CH2M Hill Companies 10-Q 24 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 17, 2014
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-14	'
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	'	27,925,293
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$178,855	$294,261
Available-for-sale securities	'	1,074
Receivables, net-	'	'
Client accounts	740,565	779,159
Unbilled revenue	681,770	611,197
Other	20,678	21,503
Income tax receivable	19,548	15,999
Deferred income taxes	104,106	51,379
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	84,215	80,923
Total current assets	1,829,737	1,855,495
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	92,587	92,287
Property, plant and equipment, net	256,155	226,425
Goodwill	550,058	573,487
Intangible assets, net	106,074	96,658
Deferred income taxes	129,591	129,591
Employee benefit plan assets and other	87,525	82,454
Total assets	3,051,727	3,056,397
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	5,288	4,099
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	523,227	463,516
Billings in excess of revenue	316,867	358,590
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	325,284	337,546
Other accrued liabilities	340,019	188,600
Total current liabilities	1,510,685	1,352,351
Long-term employee related liabilities	568,763	574,816
Long-term debt	513,975	387,023
Other long-term liabilities	104,990	99,623
Total liabilities	2,698,413	2,413,813
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)	'	'
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; 27,772,584 and 28,782,277 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	278	288
Retained earnings	564,267	763,095
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-143,354	-138,963
Total CH2M HILL common stockholders' equity	421,191	624,420
Noncontrolling interests	-67,877	18,164
Total equity	353,314	642,584
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,051,727	$3,056,397

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	27,772,584	28,782,277
Common stock, shares outstanding	27,772,584	28,782,277

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	$1,422,537	$1,472,603	$4,104,434	$4,433,358
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	11,909	15,729	47,086	42,670
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Direct cost of services and overhead	-1,336,770	-1,168,896	-3,506,969	-3,563,251
General and administrative	-259,267	-262,585	-796,113	-792,875
Impairment losses on goodwill and intangibles	73,312	'	73,312	'
Operating (loss) income	-234,903	56,851	-224,874	119,902
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	131	313	626	1,298
Interest expense	-4,792	-3,140	-11,547	-9,735
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes	-239,564	54,024	-235,795	111,465
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	25,827	-17,630	25,339	-34,488
Net (loss) income	-213,737	36,394	-210,456	76,977
Less: Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	82,495	-2,701	84,572	-8,674
Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	($131,242)	$33,693	($125,884)	$68,303
Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($4.69)	$1.14	($4.43)	$2.30
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($4.69)	$1.13	($4.43)	$2.28
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	27,973,502	29,450,729	28,429,394	29,705,088
Diluted (in shares)	27,973,502	29,704,466	28,429,394	29,985,058

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income	($213,737)	$36,394	($210,456)	$76,977
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-12,070	13,355	-7,023	-8,066
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	1,005	'	2,844	'
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Loss on available-for-sale securities and other, net of tax	-89	-128	-27	-321
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax	-185	'	-185	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-11,339	13,227	-4,391	-8,387
Comprehensive (loss) income	-225,076	49,621	-214,847	68,590
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-82,495	2,701	-84,572	8,674
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	($142,581)	$46,920	($130,275)	$59,916

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net (loss) income	($210,456)	$76,977
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	67,278	55,537
Stock-based employee compensation	44,492	34,455
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment	-143	-3,072
Gain on transfer of lease obligation	'	-15,468
Loss on goodwill and intangible impairment	73,312	'
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,337	2,593
Deferred income taxes	-52,781	19,798
Undistributed earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-47,086	-42,670
Distributions of income from unconsolidated affiliates	42,572	38,004
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables and unbilled revenue	-19,270	4,179
Prepaid expenses and other	-7,531	-12,445
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	55,954	-77,664
Billings in excess of revenue	-33,876	-10,114
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	-12,016	19,060
Other accrued liabilities	140,398	-32,895
Current income taxes	-3,006	-24,563
Long term employee related liabilities and other	-12,021	12,207
Net cash used in operating activities	27,157	43,919
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-58,738	-72,186
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-87,607	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-9,549	-23,200
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	10,079	51,755
Proceeds from sale of operating assets	'	4,814
Gain on sale of investments	-261	'
Proceeds from sale of investments	1,125	'
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,078	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-143,873	-38,817
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings on long-term debt	1,343,583	1,269,379
Payments on long-term debt	-1,215,477	-1,088,170
Repurchases and retirements of common stock	-136,014	-109,059
Payment on transfer of lease obligation	'	-27,033
Acquisition payments	'	-2,670
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	7,541	7,487
Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,469	-5,728
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-1,836	44,206
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,146	-14,837
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-115,406	34,471
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	294,261	310,638
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	178,855	345,109
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	11,713	9,514
Cash paid for income taxes	$21,939	$24,923

