CH2M Hill Companies 10-K 25 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CH2M HILL COMPANIES LTD
Entity Central Index Key	777491
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$1,805,359,195
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		27,263,934
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$131,477	$294,261
Available-for-sale securities		1,074
Receivables, net-
Client accounts	697,168	779,159
Unbilled revenue	660,227	611,197
Other	22,447	21,503
Income tax receivable	31,369	15,999
Deferred income taxes	5,968	51,379
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	74,413	80,923
Total current assets	1,623,069	1,855,495
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	94,340	92,287
Property, plant and equipment, net	258,160	226,425
Goodwill	533,975	573,487
Intangible assets, net	91,379	96,658
Deferred income taxes	250,055	129,591
Employee benefit plan assets and other	90,324	82,454
Total assets	2,941,302	3,056,397
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	5,028	4,099
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	530,822	463,516
Billings in excess of revenue	336,063	358,590
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	289,330	337,546
Other accrued liabilities	406,991	188,600
Total current liabilities	1,568,234	1,352,351
Long-term employee related liabilities	671,581	574,816
Long-term debt	508,021	387,023
Other long-term liabilities	105,898	99,623
Total liabilities	2,853,734	2,413,813
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
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; 27,323,570 and 28,782,277 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	273	288
Retained earnings	484,842	763,095
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-272,357	-138,963
Total CH2M HILL stockholders' equity	212,758	624,420
Noncontrolling interests	-125,190	18,164
Total equity	87,568	642,584
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$2,941,302	$3,056,397

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	27,323,570	28,782,277
Common stock, shares outstanding	27,323,570	28,782,277

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Gross revenue	$5,413,469	$5,877,819	$6,160,553
Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies	54,918	54,010	63,674
Operating expenses:
Direct cost of services and overhead	-4,643,540	-4,686,005	-4,967,318
General and administrative	-1,093,121	-1,053,462	-1,098,070
Impairment losses on goodwill and intangibles	-73,312
Operating (loss) income	-341,586	192,362	158,839
Other income (expense):
Interest income	704	1,742	1,496
Interest expense	-14,926	-12,244	-9,972
(Loss) income before benefit (provision) for income taxes	-355,808	181,860	150,363
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	37,206	-50,708	-52,066
Net (loss) income	-318,602	131,152	98,297
Less: Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	137,065	-12,818	-5,321
Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	($181,537)	$118,334	$92,976
Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	($6.42)	$4	$2.99
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($6.42)	$3.96	$2.95
Weighted average number of common shares:
Basic (in shares)	28,256,864	29,612,309	31,081,679
Diluted (in shares)	28,256,864	29,889,844	31,483,901

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net (loss) income	($318,602)	$131,152	$98,297
Other comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-23,903	-4,596	13,384
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	-109,279	-3,053	-83,066
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities
Loss on available-for-sale securities and other, net of tax	-27	-642	-133
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax	-185
Other comprehensive loss	-133,394	-8,291	-69,815
Comprehensive (loss) income	-451,996	122,861	28,482
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-137,065	12,818	5,321
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	($314,931)	$110,043	$23,161

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity (USD $)	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$311		$717,103	($60,855)	$9,754	$666,313
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	31,050,654
Net (loss) income			92,976		5,321	98,297
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments				13,383	1	13,384
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax				-83,066		-83,066
Unrealized loss on equity investments, net of tax				-133		-133
Distributions to affiliates, net					-2,028	-2,028
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans	12	81,142				81,154
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	1,236,561
Shares purchased and retired	-25	-81,142	-76,046			-157,213
Shares purchased and retired (in shares)	-2,442,025
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	298		734,033	-130,671	13,048	616,708
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	29,845,190
Net (loss) income			118,334		12,818	131,152
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-4,597	1	-4,596
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax				-3,053		-3,053
Unrealized loss on equity investments, net of tax				-642		-642
Distributions to affiliates, net					-7,703	-7,703
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans	11	64,572				64,583
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	1,115,748
Shares purchased and retired	-21	-64,572	-89,272			-153,865
Shares purchased and retired (in shares)	-2,178,661
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	288		763,095	-138,963	18,164	642,584
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	28,782,277					28,782,277
Net (loss) income			-181,537		-137,065	-318,602
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-23,903		-23,903
Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax				-109,279		-109,279
Unrealized loss on equity investments, net of tax				-27		-27
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax				-185		-185
Distributions to affiliates, net					-6,289	-6,289
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans	9	48,949				48,958
Shares issued in connection with stock based compensation and employee benefit plans (in shares)	934,514
Shares issued in connection with purchase of TERA Environmental Consultants	2	10,829				10,831
Shares issued in connection with purchase of TERA Environmental Consultants (in shares)	170,088
Shares purchased and retired	-26	-59,778	-96,716			-156,520
Shares purchased and retired (in shares)	-2,563,309
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$273		$484,842	($272,357)	($125,190)	$87,568
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	27,323,570					27,323,570

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	($318,602)	$131,152	$98,297
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	89,341	74,533	79,631
Stock-based employee compensation	48,958	50,682	61,390
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	-660	5,039	886
Gain on termination of lease obligations		15,468
Loss on goodwill and intangible impairment	73,312
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	2,582	4,487	4,060
Deferred income taxes	-62,500	31,908	-21,958
Undistributed earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-54,918	-54,010	-63,674
Distributions of income from unconsolidated affiliates	52,909	54,332	42,449
Contributions to defined benefit pension plans	38,327	31,309	34,034
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:
Receivables and unbilled revenue	13,601	-42,183	-216,070
Prepaid expenses and other	-6,829	-8,076	-33,676
Accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs	73,289	-100,885	167,945
Billings in excess of revenue	-13,429	-14,584	-8,717
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities	-41,644	5,630	36,034
Other accrued liabilities	219,290	-32,378	-15,135
Current income taxes	-16,238	-9,789	29,862
Long term employee related liabilities and other	32,663	44,161	6,901
Net cash provided by operating activities	52,798	93,242	134,191
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-74,863	-93,157	-46,710
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-87,607
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-16,477	-41,114	-24,491
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	14,280	70,663	37,172
Proceeds from sale of operating assets	1,875	5,692	956
Other investing activities	864
Net cash used in investing activities	-161,928	-57,916	-33,073
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on long-term debt	1,882,655	1,662,136	1,438,455
Payments on long-term debt	-1,760,670	-1,523,190	-1,279,010
Repurchases and retirements of common stock	-164,343	-146,044	-157,213
Payment on termination of lease obligation		-27,033
Acquisition payments		-2,670	-9,174
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	7,628	6,083	10,741
Net distributions to noncontrolling interests	-6,289	-7,703	-2,028
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-41,019	-38,421	1,771
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-12,635	-13,282	-517
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-162,784	-16,377	102,372
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	294,261	310,638	208,266
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	131,477	294,261	310,638
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for interest	15,169	12,122	9,704
Cash paid for income taxes	$30,070	$6,253	$34,932

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 U.S. federal, state, municipal and local government agencies, national governments, as well as private industry and utilities, around the world. A substantial portion of our professional fees are derived from projects that are funded directly or indirectly by government entities.
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CH2M HILL and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. Partially owned affiliates and joint ventures are evaluated for consolidation. The consolidated financial statements (referred to herein as “financial statements”) are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in companies which we do not control; however, we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee. Our consolidated net income includes our Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. The cost method of accounting is used for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. These investments are recorded at cost.
	Certain amounts in prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
	Capital Structure
	Our Company has authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of Class A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The bylaws and articles of incorporation provide for the imposition of certain restrictions on the stock including, but not limited to, the right but not the obligation to repurchase shares upon termination of employment or affiliation, the right of first refusal and ownership limits.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	All assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars as of each balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses related to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries are reflected in stockholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period and included in the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statements of operations.
	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 revenue and cost at completion in the period in which the changed estimates are determined to be reliably estimable.
	Below is a description of the three basic types of contracts from which we may earn revenue using the percentage‑of‑completion method:
	Cost‑Plus Contracts.  Cost‑plus contracts can be cost plus a fixed fee or rate, or cost plus an award fee. Under these types of contracts, we charge our clients for our costs, including, both direct and indirect costs, plus a fixed negotiated fee or award fee. We generally recognize revenue based on the actual labor costs and non‑labor costs we incur, plus the portion of the fixed fee or award fee we have earned to date.
	In the case of a cost‑plus award fee, we include in the total contract value the portion of the fee that we are probable of receiving. Award fees are influenced by the achievement of contract milestones, cost savings and other factors.
	Fixed Price Contracts.  Under fixed price contracts, our clients pay us an agreed amount negotiated in advance for a specified scope of work. For engineering and construction contracts, we recognize revenue on fixed price contracts using the percentage‑of‑completion method where direct costs incurred to date are compared to total projected direct costs at contract completion. Prior to completion, our recognized profit margins on any fixed price contract depend on the accuracy of our estimates and will increase to the extent that our actual costs are below the original estimated amounts. Conversely, if our costs exceed these estimates, our profit margins will decrease and we may realize a loss on a project.
	Time‑and‑Materials Contracts.  Under our time‑and‑materials contracts, we negotiate hourly billing rates and charge our clients based on the actual time that we expend on a project. In addition, clients reimburse us for our actual out‑of‑pocket costs of materials and other direct expenditures that we incur in connection with our performance under the contract. Our profit margins on time‑and‑materials contracts fluctuate based on actual labor and overhead costs that we directly charge or allocate to contracts compared with the negotiated billing rate and markup on other direct costs. Some of our time‑and‑materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values, and accordingly, revenue under these contracts is recognized under the percentage‑of‑completion method where costs incurred to date are compared to total projected costs at contract completion. Revenue on contracts that is not subject to maximum contract values is recognized based on the actual number of hours we spend on the projects plus any actual out‑of‑pocket costs of materials and other direct expenditures that we incur on the projects.
	Operations and Maintenance Contracts.  A portion of our contracts are operations and maintenance type contracts.  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.
	For all contract types noted above, 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.
	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, primarily historic Power EPC 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.
	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
	We reduce accounts receivable by estimating an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. Management determines the estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts based on their judgments in evaluating the aging of the receivables and the financial condition of our clients, which may be dependent on the type of client and the client’s current financial condition.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Assets and liabilities are valued based upon observable and non-observable inputs. Valuations using Level 1 inputs are based 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 year ended December 31, 2014.
	Restructuring and Related Charges
	We account for costs associated with restructuring activities 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 recognized as a liability and a loss when the employee accepts the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated in accordance with ASC Topic 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.  Voluntary early retirement programs fall under this category of benefits.
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes utilizing an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactment of changes in the tax laws or rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will not be realized. Annually, we determine the amount of undistributed foreign earnings invested indefinitely in our foreign operations. Deferred taxes are not provided on those earnings. In addition, the calculation of tax assets and liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. For income tax benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. We record reserves for uncertain tax positions that do not meet these criteria.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Highly liquid investments with original short‑term maturities of less than three months are considered cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows. We maintain a domestic cash management system which provides for cash sufficient to satisfy financial obligations as they are submitted for payment and any excess cash in domestic bank accounts is applied against any outstanding swingline debt held under our credit facility described below.  If there is no swingline balance outstanding on the credit facility, we invest cash in excess of this amount in money market funds. In addition, cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets include cash held within our consolidated joint venture entities which is used for operating activities of those joint ventures. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash and cash equivalents held in our consolidated joint ventures and reflected on the consolidated balance sheets totaled $45.4 million and $112.2 million, respectively.
	Available‑for‑Sale Securities
	Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrecognized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive 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.  During 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.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	All additions, including improvements to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Any gain or loss on retirements is reflected in operating income in the year of disposition.
	Depreciation for owned property is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight‑line method for financial statement purposes. Useful lives for buildings and land improvements range from 6 to 20 years. Furniture and fixtures, computers and office equipment, and field equipment are depreciated over their useful lives from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining term of the associated lease up to 10 years.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of 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”) Topic 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 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, the market approach, and the cost 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 for the reporting units.  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.  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.
	Intangible 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.  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.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain on equity investments and benefit plan adjustments. These components are included in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income. Taxes are not provided on the foreign currency translation gains and losses as deferred taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries to which they relate.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
	($ in thousands)
	Benefit plans:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	-146,224
	Reclassification adjustment		-111,869
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		2,590
	Balance at end of year	$	-255,503
	Unrealized gain on equity investments:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	212
	Reclassification adjustment		-185
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-27
	Balance at end of year	$	—
	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	7,049
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-23,903
	Balance at end of year	$	-16,854
	Other comprehensive loss related to our benefit plans includes pretax reclassification adjustments of $184.9 million ($111.9 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2014 and is recognized in the direct cost of services and overhead and the general and administrative lines of our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Derivative instruments
We primarily enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates. We are primarily subject to this risk on long term projects whereby the currency being paid by our client differs from the currency in which we incurred our costs, as well as, intercompany trade balances among entities with differing currencies. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. All derivatives are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other receivables or other accrued liabilities as applicable. The periodic change in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in earnings.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject our company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and trade receivables. Our cash is primarily held with major banks and financial institutions throughout the world and typically is insured up to a set amount. Accordingly, we believe the risk of any potential loss on deposits held in these institutions is minimal. Concentrations of credit risk relative to trade receivables are limited due to our diverse client base, which includes the U.S. federal government, various states and municipalities, foreign government agencies, and a variety of U.S. and foreign corporations operating in a broad range of industries and geographic areas.
Contracts with the U.S. federal government and its prime contractors usually contain standard provisions for permitting the government to modify, curtail or terminate the contract for convenience of the government or such prime contractors if program requirements or budgetary constraints change. Upon such a termination, we are generally entitled to recover costs incurred, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to termination.
Recent Accounting Standards
In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 provides updated consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. This ASU requires that all legal entities be subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective will be effective for our reporting periods beginning December 1, 2016.  CH2M HILL is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial position and results of operations.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items.  This ASU eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from U.S. GAAP, and as a result, companies will no longer be required to segregate extraordinary items from the results of ordinary operations, to separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. The ASU did not eliminate the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. ASU 2015-01 will be effective for our reporting periods beginning December 1, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.  The ASU requires that management evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued.  If there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, additional disclosures are required, even if the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans.  This ASU is effective for our reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is permitted.  We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued 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.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Components of an Entity.  The ASU amends the definition of a discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.  Additionally, the standard allows companies to have significant continuing involvement and continuing cash flows with discontinued operations.  This standard requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations, including new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions or held-for-sale components that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation.  ASU 2014-08 also expands the scope of ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations, to disposals of equity method investments and acquired businesses held for sale.  ASU 2014-08 will be effective for our reporting periods beginning January 1, 2015.  We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Receivables_net

