
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	—		68,303
	Shares issued and to be issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans	888		41,940
	Shares and share equivalents purchased, retired and cancelled	(1,615	)	(109,059		)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		(8,387		)
	Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		8,674
	Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		(5,728		)
	Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2013	29,118		$	612,451
	Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans
	Stock Option Plan
	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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $7.09 and $6.98, respectively, compared to $5.36 and $5.85 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	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 vesting periods of the awards.
	The total compensation cost recognized for stock-based payments for stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively, compared to $1.6 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Incentive Plans
	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. Compensation expense related to common stock awards of $2.2 million and $1.8 million was recognized under the LTIP for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  Compensation expense related to common stock awards of $3.2 million and $5.7 million was recognized under the LTIP for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Plan
	The Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan (“Restricted Stock Plan”) provides participants with added incentives to continue in the long-term service of our Company. The awards are made for no consideration and vest over various periods, but are considered outstanding at the time of grant. 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 Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, compared to $1.1 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	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 $13.7 million and $25.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively compared to $12.8 million and $35.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. The new disclosure requirements relating to this update are prospective and effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We adopted Accounting Standards Update 2013-02 as of January 1, 2013. 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 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 require 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 except in circumstances when the carryforward or tax loss is not available at the reporting date under the tax laws of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes or the tax law does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purposes. When those circumstances exist, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The new financial statement presentation provisions relating to this update are prospective and effective for interim and annual periods beginning with the Company’s December 31, 2013 financial statements. We do not expect the implementation of ASU 2013-11 to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted 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 ASU 2011-11 Balance Sheet Topic 210, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  ASU 2011-11 requires us to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of our financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on our financial position.  The adoption of this standard did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	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 or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business within a foreign entity.  The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning with the Company’s December 31, 2013 financial statements.  We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	(2) Segment Information
	We organize our reporting structure under which our chief operating decision-maker regularly reviews operating results and makes strategic operating decisions with regard to assessing performance and allocating resources into two segments — the Energy, Water and Facilities (“EWF”) segment and the Government, Environment and Infrastructure (“GEI”) segment.
	Certain financial information relating to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for each segment is provided below (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	778,000	$	694,603	$	—		$	1,472,603
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	1,771		13,958		—			15,729
	Operating income (loss)	28,796		32,455		(4,400		)	56,851
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	935,918	$	667,538	$	—		$	1,603,456
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	9,832		15,425		—			25,257
	Operating income (loss)	16,927		38,230		(7,335		)	47,822
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	2,437,597	$	1,995,761	$	—		$	4,433,358
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	8,287		34,383		—			42,670
	Operating income (loss)	45,256		89,125		(14,479		)	119,902
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	2,562,714	$	1,983,298	$	—		$	4,546,012
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	14,950		29,067		—			44,017
	Operating income (loss)	47,979		71,112		(15,635		)	103,456
	Corporate expenses, including costs for centralized management activities, are not allocable to individual operating segments and are included in “Corporate”. These costs primarily include expenses associated with administrative functions such as executive management, tax and general business development efforts.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	(3) Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and is computed by dividing net income attributable to CH2M HILL by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, which consist primarily of stock options, and is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.
	The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	33,693	$	29,613	$	68,303	$	62,339
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	29,451		31,132		29,705		31,284
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents	253		327		280		433
	Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents	29,704		31,459		29,985		31,717
	Basic net income per common share	$	1.14	$	0.95	$	2.3	$	1.99
	Diluted net income per common share	$	1.13	$	0.94	$	2.28	$	1.97