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	(1) Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
	Summary of Business
	CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. and subsidiaries (“We”, “Our”, “CH2M HILL” or the “Company”) is a project delivery firm founded in 1946. We are a large employee-controlled professional engineering services firm providing engineering, construction, consulting, design, design-build, procurement, engineering-procurement-construction (“EPC”), operations and maintenance, program management and technical services to United States federal, state, municipal and local government agencies, foreign national governments, and private industry and utilities, around the world. A substantial portion of our revenues 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 according to instructions to Form 10-Q and the provisions of Article 10 of Regulation S-X that are applicable to 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 annual audited 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.
	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, 2013.
	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 contract. 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. We record the cumulative effect of changes in contract revenues and costs at completion in the period in which the changed estimates are determined to be reliably estimable.
	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 when the change order 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.
	Restructuring Related Costs
	In September 2014, we announced the start of certain restructuring activities designed to achieve important business objectives, including reducing overhead costs, enhancing client service, improving efficiency, reducing risk, creating more opportunity for profitable growth, and providing more long-term value for our stockholders.  These restructuring plans include such items as a voluntary retirement program, workforce reductions, facilities consolidations and evaluation of certain lines of business.  The costs to be incurred under these activities are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.  An exit activity includes but is not limited to a restructuring, such as a sale or termination of a line of business, the closure of business activities in a particular location, the relocation of business activities from one location to another, changes in management structure, and a fundamental reorganization that affects the nature and focus of operations.  The Company recognizes a liability and the related expense for restructuring costs when the liability is incurred and can be measured.  Restructuring accruals are based upon management estimates at the time they are recorded and can change depending upon changes in facts and circumstances subsequent to the date the original liability was recorded.  Nonretirement postemployment benefits offered as special termination benefits to employees are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.  Voluntary early retirement programs fall under this category of benefits and are recognized as a liability and a loss when the employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated. During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we incurred $3.1 million for restructuring activities related primarily to severance costs for employees notified and terminated in the third quarter.  These costs were included within general and administration expense on the consolidated statements of operations.  As of September 30, 2014, there were no significant amounts accrued for restructuring activities as specific plans continue to be developed.  However, during the fourth quarter of 2014, we expect that significant additional restructuring charges will be incurred related to our voluntary early retirement program, further involuntary workforce reductions and facilities consolidation activities.  Overall, we expect to incur up to $120 million in pre-tax charges related to the restructuring activities.
	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.  A significant portion of our billings in excess balance relates to excess billings on design-build projects.  These projects often require us to order significant project materials and equipment in advance and we request payment in advance from our clients to cover these costs.  As the projects near completion and our suppliers complete the construction of these components and we complete the installation, the billings in excess balance declines.
	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 on 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 on 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, 2014 or 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 income, 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.  On August 21, 2014, we sold our available-for-sale securities for $1.1 million, resulting in a realized gain of $0.3 million, net of tax.  At the time of the sale, the available-for-sale securities had a fair value of $1.0 million, with $0.2 million of unrecognized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income and a related deferred tax liability of $0.1 million.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of the assets of businesses we have 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), as amended under Accounting Standards Update 2011-08 (“ASU 2011-08”).  Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events, we are also required to test for impairment at dates other than the annual impairment testing date.    In performing the annual impairment test, we evaluate our goodwill at the reporting unit level.  Under the guidance of ASC 350, we have the option to assess either quantitative or qualitative factors to determine whether 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 does not exceed 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 combination of the income approach and the market approach.  The income approach calculates the present value of future cash flows based on assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our expected revenue growth rates, profit margins, business plans, cost of capital and tax rates.  Our market based valuation method estimates the fair value of our reporting units by the application of a multiple to our estimate of a cash flow metric for each business unit.  See Note 7 for further discussion of impairment charges recorded as a result of goodwill impairment testing performed during this quarter.
	Other Long-Lived Assets
	We may acquire other intangible assets in business combinations. Intangible assets are stated at fair value as of the date they are acquired in a business combination. We amortize intangible assets with finite lives on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, currently up to ten years. For those intangible assets with no legal, regulatory, contractual or other factors that would reasonably limit the useful life of the intangible asset, management has determined that the life is indefinite and therefore, are not amortized.  We test our intangible assets for impairment in the period in which a triggering event or change in circumstance indicates that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable.  If the carrying out amount of the intangible asset exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in the amount of the excess.  We determine the fair value of the intangible assets using a discounted cash flow approach. See Note 7 for further discussion of the results of our intangible impairment testing.
	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 our 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, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Shares	Amount
	Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2013	28,782	$	642,584
	Net loss attributable to CH2M HILL	-		-125,884
	Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans	739		44,492
	Shares issued in connection with purchase of TERA Environmental Consultants	170		10,831
	Shares purchased and retired	-1,918		-128,277
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-		-4,391
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-		-84,572
	Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	-		-1,469
	Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2014	27,773	$	353,314
	Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan
	The Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings 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 (the “401(k) Plan”).  The 401(k) Plan allows for matching contributions up to 6% of the employee’s base compensation, although some of our subsidiaries may have different limits on employer matching.  The matching contributions may be made in 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 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $13.3 million and $37.0 million, respectively, compared to $13.7 million and $25.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	The 401(k) Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions and the Department of Labor. Consequently, the 401(k) Plan is under audit by the IRS for the 2010 plan year; however, we do not expect any material modification to the 401(k) Plan as a result of this audit.  Additionally, the 401(k) Plan is under examination from the Department of Labor for the 2010 Plan year to present. The results of this examination are pending.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.  The ASU also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This ASU is effective for our reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2017. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this ASU.  CH2M HILL is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU and the transition alternatives on its financial position and results of operations.