Receivables, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables, net
Receivables, net	(2) Receivables
	Receivables are stated at net realizable values and consist of receivables billed to clients as well as receivables for which revenue has been earned but has not yet been billed. The U.S. federal government and agencies regulated by the U.S. federal government accounted for approximately 12% and 11% of our net receivables at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No other customer exceeded 10% of total receivables at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The change in the allowance for uncollectible accounts consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	8,417	$	10,072	$	7,520
	Provision charged to expense		2,582		4,487		4,060
	Accounts written off		-1,549		-3,437		-579
	Other		-1,090		-2,705		-929
	Balance at end of year	$	8,360	$	8,417	$	10,072

Variable_Interest_Entities_and

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments	(3) Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments
	We routinely enter into teaming arrangements, 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 when the joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIE”) and we are the primary beneficiary or those joint ventures that are not VIEs yet we have a controlling interest. 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total assets of VIEs that were consolidated were $99.9 million and $158.6 million, respectively, and liabilities were $344.8 million and $105.0 million, respectively.  These assets and liabilities consist almost entirely of working capital accounts associated with the performance of a single contract.
	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 VIEs and equity method investments of $94.3 million and $92.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our proportionate share of net income or loss is included as equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies in the consolidated statements of operations. In general, the equity investment in our unconsolidated affiliates is equal to our current equity investment plus our portion of the entities’ undistributed earnings. We provide certain services, including engineering, construction management and computer and telecommunications support, to these unconsolidated entities. These services are billed to the joint ventures in accordance with the provisions of the agreements.
	Summarized financial information for our unconsolidated VIEs and equity method investments as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	FINANCIAL POSITION:
	Current assets	$	542,035	$	611,879
	Noncurrent assets		102,771		25,366
	Total assets	$	644,806	$	637,245
	Current liabilities	$	405,604	$	407,687
	Noncurrent liabilities		1,775		3,119
	Partners’/Owners’ equity		237,427		226,439
	Total liabilities and equity	$	644,806	$	637,245
	CH2M HILL’s share of equity	$	94,340	$	92,287
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
	Revenue	$	2,514,461	$	2,515,747	$	2,787,830
	Direct costs		-2,297,607		-2,305,945		-2,513,302
	Gross margin		216,854		209,802		274,528
	General and administrative expenses		-39,981		-37,880		-39,408
	Operating income		176,873		171,922		235,120
	Other loss, net		-3,663		-6,024		-15,095
	Net income	$	173,210	$	165,898	$	220,025
	CH2M HILL’s share of net income	$	54,918	$	54,010	$	63,674
	We have the following significant investments in unconsolidated VIEs and equity method investments companies as of December 31, 2014:
		% Ownership
	Domestic:
	AGVIQ - CH2M HILL Joint Venture III/IIIA	49.0	%
	ATCS/CH2M HILL JOINT VENTURE	50.0	%
	CH2M/WG Idaho, LLC	50.5	%
	Clark-Nexsen/CH2M HILL-Norfolk	50.0	%
	Coastal Estuary Services LLC	49.9	%
	Connecting Idaho Partners	49.0	%
	Golden Crossing Constructors JV	33.3	%
	National Security Technologies, LLC	10.0	%
	OMI/Thames Water Stockton, Inc.	50.0	%
	Savannah River Remediation LLC	15.0	%
	URS/CH2M OAK RIDGE LLC (UCOR)	45.0	%
	Washington Closure LLC (River Corridor)	30.0	%
	Foreign:
	A-One+	33.3	%
	Cavendish Dounreay Partnership LTD	30.0	%
	CH2M Olayan	49.0	%
	CH2M HILL BECA, Ltd.	50.0	%
	CH2M HILL-KUNWON PMC	54.0	%
	CHT JV	50.0	%
	Consorcio Integrador Rio de Janeiro	49.0	%
	Consórcio Sondotécnica-Cobrape-CH2M	25.0	%
	Halcrow (Shanghai) Engineering	49.0	%
	Halcrow Hyder	50.0	%
	HWC Treatment Program Alliance Joint Venture	50.0	%
	OMI Beca Ltd.	50.0	%
	SMNM-VECO JV	50.0	%
	Sydney Water Corporation-Odour Program Mgmt Alliance	50.0	%
	Transcend Partners, LTD.	40.0	%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment	(4) Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of December 31:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Land	$	21,044	$	22,120
	Buildings and land improvements		98,972		93,088
	Furniture and fixtures		27,531		26,560
	Computers and office equipment		158,022		146,645
	Field equipment		140,542		121,186
	Leasehold improvements		80,871		72,759
			526,982		482,358
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-268,822		-255,933
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	258,160	$	226,425
	Depreciation expense is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations totaled $43.1 million, $39.1 million, and $41.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets

Employee Benefit Plan Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plan Assets
Employee Benefit Plan Assets	(5) Employee Benefit Plan Assets
	We have investments that support deferred compensation arrangements and other employee benefit plans. These assets are recorded at fair market value primarily using Level 2 inputs. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair market value of these assets were $86.5 million and $80.0 million, respectively, and are included in employee benefit plan assets and other on the consolidated balance sheets.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 $84.6 million of revenue and $10.6 million of operating income generated from TERA’s operations have been reported in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported in the Environment and Nuclear market.
	The following table summarizes the amounts of identified net assets acquired from TERA as of the purchase date:
	($ 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		44,813
	Other		955
	Total assets		123,194
	Deferred tax liability		3,632
	Net assets acquired	$	119,562
	Included in the intangible assets acquired is the fair value for customer relationships, contracted backlog and the tradename valued at $43.1 million, $11.5 million, and $0.8 million, respectively.  Customer relationships, contracted backlog and the tradename will be amortized over their useful lives of ten years, one year and two years, respectively.
	The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information is presented as if CH2M HILL and TERA had been combined as of the beginning of the periods presented. This information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been realized had the entities operated as a combined entity during the periods presented.
			(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)
	($ in thousands expect per share amounts)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Revenue	$	5,436,022	$	6,002,190
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-179,631	$	119,387
	Basic earnings per share	$	-6.36	$	4.01
	Diluted earnings per share	$	-6.36	$	3.97
	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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	(7) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	As discussed in Note 13, in the third quarter of 2014, we began to implement certain restructuring activities, including the rationalization of certain lines of business, voluntary and involuntary employee terminations and the closure of certain facilities.  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 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 (Environment and Nuclear market)
		·		Nuclear (Environment 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)
	After completing step one of the impairment test for each reporting unit, we determined that the carrying value of certain reporting units was greater than their respective fair values.  We determined 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 net replacement cost using current market quotes.  Accordingly, we performed step two of the impairment test for the reporting units identified as potentially impaired in order to quantify the amount of potential goodwill impairment.
	Based on step two of the impairment test, we recorded a goodwill impairment 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 $309.1 million, respectively.
	The following table presents the changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31:
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of year		$	573,487	$	562,461
	Acquisitions			44,813		—
	Impairment loss			-64,165		—
	Foreign currency translation			-20,160		11,026
	Balance at end of year		$	533,975	$	573,487
	Intangible assets with finite lives consist of the following:
	($ in thousands)				Accumulated		Net finite‑lived
			Cost		Amortization		intangible assets
	December 31, 2014
	Contracted backlog		$	89,313	$	-84,349	$	4,964
	Customer relationships			197,910		-111,970		85,940
	Tradename			4,791		-4,316		475
	Total finite‑lived intangible assets		$	292,014	$	-200,635	$	91,379
	December 31, 2013
	Contracted backlog		$	79,576	$	-70,306	$	9,270
	Customer relationships			162,444		-88,436		74,008
	Tradename			24,588		-11,208		13,380
	Total finite‑lived intangible assets		$	266,608	$	-169,950	$	96,658
	All intangible assets are being amortized over their expected lives of between one and ten years. The amortization expense reflected in the consolidated statements of operations totaled $46.3 million, $35.4 million, and $38.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These intangible assets are expected to be fully amortized in 2024. At December 31, 2014, the future estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets is (in thousands):
	Year Ending:
	2015		$	25,770
	2016			20,433
	2017			19,041
	2018			4,764
	2019			4,031
	Thereafter			17,340
			$	91,379

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	(8) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Cash and cash equivalents, client accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, accounts payable and accrued subcontractor costs and billings in excess of revenue are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short maturities. Fair value of long‑term debt, including the current portion, is estimated based on Level 2 inputs, except the amount outstanding on the revolving credit facility for which the carrying value approximates fair value. Fair value is determined by discounting future cash flows using interest rates available for issues with similar terms and average maturities. The estimated fair values of our financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value are as follows:
		2014				2013
	($ in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	8,682	$	7,925	$	10,472	$	9,260
	Equipment financing		11,392		10,747		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 typically based upon Level 2 inputs including third party quotes. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had forward foreign exchange contracts on world currencies with varying durations, none of which extend beyond five years.  As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, derivative assets and liabilities recorded were insignificant. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the periodic changes in the fair value of the derivatives recorded in earnings was $2.9 million. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the periodic changes in the fair value of derivatives recorded in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations were insignificant.

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	(9) Revolving Credit Facility and Long‑Term Debt
	On March 28, 2014, we amended and restated our Credit Agreement (“Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) to provide for an unsecured revolving Credit Facility of $1.1 billion (the “Credit Facility”), to extend its 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.
	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 13.  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 First Amendment to the Seconded Amended and Restated 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 December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with the covenants required by the First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $492.6 million and $376.8 million in borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility, respectively. The average rate of interest charged on that balance was 1.67% as of December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, company-wide issued and outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantee facilities were $199.3 million and $201.9 million, respectively.  The remaining unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was approximately $200.0 million as of December 31, 2014.
	Our nonrecourse and other long‑term debt, as of December 31 consist of the following:
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013
	Revolving credit facility, average rate of interest of 1.67%		$	492,551	$	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			8,682		10,472
	Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to September 2021, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 0% to 8.84%			11,392		2,446
	Other notes payable			424		1,375
	Total debt		$	513,049	$	391,122
	Less: current portion of debt			5,028		4,099
	Total long-term portion of debt		$	508,021	$	387,023
	At December 31, 2014, future principal payments on long‑term debt are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending:
	2015		$	5,028
	2016			3,188
	2017			3,243
	2018			3,310
	2019			495,459
	Thereafter			2,821
			$	513,049