Variable_Interest_Entities_and

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	'
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	'
	(4) 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 September 30, 2013, total assets of VIEs that were consolidated were $171.6 million and total liabilities were $121.8 million.
	We held investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $104.1 million and $118.0 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 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.
	As of September 30, 2013, the total assets of VIEs that were not consolidated were $344.8 million and total liabilities were $281.9 million. The maximum exposure to losses is limited to the funding of any future losses incurred by those entities under their respective contracts.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions	'
Acquisitions	'
	(5) Acquisitions
	On November 10, 2011, we purchased all the share capital of Halcrow Holdings Limited (“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 and buildings. Halcrow’s employees provide services to clients in the United Kingdom, Middle East, Canada, the United States, China, India, Australia, South America, and Europe. Halcrow’s clients continue to 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 paid in full in December 2011.  The results of operations for Halcrow have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the acquisition and are reported in the EWF and GEI operating segments, accordingly.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	(6) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The following table presents the changes in goodwill:
	($ in thousands)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	562,461	$	545,443
	Foreign currency translation	2,129		17,018
	Balance at end of period	$	564,590	$	562,461
	Intangible assets with finite lives consist of the following:
	($ in thousands)	Cost		Accumulated			Net finite-lived
				Amortization			intangible assets
	September 30, 2013
	Contracted backlog	$	79,175	$	(68,796	)	$	10,379
	Customer relationships	160,477		(81,461		)	79,016
	Tradename	24,500		(9,781		)	14,719
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	264,152	$	(160,038	)	$	104,114
	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 $8.8 million and $11.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $26.4 million and $29.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  All intangible assets are expected to be fully amortized by the end of 2018.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	(7) Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
	($ in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Land	$	22,509		$	23,012
	Building and land improvements	92,450			112,062
	Furniture and fixtures	24,921			25,963
	Computer and office equipment	142,237			110,094
	Field equipment	115,868			115,378
	Leasehold improvements	89,548			86,306
		487,533			472,815
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(261,801		)	(260,808		)
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	225,732		$	212,007
	Depreciation expense reflected in the consolidated statements of income was $9.3 million and $11.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $29.1 million and $30.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	(8) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Cash and cash equivalents, receivables, 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, but excluding the revolving credit facility, is estimated based on Level 3 inputs. Fair value is determined by discounting future cash flows using interest rates available for issues with similar terms and average maturities and considering credit spreads related to the underlying instruments. The carrying value of the revolving credit facility is estimated to approximate fair value as this instrument bears interest at a variable rate and credit spreads have not changed significantly since the execution of agreement.
	The estimated fair values of our company’s financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value are as follows:
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	10,902	$	9,283	$	12,159	$	10,718
	Equipment financing	2,688		2,170		4,348		3,716
	Stockholder notes payable	399		353		322		303
	The fair value of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, which totaled $1.6 million and $2.1 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 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 based upon Level 2 inputs including third party quotes. At September 30, 2013, we had forward foreign exchange contracts on major world currencies with varying durations, none of which extend beyond five years. At September 30, 2013, derivative assets and liabilities recorded were insignificant.  At December 31, 2012, there were no foreign exchange contracts outstanding.

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets

Employee Benefit Plan Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'
	(9) 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair market value of these assets were $74.5 million and $66.3 million, respectively, and are included in employee benefit plan assets and other on the consolidated balance sheets.

Line_of_Credit_and_Long_Term_D

Line of Credit and Long Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit and Long Term Debt	'
Line of Credit and Long Term Debt	'
	(10) Line of Credit and Long Term Debt
	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 LIBOR 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 revised 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 September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants required by the Amended Credit Agreement. The remaining unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was $292.4 million as of September 30, 2013.
	Our nonrecourse and other long-term debt consist of the following:
	($ in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Nonrecourse:
	Mortgage note payable in monthly installments to July 2020, secured by real estate, rents and leases. The note bears interest at 5.35%	$	9,543	$	10,374
	Mortgage note payable in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by real estate. The note bears interest at 6.59%	1,359		1,785
		10,902		12,159
	Other:
	Revolving credit facility	418,460		235,500
	Equipment financing due in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 4.00% to 8.00%	2,688		4,348
	Other notes payable	1,289		322
	Total debt	433,339		252,329
	Less: current portion of debt	3,999		3,497
	Total long-term portion of debt	$	429,340	$	248,832

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	(11)  Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was 34.4% compared to 32.7% for the same period in the prior year. The effective tax rate for 2013 is higher in comparison to the effective tax rate in 2012 due to an increase in discrete items, which were partially offset by improved foreign earnings.  Our effective tax rate continues to be negatively impacted by the effect of state income taxes, non-deductible foreign net operating losses, the disallowed portion of executive compensation, and disallowed portions of meals and entertainment expenses.
	Undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $217.7 million at September 30, 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 September 30, 2013, approximately $58.1 million of income tax expense would be incurred.  Cash held in international accounts at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $292.5 million and $260.0 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $33.3 million and $30.2 million, respectively, recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions.  We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  Included in the amounts discussed above are approximately $6.7 million and $5.4 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state jurisdictions and non-U.S. jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	(12) Commitments and Contingencies
	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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities were $11.5 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 civil and/or criminal charges for possible violations arising from CH2M HILL’s Subsidiary overtime practices on the project. In September 2012, the government intervened in a 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 and pursuant to a separate agreement, we obtained dismissal of the 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.  The NPA requires us to comply with ongoing requirements for three years after the effective date.
	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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif1