Changes_in_ProjectRelated_Esti

Changes in Project-Related Estimates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes in Project-Related Estimates	'
Changes in Project Related Estimates Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	(2) Changes in Project-Related Estimates
	During the first quarter of 2014, we experienced significant cost growth on a fixed-price contract to design and construct a new power generation facility in the northeastern United States.  The effect of these changes in estimates resulted in a charge to operations totaling $52.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 which includes both the reversal of previously recognized profits as well as the recording of the estimated total loss on the project at completion. In the third quarter of 2014, additional changes in estimates were identified resulting in the recognition of an additional loss of $9.0 million.  These increases in costs resulted from multiple sources including a substantial decline in union labor productivity, poor subcontractor performance and the impacts of schedule delays caused by the above items and severe weather in the northeastern United States during the winter months of 2014. Management intends to seek recovery of a portion of this loss from various sources including change orders to be submitted to the customer, proceeds from a subcontractor default insurance policy and cost recoveries from subcontractors. There can be no assurance we will be successful in obtaining such recoveries.  Although the project is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2014, it is possible that we could incur additional costs and losses if our cost estimation processes identify new costs not previously included in our total estimated loss or if our plans to meet our revised schedule are not achieved.
	During the first and second quarter of 2014, we experienced cost growth on a Facilities and Urban Environments project in our Europe region primarily due to productivity issues.  These changes in estimates negatively impacted our results of operations by $17.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	We are involved in a power project in Australia through a consolidated 50/50 joint venture partnership with an Australian construction contractor.  The joint venture is in turn a party to a consortium with a major US-based power generating equipment manufacturer, with delineated specific scope for the members (the “Consortium”).  The Consortium has entered into a fixed price contract to engineer, procure, construct and start-up a combined cycle power plant that will supply power to a large liquefied natural gas facility in Australia (the “Consortium Contract”).  CH2M HILL and the other Consortium member have each guaranteed the full and timely performance of all obligations under the Consortium Contract, including the discharge of all obligations and liabilities of the Consortium Contract, as well as the payment of any amounts due and unpaid under the Consortium Contract.  The total Consortium Contract value of the project is approximately $950 million, of which approximately $570 million is contracted to the 50/50 joint venture. Through the end of the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the joint venture project is approximately 35% complete.  Due to a variety of issues related to the joint venture scope of work, we identified changes in estimated contract costs in the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that resulted in a charge to operations of $170.0 million, which represents the joint venture’s total estimated loss at completion.  The net impact on our pre-tax result of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is $85.0 million, after considering the losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the joint venture held by our joint venture partner. Management believes that the project has suffered from substantial client interference related to numerous design changes, delays in providing timely access to site delivery facilities and access to certain construction materials.  These items have resulted in a significant increase in the cost to complete the project as well as a delay in the start of construction activities and possibly the ultimate delivery of the power facility.  Management is vigorously pursuing recovery of cost and schedule using Consortium resources with the assistance of external legal and commercial claims specialists practiced in Australian contracts law.  If these recovery steps are not successful, however, estimated costs at completion possibly could continue to grow without reimbursement from the customer and liquidated damages could be assessed against the Consortium and the joint venture. These potential changes in estimates could be materially adverse to the Company’s results of operations.
	The Company is a party to a consolidated joint venture that has a fixed price contract to design and build facilities on a United States military base in Africa.  Due to delays in site access and unanticipated site conditions, the currently scheduled completion dates for various stages of the project are significantly behind the original completion dates, and costs associated with the projects therefore have the risk of potential growth, particularly in the design-build portions of work.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the Company was able to successfully negotiate a request for equitable adjustment with the client which included relief from certain cost growth as well as an extension in the contracted delivery date. We do not believe at this time that we will incur any material liquidated damages.  However, because of the significant risks still associated with the execution of the contract, the consolidated joint venture will continue to recognize revenues equal to costs incurred.
	During the third quarter of 2014, we experienced significant cost growth on a Transportation fixed price contract to design and construct roadway improvements on an expressway in the southwestern U.S.  The cost growth was primarily caused by design and engineering changes deemed necessary after completion of a detailed design review completed during the quarter ended September 30, 2014. The changes in design drove increases in materials quantities and caused schedule delays.  As a result of these changes in estimate, a charge to operations was recorded totaling $38.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, which represents the reversal of previously recognized profits as well as the total loss at completion which is estimated to be $36.2 million.  Management is assessing the recovery of cost and schedule delays from the client as a result of significant interference; however, at this time it is not possible to estimate these recoveries.  It is reasonably possible that we could incur additional costs and losses if our cost estimation processes identify new costs not previously included in our total estimated loss or if our plans to meet our revised schedule are not achieved.  These potential changes in estimates could be materially adverse to the Company’s results of operations.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a charge to operations on another fixed price power contract in the western U.S., totaling $40.9 million.  That contract is now substantially complete.
	All reserves for project related losses are included in other current liabilities and totaled $158.9 million and $8.4 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Of the amount included in the September 30, 2014 balance, $56.4 million relates to accrued project losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the consolidated joint venture held by our joint venture partner.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	(3) Segment Information
	Effective January 1, 2014, we implemented certain significant organizational changes, including the manner in which our operations are managed. Our operations are now organized and managed using a structure consisting of markets, geographical areas and service lines.  Our business results are reported internally using this matrix structure.  In connection with this change, we reevaluated the manner in which our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) reviews operating results and makes key business decisions.  As a result of our evaluation, we determined that our CODM is our executive management committee that meets regularly to evaluate operating results and allocate our financial and operational resources.  Our CODM primarily reviews consolidated financial operating results, as well as safety, project delivery and other operational metrics. We reviewed these operating segment lines, noting the services we offer have similar economic characteristics, including:
		·		The composition of our workforce is highly consistent across all market, geographical and service lines;
		·		Our customers share similar characteristics, including regulatory and confidentiality constraints, quality and safety delivery requirements;
		·		We use similar technologies, including project proposal, design and delivery software tools, consistently throughout our organization;
		·		Our markets and service lines have similar gross margin rates;
		·		The channels we use to deliver our services within our markets are comparable;
		·		Our markets, service lines, and geographies assemble teams from the entire organization to seamlessly deliver projects;
		·		We share staff across these entities and from within our corporate functions to assure effective project delivery;
		·		Regulatory environments in which we operate are comparable across our markets including, state, local and federal governmental regulations;
		·		The marketing methods we use across our service lines are consistent;
		·		We designed our sales force to benefit our markets and service lines interchangeably;
		·		Our project proposal teams are designed to be utilized in all of our markets, service lines and geographical areas; and,
		·		Our delivery administration and enterprise delivery excellence services were formed to ensure a consistent, high quality service experience for our clients.
	Based on our evaluation, we have determined that our operations may be aggregated into one reportable segment. Prior year information has been revised to conform to current year presentation.
	The following table summarizes our gross revenue by market:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Water		$	290,722	$	292,902	$	904,072	$	886,272
	Environmental and Nuclear			386,502		364,263		1,025,673		996,078
	Energy			313,792		368,512		883,004		1,143,948
	Transportation			226,199		237,243		705,808		704,190
	Facilities and Urban Environments			205,322		209,683		585,877		702,870
	Total		$	1,422,537	$	1,472,603	$	4,104,434	$	4,433,358

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	(4) Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, which consists of stock options, and is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents are only included in the diluted EPS calculation when their effect is dilutive.
	Reconciliations of basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-131,242	$	33,693	$	-125,884	$	68,303
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		27,974		29,451		28,429		29,705
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		-		253		-		280
	Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents		27,974		29,704		28,429		29,985
	Basic net (loss) income per common share	$	-4.69	$	1.14	$	-4.43	$	2.30
	Diluted net (loss) income per common share	$	-4.69	$	1.13	$	-4.43	$	2.28
	We did not include approximately 203,000 and 277,000 potentially dilutive common stock equivalents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, in the calculation of diluted EPS because to do so would be antidilutive, given the net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Variable_Interest_Entities_and