Operating_Lease_Obligations

Operating Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Lease Obligations
Operating Lease Obligations	(10) Operating Lease Obligations
	We have entered into certain noncancellable leases, which are being accounted for as operating leases. At December 31, 2014, future minimum lease payments, without consideration of sublease income, are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending:
	2015	$	95,198
	2016		77,831
	2017		66,181
	2018		47,199
	2019		36,404
	Thereafter		124,755
		$	447,568
	Rental expense charged to operations, net of sublease income, was $121.1 million, $121.2 million, and $125.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including amortization of a deferred gain of $4.3 million related to the sale‑leaseback of our corporate offices. Certain of our operating leases contain provisions for a specific rent‑free period and escalation clauses. We accrue rental expense during the rent‑free period based on total expected rent payments to be made over the life of the related lease.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	(11) Income Taxes
	Income before provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	U.S. (loss) income	$	-161,951	$	129,049	$	137,033
	Foreign income		-56,792		39,993		8,009
	Income before taxes	$	-218,743	$	169,042	$	145,042
	The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Current income tax (benefit)/expense:
	Federal	$	17,660	$	-3,601	$	49,468
	Foreign		14,318		22,475		19,098
	State and local		-1,801		-2,656		7,556
	Total current income tax expense		30,177		16,218		76,122
	Deferred income tax expense/(benefit):
	Federal		-52,852		29,991		-22,481
	Foreign		-10,271		-2,837		2,810
	State		-4,260		7,336		-4,385
	Total deferred income tax benefit		-67,383		34,490		-24,056
	Total income tax expense	$	-37,206	$	50,708	$	52,066
	The reconciliations of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Pretax income	$	-218,743	$	169,042	$	145,042
	Federal statutory rate		35%		35%		35%
	Expected tax expense		-76,560		59,165		50,765
	Reconciling items:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		-11,498		8,076		4,200
	Non-deductible goodwill impairment		8,881		—		—
	Section 199-domestic manufacturer deduction		—		-3,591		-4,263
	Non-taxable reversal of purchase accounting accrual		-5,459		—		—
	Tax effect of noncontrolling interests		-1,557		-3,488		-7,001
	Permanent expenses		16,221		38,999		3,622
	Foreign tax rate differential		10,765		-12,554		-8,436
	Tax credits		-19,278		-36,948		-5,387
	Change in valuation allowance		35,993		-1,127		17,685
	Change in uncertain tax positions		16,550		—		—
	Other		-11,264		2,176		881
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes	$	-37,206	$	50,708	$	52,066
	The effective tax rate for the loss for the year ended December 31, 2014 was a benefit of 24.5% compared to a provision of 30.0%, respectively for the same periods in the prior year.  The effective tax rate in 2014 was lower than the expected statutory rates due to the negative impacts of the nondeductible portion of our goodwill impairment charges, determination that no domestic production activities deduction was available, nondeductible permanent items, and the recording of a valuation allowance against certain foreign tax credits.  During the fourth quarter of 2013 the company restructured the legal ownership of certain foreign operations which enabled the company to utilize tax attributes and reduced the effected tax rate for that quarter and the year; these did not repeat in 2014. Our effective tax rate continues to be negatively impacted by the effect of state income taxes, non‑deductible foreign net operating losses, the disallowed portion of executive compensation, and disallowed portions of meals and entertainment expenses.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net foreign operating loss carryforwards	$	167,061	$	155,445
	Deferred gain, insurance and other		90,146		14,320
	Credit carryovers		53,225		11,184
	Investments in affiliates		—		—
	Accrued employee benefits		260,026		262,283
	Total deferred tax assets		570,458		443,232
	Valuation allowance		-269,176		-226,970
	Net deferred tax assets		301,282		216,262
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Investments in affiliates		-14,318		-15,827
	Depreciation and amortization		-30,941		-19,465
	Net deferred tax liabilities		-45,259		-35,292
	Net deferred tax assets	$	256,023	$	180,970
	A valuation allowance is required to be established for those deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not that they will not be realized. The above valuation allowances relate primarily to operating loss carryforwards from foreign operations, foreign tax credit, and employee benefits of $485.6 million and $469.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The foreign net operating losses can be carried forward for varying terms depending on the foreign jurisdiction between three years and an unlimited carry forward period. There is $8.2 million, $11.1 million, and $30.0 million of foreign tax credit available for carryforward through 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. Additionally, there is $0.6 million and $0.8 million of research tax credit available for carryforward through 2033 and 2034, respectively.
	Undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $331.2 million at December 31, 2014. 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. Cash held in international accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $99.2 million and $247.8 million, respectively.
	The tax benefit from stock‑based compensation awards for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $7.6 million, $6.1 million, and $10.7 million, respectively. These amounts are reflected as additional paid‑ in capital in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and are reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $34.2 million and $38.5 million, respectively, recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions and accrued interest. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had approximately $7.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	24,760
	Additions for current year tax positions		1,862
	Additions for prior year tax positions		8,370
	Reductions for prior year tax positions		-1,604
	Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations		-585
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	32,803
Additions for current year tax positions		20,264
Additions for prior year tax positions		3,701
Reductions for prior year tax positions		-2,296
Reductions as a result of settlement with tax authority		-5,157
Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations		-754
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	48,561
If recognized, the $48.6 million in uncertain tax positions would affect the effective tax rate. It is also possible that the reserve could change within twelve months of the reporting date related to the 2007 audit as a result of tax authority settlement. The estimated range of unrecognized change is zero to $3.7 million at December 31, 2014.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non‑U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities in major tax jurisdictions for years before 2007.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share	(12) Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, which consists of stock options, and is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents are only included in the diluted EPS calculation when their effect is dilutive.
	Reconciliations of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-181,537	$	118,334	$	92,976
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted‑average common shares outstanding		28,257		29,612		31,082
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		—		278		402
	Diluted adjusted weighted‑average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents		28,257		29,890		31,484
	Basic net (loss) income per common share	$	-6.42	$	4.00	$	2.99
	Diluted net (loss) income per common share	$	-6.42	$	3.96	$	2.95
	We did not include approximately 226,000 potentially dilutive common stock equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively, in the calculation of diluted EPS because to do so would be antidilutive, given the net losses for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Restructuring_and_Related_Char

Restructuring and Related Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Charges
Restructuring and Related Charges	(13) Restructuring and Related Charges
	In September 2014, we commenced certain restructuring activities in order 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 Company stockholders.  These restructuring activities include such items as a voluntary retirement program, workforce reductions, facilities consolidations and evaluation of certain lines of business.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we incurred $70.4 million of costs for these restructuring activities which have been included in general and administration expense on the consolidated statements of operations.  Overall, we expect to incur up to $120 million in charges related to the restructuring activities.
	The following table summarizes the restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Voluntary Early		Employee Severance
		Retirement		and Termination
	($ in thousands)	Program		Benefits		Facilities Cost		Other		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Provision		30,412		19,128		17,096		3,718		70,354
	Cash Payments		-30,412		-18,068		-1,552		-3,298		-53,330
	Non-cash settlements		—		—		-544		—		-544
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—	$	1,060	$	15,000	$	420	$	16,480
	The accruals for employee severance and termination benefits and other restructuring activities will be paid in 2015.  The accruals for facilities costs will be paid over the remaining term of the leases which we have exited and therefore will extend through 2028.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans	(14) Employee Benefit Plans
	Deferred Compensation Plans
	In 2009, we amended and restated the CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (“DCRP”) to form the CH2M HILL Supplemental Executive Retirement and Retention Plan (“SERRP”). The Plan is intended to be unfunded and maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). Under this plan, each participant’s account consists of various contributions made to the account by the Company on behalf of the participant. The SERRP was amended effective September 19, 2014 to, in general, adjust the plan’s claim procedure process. The plan can be used to provide additional retirement benefits for certain of our senior executives at the Company’s discretion. There was no compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014.  Compensation expense was $1.5 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In addition to the SERRP, we have a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits payable to officers and certain highly compensated employees at specified future dates, or upon retirement, disability or death. In 2011, we amended and restated the Deferred Compensation Plan and Executive Deferred Compensation Plan to combine both plans into a single plan. The plan allows eligible participants to defer up to a certain amount of base compensation and incentive compensation received, in cash or common stock. It also allows a more select group of eligible participants, whose 401(k) Plan contributions are limited by the ERISA, to defer additional base compensation to which we may make a matching contribution. The plan is also used to provide additional retirement benefits for certain of our senior executives at levels to be determined from time‑to‑time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Deferred Compensation Plan was amended and restated effective November 13, 2014 to, in general, to adjust the claims procedure and tax withholding processes.
	The deferred compensation plans are unfunded; therefore, benefits are paid from the general assets of our company. The participant’s cash deferrals earn a return based on the participant’s selection of investments in several hypothetical investment options. All deferrals of common stock must remain invested in common stock and are distributed in common stock. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, amounts due under the deferred compensation plans were $94.4 million and $89.2 million, respectively.
	Compensation expense for the two nonqualified plans was $0.3 million, $1.4 million, and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Death Benefit Only Plan
	Effective as of September 13, 2012, we amended and restated the CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. Death Benefit Only Plan. The plan provides for a payment of five times the base salary (pre‑tax) in a lump sum to the beneficiary of select executives (including the named executive officers) upon his or her death. This is a pre‑retirement employment benefit similar to term life insurance while the executive remains a CH2M HILL employee.
	Stock Option Plans
	In 2009, the Board of Directors and stockholders approved the CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. 2009 Stock Option Plan (“2009 Stock Option Plan”) which reserved 3,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance upon exercise of stock options granted. Effective May 7, 2012, the 2009 Stock Option Plan was amended and restated to increase the number of reserved shares to 5,500,000. All options outstanding under the previously cancelled plans (“1999 and 2004 Stock Option Plans”), that expired or for any other reason cease to be exercisable, were rolled into the 2009 Stock Option Plan and are available for grant in addition to the 5,500,000 options reserved.
	Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant. Stock options granted generally become exercisable 25%,  25% and 50% after one, two and three years, respectively, and have a term of five years from the date of grant. The following table summarizes the activity relating to the 2009 Stock Option Plan during 2014:
				Weighted Average
	Stock Options:	Number of Shares		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,417,021		$
				50.61
	Granted	638,938		$
				64.81
	Exercised	-545,168		$
				42.90
	Forfeited	-256,040		$
				58.59
	Expired	-55,683		$
				47.38
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,199,068		$
				55.78
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,001,330		$
				50.19
	Available for future grants	2,563,600
	The weighted‑average remaining contractual term for all options outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 2.7 years and 2.8 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of all options outstanding was $0.9 million and $26.9 million, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The weighted‑average remaining contractual term for options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 1.5 years and 1.7 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for the vested and exercisable options was $0.9 million and $17.1 million, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We received $5.0 million, $4.8 million, and $5.2 million from options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our stock option plans also allow participants to satisfy the exercise price and participant tax withholding obligation by tendering shares of company stock that have been owned by the participants for at least six months. The intrinsic value associated with exercises was $9.9 million, $12.2 million, and $18.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	We measure the fair value of each stock option grant at the date of grant using a Black‑Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $7.72 and $6.99, respectively. The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value of options granted during 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.29	%	0.91	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%
	Expected option life	4.2	Years	4.2	Years
	Expected stock price volatility	11.5	%	12.3	%
	We estimate the expected term of options granted based on historical experience of employee exercise behavior. We estimate the volatility of our common stock by using the weighted‑average of historical volatility over the same period as the option term. We use the Treasury Yield Curve rates for the risk‑free interest rate in the option valuation model with maturities similar to the expected term of the options. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero in the option valuation model. We are required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre‑vesting option forfeitures and record stock‑ based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. All stock‑based payment awards are amortized on a straight‑line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.
	The total compensation expense recognized for stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3.5 million, $3.7 million, and $2.1 million, respectively. The remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested awards as of December 31, 2014 is $5.6 million. We expect to recognize this compensation expense over the weighted average remaining recognition period of 1.6 years, subject to forfeitures that may occur during that period.
	Payroll Deduction Stock Purchase Plan
	In November 1999, we established the Payroll Deduction Stock Purchase Plan (“PDSPP”) which provides for the purchase of common stock at 90% of the market value as of the date of purchase through payroll deductions by participating employees. Eligible employees may purchase common stock totaling up to 15% of an employee’s compensation through payroll deductions. An employee cannot purchase more than $25,000 of common stock under the PDSPP in any calendar year. The PDSPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). The PDSPP is not intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the IRC and is not subject to ERISA. The PDSPP is non‑compensatory since the plan is available to all stockholders and incorporates no option features such as a look‑back period. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized in the financial statements for the PDSPP. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, a total of 415,577 shares, 464,514 shares, and 540,134 shares, respectively, were issued under the PDSPP, for total proceeds of $22.4 million, $24.8 million, and $26.3 million, respectively.
	Phantom Stock Plan
	In January 2000, we established the Phantom Stock Plan, which provides eligible individuals with added incentives to continue in the long‑term service of our company. Eligible individuals are generally individuals who are not residents of the U.S. Phantom stock grants are 100% vested on the grant date and may be redeemed after six months from the grant date. The value of phantom stock is equal to the market value of our common stock. All amounts granted under the Phantom Stock Plan are payable in cash only and are generally granted in connection with the Annual Incentive Plan and the Long Term Incentive Plan. Compensation expense under this plan is based on the value of the units on the date of grant.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, there were no units granted under the Phantom Stock Plan.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, a total of 711 units were granted under the Phantom Stock Plan. The fair value of the units granted under the Phantom Stock Plan during 2012 was $57.01. Compensation expense related to the Phantom Stock Plan was zero for each year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	The following table summarizes the activity relating to the Phantom Stock Plan during 2014:
		Number
		of
		Units
	Balance at December 31, 2013	22,897
	Exercised	-5,570
	Forfeited	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	17,327
	Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
	In February 1999, we established the Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) Plan. Eligible individuals are generally individuals who are not residents of the U.S. SARs are granted at an exercise price equal to the market value of our common stock and generally become exercisable 25%,  25% and 50% after one, two and three years, respectively, and have a term of five years from the date of the grant. All amounts granted under the SARs Plan are payable in cash only. Compensation expense under this plan is based on the vesting provisions and the market value of our common stock.
	Compensation expense related to the SARs Plan during 2014, 2013, and 2012 was zero,  $0.2 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the activity relating to the SARs Plan during 2014:
		Number			Weighted Average
		of Rights			Exercise Price
	Balance at December 31, 2013	23,910			$
					52.88
	Granted	9,771			$
					64.83
	Exercised	-2,963			$
					39.34
	Forfeited	-1,212			$
57.64
Balance at December 31, 2014	29,506			$
				58.01
Incentive Plans
The Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) aids in the recruitment, motivation, and retention of employees. Management determines which employees participate in the AIP. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 1,396 shares were issued under the AIP.  The fair value of the shares issued under the AIP was $69.43 for the year ended December 31, 2014.  We accrued compensation expense related to common stock awards under the AIP in the amount of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. All of the 2013 and 2012 awards were paid in cash. Therefore no stock‑based compensation was recognized in 2013 or 2012.
The Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) rewards certain executives and senior leaders for the creation of value in the organization through the achievement of specific long‑term (three year) goals of earnings growth and strategic initiatives. The Compensation Committee of the Board annually reviews and endorses participation in the LTIP, and new programs are established each year. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, a total of 66,528 shares, 235,590 shares, and 304,736 shares, respectively, were issued under the LTIP at a fair value of $69.43,  $57.22, and $57.01 per share, respectively. Compensation expense for common stock awards under the LTIP amounted to $4.1 million, and $7.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, compensation expense for common stock under the LTIP plan was reduced by $6.4 million as a result of underperformance to the stated three-year program goals.
Restricted Stock Plan
In 2000, we established the Restricted Stock Plan (as amended and restated in 2011 and 2013) which provides eligible individuals with added incentives to continue in the long‑term service of our company. The awards are made for no consideration, vest over various periods, and may include performance requirements, but are considered outstanding at the time of grant. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, a total of 268,291 shares, 122,009 shares, and 163,469 shares, respectively, were granted under the Restricted Stock Plan.
We recognize compensation costs, net of forfeitures, over the vesting term based on the fair value of the restricted stock at the date of grant. The amount of compensation expense recognized under the Restricted Stock Plan was zero,  $4.2 million, and $6.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $4.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non‑vested restricted stock grants. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.38 years.
The following table summarizes the activity relating to the Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan during 2013:
			Weighted Average
	Non‑vested Shares		Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 2013	269,802		$
			51.57
Granted	268,291		$
			64.92
Vested	-68,411		$
			52.51
Cancelled	-121,918		$
			51.86
Balance at December 31, 2014	347,764		$
			61.58
The weighted‑average fair values of the shares granted under the Restricted Stock Plan during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $64.92,  $59.23, and $54.96, respectively.