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information required by GAAP or the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations for complete financial statements. The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best available information. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
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.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded significant additional 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.
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.
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 period ended September 30, 2013.
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.
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.
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.
Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans	'
	Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans
	Stock Option Plan
	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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $7.09 and $6.98, respectively, compared to $5.36 and $5.85 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	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 vesting periods of the awards.
	The total compensation cost recognized for stock-based payments for stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively, compared to $1.6 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Incentive Plans
	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. Compensation expense related to common stock awards of $2.2 million and $1.8 million was recognized under the LTIP for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  Compensation expense related to common stock awards of $3.2 million and $5.7 million was recognized under the LTIP for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Plan
	The Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan (“Restricted Stock Plan”) provides participants with added incentives to continue in the long-term service of our Company. The awards are made for no consideration and vest over various periods, but are considered outstanding at the time of grant. 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 Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, compared to $1.1 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	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 $13.7 million and $25.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively compared to $12.8 million and $35.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. The new disclosure requirements relating to this update are prospective and effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We adopted Accounting Standards Update 2013-02 as of January 1, 2013. 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 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 require 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 except in circumstances when the carryforward or tax loss is not available at the reporting date under the tax laws of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes or the tax law does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purposes. When those circumstances exist, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The new financial statement presentation provisions relating to this update are prospective and effective for interim and annual periods beginning with the Company’s December 31, 2013 financial statements. We do not expect the implementation of ASU 2013-11 to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted 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 ASU 2011-11 Balance Sheet Topic 210, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  ASU 2011-11 requires us to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of our financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on our financial position.  The adoption of this standard did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	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 or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business within a foreign entity.  The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning with the Company’s December 31, 2013 financial statements.  We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif2

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
Schedule of changes in stockholders' equity	'
	The changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Shares		Amount
	Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2012	29,845		$	616,708
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	—		68,303
	Shares issued and to be issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans	888		41,940
	Shares and share equivalents purchased, retired and cancelled	(1,615	)	(109,059		)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		(8,387		)
	Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		8,674
	Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		(5,728		)
	Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2013	29,118		$	612,451

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information	'
Financial information related to segments	'
	Certain financial information relating to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for each segment is provided below (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	778,000	$	694,603	$	—		$	1,472,603
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	1,771		13,958		—			15,729
	Operating income (loss)	28,796		32,455		(4,400		)	56,851
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	935,918	$	667,538	$	—		$	1,603,456
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	9,832		15,425		—			25,257
	Operating income (loss)	16,927		38,230		(7,335		)	47,822
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	2,437,597	$	1,995,761	$	—		$	4,433,358
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	8,287		34,383		—			42,670
	Operating income (loss)	45,256		89,125		(14,479		)	119,902
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012	Energy,		Government,		Corporate			Financial
		Water and		Environment					Statement
		Facilities		and					Balances
				Infrastructure
	Gross revenue	$	2,562,714	$	1,983,298	$	—		$	4,546,012
	Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	14,950		29,067		—			44,017
	Operating income (loss)	47,979		71,112		(15,635		)	103,456

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS	'
	The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	33,693	$	29,613	$	68,303	$	62,339
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	29,451		31,132		29,705		31,284
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents	253		327		280		433
	Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents	29,704		31,459		29,985		31,717
	Basic net income per common share	$	1.14	$	0.95	$	2.3	$	1.99
	Diluted net income per common share	$	1.13	$	0.94	$	2.28	$	1.97

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Schedule of changes in goodwill	'
	($ in thousands)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	562,461	$	545,443
	Foreign currency translation	2,129		17,018
	Balance at end of period	$	564,590	$	562,461
Schedule of components of finite-lived intangible assets	'
	($ in thousands)	Cost		Accumulated			Net finite-lived
				Amortization			intangible assets
	September 30, 2013
	Contracted backlog	$	79,175	$	(68,796	)	$	10,379
	Customer relationships	160,477		(81,461		)	79,016
	Tradename	24,500		(9,781		)	14,719
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	264,152	$	(160,038	)	$	104,114
	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

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Components of property, plant and equipment	'
	($ in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Land	$	22,509		$	23,012
	Building and land improvements	92,450			112,062
	Furniture and fixtures	24,921			25,963
	Computer and office equipment	142,237			110,094
	Field equipment	115,868			115,378
	Leasehold improvements	89,548			86,306
		487,533			472,815
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(261,801		)	(260,808		)
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	225,732		$	212,007

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
Estimated fair values of financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value	'
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	10,902	$	9,283	$	12,159	$	10,718
	Equipment financing	2,688		2,170		4,348		3,716
	Stockholder notes payable	399		353		322		303