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	'
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	'
	(5) Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments
	We routinely enter into teaming arrangements (“Joint Ventures”) 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. The assets of a Joint Venture are restricted for use only for the particular Joint Venture and are not available for general operations of the company.  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. Furthermore, on some of our projects, we have granted guarantees from CH2M HILL that may encumber both our contracting subsidiary company and CH2M HILL liable for the entire risk of loss on the project.
	Our financial statements include the accounts of our Joint Ventures through which we are the primary beneficiary, when such Joint Ventures are variable interest entities (“VIE”), or through which we have a controlling interest when such Joint Ventures are not VIEs. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether our company is the primary beneficiary once an entity is identified as a VIE. A qualitative assessment begins with an understanding of the nature of the risks associated with 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 is 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total assets of VIEs that were consolidated were $155.6 million and $158.6 million, respectively, and liabilities were $278.2 million and $105.0 million, respectively.
	In determining whether we have a controlling interest in a Joint Venture that is not a VIE and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of the entity, we consider factors such as ownership interest, board representation, management representation, authority to make decisions, and contractual and substantive participating rights of the partnership/members. We held investments in unconsolidated Joint Ventures that are not VIEs of $92.6 million and $92.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total assets of VIEs that were not consolidated were $377.2 million and $308.5 million, respectively, and total liabilities were $304.4 million and $255.5 million, respectively. The maximum exposure to losses is limited to the funding of any future losses incurred by those entities under their respective contracts with the project company.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquisitions	'
Acquisitions	'
	(6) Acquisitions
	On April 4, 2014, we acquired certain agreed upon assets and liabilities of TERA Environmental Consultants (“TERA”) for consideration of $119.6 million.  TERA is an employee-owned environmental consulting firm headquartered in Canada specializing in environmental assessment, planning, siting, permitting, licensing, and related services for the pipeline, electrical transmission, and oil and gas industries. The purchase price was paid to TERA in the following forms:
	($ in thousands)		Purchase Price Paid
	Cash	$	86,634
	Earn-out promissory note, at estimated fair value		11,807
	CH2M HILL common stock, valued at date of acquisition		10,831
	Holdback amount for settlement of future potential liabilities		10,290
	Total consideration	$	119,562
	Approximately $54.4 million of revenue and $7.4 million of operating income generated from TERA’s operations have been reported in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported in the Environmental and Nuclear market.
	The following table summarizes the amounts of identified net assets acquired from TERA as of the purchase date:
	($ in thousands)	Fair Values of Net Assets Acquired
	Current assets	$	19,551
	Plant, property, and equipment		2,465
	Finite-lived intangible assets		55,410
	Goodwill		41,181
	Other		955
	Net assets acquired	$	119,562
	Included in the intangible assets acquired is the preliminary calculation of fair value for customer relationships, contracted backlog and the tradename valued at $43.1 million, $11.5 million, and $0.8 million, respectively.  Customer relationships, contracted backlog and the tradename will be amortized over their useful lives of ten years, one year and two years, respectively. We expect to finalize our evaluation in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information is presented as if CH2M HILL and TERA had been combined as of the beginning of the periods presented. This information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been realized had the entities operated as a combined entity during the periods presented.
			(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)
	($ in thousands expect per share amounts)	September 30, 2014		September 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	4,127,167	$	4,522,924
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-126,703	$	69,779
	Basic earnings per share	$	-4.46	$	2.34
	Diluted earnings per share	$	-4.46	$	2.31
	On June 27, 2014, we purchased the remaining outstanding partnership interest of a previously held equity method investment for $1.7 million in cash.  Included in the net assets acquired was $0.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, resulting in a net cash outflow of $1.0 million for the acquisition.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	(7) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	As discussed in Note 1, in the third quarter of 2014, we began to implement certain restructuring activities, including the rationalization of certain lines of business and involuntary employee terminations.  Management has determined that this restructuring is a triggering event that requires us to test goodwill for impairment and, as a result, we initiated an impairment test in the quarter ended September 30, 2014.  We have identified eight reporting units relevant to our interim impairment review. In selecting these reporting units, we considered (i) whether an operating segment or a component of an operating segment is a business, (ii) whether discrete financial information is available, (iii) whether the financial information is regularly reviewed by management of the operating segment, and (iv) how the operations are managed or how an acquired entity is integrated in the business operations.  Based upon this evaluation, we determined that we have the following reporting units:
		·		Water (Water market)
		·		Environmental (Environmental and Nuclear market)
		·		Nuclear (Environmental and Nuclear market)
		·		Oil, gas, and chemicals (Energy market)
		·		Power (Energy market)
		·		Transportation (Transportation market)
		·		Urban Programs (Facilities and Urban Environments market)
		·		Industrial and Advanced Technology (Facilities and Urban Environments market)
	We have completed step one of the impairment test for each reporting unit and have determined that the carrying value of certain operating units was greater than their respective fair values.  We determine the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of the income approach, the market approach, and cost approach.  The income approach estimates the present value of future cash flow projections based on assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our expected revenue growth rates, profit margins, business plans, cost of capital and tax rates for the reporting units.  The market approach estimates the fair value of our reporting units based on applying a multiple to our estimate of a revenue and/or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for each reporting unit.  The cost approach estimates the fair value of a reporting unit as the fair value of its assets net of the fair value of its liabilities.  Accordingly, we have performed a preliminary assessment of step two in the process to determine the amount of the potential goodwill impairment.
	Based on these preliminary results, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss charge of $64.2 million, of which $36.4 million related to our Power reporting unit within the Energy market and $27.8 million related to our Industrial and Advanced Technology and Urban Programs reporting units within our Facilities and Urban Environments market.  Additionally, we identified an impairment in our tradename intangibles of $9.1 million related to our Power reporting unit within the Energy market.  The carrying value of goodwill before the impairment charge for the Energy and Facilities and Urban Environments markets was $113.5 million and $309.1 million, respectively.  In the fourth quarter of 2014, we will complete step two of the impairment test for the Energy, Industrial and Advanced Technology and Urban Programs markets which could result in additional adjustments to the goodwill impairment loss included in the consolidated statements of operations.  Such adjustments could be material to the Company’s results of operations.
	The following table presents the changes in goodwill:
	($ in thousands)		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Balance at beginning of period		$	573,487	$	562,461
	Acquisitions			41,181		-
	Impairment loss			-64,165		-
	Foreign currency translation			-445		11,026
	Balance at end of period		$	550,058	$	573,487
	Intangible assets with finite lives consist of the following:
					Accumulated		Net finite-lived
	($ in thousands)		Cost		Amortization		intangible assets
	30-Sep-14
	Contracted backlog		$	90,746	$	-80,834	$	9,912
	Customer relationships			204,251		-108,802		95,449
	Tradename			5,023		-4,310		713
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		$	300,020	$	-193,946	$	106,074
	31-Dec-13
	Contracted backlog		$	79,576	$	-70,306	$	9,270
	Customer relationships			162,444		-88,436		74,008
	Tradename			24,588		-11,208		13,380
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		$	266,608	$	-169,950	$	96,658
	All intangible assets are being amortized over their expected lives of between one year and ten years. The amortization expense reflected in the consolidated statements of operations totaled $15.3 million and $8.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $36.0 million and $26.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  All intangible assets are expected to be fully amortized in 2024.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	(8) Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Land	$	21,601	$	22,120
	Building and land improvements		95,034		93,088
	Furniture and fixtures		27,630		26,560
	Computer and office equipment		161,068		146,645
	Field equipment		138,451		121,186
	Leasehold improvements		78,284		72,759
			522,068		482,358
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		-265,913		-255,933
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	256,155	$	226,425
	Depreciation expense reflected in the consolidated statements of operations was $11.1 million and $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $31.3 million and $29.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	(9) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Cash and cash equivalents, client accounts 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. The fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, is estimated based on Level 2 inputs, except the amount outstanding on the revolving credit facility for which the carrying value approximates fair value. Fair value is determined by discounting future cash flows using interest rates available for issues with similar terms and average maturities. The estimated fair values of our financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value are as follows:
		30-Sep-14				31-Dec-13
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	($ in thousands)	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	9,140	$	8,279	$	10,472	$	9,260
	Equipment financing		11,607		10,849		2,446		2,279
	The fair value of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, which were sold in their entirety on August 21, 2014, totaled $1.0 million and $1.1 million at the time of sale and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	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, 2014, we had forward foreign exchange contracts on major world currencies with varying durations, none of which extend beyond five years. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, derivative assets and liabilities recorded were insignificant. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the periodic changes in the fair value of derivatives recorded in earnings were insignificant.