Employee_Retirement_Plans

Employee Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Retirement Plans
Employee Retirement Plans	(15) Employee Retirement Plans
	Retirement and Tax‑Deferred Savings Plan
	The Retirement and Tax‑Deferred Savings Plan (“401(k) Plan”) is a retirement plan that includes a cash or deferred arrangement that is intended to qualify under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and provides benefits to eligible employees upon retirement. In September 2012, our Board of Directors approved the CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd. Amended and Restated 401(k) Plan which became effective January 1, 2013 (“401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan allows for matching contributions up to 6% of employee’s base compensation, although specific subsidiaries may have different limits on employer matching. The matching contributions may be made in both cash and/or stock. Expenses related to matching contributions made in common stock for the 401(k) Plan were $48.5 million, $36.5 million, and $45.5 million for the 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Defined Benefit Plans
	We sponsor several defined benefit pension plans primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom.
	In the U.S., we have three noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. Plan benefits in two of the plans are frozen while one plan remains active. Benefits are generally based on years of service and compensation during the span of employment.
	In the U.K., we assumed several defined benefit plans as part of our acquisition of Halcrow on November 10, 2011, of which the largest is the Halcrow Pension Scheme. These defined benefit plans have been closed to new entrants for many years. The information related to these plans is presented in the Non‑U.S. Pension Plans columns of the tables below.
	Benefit Expense
	The weighted average actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic pension expense are based upon information available as of the beginning of the year, as presented in the following table.
		U.S. Pension					Non-U.S.
		Plans					Pension Plans
		2014		2013		2012	2014		2013		2012
	Discount rate	5.10%		4.20%		5.30%	4.40%		4.50%		4.90%
	Expected long‑term rate of return on plan assets	6.75%		6.75%		7.50%	4.86%		4.63%		5.81%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.30%		3.00%		3.00%	4.00%		4.00%		4.10%
	The components of the net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31 are detailed below:
		U.S. Pension								Non-U.S.
		Plans								Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012			2014		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	3,132		$	3,833	$	3,532		$	3,296	$	4,041	$	2,350
	Interest cost		10,941			10,015		10,592			50,278		47,752		45,628
	Expected return on plan assets		-11,683			-10,801		-10,756			-36,420		-32,440		-36,647
	Amortization of prior service credits		-766			-766		-781			—		—		—
	Recognized net actuarial loss		4,598			7,490		5,546			1,199		931		—
	Net expense included in current income	$	6,222		$	9,771	$	8,133		$	18,353	$	20,284	$	11,331
	Benefit Obligations
	The measurement date used for the U.S. and non‑U.S. defined benefit pension plans is December 31. The significant actuarial weighted average assumptions used to compute the projected benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans at December 31 are as follows:
		U.S. Pension				Non-U.S.
		Plans				Pension Plans
		2014		2013		2014	2013
	Discount rate	4.30%		5.10%		3.60%	4.40%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.30%		3.30%		3.65%	4.00%
	The discount rate assumption for the U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans was determined using actuarial bond models. The models assume we purchase high quality, Aa‑rated or better, corporate bonds such that the expected cash flow from the selected bond portfolio generally matches the timing of our projected benefit payments. The models develop the average yield on this portfolio of bonds as of the measurement date. This average yield is used as the discount rate.
	The following table summarizes the change in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets for the defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31:
		U.S. Pension					Non-U.S.
		Plans					Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	220,860		$	245,077	$	1,147,510		$	1,063,952
	Service cost		3,132			3,833		3,296			4,041
	Interest cost		10,941			10,015		50,278			47,752
	Actuarial loss (gain)		47,220			-26,876		139,313			52,050
	Participant contributions		—			—		341			338
	Currency translation		—			—		-65,637			16,639
	Benefits paid		-13,696			-11,189		-38,558			-37,262
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	268,457		$	220,860	$	1,236,543		$	1,147,510
	Plan assets at beginning of year	$	171,939		$	162,665	$	751,143		$	701,256
	Actual return on plan assets		26,839			12,274		78,094			52,571
	Company contributions		10,979			8,189		27,348			23,120
	Participant contributions		—			—		341			338
	Currency translation		—			—		-41,631			11,120
	Benefits paid		-13,696			-11,189		-38,558			-37,262
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	196,061		$	171,939	$	776,737		$	751,143
	The combined U.S. and Non-U.S. pension benefit obligation increase of $136.6 million was primarily caused by changes in actuarial assumptions, including a decrease in the discount rates for both the U.S and Non-U.S. pension plans as well as a change in mortality rates for the U.S. pension plans based on recent studies by the Society of Actuaries indicating mortality improvements.  Assuming no changes in current assumptions, the Company expects to fund approximately $39.2 million to $44.4 million in Company contributions for calendar year 2014.
	The expected benefit payments for the U.S. and non‑U.S. defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	U.S. Pension			Non-U.S.
		Plans			Pension Plans
	2015	$	14,078		$	43,184
	2016		14,972			41,543
	2017		15,943			42,568
	2018		16,264			44,516
	2019		17,082			46,465
	Thereafter		89,867			256,353
		$	168,206		$	474,629
	Benefit Plan Assets
The target allocation for the U.S. pension plans and the weighted‑average asset allocations for the defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category are set out below. For the non‑U.S. pension plans, the targeted allocation of assets is generally related to the expected benefit payments over the next five to ten years. The target is to hold sufficient assets in fixed income securities to meet these cash flows. So as the benefit plan matures, an increasing proportion of plan assets will be held in fixed income securities.
	Target		U.S. Pension Plans			Non-U.S. Pension Plans
	Allocation		2014		2013	2014		2013
Equity securities	55%		51%		63%	35%		38%
Debt securities	45%		45%		36%	58%		55%
Other	0%		4%		1%	7%		7%
Total	100%		100%		100%	100%		100%
The investment philosophy for the defined benefit pension plans is primarily to have the asset values and long‑term rates of return exceed those of the relative benchmarks in order to protect and pay the expected future benefit payments to participants. Asset allocation decisions are made in an attempt to construct a total portfolio that achieves the desired expected risk and return needed to meet long term liabilities of the plans. For non‑U.S. plans, the asset allocation decisions are often made by an independent board of trustees. In order to accomplish the investment philosophy and strategy, the benefit plan trustees monitor the asset classes allowed for investment, the strategic mix targets, and allowable ranges of such.
Investments in domestic and international equity securities are utilized with the expectation that they will provide a higher rate of return than debt securities for periods in excess of five to ten years, albeit with greater risk. Investments in debt securities, such as government and corporate bonds of domestic and international entities, are utilized with the expectation that they are generally low in risk and can meet the shorter term cash flow needs of the plans.
We use long‑term historical actual return experience with consideration of the expected investment mix of the plan assets, as well as future estimates of long‑term investment returns to develop the expected rate of return assumptions used in calculating the net periodic pension cost.
The following tables summarize the fair values of our defined benefit pension plan assets by major asset category:
	U.S. Pension Plans
				Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant Unobservable
				Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Inputs
($ in thousands)	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,677		$	8,677	$	—		$	—
Equity funds		99,267			99,267		—			—
Fixed income securities		88,117			88,117		—			—
Total	$	196,061		$	196,061	$	—		$	—
December 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,610		$	1,610	$	—		$	—
Equity funds		108,726			108,726		—			—
Fixed income securities		61,603			61,603		—			—
Total	$	171,939		$	171,939	$	—		$	—
	Non-U.S. Pension Plans
($ in thousands)				Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant
				Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Unobservable Inputs
	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents	$	17,659		$	15,740	$	1,919		$	—
Equity funds		273,553			236,964		36,589			—
Fixed income securities		446,888			387,016		59,872			—
International property fund		14,794			1,089		12,217			1,488
Other		23,843			16,963		6,880			—
Total	$	776,737		$	657,772	$	117,477		$	1,488
December 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents	$	20,543		$	18,380	$	2,163		$	—
Equity funds		281,191			244,804		36,387			—
Fixed income securities		407,461			349,941		57,520			—
International property fund		14,186			1,148		11,708			1,330
Other		27,762			21,636		6,126			—
Total	$	751,143		$	635,909	$	113,904		$	1,330
Funded Status
The following table presents the underfunded status of the defined benefit pension plans at December 31:
						Non-U.S.
	U.S. Pension Plans					Pension Plans
($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation	$	268,457		$	220,860	$	1,236,543		$	1,147,510
Fair value of plan assets		196,061			171,939		776,737			751,143
Overfunded status		—			—		1,908			765
Underfunded status	$	-72,396		$	-48,921	$	-461,714		$	-397,132
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss	$	87,470		$	60,004	$	200,557		$	115,399
Net prior service cost (credits)		-6,349			-7,115		—			—
Total	$	81,121		$	52,889	$	200,557		$	115,399
Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic pension expense:
Net actuarial loss	$	7,464		$	4,598	$	4,015			1,195
Net prior service cost (credits)		-766			-766		—			—
Total	$	6,698		$	3,832	$	4,015			1,195
Additional information:
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	263,543		$	216,824	$	1,230,352		$	1,139,224
The liability for the underfunded status is included in long‑term employee related liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Other Postretirement Benefits
We sponsor a medical benefit plan for retired employees of certain subsidiaries. The plan is contributory, and retiree premiums are based on years of service at retirement. The benefits contain limitations and a cap on future cost increases. We fund postretirement medical benefits on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis. Additionally, we have a frozen non‑qualified pension plan that provides additional retirement benefits to certain senior executives that remained employed and retired from CH2M HILL on or after age 65.
The non‑qualified pension and postretirement healthcare benefit payments, including expected future services, are expected to be paid from plan assets and operating cash flows as follows:
($ in thousands)	Non-Qualified			Postretirement
	Pension Plan			Benefit Plans
2015	$	289		$	3,120
2016		283			3,149
2017		105			3,175
2018		101			3,237
2019		97			3,302
2019-2023		422			17,961
	$	1,297		$	33,944
Benefit Expense
The measurement date used for non‑qualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans is December 31. The actuarial assumptions used to compute the non‑qualified pension benefit expense and postretirement benefit expense are based upon information available as of the beginning of the year, as presented in the following table.
	Non-Qualified					Postretirement
	Pension Plan					Benefit Plans
	2014		2013		2012	2014		2013		2012
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Discount rate	5.1%		4.2%		5.3%	5.1%		4.2%		5.3%
Initial healthcare costs trend rate	na		na		na	na		na		na
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate	na		na		na	na		na		na
Year ultimate trend rate is reached	na		na		na	na		na		na
na—not applicable
We have instituted caps on the potential growth of our retiree healthcare costs. The retiree healthcare cost caps have been reached and apply in all future years. As healthcare costs continue to increase, these caps are intended to remain in force at current levels. As a result, a 1% change in the healthcare cost trends has no impact on the postretirement benefit obligation or costs.
The components of the non‑qualified pension benefit expense and postretirement benefit expense for the years ended December 31 are detailed below:
	Non-Qualified								Postretirement
	Pension Plan								Benefit Plans
($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012			2014		2013		2012
Service cost	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	1,058	$	1,816	$	1,828
Interest cost		78			81		38			2,195		2,196		2,416
Amortization of transition obligation		—			—		—			—		—		100
Amortization of prior service (credits) costs		—			—		—			-29		206		341
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		—			21		36			-11		336		—
Net expense included in current income	$	78		$	102	$	74		$	3,213	$	4,554	$	4,685
The discount rate used to compute the benefit obligations for the non‑qualified pension plan and postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 4.30% and 5.10%, respectively.
The discount rate assumptions are set annually based on an actuarial bond model. The bond model assumes we purchase high quality corporate bonds such that the expected cash flows generally match the maturity of the benefits. The following table summarizes the change in benefit obligation and change in plan assets for the non‑qualified pension and postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31:
	Non-Qualified					Postretirement
	Pension Plan					Benefit Plans
($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,608		$	1,994	$	44,336		$	53,686
Service cost		—			—		1,058			1,816
Interest cost		78			81		2,195			2,196
Participant contributions		—			—		2,138			2,001
Actuarial loss (gain)		106			-341		4,927			-10,907
Benefits paid		-293			-126		-4,314			-4,456
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	1,499		$	1,608	$	50,340		$	44,336
Funded Status
The following table presents the underfunded status of the non‑qualified pension and postretirement benefit plans at December 31:
	Non-Qualified					Postretirement
	Pension Plan					Benefit Plans
($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation	$	1,499		$	1,608	$	—		$	—
Accumulated benefit obligation		—			—		50,340			44,336
Underfunded status	$	-1,499		$	-1,608	$	-50,340		$	-44,336
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	161		$	55	$	2,155		$	-2,784
Net prior service credit		—			—		-233			-262
Transition obligation		—			—		—			—
Total	$	161		$	55	$	1,922		$	-3,046
Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	1		$	—	$	-7		$	-11
Net prior service credit		—			—		-29			-29
Transition obligation		—			—		—			—
Total	$	1		$	—	$	-36		$	-40
Benefits expected to be paid in 2014 are included in short‑term employee related liabilities with the remaining liability balance included in long‑term employee related liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Multiemployer Plans
We participate in various multiemployer pension plans for certain employees represented by labor unions. We are required to make contributions to these plans in amounts established under collective bargaining agreements, generally based on the number of hours worked. We made contributions to the various plans totaling approximately $4.1 million, $5.7 million, and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. We are unable to obtain additional financial information from the multiemployer pension plans sponsors in order to determine unfunded liability amounts and other plan data, however based upon the small number of our employees that have participated in these plans, we do not believe any of these amounts will have a material impact on our financial results.
We have employees who participate in benefit plans with the U.S. Department of Energy for which information is not provided because we are not responsible for the current or future funded status of those plans.