Line_of_Credit_and_Long_Term_D1

Line of Credit and Long Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit and Long Term Debt	'
Components of nonrecourse and other long-term debt	'
	($ in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Nonrecourse:
	Mortgage note payable in monthly installments to July 2020, secured by real estate, rents and leases. The note bears interest at 5.35%	$	9,543	$	10,374
	Mortgage note payable in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by real estate. The note bears interest at 6.59%	1,359		1,785
		10,902		12,159
	Other:
	Revolving credit facility	418,460		235,500
	Equipment financing due in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 4.00% to 8.00%	2,688		4,348
	Other notes payable	1,289		322
	Total debt	433,339		252,329
	Less: current portion of debt	3,999		3,497
	Total long-term portion of debt	$	429,340	$	248,832

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif3

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stockholders Equity	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	29,845,190	'
Shares issued and to be issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	'	'	888,000	'
Shares and share equivalents purchased, retired and cancelled (in shares)	'	'	-1,615,000	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period (in shares)	29,118,394	'	29,118,394	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period	'	'	$616,708	'
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	33,693	29,613	68,303	62,339
Shares issued and to be issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans	'	'	41,940	'
Shares and share equivalents purchased, retired and cancelled	'	'	-109,059	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	13,227	19,850	-8,387	21,229
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,701	121	8,674	2,077
Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	-5,728	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period	$612,451	'	$612,451	'

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif4

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Maximum employer match to the 401(k) Plan after amendment (as a percent)	'	'	6.00%	'
Expenses related to matching contributions and defined contributions made in common stock for the 401(k) Plan	$13.70	$12.80	$25.10	$35.50
Long Term Incentive Plan	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	2.2	3.2	1.8	5.7
The period over which long-term goals are assessed to determine eligibility for the award under the plan	'	'	'3 years	'
Employee Stock Option	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$7.09	$5.36	$6.98	$5.85
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	'	'	0.00%	'
Total compensation cost recognized	1.1	1.6	2.6	4.9
Restricted Stock Plan	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost recognized	$1.10	$1.10	$3.80	$4.90

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			segment
Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Number of segments	'	'	2	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	$1,472,603	$1,603,456	$4,433,358	$4,546,012
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	15,729	25,257	42,670	44,017
Operating income (loss)	56,851	47,822	119,902	103,456
Energy, Water and Facilities	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	778,000	935,918	2,437,597	2,562,714
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	1,771	9,832	8,287	14,950
Operating income (loss)	28,796	16,927	45,256	47,979
Government, Environment and Infrastructure	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	694,603	667,538	1,995,761	1,983,298
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	13,958	15,425	34,383	29,067
Operating income (loss)	32,455	38,230	89,125	71,112
Corporate	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	($4,400)	($7,335)	($14,479)	($15,635)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL (in dollars)	$33,693	$29,613	$68,303	$62,339
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	29,450,729	31,131,918	29,705,088	31,284,402
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares)	253,000	327,000	280,000	433,000
Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents	29,704,466	31,459,051	29,985,058	31,717,516
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.14	$0.95	$2.30	$1.99
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.13	$0.94	$2.28	$1.97

Variable_Interest_Entities_and1

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Variable interest entities	'	'
Total assets of VIEs not consolidated	$3,124,761,000	$3,114,584,000
Total liabilities of VIEs not consolidated	2,512,310,000	2,497,876,000
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	104,064,000	118,008,000
Consolidated VIEs	'	'
Variable interest entities	'	'
Total assets of VIEs consolidated	171,600,000	'
Total liabilities of VIEs consolidated	121,800,000	'
Unconsolidated VIE's	'	'
Variable interest entities	'	'
Total assets of VIEs not consolidated	344,800,000	'
Total liabilities of VIEs not consolidated	281,900,000	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$104,100,000	$118,000,000

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (Halcrow)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 10, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 10, 2011
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Acquisitions	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	$197.30	'	'	£ 124
Cash paid	41.7	'	'	'
Value of common stock issued	18.8	'	'	'
Notes payable	136.8	'	'	'
Notes payable paid in full	'	$66.10	$136.80	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in goodwill	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$562,461	$545,443
Foreign currency translation	2,129	17,018
Balance at end of period	$564,590	$562,461