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets

Employee Benefit Plan Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'
	(10) 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair market value of these assets were $84.3 million and $80.0 million, respectively, and are included in employee benefit plan assets and other on the consolidated balance sheets.  Contributions to our pension plans were $28.6 million and $22.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Line_of_Credit_and_LongTerm_De

Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt	'
Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt	'
	(11) Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt
	On March 28, 2014, we amended and restated our Credit Agreement (“Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which provides us an unsecured revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”), to increase the size of the Credit Facility to $1.1 billion, to extend the maturity to March 28, 2019, to increase the capacity of certain subfacilities and to improve our borrowing rates. Under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated 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 $350.0 million.  The revised Credit Facility has a subfacility for the issuance of standby letters of credit in a face amount up to $750.0 million and a subfacility up to $300.0 million for multicurrency borrowings.  All other terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are consistent with those of the previous amended credit agreement, entered into on April 19, 2012, and are disclosed in the 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	On September 26, 2014, we entered into a First Amendment (“First Amendment to Credit Agreement”) to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to provide us with financial and operational flexibility, particularly in connection with the restructuring activities described in Note 1.  In addition to other technical and operating changes to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the First Amendment to Credit Agreement specifically achieved the following:
		·		Amended the definition of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to allow add back of up to $120 million of cash restructuring charges, including up to $80 million of cash restructuring charges in 2014 and up to $40 million in 2015 (with a rollover of unused 2014 amounts to 2015);
		·		Temporarily increased the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio from 3.0x to 3.25x through the end of 2015;
		·		Limited the amount CH2M HILL may spend to repurchase its common stock in connection with its employee stock ownership program to a total of $45 million in the third and fourth quarters of 2014 and an additional $45 million in 2015 (with a rollover of unused 2014 amounts to 2015), and both the repurchase of shares of common stock in the internal market and legally required repurchases of common stock held in benefit plan accounts are applied towards these limits (although legally required repurchases of common stock held in benefit plan accounts are allowed in excess of such limits);
		·		Permitted other repurchases of common stock and preferred stock and payment of common stock dividends up to $100 million per fiscal year, subject to a pro forma 3.00x leverage threshold through 2015 and 2.75x thereafter;
		·		Permitted payment of dividends on preferred stock without regard to the foregoing $100 million per fiscal year limitation subject to pro forma financial covenant compliance;
		·		Permitted restricted payments, including common or preferred stock repurchases and redemptions, with proceeds from the sale of new equity interests, subject to pro forma financial covenant compliance; and
		·		Allowed up to 50% of the proceeds from asset sales to be utilized to repurchase common or preferred stock, subject to pro forma financial covenant compliance.
	The 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, and dispose of assets outside the ordinary course of business, in each case subject to customary exceptions for credit facilities of this size and type.  As of September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with the covenants required by the First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.  The remaining unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was $280.7 million as of September 30, 2014.  As a result of the operational challenges, charges associated with our ongoing restructuring and project losses discussed above, we anticipate that the amount of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility will decline further in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	Our nonrecourse and other long-term debt consist of the following:
			September 30,		December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013
	Revolving credit facility, average rate of interest of 1.66%		$	497,891	$	376,829
	Mortgage notes payable in monthly installments due December 2015 and June 2020, secured by real estate, rent and leases. These notes bear interest at 5.35% and 6.59%, respectively			9,140		10,472
	Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to September 2021, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 0% to 8.84%			11,607		2,446
	Other notes payable			625		1,375
	Total debt		$	519,263	$	391,122
	Less: current portion of debt			5,288		4,099
	Total long-term portion of debt		$	513,975	$	387,023

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	(12) Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 16.7%.  This effective rate was lower than the expected statutory rates due to the negative impacts of the nondeductible portion of our goodwill impairment charges and the recording of a valuation allowance against certain foreign tax credits.  In addition, a portion of our project losses and expected international restructuring charges recorded in 2014 are also not deductible for tax purposes. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 33.6%.  The effective tax rate for 2013 was higher than expected due to the impacts of an increase in discrete items which were partially offset by improved foreign earnings.
	Undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $343.8 million and $266.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  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. Determining the tax liability that would arise if these earnings were repatriated is not practical.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $39.0 million and $38.5 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 $6.8 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as the U.S., United Kingdom and Canada. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities in major tax jurisdictions for years before 2007.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	(13) 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities were $15.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively.
	In 2010, we were notified that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington is investigating overtime practices in connection with the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford tank farms management contract which we transitioned to another contractor in 2008. In 2011 and 2012, eight former CH2M HILL Hanford Group (“CH2M HILL Subsidiary”) employees pleaded guilty on felony charges related to time card fraud committed while working on the Hanford Tank Farm Project. As part of its investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office raised the possibility of violations of the civil False Claims Act and criminal charges for possible violations of federal criminal statutes arising from CH2M HILL’s Subsidiary overtime practices on the project. In September 2012, the government intervened in a civil False Claims Act case filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington by one of the employees who plead guilty to time card fraud. In March 2013, we entered into a Non-Prosecution Agreement (“NPA”) concluding the criminal investigation so long as we comply with the terms of the NPA. The NPA requires us to comply with ongoing requirements for three years after the effective date. By a separate agreement, we obtained dismissal of the civil False Claims Act case. We paid $18.5 million in total under both agreements. As a result, no criminal charges were brought against CH2M HILL Subsidiary or any CH2M HILL entities, and the civil False Claims Act case was dismissed.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	(14) Subsequent Events
	On November 12, 2014, we announced that we have made the decision to explore strategic alternatives for a portion of our oil, gas, and chemicals business located in Alaska and Sakhalin Island, Russia.  The Alaska and Sakhalin Island businesses primarily provide oilfield operations and maintenance services, and the businesses have a significant portfolio of specialized vehicles and equipment.  The decision to evaluate strategic alternatives for these business components is aligned and consistent with our restructuring strategic objectives, as we intend to focus on developing our professional service offerings through less capital intensive businesses.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif1