Changes_in_ProjectRelated_Esti

Changes in Project-Related Estimates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in Project-Related Estimates
Changes in Project Related Estimates Disclosure	(16) 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 and fourth quarters of 2014, additional changes in estimates were identified as the project approached completion resulting in the recognition of an additional loss of $11.9 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. The project achieved substantial completion during the fourth quarter of 2014.  Certain of our subcontractors have submitted claims against us requesting additional funding and, although we believe the majority of these claims to be without merit, we are in the process of resolving these disputes and there can be no assurances that the resolution will not result in additional losses.  Management is seeking recovery of a portion of the total project loss from various sources including change orders from the client. In addition, we are requesting relief from a portion of the liquidated damages assessed by the client through the date of substantial completion due to client interference and other remedies under the terms of the contract. There can be no assurance we will be successful in obtaining such recoveries.
	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 year ended December 31, 2014.  Management has implemented various processes to assist in improving productivity rates and does not believe further losses will be incurred on this project.  However, future results could differ from the current performance.
	We are involved in a fixed price project in Australia through a consolidated 50/50 joint venture partnership with an Australian construction contractor 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.  As of December 31, 2014, the total contract value of the joint venture project is $470 million and is approximately 35% complete overall, with engineering and procurement nearing completion and construction activities ramping up.  Due to a variety of issues related to the joint venture scope of work, we identified changes in estimated contract costs that resulted in charges to operations of $170.0 million and $110.0 million in the third and fourth quarters of 2014, respectively. This total of $280.0 million represents the total expected loss of the joint venture project at completion.  After considering the losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the joint venture held by our joint venture partner, the net impact on our pre-tax results of operations for third and fourth quarters of 2014 was $85.0 million and $55.0 million, respectively.  Management believes 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.  While management believes the current estimated cost to complete the project represents the best estimate at this time, there is a significant amount of work that still needs to be performed on the project before achieving substantial completion and thus there can be no assurance that additional cost growth will not occur.  Management is currently in substantive negotiations with the client and is vigorously pursuing recovery of costs and schedule impacts with the assistance of external legal and commercial claims specialists.  A settlement, if reached, could significantly reduce the joint venture’s total anticipated loss at completion.  Management believes it will gain a better understanding during the first half of 2015 whether a negotiated settlement is possible, and, if so, how the terms of such settlement would impact the joint venture’s estimated costs at completion.  However, if these recovery steps are not successful, we might not be reimbursed by the client for previously incurred or potential future cost overruns and the joint venture might be assessed potential liquidated damages in excess of amounts already included in the current estimated loss at completion.
	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 third quarter of 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 management of the consolidated joint venture has concluded that estimated revenue and cost at completion are difficult to ascertain at this time, and, therefore, revenue has been recognized equal to costs incurred.
	During the second half 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 was completed. 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 year ended December 31, 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 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 and could include additional costs to complete the project as well as penalties assessed by the client if the project is not delivered by agreed upon dates.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a loss 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 $222.4 million and $8.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Of the amount included in the December 31, 2014 balance, $91.8 million relates to accrued project losses attributable to, and payable by, the noncontrolling joint venture partner.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Information
Segment Information	(17) Segment Information
	Effective January 1, 2014 through December 31, 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 the matrix structure, noting the markets, geographical areas and service lines 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 of the matrix structure, we determined that our operations may be aggregated into one reportable segment due to the similar economic characteristics of operations across markets, geographical areas, and service lines.  Prior year information has been revised to conform to current year presentation.
	Effective January 1, 2015, we reorganized the business lines within the markets into five business groups: Water; Transportation; Environment and Nuclear; Industrial and Urban Environments; and Oil, Gas and Chemicals.  Management is currently evaluating the impact this reorganization will have on our external reporting segments, if any.  Any changes will be reflected in the Company’s first quarter results of operations.
	Gross revenue by market for the years ended December 31 were as follow:
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Energy		$	1,055,726	$	1,493,222	$	1,782,721
	Environment and Nuclear			1,377,126		1,318,777		1,424,504
	Facilities and Urban Environments			789,528		919,509		878,719
	Transportation			947,395		939,088		962,608
	Water			1,243,694		1,207,223		1,112,001
	Total		$	5,413,469	$	5,877,819	$	6,160,553
	We derived approximately 21%,  18% and 18% of our total revenue from contracts with the U.S. federal government and the agencies regulated by the U.S. federal government in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Although the majority of our consolidated revenue is generated from our domestic operations, we provide services in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom which accounted for 10% of the total consolidated revenue in 2014. Total U.S. and international revenue for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	U.S.		$	3,806,935	$	3,915,091	$	4,237,918
	International			1,606,534		1,962,728		1,922,635
	Total		$	5,413,469	$	5,877,819	$	6,160,553
	The fixed assets to support our business operations and our clients are located both domestically and internationally.  Total U.S. and international net property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	U.S.		$	215,689	$	183,884	$	131,684
	International			42,471		42,541		80,323
	Total		$	258,160	$	226,425	$	212,007

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies	(18) Commitments and Contingencies
	We maintain a variety of commercial commitments that are generally made available to provide support for various provisions in our engineering and construction contracts. Letters of credit are provided to clients in the ordinary course of the contracting business in lieu of retention or for performance and completion guarantees on engineering and construction contracts. We also post surety bonds, which are contractual agreements issued by a surety, for the purpose of guaranteeing our performance on contracts. Bid bonds are also issued by a surety to protect owners and are subject to full or partial forfeiture for failure to perform obligations arising from a successful bid.
	Commercial commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2014 are summarized below:
		Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
		Less than								Total Amount
	($ in thousands)	1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		Over 5 Years		Committed
	Letters of credit	$	71,844.1	$	20,408.5	$	35,130.8	$	35,018.0	$	162,401.4
	Bank guarantees		32,777.6		2,545.6		553.0		1,035.6		36,911.8
	Surety and bid bonds		783,538.5		527,602.6		22,289.8		50.2		1,333,481.1
	Total	$	888,160.2	$	550,556.7	$	57,973.6	$	36,103.8	$	1,532,794.3
	We are party to various 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 various agencies of the U.S. government 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 or financial condition even if the final outcome is adverse to our company.
	In 2010, we were notified that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington was 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 to felony charges related to time card fraud committed while working on the Hanford Tank Farm Project. As part of its investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office raised the possibility of violations of the civil False Claims Act and criminal charges for possible violations of federal criminal statutes arising from CH2M HILL’s Subsidiary overtime practices on the project. In September 2012, the government intervened in a civil False Claims Act case filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington by one of the employees who plead guilty to time card fraud. In March 2013, we entered into a Non‑Prosecution Agreement (“NPA”) concluding the criminal investigation so long as we comply with the terms of the NPA. The NPA requires us to comply with ongoing requirements for three years after the effective date. By a separate agreement, we obtained dismissal of the civil False Claims Act case. We paid $18.5 million in total under both agreements. As a result, no criminal charges were brought against CH2M HILL Subsidiary or any CH2M HILL entities, and the civil False Claims Act case was dismissed.
	In May 2007, Halcrow, Inc. contracted with Roatan Cruise Terminal, S.A. de C.V., ("Roatan CT"), a Honduran entity owned by Carnival Corporation ("Carnival") to be the design engineer for a marine facility that Roatan CT wanted to build in Roatan, Honduras to become a Carnival Cruise line destination port. Halcrow, Inc.’s responsibility included the design of the navigation or entry channel; dredging needed to accommodate Carnival designated cruise ships, two piers, approach bridges, fenders and mooring dolphins, and a Duty Free Platform.  In October 2010, Carnival filed suit against Halcrow, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The litigation was later consolidated with a state court action filed by the contractor, American Bridge. Carnival is seeking approximately $21.0 million for additional construction costs resulting from alleged design errors related to the structural integrity of the piers and cracking in the pre-cast concrete slabs in the piers.  The Court has not set a trial date in this matter.  This claim is being defended under a $5.0 million eroding limits Halcrow U.S. legacy professional liability insurance policy.  Based on information presently known to management, we intend to vigorously defend the claims brought against us and we believe that the outcome of this dispute will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
	In June 2007, CH2M HILL was retained by DynCorp through a subcontract arrangement to provide logistics support to the Army under the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV (“LOGCAP”) umbrella contract.  The subcontract contained a profit sharing provision that called for CH2M HILL to receive a 30% share of all profits earned by DynCorp on the task orders.  CH2M HILL and Dyncorp dispute the profit sharing calculations.  In August 2014, CH2M HILL filed suit against DynCorp in Fairfax County, Virginia alleging breach of contract and requesting damages in the amount of $26.0 million plus interest and costs.  The damages portion of the Complaint has been amended to $43.0 million as further damages have matured. DynCorp filed an Answer and Counterclaim in November 2014. The Counterclaim seeks $98.0 million from CH2M HILL for breach of contract claims that CH2M HILL failed to make capital contributions, failed to contribute to project reserves, and failed to share in project finance costs. The Court has set a September 14, 2015 trial date. Based on information presently known to management, we intend to vigorously defend the claims brought against us and we believe that the outcome of this dispute will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
	In January 2011, CH2M HILL Energy Canada, LTD was awarded the contract to develop a mechanical scope of work and construct a facility for Spectra Energy Transmission’s (“Spectra”) Fort Nelson North Processing Facility located in Northern British Colombia (“BC”). These services included directly performed civil, structural, mechanical equipment, and piping installation for the project. Spectra claimed it suffered damages associated with project delay and cost overruns. To settle construction related claims, the contract terms were changed from a fixed price to a cost plus fixed fee arrangement, and the project completion date was extended, in a Settlement Agreement dated November 2011. The project was completed in February 2013.  Spectra now asserts that it was induced to enter into the Settlement Agreement by false or negligent representations as to the remaining cost to complete the project. Spectra claims the project was completed almost a year after its original scheduled completion date and at a cost significantly in excess of the budget, and that CH2M HILL is liable for damages for breach of contract and gross negligence. Spectra commenced arbitration proceedings in Calgary, Alberta in September 2013. Their demand does not state damages with any particularity. The arbitration proceedings are expected to begin in late 2015. Based on information presently known to management, we intend to vigorously defend the claims brought against us and we believe that the outcome of this dispute will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
	CH2M-WG Idaho, LLC (“CWI”), owned 50.5% by CH2M HILL, is a remediation contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) at the Idaho National Laboratory site. The original remediation contract was to run from May 2005 through September 2012, and was extended through September 2015. CWI currently has a disagreement with DOE concerning what CWI’s final fee should be for the base contract period from May 2005 through September 2012. In December 2013, the DOE issued a final determination that was approximately $30.0 million less than CWI expected to receive in the fee determination.  CWI filed a Certified Claim with the Contracting Officer for a total fee owed of $40.1 million in March 2014.  The Certified Claim was rejected through a Contracting Officer’s Final Decision in May 2014, and CWI filed its appeal to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals on May 29, 2014. Trial is scheduled for October 19, 2015.  Based on information presently known to management, we intend to vigorously defend the claims brought against us and we believe that the outcome of this dispute will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
	Many claims that are currently pending against us are covered by our professional liability insurance. Management estimates that the levels of insurance coverage (after retentions and deductibles) are generally adequate to cover our liabilities, if any, with regard to such claims. Any amounts that are probable of payment are accrued when such amounts are estimable.  As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities were $16.3 million and $15.5 million, respectively.
	In connection with the Halcrow acquisition, we assumed a lease obligation for office space which was entered into by a Halcrow subsidiary in 1981 and was previously occupied and used as one of their primary office locations. Subsequently, Halcrow vacated the space and was subleasing the building to third parties. The lease required Halcrow to continue to make lease payments until 2080 with rent escalating provisions that could have increased with market conditions. In 2012, we obtained a final third party determination of the fair value of this lease obligation and the associated real property in order to complete the purchase price allocation. As a result, the capital lease and related obligations, as well as the related building asset were included in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. Capital lease and related obligations as of December 31, 2012 were $66.1 million and was included primarily in other long‑term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. We also assumed an operating lease for the associated land on which the building is located with total lease payments due over the remaining term of the lease totaling $36.8 million as of December 31, 2012. In September 2013, Halcrow entered into an agreement to terminate its obligations under the lease, including $66.1 million remaining on the capital lease and related obligations as well as the operating lease obligation, to a third party. Under the terms of this agreement Halcrow paid $27.0 million to the third party which resulted in a gain on termination of the obligations of $15.5 million. The related building asset and obligations were relieved from the consolidated balance sheets and the gain was recognized as a reduction in general and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	(19) Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
	Our quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		For the
	(In thousands except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year Ended
	2014
	Revenue	$	1,279,449	$	1,402,448	$	1,422,537	$	1,309,035	$	5,413,469
	Operating income		-9,546		19,575		-234,903		-116,712		-341,586
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		-6,092		11,450		-131,242		-55,653		-181,537
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	-0.21	$	0.40	$	-4.69	$	-2.01	$	-6.42
	Diluted	$	-0.21	$	0.40	$	-4.69	$	-2.01	$	-6.42
	2013
	Revenue	$	1,447,749	$	1,513,006	$	1,472,603	$	1,444,461	$	5,877,819
	Operating income		13,965		49,086		56,851		72,460		192,362
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		7,114		27,496		33,693		50,031		118,334
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.24	$	0.92	$	1.14	$	1.71	$	4.00
	Diluted	$	0.24	$	0.91	$	1.13	$	1.70	$	3.96