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	$264,152,000	'	$264,152,000	'	$266,527,000
Accumulated Amortization	-160,038,000	'	-160,038,000	'	-132,870,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	104,114,000	'	104,114,000	'	133,657,000
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	8,800,000	11,100,000	26,400,000	29,000,000	'
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	79,175,000	'	79,175,000	'	81,014,000
Accumulated Amortization	-68,796,000	'	-68,796,000	'	-64,850,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	10,379,000	'	10,379,000	'	16,164,000
Customer relationships	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	160,477,000	'	160,477,000	'	160,651,000
Accumulated Amortization	-81,461,000	'	-81,461,000	'	-62,386,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	79,016,000	'	79,016,000	'	98,265,000
Tradename	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	24,500,000	'	24,500,000	'	24,862,000
Accumulated Amortization	-9,781,000	'	-9,781,000	'	-5,634,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	$14,719,000	'	$14,719,000	'	$19,228,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$487,533,000	'	$487,533,000	'	$472,815,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-261,801,000	'	-261,801,000	'	-260,808,000
Net property, plant and equipment	225,732,000	'	225,732,000	'	212,007,000
Depreciation expense	9,300,000	11,100,000	29,100,000	30,600,000	'
Land	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	22,509,000	'	22,509,000	'	23,012,000
Building and land improvements	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	92,450,000	'	92,450,000	'	112,062,000
Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	24,921,000	'	24,921,000	'	25,963,000
Computer and office equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	142,237,000	'	142,237,000	'	110,094,000
Field equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	115,868,000	'	115,868,000	'	115,378,000
Leasehold improvements	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$89,548,000	'	$89,548,000	'	$86,306,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount | Mortgage notes payable	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	$10,902,000	$12,159,000
Carrying Amount | Equipment financing	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	2,688,000	4,348,000
Carrying Amount | Stockholder notes payable	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	399,000	322,000
Fair Value | Level 3 | Mortgage notes payable	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	9,283,000	10,718,000
Fair Value | Level 3 | Equipment financing	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	2,170,000	3,716,000
Fair Value | Level 3 | Stockholder notes payable	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Long-term debt	353,000	303,000
Fair Value | Level 1	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale	$1,600,000	$2,100,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 2) (Forward foreign exchange contracts)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Instrument	Contract
	Contract
Derivative financial instruments	'	'
Number of instruments that extend beyond five years	0	'
Foreign exchange contracts outstanding	'	0
Maximum	'	'
Derivative financial instruments	'	'
Term of forward foreign exchange contracts	'5 years	'

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets_D

Employee Benefit Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'	'
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	$74.50	$66.30

Line_of_Credit_and_Long_Term_D2

Line of Credit and Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 19, 2012
	Q
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Total debt	$433,339,000	$252,329,000	'
Less: current portion of debt	3,999,000	3,497,000	'
Total long-term portion of debt	429,340,000	248,832,000	'
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'
Initial borrowing capacity after amendment	'	'	900,000,000
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	'	'
Remaining unused borrowing capacity available under the credit facility	292,400,000	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Total debt	418,460,000	235,500,000	'
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 interest 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 LIBOR	'	'
Basis points spread on variable interest rate (as a percent)	1.00%	'	'
Mortgage notes payable	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Total debt	10,902,000	12,159,000	'
Mortgage note 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	9,543,000	10,374,000	'
Mortgage note 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	1,359,000	1,785,000	'
Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to December 2015, secured by equipment, interest ranging from 4.00% to 8.00%	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Minimum interest rate on notes (as a percent)	4.00%	'	'
Maximum interest rate on notes (as a percent)	8.00%	'	'
Total debt	2,688,000	4,348,000	'
Other notes payable	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Total debt	$1,289,000	$322,000	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	34.40%	32.70%	'	'
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$217.70	'	$217.70	'
Provision for U.S. federal income taxes	'	'	0	'
Provision for state income taxes	'	'	0	'
Provision for foreign withholding taxes	'	'	0	'
Approximate income tax expense if foreign earnings were repatriated	'	'	58.1	'
Cash held in international accounts	292.5	'	292.5	260
Liability for uncertain tax positions	33.3	'	33.3	30.2
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$6.70	'	$6.70	$5.40

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
		employee		employee	employee	Halcrow	Halcrow	Halcrow	Halcrow
									Building lease
Purchase price adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities	'	'	$11,500,000	$34,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of former employees who pleaded guilty in United States District Court	'	'	'	8	8	'	'	'	'
Number of former employees involved in False Claims Act case filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington	'	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Legal settlement payment in total under both agreements	'	'	18,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Criminal charges	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term required to comply with ongoing requirements under the Non-Prosecution Agreement	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital lease and related obligations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66,100,000	'
Operating lease payments due	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,800,000	'
Termination of obligation under the lease	'	'	'	'	'	66,100,000	136,800,000	'	'
Payment on termination of lease obligation	'	'	27,033,000	'	'	'	'	'	27,000,000
Gain on termination of lease obligations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$15,500,000