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 according to instructions to Form 10-Q and the provisions of Article 10 of Regulation S-X that are applicable to 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 annual audited 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.
	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, 2013.
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 contract. 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. We record the cumulative effect of changes in contract revenues and costs at completion in the period in which the changed estimates are determined to be reliably estimable.
	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 when the change order 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.
Restructuring Related Costs	'
	Restructuring Related Costs
	In September 2014, we announced the start of certain restructuring activities designed to achieve important business objectives, including reducing overhead costs, enhancing client service, improving efficiency, reducing risk, creating more opportunity for profitable growth, and providing more long-term value for our stockholders.  These restructuring plans include such items as a voluntary retirement program, workforce reductions, facilities consolidations and evaluation of certain lines of business.  The costs to be incurred under these activities are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.  An exit activity includes but is not limited to a restructuring, such as a sale or termination of a line of business, the closure of business activities in a particular location, the relocation of business activities from one location to another, changes in management structure, and a fundamental reorganization that affects the nature and focus of operations.  The Company recognizes a liability and the related expense for restructuring costs when the liability is incurred and can be measured.  Restructuring accruals are based upon management estimates at the time they are recorded and can change depending upon changes in facts and circumstances subsequent to the date the original liability was recorded.  Nonretirement postemployment benefits offered as special termination benefits to employees are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.  Voluntary early retirement programs fall under this category of benefits and are recognized as a liability and a loss when the employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated. During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we incurred $3.1 million for restructuring activities related primarily to severance costs for employees notified and terminated in the third quarter.  These costs were included within general and administration expense on the consolidated statements of operations.  As of September 30, 2014, there were no significant amounts accrued for restructuring activities as specific plans continue to be developed.  However, during the fourth quarter of 2014, we expect that significant additional restructuring charges will be incurred related to our voluntary early retirement program, further involuntary workforce reductions and facilities consolidation activities.  Overall, we expect to incur up to $120 million in pre-tax charges related to the restructuring activities.
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.  A significant portion of our billings in excess balance relates to excess billings on design-build projects.  These projects often require us to order significant project materials and equipment in advance and we request payment in advance from our clients to cover these costs.  As the projects near completion and our suppliers complete the construction of these components and we complete the installation, the billings in excess balance declines
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 on 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 on 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, 2014 or 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 income, 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.  On August 21, 2014, we sold our available-for-sale securities for $1.1 million, resulting in a realized gain of $0.3 million, net of tax.  At the time of the sale, the available-for-sale securities had a fair value of $1.0 million, with $0.2 million of unrecognized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income and a related deferred tax liability of $0.1 million.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of the assets of businesses we have 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), as amended under Accounting Standards Update 2011-08 (“ASU 2011-08”).  Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events, we are also required to test for impairment at dates other than the annual impairment testing date.    In performing the annual impairment test, we evaluate our goodwill at the reporting unit level.  Under the guidance of ASC 350, we have the option to assess either quantitative or qualitative factors to determine whether 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 does not exceed 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 combination of the income approach and the market approach.  The income approach calculates the present value of future cash flows based on assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our expected revenue growth rates, profit margins, business plans, cost of capital and tax rates.  Our market based valuation method estimates the fair value of our reporting units by the application of a multiple to our estimate of a cash flow metric for each business unit.  See Note 7 for further discussion of impairment charges recorded as a result of goodwill impairment testing performed during this quarter.
Other Long-Lived Assets	'
	Other Long-Lived Assets
	We may acquire other intangible assets in business combinations. Intangible assets are stated at fair value as of the date they are acquired in a business combination. We amortize intangible assets with finite lives on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, currently up to ten years. For those intangible assets with no legal, regulatory, contractual or other factors that would reasonably limit the useful life of the intangible asset, management has determined that the life is indefinite and therefore, are not amortized.  We test our intangible assets for impairment in the period in which a triggering event or change in circumstance indicates that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable.  If the carrying out amount of the intangible asset exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in the amount of the excess.  We determine the fair value of the intangible assets using a discounted cash flow approach. See Note 7 for further discussion of the results of our intangible impairment testing.
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 our 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.
Stockholdersb Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	The changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Shares	Amount
	Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2013	28,782	$	642,584
	Net loss attributable to CH2M HILL	-		-125,884
	Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans	739		44,492
	Shares issued in connection with purchase of TERA Environmental Consultants	170		10,831
	Shares purchased and retired	-1,918		-128,277
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-		-4,391
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-		-84,572
	Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	-		-1,469
	Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2014	27,773	$	353,314
Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan	'
	Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan
	The Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings 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 (the “401(k) Plan”).  The 401(k) Plan allows for matching contributions up to 6% of the employee’s base compensation, although some of our subsidiaries may have different limits on employer matching.  The matching contributions may be made in 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 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $13.3 million and $37.0 million, respectively, compared to $13.7 million and $25.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	The 401(k) Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions and the Department of Labor. Consequently, the 401(k) Plan is under audit by the IRS for the 2010 plan year; however, we do not expect any material modification to the 401(k) Plan as a result of this audit.  Additionally, the 401(k) Plan is under examination from the Department of Labor for the 2010 Plan year to present. The results of this examination are pending.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.  The ASU also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This ASU is effective for our reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2017. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this ASU.  CH2M HILL is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU and the transition alternatives on its financial position and results of operations.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif2

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
Schedule of changes in stockholders' equity	'
		Shares	Amount
	Stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2013	28,782	$	642,584
	Net loss attributable to CH2M HILL	-		-125,884
	Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans	739		44,492
	Shares issued in connection with purchase of TERA Environmental Consultants	170		10,831
	Shares purchased and retired	-1,918		-128,277
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-		-4,391
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-		-84,572
	Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	-		-1,469
	Stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2014	27,773	$	353,314

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
Summary of gross revenue by market	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Water	$	290,722	$	292,902	$	904,072	$	886,272
	Environmental and Nuclear		386,502		364,263		1,025,673		996,078
	Energy		313,792		368,512		883,004		1,143,948
	Transportation		226,199		237,243		705,808		704,190
	Facilities and Urban Environments		205,322		209,683		585,877		702,870
	Total	$	1,422,537	$	1,472,603	$	4,104,434	$	4,433,358

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share	'
Summary of reconciliations of basic and diluted EPS	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-131,242	$	33,693	$	-125,884	$	68,303
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		27,974		29,451		28,429		29,705
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		-		253		-		280
	Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents		27,974		29,704		28,429		29,985
	Basic net (loss) income per common share	$	-4.69	$	1.14	$	-4.43	$	2.30
	Diluted net (loss) income per common share	$	-4.69	$	1.13	$	-4.43	$	2.28

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquisitions	'
Schedule of purchase price	'
	($ in thousands)		Purchase Price Paid
	Cash	$	86,634
	Earn-out promissory note, at estimated fair value		11,807
	CH2M HILL common stock, valued at date of acquisition		10,831
	Holdback amount for settlement of future potential liabilities		10,290
	Total consideration	$	119,562
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair values of the net assets acquired	'
	($ in thousands)	Fair Values of Net Assets Acquired
	Current assets	$	19,551
	Plant, property, and equipment		2,465
	Finite-lived intangible assets		55,410
	Goodwill		41,181
	Other		955
	Net assets acquired	$	119,562
Schedule of unaudited pro forma combined financial information	'
			(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)
	($ in thousands expect per share amounts)	September 30, 2014		September 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	4,127,167	$	4,522,924
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-126,703	$	69,779
	Basic earnings per share	$	-4.46	$	2.34
	Diluted earnings per share	$	-4.46	$	2.31