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif1

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CH2M HILL and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. Partially owned affiliates and joint ventures are evaluated for consolidation. The consolidated financial statements (referred to herein as “financial statements”) are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in companies which we do not control; however, we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee. Our consolidated net income includes our Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. The cost method of accounting is used for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. These investments are recorded at cost.
	Certain amounts in prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Capital Structure and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Capital Structure
	Our Company has authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of Class A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The bylaws and articles of incorporation provide for the imposition of certain restrictions on the stock including, but not limited to, the right but not the obligation to repurchase shares upon termination of employment or affiliation, the right of first refusal and ownership limits.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain on equity investments and benefit plan adjustments. These components are included in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income. Taxes are not provided on the foreign currency translation gains and losses as deferred taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries to which they relate.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
	($ in thousands)
	Benefit plans:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	-146,224
	Reclassification adjustment		-111,869
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		2,590
	Balance at end of year	$	-255,503
	Unrealized gain on equity investments:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	212
	Reclassification adjustment		-185
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-27
	Balance at end of year	$	—
	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	7,049
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-23,903
	Balance at end of year	$	-16,854
	Other comprehensive loss related to our benefit plans includes pretax reclassification adjustments of $184.9 million ($111.9 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2014 and is recognized in the direct cost of services and overhead and the general and administrative lines of our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	All assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars as of each balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses related to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries are reflected in stockholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period and included in the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statements of operations.
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 revenue and cost at completion in the period in which the changed estimates are determined to be reliably estimable.
	Below is a description of the three basic types of contracts from which we may earn revenue using the percentage‑of‑completion method:
	Cost‑Plus Contracts.  Cost‑plus contracts can be cost plus a fixed fee or rate, or cost plus an award fee. Under these types of contracts, we charge our clients for our costs, including, both direct and indirect costs, plus a fixed negotiated fee or award fee. We generally recognize revenue based on the actual labor costs and non‑labor costs we incur, plus the portion of the fixed fee or award fee we have earned to date.
	In the case of a cost‑plus award fee, we include in the total contract value the portion of the fee that we are probable of receiving. Award fees are influenced by the achievement of contract milestones, cost savings and other factors.
	Fixed Price Contracts.  Under fixed price contracts, our clients pay us an agreed amount negotiated in advance for a specified scope of work. For engineering and construction contracts, we recognize revenue on fixed price contracts using the percentage‑of‑completion method where direct costs incurred to date are compared to total projected direct costs at contract completion. Prior to completion, our recognized profit margins on any fixed price contract depend on the accuracy of our estimates and will increase to the extent that our actual costs are below the original estimated amounts. Conversely, if our costs exceed these estimates, our profit margins will decrease and we may realize a loss on a project.
	Time‑and‑Materials Contracts.  Under our time‑and‑materials contracts, we negotiate hourly billing rates and charge our clients based on the actual time that we expend on a project. In addition, clients reimburse us for our actual out‑of‑pocket costs of materials and other direct expenditures that we incur in connection with our performance under the contract. Our profit margins on time‑and‑materials contracts fluctuate based on actual labor and overhead costs that we directly charge or allocate to contracts compared with the negotiated billing rate and markup on other direct costs. Some of our time‑and‑materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values, and accordingly, revenue under these contracts is recognized under the percentage‑of‑completion method where costs incurred to date are compared to total projected costs at contract completion. Revenue on contracts that is not subject to maximum contract values is recognized based on the actual number of hours we spend on the projects plus any actual out‑of‑pocket costs of materials and other direct expenditures that we incur on the projects.
	Operations and Maintenance Contracts.  A portion of our contracts are operations and maintenance type contracts.  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.
	For all contract types noted above, 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.
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, primarily historic Power EPC 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.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
	We reduce accounts receivable by estimating an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. Management determines the estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts based on their judgments in evaluating the aging of the receivables and the financial condition of our clients, which may be dependent on the type of client and the client’s current financial condition.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Assets and liabilities are valued based upon observable and non-observable inputs. Valuations using Level 1 inputs are based 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 year ended December 31, 2014.
Restructuring and Related Charges	Restructuring and Related Charges
	We account for costs associated with restructuring activities 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 recognized as a liability and a loss when the employee accepts the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated in accordance with ASC Topic 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.  Voluntary early retirement programs fall under this category of benefits.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes utilizing an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactment of changes in the tax laws or rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will not be realized. Annually, we determine the amount of undistributed foreign earnings invested indefinitely in our foreign operations. Deferred taxes are not provided on those earnings. In addition, the calculation of tax assets and liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. For income tax benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. We record reserves for uncertain tax positions that do not meet these criteria.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Highly liquid investments with original short‑term maturities of less than three months are considered cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows. We maintain a domestic cash management system which provides for cash sufficient to satisfy financial obligations as they are submitted for payment and any excess cash in domestic bank accounts is applied against any outstanding swingline debt held under our credit facility described below.  If there is no swingline balance outstanding on the credit facility, we invest cash in excess of this amount in money market funds. In addition, cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets include cash held within our consolidated joint venture entities which is used for operating activities of those joint ventures. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash and cash equivalents held in our consolidated joint ventures and reflected on the consolidated balance sheets totaled $45.4 million and $112.2 million, respectively.
Available-for-Sale Securities	Available‑for‑Sale Securities
	Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrecognized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive 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.  During 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.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	All additions, including improvements to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Any gain or loss on retirements is reflected in operating income in the year of disposition.
	Depreciation for owned property is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight‑line method for financial statement purposes. Useful lives for buildings and land improvements range from 6 to 20 years. Furniture and fixtures, computers and office equipment, and field equipment are depreciated over their useful lives from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining term of the associated lease up to 10 years.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of 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”) Topic 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 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, the market approach, and the cost 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 for the reporting units.  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.  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.
Intangible Assets	Intangible 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.  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.
Derivative instruments	Derivative instruments
	We primarily enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates. We are primarily subject to this risk on long term projects whereby the currency being paid by our client differs from the currency in which we incurred our costs, as well as, intercompany trade balances among entities with differing currencies. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. All derivatives are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other receivables or other accrued liabilities as applicable. The periodic change in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in earnings.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially subject our company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and trade receivables. Our cash is primarily held with major banks and financial institutions throughout the world and typically is insured up to a set amount. Accordingly, we believe the risk of any potential loss on deposits held in these institutions is minimal. Concentrations of credit risk relative to trade receivables are limited due to our diverse client base, which includes the U.S. federal government, various states and municipalities, foreign government agencies, and a variety of U.S. and foreign corporations operating in a broad range of industries and geographic areas.
	Contracts with the U.S. federal government and its prime contractors usually contain standard provisions for permitting the government to modify, curtail or terminate the contract for convenience of the government or such prime contractors if program requirements or budgetary constraints change. Upon such a termination, we are generally entitled to recover costs incurred, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to termination.
Recently Accounting Standards	Recent Accounting Standards
	In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 provides updated consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. This ASU requires that all legal entities be subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective will be effective for our reporting periods beginning December 1, 2016.  CH2M HILL is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial position and results of operations.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items.  This ASU eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from U.S. GAAP, and as a result, companies will no longer be required to segregate extraordinary items from the results of ordinary operations, to separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. The ASU did not eliminate the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. ASU 2015-01 will be effective for our reporting periods beginning December 1, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.  The ASU requires that management evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued.  If there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, additional disclosures are required, even if the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans.  This ASU is effective for our reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is permitted.  We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued 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.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Components of an Entity.  The ASU amends the definition of a discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.  Additionally, the standard allows companies to have significant continuing involvement and continuing cash flows with discontinued operations.  This standard requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations, including new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions or held-for-sale components that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation.  ASU 2014-08 also expands the scope of ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations, to disposals of equity method investments and acquired businesses held for sale.  ASU 2014-08 will be effective for our reporting periods beginning January 1, 2015.  We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif2

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss	For the year ended December 31, 2014, changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
	($ in thousands)
	Benefit plans:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	-146,224
	Reclassification adjustment		-111,869
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		2,590
	Balance at end of year	$	-255,503
	Unrealized gain on equity investments:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	212
	Reclassification adjustment		-185
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-27
	Balance at end of year	$	—
	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	7,049
	Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-23,903
	Balance at end of year	$	-16,854

Receivables_net_Tables

Receivables, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables, net
Schedule of changes in the allowance for uncollectible accounts
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	8,417	$	10,072	$	7,520
	Provision charged to expense		2,582		4,487		4,060
	Accounts written off		-1,549		-3,437		-579
	Other		-1,090		-2,705		-929
	Balance at end of year	$	8,360	$	8,417	$	10,072

Variable_Interest_Entities_and1

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments
Schedule of summarized financial information for unconsolidated VIEs and equity method investments
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	FINANCIAL POSITION:
	Current assets	$	542,035	$	611,879
	Noncurrent assets		102,771		25,366
	Total assets	$	644,806	$	637,245
	Current liabilities	$	405,604	$	407,687
	Noncurrent liabilities		1,775		3,119
	Partners’/Owners’ equity		237,427		226,439
	Total liabilities and equity	$	644,806	$	637,245
	CH2M HILL’s share of equity	$	94,340	$	92,287
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
	Revenue	$	2,514,461	$	2,515,747	$	2,787,830
	Direct costs		-2,297,607		-2,305,945		-2,513,302
	Gross margin		216,854		209,802		274,528
	General and administrative expenses		-39,981		-37,880		-39,408
	Operating income		176,873		171,922		235,120
	Other loss, net		-3,663		-6,024		-15,095
	Net income	$	173,210	$	165,898	$	220,025
	CH2M HILL’s share of net income	$	54,918	$	54,010	$	63,674
Schedule of significant investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies	We have the following significant investments in unconsolidated VIEs and equity method investments companies as of December 31, 2014:
		% Ownership
	Domestic:
	AGVIQ - CH2M HILL Joint Venture III/IIIA	49.0	%
	ATCS/CH2M HILL JOINT VENTURE	50.0	%
	CH2M/WG Idaho, LLC	50.5	%
	Clark-Nexsen/CH2M HILL-Norfolk	50.0	%
	Coastal Estuary Services LLC	49.9	%
	Connecting Idaho Partners	49.0	%
	Golden Crossing Constructors JV	33.3	%
	National Security Technologies, LLC	10.0	%
	OMI/Thames Water Stockton, Inc.	50.0	%
	Savannah River Remediation LLC	15.0	%
	URS/CH2M OAK RIDGE LLC (UCOR)	45.0	%
	Washington Closure LLC (River Corridor)	30.0	%
	Foreign:
	A-One+	33.3	%
	Cavendish Dounreay Partnership LTD	30.0	%
	CH2M Olayan	49.0	%
	CH2M HILL BECA, Ltd.	50.0	%
	CH2M HILL-KUNWON PMC	54.0	%
	CHT JV	50.0	%
	Consorcio Integrador Rio de Janeiro	49.0	%
	Consórcio Sondotécnica-Cobrape-CH2M	25.0	%
	Halcrow (Shanghai) Engineering	49.0	%
	Halcrow Hyder	50.0	%
	HWC Treatment Program Alliance Joint Venture	50.0	%
	OMI Beca Ltd.	50.0	%
	SMNM-VECO JV	50.0	%
	Sydney Water Corporation-Odour Program Mgmt Alliance	50.0	%
	Transcend Partners, LTD.	40.0	%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment
Schedule of property, plant and equipment
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Land	$	21,044	$	22,120
	Buildings and land improvements		98,972		93,088
	Furniture and fixtures		27,531		26,560
	Computers and office equipment		158,022		146,645
	Field equipment		140,542		121,186
	Leasehold improvements		80,871		72,759
			526,982		482,358
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-268,822		-255,933
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	258,160	$	226,425

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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		44,813
	Other		955
	Total assets		123,194
	Deferred tax liability		3,632
	Net assets acquired	$	119,562
Schedule of unaudited pro forma combined financial information
			(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)
	($ in thousands expect per share amounts)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Revenue	$	5,436,022	$	6,002,190
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-179,631	$	119,387
	Basic earnings per share	$	-6.36	$	4.01
	Diluted earnings per share	$	-6.36	$	3.97

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Schedule of changes in goodwill
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	573,487	$	562,461
	Acquisitions		44,813		—
	Impairment loss		-64,165		—
	Foreign currency translation		-20,160		11,026
	Balance at end of year	$	533,975	$	573,487
Schedule of components of finite-lived intangible assets
	($ in thousands)			Accumulated		Net finite‑lived
		Cost		Amortization		intangible assets
	December 31, 2014
	Contracted backlog	$	89,313	$	-84,349	$	4,964
	Customer relationships		197,910		-111,970		85,940
	Tradename		4,791		-4,316		475
	Total finite‑lived intangible assets	$	292,014	$	-200,635	$	91,379
	December 31, 2013
	Contracted backlog	$	79,576	$	-70,306	$	9,270
	Customer relationships		162,444		-88,436		74,008
	Tradename		24,588		-11,208		13,380
	Total finite‑lived intangible assets	$	266,608	$	-169,950	$	96,658
Schedule of future estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets	At December 31, 2014, the future estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets is (in thousands):
	Year Ending:
	2015	$	25,770
	2016		20,433
	2017		19,041
	2018		4,764
	2019		4,031
	Thereafter		17,340
		$	91,379

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Schedule of estimated fair values of financial instruments where carrying values do not approximate fair value
		2014				2013
	($ in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Mortgage notes payable	$	8,682	$	7,925	$	10,472	$	9,260
	Equipment financing		11,392		10,747		2,446		2,279

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_1

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt
Schedule of nonrecourse and other long-term debt
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Revolving credit facility, average rate of interest of 1.67%	$	492,551	$	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		8,682		10,472
	Equipment financing, due in monthly installments to September 2021, secured by equipment. These notes bear interest ranging from 0% to 8.84%		11,392		2,446
	Other notes payable		424		1,375
	Total debt	$	513,049	$	391,122
	Less: current portion of debt		5,028		4,099
	Total long-term portion of debt	$	508,021	$	387,023
Schedule of future principal payments on long-term debt	At December 31, 2014, future principal payments on long‑term debt are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending:
	2015	$	5,028
	2016		3,188
	2017		3,243
	2018		3,310
	2019		495,459
	Thereafter		2,821
		$	513,049

Operating_Lease_Obligations_Ta

Operating Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Lease Obligations
Schedule of future minimum lease payments of noncancellable operating leases	At December 31, 2014, future minimum lease payments, without consideration of sublease income, are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending:
	2015	$	95,198
	2016		77,831
	2017		66,181
	2018		47,199
	2019		36,404
	Thereafter		124,755
		$	447,568

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Schedule of income before provision for income taxes
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	U.S. (loss) income	$	-161,951	$	129,049	$	137,033
	Foreign income		-56,792		39,993		8,009
	Income before taxes	$	-218,743	$	169,042	$	145,042
Schedule of provision for income taxes
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Current income tax (benefit)/expense:
	Federal	$	17,660	$	-3,601	$	49,468
	Foreign		14,318		22,475		19,098
	State and local		-1,801		-2,656		7,556
	Total current income tax expense		30,177		16,218		76,122
	Deferred income tax expense/(benefit):
	Federal		-52,852		29,991		-22,481
	Foreign		-10,271		-2,837		2,810
	State		-4,260		7,336		-4,385
	Total deferred income tax benefit		-67,383		34,490		-24,056
	Total income tax expense	$	-37,206	$	50,708	$	52,066
Schedule of reconciliations of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to effective income tax rate
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Pretax income	$	-218,743	$	169,042	$	145,042
	Federal statutory rate		35%		35%		35%
	Expected tax expense		-76,560		59,165		50,765
	Reconciling items:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		-11,498		8,076		4,200
	Non-deductible goodwill impairment		8,881		—		—
	Section 199-domestic manufacturer deduction		—		-3,591		-4,263
	Non-taxable reversal of purchase accounting accrual		-5,459		—		—
	Tax effect of noncontrolling interests		-1,557		-3,488		-7,001
	Permanent expenses		16,221		38,999		3,622
	Foreign tax rate differential		10,765		-12,554		-8,436
	Tax credits		-19,278		-36,948		-5,387
	Change in valuation allowance		35,993		-1,127		17,685
	Change in uncertain tax positions		16,550		—		—
	Other		-11,264		2,176		881
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes	$	-37,206	$	50,708	$	52,066
Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net foreign operating loss carryforwards	$	167,061	$	155,445
	Deferred gain, insurance and other		90,146		14,320
	Credit carryovers		53,225		11,184
	Investments in affiliates		—		—
	Accrued employee benefits		260,026		262,283
	Total deferred tax assets		570,458		443,232
	Valuation allowance		-269,176		-226,970
	Net deferred tax assets		301,282		216,262
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Investments in affiliates		-14,318		-15,827
	Depreciation and amortization		-30,941		-19,465
	Net deferred tax liabilities		-45,259		-35,292
	Net deferred tax assets	$	256,023	$	180,970
Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	24,760
	Additions for current year tax positions		1,862
	Additions for prior year tax positions		8,370
	Reductions for prior year tax positions		-1,604
	Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations		-585
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	32,803
	Additions for current year tax positions		20,264
	Additions for prior year tax positions		3,701
	Reductions for prior year tax positions		-2,296
	Reductions as a result of settlement with tax authority		-5,157
	Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations		-754
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	48,561

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share
Summary of reconciliations of basic and diluted EPS
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	$	-181,537	$	118,334	$	92,976
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted‑average common shares outstanding		28,257		29,612		31,082
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents		—		278		402
	Diluted adjusted weighted‑average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents		28,257		29,890		31,484
	Basic net (loss) income per common share	$	-6.42	$	4.00	$	2.99
	Diluted net (loss) income per common share	$	-6.42	$	3.96	$	2.95

Restructuring_and_Related_Char1

Restructuring and Related Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Charges
Schedule of restructuring charges
		Voluntary Early		Employee Severance
		Retirement		and Termination
	($ in thousands)	Program		Benefits		Facilities Cost		Other		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Provision		30,412		19,128		17,096		3,718		70,354
	Cash Payments		-30,412		-18,068		-1,552		-3,298		-53,330
	Non-cash settlements		—		—		-544		—		-544
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—	$	1,060	$	15,000	$	420	$	16,480

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans
Schedule of activity relating to the 2009 Stock Option Plan
				Weighted Average
	Stock Options:	Number of Shares		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,417,021		$
				50.61
	Granted	638,938		$
				64.81
	Exercised	-545,168		$
				42.90
	Forfeited	-256,040		$
				58.59
	Expired	-55,683		$
				47.38
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,199,068		$
				55.78
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,001,330		$
				50.19
	Available for future grants	2,563,600
Schedule of assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.29	%	0.91	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%
	Expected option life	4.2	Years	4.2	Years
	Expected stock price volatility	11.5	%	12.3	%
Schedule of activity relating to the Phantom Stock Plan
		Number
		of
		Units
	Balance at December 31, 2013	22,897
	Exercised	-5,570
	Forfeited	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	17,327
Schedule of activity relating to the SARs Plan
		Number			Weighted Average
		of Rights			Exercise Price
	Balance at December 31, 2013	23,910			$
					52.88
	Granted	9,771			$
					64.83
	Exercised	-2,963			$
					39.34
	Forfeited	-1,212			$
					57.64
	Balance at December 31, 2014	29,506			$
					58.01
Summary of activity relating to the Restricted Stock Policy and Administration Plan
				Weighted Average
		Non‑vested Shares		Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2013	269,802		$
				51.57
	Granted	268,291		$
				64.92
	Vested	-68,411		$
				52.51
	Cancelled	-121,918		$
				51.86
	Balance at December 31, 2014	347,764		$
				61.58