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Schedule of changes in goodwill	'
	($ in thousands)	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Balance at beginning of period	$	573,487	$	562,461
	Acquisitions		41,181		-
	Impairment loss		-64,165		-
	Foreign currency translation		-445		11,026
	Balance at end of period	$	550,058	$	573,487
Schedule of components of finite-lived intangible assets	'
				Accumulated		Net finite-lived
	($ in thousands)	Cost		Amortization		intangible assets
	30-Sep-14
	Contracted backlog	$	90,746	$	-80,834	$	9,912
	Customer relationships		204,251		-108,802		95,449
	Tradename		5,023		-4,310		713
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	300,020	$	-193,946	$	106,074
	31-Dec-13
	Contracted backlog	$	79,576	$	-70,306	$	9,270
	Customer relationships		162,444		-88,436		74,008
	Tradename		24,588		-11,208		13,380
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	266,608	$	-169,950	$	96,658

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Schedule of property, plant and equipment	'
		September 30,		December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Land	$	21,601	$	22,120
	Building and land improvements		95,034		93,088
	Furniture and fixtures		27,630		26,560
	Computer and office equipment		161,068		146,645
	Field equipment		138,451		121,186
	Leasehold improvements		78,284		72,759
			522,068		482,358
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		-265,913		-255,933
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	256,155	$	226,425

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
Schedule of estimated fair values of financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value	'
		30-Sep-14				31-Dec-13
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	($ in thousands)	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	9,140	$	8,279	$	10,472	$	9,260
	Equipment financing		11,607		10,849		2,446		2,279

Line_of_Credit_and_LongTerm_De1

Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt	'
Schedule of nonrecourse and other long-term debt	'
		September 30,		December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Revolving credit facility, average rate of interest of 1.66%	$	497,891	$	376,829
	Mortgage notes payable in monthly installments due December 2015 and June 2020, secured by real estate, rent and leases. These notes bear interest at 5.35% and 6.59%, respectively		9,140		10,472
	Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to September 2021, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 0% to 8.84%		11,607		2,446
	Other notes payable		625		1,375
	Total debt	$	519,263	$	391,122
	Less: current portion of debt		5,288		4,099
	Total long-term portion of debt	$	513,975	$	387,023

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif3

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 21, 2014
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of available for sale securities	$1,100,000	'	'	'	'	'
Realized gain on Sale of available for sale securities	300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000
Unrecognized gains on available for sale securities	'	'	'	'	'	200,000
Deferred tax liability	'	'	'	'	'	100,000
Stockholders Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	'	28,782,277	'	'
Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	'	'	'	739,000	'	'
Shares issued in connection with purchase of TERA Environmental Consultants (in shares)	'	'	'	170,000	'	'
Shares purchased and retired (in shares)	'	'	'	-1,918,000	'	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period (in shares)	'	27,772,584	'	27,772,584	'	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period	'	'	'	642,584,000	'	'
Net loss attributable to CH2M HILL	'	-131,242,000	33,693,000	-125,884,000	68,303,000	'
Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans	'	'	'	44,492,000	'	'
Shares issued in connection with purchase of TERA Environmental Consultants	'	'	'	10,831,000	'	'
Shares purchased and retired	'	'	'	-128,277,000	'	'
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	'	-11,339,000	13,227,000	-4,391,000	-8,387,000	'
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	-82,495,000	2,701,000	-84,572,000	8,674,000	'
Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	-1,469,000	'	'
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period	'	353,314,000	'	353,314,000	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	'	3,100,000	'	'	'	'
Facilities Consolidation [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	'	$120,000,000	'	$120,000,000	'	'

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif4

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Matching Contributions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'	'	'	'
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	$13.30	$13.70	$37	$25.10

Changes_in_ProjectRelated_Esti1

Changes in Project-Related Estimates (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Fixed Price Contract

Fixed Price Contract

Fixed Price Contract

Fixed Price Contract

Fixed Price Contract

Fixed Price Contract

Facilities and Urban Environments Project

Consortium Contract

Consortium Contract

Corporate Joint Venture [Member]

Northeastern United States

Northeastern United States

Southwestern United States

Southwestern United States

Western United States

Western United States

Europe

Australia

Australia

Consortium Contract

Australia

Changes in project-related estimates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Charge to operations due to changes in cost estimates

'

'

$9

$52.50

$38.70

$38.70

$40.90

$40.90

$17.80

$170

'

'

Ownership percentage in the joint venture partnership

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

Total contract value of the project

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

950

950

'

Total contract value of the project allocated to the joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

570

Percentage of completion of the project

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

Loss recorded

'

'

'

'

'

36.2

'

'

'

'

85

'

Reserves for project related losses

158.9

8.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserves for project related losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest

$56.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			segment
Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Number of segments	'	'	1	'
Gross revenue by market	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$1,422,537	$1,472,603	$4,104,434	$4,433,358
Water	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue by market	'	'	'	'
Revenues	290,722	292,902	904,072	886,272
Environmental and Nuclear	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue by market	'	'	'	'
Revenues	386,502	364,263	1,025,673	996,078
Energy	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue by market	'	'	'	'
Revenues	313,792	368,512	883,004	1,143,948
Transportation	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue by market	'	'	'	'
Revenues	226,199	237,243	705,808	704,190
Facilities and Urban Environments	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue by market	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$205,322	$209,683	$585,877	$702,870

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	($131,242)	$33,693	($125,884)	$68,303
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	27,973,502	29,450,729	28,429,394	29,705,088
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares)	'	253,000	'	280,000
Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents	27,973,502	29,704,466	28,429,394	29,985,058
Basic net (loss) income per common share (in dollars per share)	($4.69)	$1.14	($4.43)	$2.30
Diluted net (loss) income per common share (in dollars per share)	($4.69)	$1.13	($4.43)	$2.28
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	203,000	'	277,000	'

Variable_Interest_Entities_and1

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable interest entities	'	'
Total assets of VIEs not consolidated	$3,051,727,000	$3,056,397,000
Total liabilities of VIEs not consolidated	2,698,413,000	2,413,813,000
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	92,587,000	92,287,000
Consolidated VIEs	'	'
Variable interest entities	'	'
Total assets of VIEs consolidated	155,600,000	158,600,000
Total liabilities of VIEs consolidated	278,200,000	105,000,000
Unconsolidated VIE's	'	'
Variable interest entities	'	'
Total assets of VIEs not consolidated	377,200,000	308,500,000
Total liabilities of VIEs not consolidated	$304,400,000	$255,500,000

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 27, 2014

Apr. 04, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 04, 2014

Apr. 04, 2014

Apr. 04, 2014

Apr. 04, 2014

TERA

TERA

TERA

TERA

TERA

TERA

TERA

TERA

TERA

Customer relationships

Contracted backlog

Tradename

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash

'

'

'

'

$86,634,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earn-out promissory note, at estimated fair value

'

'

'

'

11,807,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

CH2M HILL common stock, valued at date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

10,831,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Holdback amount for settlement of future potential liabilities

'

'

'

'

10,290,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total consideration

'

'

'

'

119,562,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

54,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

7,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated fair values of the net assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,551,000

'

'

'

Plant, property, and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,465,000

'

'

'

Finite-lived intangibles

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,410,000

43,100,000

11,500,000

800,000

Goodwill

550,058,000

573,487,000

562,461,000

'

'

'

'

'

41,181,000

'

'

'

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

955,000

'

'

'

Net assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

119,562,000

'

'

'

Useful lives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'1 year

'2 years

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,127,167,000

4,522,924,000

'

'

'

'

Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL

'

'

'

'

'

'

-126,703,000

69,779,000

'

'

'

'

Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($4.46)

$2.34

'

'

'

'

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($4.46)

$2.31

'

'

'

'

Payment to acquire remaining outstanding partnership interest

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents acquired

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash outflow to acquire remaining outstanding partnership interest

$87,607,000

'

'

$1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in goodwill	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$573,487	$562,461
Acquisitions	41,181	'
Impairment loss	-64,165	'
Foreign currency translation	-445	11,026
Balance at end of period	$550,058	$573,487

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible Section (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			item
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	$300,020,000	'	$300,020,000	'	$266,608,000
Accumulated Amortization	-193,946,000	'	-193,946,000	'	-169,950,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	106,074,000	'	106,074,000	'	96,658,000
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	15,300,000	8,800,000	36,000,000	26,400,000	'
Number of reporting units	'	'	8	'	'
Goodwill impairment loss	'	'	64,165,000	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Power Unit, Energy Market	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment loss	'	'	36,400,000	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill before the impairment charge	113,500,000	'	113,500,000	'	'
Industrial and Advanced Technology Unit, Facilities and Urban Environments market	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment loss	'	'	27,800,000	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill before the impairment charge	309,100,000	'	309,100,000	'	'
Contracted backlog	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	90,746,000	'	90,746,000	'	79,576,000
Accumulated Amortization	-80,834,000	'	-80,834,000	'	-70,306,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	9,912,000	'	9,912,000	'	9,270,000
Customer relationships	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	204,251,000	'	204,251,000	'	162,444,000
Accumulated Amortization	-108,802,000	'	-108,802,000	'	-88,436,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	95,449,000	'	95,449,000	'	74,008,000
Tradename	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	5,023,000	'	5,023,000	'	24,588,000
Accumulated Amortization	-4,310,000	'	-4,310,000	'	-11,208,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	713,000	'	713,000	'	13,380,000
Tradename | Power Unit, Energy Market	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of intangible assets	'	'	$9,100,000	'	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$522,068,000	'	$522,068,000	'	$482,358,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-265,913,000	'	-265,913,000	'	-255,933,000
Net property, plant and equipment	256,155,000	'	256,155,000	'	226,425,000
Depreciation expense	11,100,000	9,300,000	31,300,000	29,100,000	'
Land	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	21,601,000	'	21,601,000	'	22,120,000
Building and land improvements	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	95,034,000	'	95,034,000	'	93,088,000
Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	27,630,000	'	27,630,000	'	26,560,000
Computer and office equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	161,068,000	'	161,068,000	'	146,645,000
Field equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	138,451,000	'	138,451,000	'	121,186,000
Leasehold improvements	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$78,284,000	'	$78,284,000	'	$72,759,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Carrying Amount	Carrying Amount	Carrying Amount	Carrying Amount	Fair Value	Fair Value	Fair Value	Fair Value	Fair Value	Fair Value
		Mortgage notes payable	Mortgage notes payable	Building lease	Building lease	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2	Level 1	Level 1
						Mortgage notes payable	Mortgage notes payable	Building lease	Building lease
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	$9,140,000	$10,472,000	$11,607,000	$2,446,000	$8,279,000	$9,260,000	$10,849,000	$2,279,000	'	'
Fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale	$1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,000,000	$1,100,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Foreign Exchange Contracts (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative financial instruments	'
Number of instruments that extend beyond 5 years	0
Forward foreign exchange contracts | Maximum	'
Derivative financial instruments	'
Term of forward foreign exchange contracts	'5 years

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets_D

Employee Benefit Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	'	'	'
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	$84.30	'	$80
Contributions to pension plans	$28.60	$22.30	'

Line_of_Credit_and_LongTerm_De2

Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

First Amendment to Credit Agreement

First Amendment to Credit Agreement

First Amendment to Credit Agreement

First Amendment to Credit Agreement

First Amendment to Credit Agreement

First Amendment to Credit Agreement

Mortgage notes payable

Mortgage notes payable

Mortgage Payable Due December 2015 Member

Mortgage Payable Due June 2020 Member

Building lease

Building lease

Other notes payable

Other notes payable

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Line of credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

$1,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowing capacity, option to increase

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum available for the issuance of standby letters of credit after amendment

'

'

750,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum subfacility available for multicurrency borrowings

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining unused borrowing capacity available under the credit facility

'

'

280,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average rate of interest (as a percent)

'

'

1.66%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total restructuring charges allowed

'

'

'

'

'

'

120,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charges allowed in 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuing charges allowed in 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum consolidated leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

3.25

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment that may be made to repurchase common stock in 2014

'

'

45,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment that may be made to repurchase common stock in 2015

'

'

45,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Required proforma leverage threshold through 2015

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Required proforma leverage threshold thereafter

'

'

2.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of sale proceeds of assets utilized to repurchase stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on notes (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.35%

6.59%

'

'

'

'

Minimum interest rate on notes (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

Maximum interest rate on notes (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.84%

'

'

'

Total debt

519,263,000

391,122,000

497,891,000

'

376,829,000

'

'

'

9,140,000

10,472,000

'

'

11,607,000

2,446,000

625,000

1,375,000

Less: current portion of debt

5,288,000

4,099,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term portion of debt

$513,975,000

$387,023,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	16.70%	33.60%	'
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$343.80	'	'
Liability for uncertain tax positions	39	'	38.5
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$6.70	'	$6.80

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities	$15.40	$15.50

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Purchase Price Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
	employee		employee
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'	'
Number of former employees who pleaded guilty in United States District Court	'	'	8
Number of former employees involved in civil False Claims Act case filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington	1	'	'
Term required to comply with ongoing requirements under the Non-Prosecution Agreement	'	'3 years	'
Legal settlement payment in total under both agreements	'	$18.50	'
Criminal charges	'	$0	'