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Tabl

Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Schedule of significant actuarial weighted average assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations for the plans
		U.S. Pension				Non-U.S.
		Plans				Pension Plans
		2014		2013		2014	2013
	Discount rate	4.30%		5.10%		3.60%	4.40%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.30%		3.30%		3.65%	4.00%
Schedule of target allocation and weighted-average asset allocations for the defined benefit pension plans by asset category
		Target		U.S. Pension Plans			Non-U.S. Pension Plans
		Allocation		2014		2013	2014		2013
	Equity securities	55%		51%		63%	35%		38%
	Debt securities	45%		45%		36%	58%		55%
	Other	0%		4%		1%	7%		7%
	Total	100%		100%		100%	100%		100%
Summary of the fair values of defined benefit pension plan assets by major asset category
		U.S. Pension Plans
					Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant Unobservable
					Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Inputs
	($ in thousands)	Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	December 31, 2014
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,677		$	8,677	$	—		$	—
	Equity funds		99,267			99,267		—			—
	Fixed income securities		88,117			88,117		—			—
	Total	$	196,061		$	196,061	$	—		$	—
	December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,610		$	1,610	$	—		$	—
	Equity funds		108,726			108,726		—			—
	Fixed income securities		61,603			61,603		—			—
	Total	$	171,939		$	171,939	$	—		$	—
		Non-U.S. Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)				Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant
					Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Unobservable Inputs
		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	December 31, 2014
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	17,659		$	15,740	$	1,919		$	—
	Equity funds		273,553			236,964		36,589			—
	Fixed income securities		446,888			387,016		59,872			—
	International property fund		14,794			1,089		12,217			1,488
	Other		23,843			16,963		6,880			—
	Total	$	776,737		$	657,772	$	117,477		$	1,488
	December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	20,543		$	18,380	$	2,163		$	—
	Equity funds		281,191			244,804		36,387			—
	Fixed income securities		407,461			349,941		57,520			—
	International property fund		14,186			1,148		11,708			1,330
	Other		27,762			21,636		6,126			—
	Total	$	751,143		$	635,909	$	113,904		$	1,330
Schedule of expected benefit payments
	($ in thousands)	U.S. Pension			Non-U.S.
		Plans			Pension Plans
	2015	$	14,078		$	43,184
	2016		14,972			41,543
	2017		15,943			42,568
	2018		16,264			44,516
	2019		17,082			46,465
	Thereafter		89,867			256,353
		$	168,206		$	474,629
Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic expense
		U.S. Pension					Non-U.S.
		Plans					Pension Plans
		2014		2013		2012	2014		2013		2012
	Discount rate	5.10%		4.20%		5.30%	4.40%		4.50%		4.90%
	Expected long‑term rate of return on plan assets	6.75%		6.75%		7.50%	4.86%		4.63%		5.81%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.30%		3.00%		3.00%	4.00%		4.00%		4.10%
Schedule of components of the net periodic pension expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense
		U.S. Pension								Non-U.S.
		Plans								Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012			2014		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	3,132		$	3,833	$	3,532		$	3,296	$	4,041	$	2,350
	Interest cost		10,941			10,015		10,592			50,278		47,752		45,628
	Expected return on plan assets		-11,683			-10,801		-10,756			-36,420		-32,440		-36,647
	Amortization of prior service credits		-766			-766		-781			—		—		—
	Recognized net actuarial loss		4,598			7,490		5,546			1,199		931		—
	Net expense included in current income	$	6,222		$	9,771	$	8,133		$	18,353	$	20,284	$	11,331
Schedule of change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans and change in plan assets for the pension plans
		U.S. Pension					Non-U.S.
		Plans					Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	220,860		$	245,077	$	1,147,510		$	1,063,952
	Service cost		3,132			3,833		3,296			4,041
	Interest cost		10,941			10,015		50,278			47,752
	Actuarial loss (gain)		47,220			-26,876		139,313			52,050
	Participant contributions		—			—		341			338
	Currency translation		—			—		-65,637			16,639
	Benefits paid		-13,696			-11,189		-38,558			-37,262
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	268,457		$	220,860	$	1,236,543		$	1,147,510
	Plan assets at beginning of year	$	171,939		$	162,665	$	751,143		$	701,256
	Actual return on plan assets		26,839			12,274		78,094			52,571
	Company contributions		10,979			8,189		27,348			23,120
	Participant contributions		—			—		341			338
	Currency translation		—			—		-41,631			11,120
	Benefits paid		-13,696			-11,189		-38,558			-37,262
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	196,061		$	171,939	$	776,737		$	751,143
Schedule of underfunded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
							Non-U.S.
		U.S. Pension Plans					Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation	$	268,457		$	220,860	$	1,236,543		$	1,147,510
	Fair value of plan assets		196,061			171,939		776,737			751,143
	Overfunded status		—			—		1,908			765
	Underfunded status	$	-72,396		$	-48,921	$	-461,714		$	-397,132
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	Net actuarial loss	$	87,470		$	60,004	$	200,557		$	115,399
	Net prior service cost (credits)		-6,349			-7,115		—			—
	Total	$	81,121		$	52,889	$	200,557		$	115,399
	Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic pension expense:
	Net actuarial loss	$	7,464		$	4,598	$	4,015			1,195
	Net prior service cost (credits)		-766			-766		—			—
	Total	$	6,698		$	3,832	$	4,015			1,195
	Additional information:
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	263,543		$	216,824	$	1,230,352		$	1,139,224
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Schedule of expected benefit payments
	($ in thousands)	Non-Qualified			Postretirement
		Pension Plan			Benefit Plans
	2015	$	289		$	3,120
	2016		283			3,149
	2017		105			3,175
	2018		101			3,237
	2019		97			3,302
	2019-2023		422			17,961
		$	1,297		$	33,944
Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic expense
		Non-Qualified					Postretirement
		Pension Plan					Benefit Plans
		2014		2013		2012	2014		2013		2012
	Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
	Discount rate	5.1%		4.2%		5.3%	5.1%		4.2%		5.3%
	Initial healthcare costs trend rate	na		na		na	na		na		na
	Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate	na		na		na	na		na		na
	Year ultimate trend rate is reached	na		na		na	na		na		na
	na—not applicable
Schedule of components of the net periodic pension expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense
		Non-Qualified								Postretirement
		Pension Plan								Benefit Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012			2014		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	1,058	$	1,816	$	1,828
	Interest cost		78			81		38			2,195		2,196		2,416
	Amortization of transition obligation		—			—		—			—		—		100
	Amortization of prior service (credits) costs		—			—		—			-29		206		341
	Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		—			21		36			-11		336		—
	Net expense included in current income	$	78		$	102	$	74		$	3,213	$	4,554	$	4,685
Schedule of change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans and change in plan assets for the pension plans
		Non-Qualified					Postretirement
		Pension Plan					Benefit Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,608		$	1,994	$	44,336		$	53,686
	Service cost		—			—		1,058			1,816
	Interest cost		78			81		2,195			2,196
	Participant contributions		—			—		2,138			2,001
	Actuarial loss (gain)		106			-341		4,927			-10,907
	Benefits paid		-293			-126		-4,314			-4,456
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	1,499		$	1,608	$	50,340		$	44,336
Schedule of underfunded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
		Non-Qualified					Postretirement
		Pension Plan					Benefit Plans
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation	$	1,499		$	1,608	$	—		$	—
	Accumulated benefit obligation		—			—		50,340			44,336
	Underfunded status	$	-1,499		$	-1,608	$	-50,340		$	-44,336
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	161		$	55	$	2,155		$	-2,784
	Net prior service credit		—			—		-233			-262
	Transition obligation		—			—		—			—
	Total	$	161		$	55	$	1,922		$	-3,046
	Amounts to be recognized in the following year as a component of net periodic cost:
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	1		$	—	$	-7		$	-11
	Net prior service credit		—			—		-29			-29
	Transition obligation		—			—		—			—
	Total	$	1		$	—	$	-36		$	-40

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Information
Summary of gross revenue by market
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Energy	$	1,055,726	$	1,493,222	$	1,782,721
	Environment and Nuclear		1,377,126		1,318,777		1,424,504
	Facilities and Urban Environments		789,528		919,509		878,719
	Transportation		947,395		939,088		962,608
	Water		1,243,694		1,207,223		1,112,001
	Total	$	5,413,469	$	5,877,819	$	6,160,553
Schedule of total U.S. and international revenue
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	U.S.	$	3,806,935	$	3,915,091	$	4,237,918
	International		1,606,534		1,962,728		1,922,635
	Total	$	5,413,469	$	5,877,819	$	6,160,553
Schedule of total U.S. and international plant, property, and equipment, net
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	U.S.	$	215,689	$	183,884	$	131,684
	International		42,471		42,541		80,323
	Total	$	258,160	$	226,425	$	212,007

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies
Schedule of commercial commitments outstanding
		Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
		Less than								Total Amount
	($ in thousands)	1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		Over 5 Years		Committed
	Letters of credit	$	71,844.1	$	20,408.5	$	35,130.8	$	35,018.0	$	162,401.4
	Bank guarantees		32,777.6		2,545.6		553.0		1,035.6		36,911.8
	Surety and bid bonds		783,538.5		527,602.6		22,289.8		50.2		1,333,481.1
	Total	$	888,160.2	$	550,556.7	$	57,973.6	$	36,103.8	$	1,532,794.3

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
Schedule of quarterly financial information
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		For the
	(In thousands except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year Ended
	2014
	Revenue	$	1,279,449	$	1,402,448	$	1,422,537	$	1,309,035	$	5,413,469
	Operating income		-9,546		19,575		-234,903		-116,712		-341,586
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		-6,092		11,450		-131,242		-55,653		-181,537
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	-0.21	$	0.40	$	-4.69	$	-2.01	$	-6.42
	Diluted	$	-0.21	$	0.40	$	-4.69	$	-2.01	$	-6.42
	2013
	Revenue	$	1,447,749	$	1,513,006	$	1,472,603	$	1,444,461	$	5,877,819
	Operating income		13,965		49,086		56,851		72,460		192,362
	Net income attributable to CH2M HILL		7,114		27,496		33,693		50,031		118,334
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.24	$	0.92	$	1.14	$	1.71	$	4.00
	Diluted	$	0.24	$	0.91	$	1.13	$	1.70	$	3.96

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif3

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Common Stock, Shares Authorized		100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, Class A shares authorized		50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, Class A par value (in dollars per share)		$0.01	$0.01
Cash and cash equivalents related to joint ventures		$45,400,000	$112,200,000
Available-for-sale Securities
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
Benefit plans:
Balance at beginning of year		-146,224,000
Reclassification adjustment		-111,869,000
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		2,590,000
Balance at end of year		-255,503,000
Unrealized gain on equity investments:
Balance at beginning of year		212,000
Reclassification adjustment		-185,000
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-27,000
Foreign currency translation:
Balance at beginning of year		7,049,000
Other comprehensive loss recognized during the year		-23,903,000
Balance at end of year		-16,854,000
Pretax reclassification adjustments included in other comprehensive loss related to our benefit plans includes pretax reclassification adjustments		$184,900,000
Minimum
Other Long-Lived Assets
Useful lives of intangible assets		1 year
Maximum
Other Long-Lived Assets
Useful lives of intangible assets		10 years
Buildings | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Useful lives of assets		6 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Useful lives of assets		20 years
Furniture, fixtures, computers, software and other equipment | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Useful lives of assets		3 years
Furniture, fixtures, computers, software and other equipment | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Useful lives of assets		10 years
Leasehold improvements
Property, plant and equipment
Useful lives of assets		10 years

Receivables_net_Details

Receivables, net (Details) (Customer concentration risk, Receivables, U.S. federal government)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Customer concentration risk | Receivables | U.S. federal government
Receivables, net
Percentage of net receivables accounted	12.00%	11.00%

Receivables_net_Allowance_for_

Receivables, net Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts (Details) (Uncollectible Accounts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Uncollectible Accounts
Change in allowance for uncollectible accounts
Balance at beginning of year	$8,417	$10,072	$7,520
Provision charged to expense	2,582	4,487	4,060
Accounts written off	-1,549	-3,437	-579
Other	-1,090	-2,705	-929
Balance at end of year	$8,360	$8,417	$10,072

Variable_Interest_Entities_and2

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable interest entities
Total assets of VIEs not consolidated	$2,941,302,000	$3,056,397,000
Total liabilities of VIEs not consolidated	2,853,734,000	2,413,813,000
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	94,340,000	92,287,000
Consolidated VIEs
Variable interest entities
Total assets of VIEs consolidated	99,900,000	158,600,000
Total liabilities of VIEs consolidated	344,800,000	105,000,000
Unconsolidated VIE's
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$94,300,000	$92,300,000

Variable_Interest_Entities_and3

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments Summarized Financials (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
FINANCIAL POSITION:
Current assets	$1,623,069				$1,855,495				$1,623,069	$1,855,495
Total assets	2,941,302				3,056,397				2,941,302	3,056,397
Current liabilities	1,568,234				1,352,351				1,568,234	1,352,351
Partners'/Owners' equity	212,758				624,420				212,758	624,420
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,941,302				3,056,397				2,941,302	3,056,397
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Revenue	1,309,035	1,422,537	1,402,448	1,279,449	1,444,461	1,472,603	1,513,006	1,447,749	5,413,469	5,877,819	6,160,553
Direct cost of services and overhead									-4,643,540	-4,686,005	-4,967,318
General and administrative									-1,093,121	-1,053,462	-1,098,070
Operating (loss) income	-116,712	-234,903	19,575	-9,546	72,460	56,851	49,086	13,965	-341,586	192,362	158,839
CH2M HILL's share of net income									54,918	54,010	63,674
Unconsolidated VIE's | Equity method investments
FINANCIAL POSITION:
Current assets	542,035				611,879				542,035	611,879
Noncurrent assets	102,771				25,366				102,771	25,366
Total assets	644,806				637,245				644,806	637,245
Current liabilities	405,604				407,687				405,604	407,687
Noncurrent liabilities	1,775				3,119				1,775	3,119
Partners'/Owners' equity	237,427				226,439				237,427	226,439
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	644,806				637,245				644,806	637,245
CH2M HILL's share of equity	94,340				92,287				94,340	92,287
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Revenue									2,514,461	2,515,747	2,787,830
Direct cost of services and overhead									-2,297,607	-2,305,945	-2,513,302
Gross margin									216,854	209,802	274,528
General and administrative									-39,981	-37,880	-39,408
Operating (loss) income									176,873	171,922	235,120
Other loss, net									-3,663	-6,024	-15,095
Net income									173,210	165,898	220,025
CH2M HILL's share of net income									$54,918	$54,010	$63,674

Variable_Interest_Entities_and4

Variable Interest Entities and Equity Method Investments Percent Ownership (Details) (Affiliated unconsolidated companies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Domestic | AGVIQ-CH2M HILL Joint Venture III
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
Domestic | ATCS/CH2M Hill Joint Venture Member
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Domestic | CH2M-WG Idaho, LLC
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.50%
Domestic | Clark-Nexsen/CH2M Hill-Norfolk Member
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Domestic | Coastal Estuary Services
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.90%
Domestic | Connecting Idaho Partners
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
Domestic | Golden Crossing Constructors JV Member
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	33.30%
Domestic | National Security Technologies, LLC
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	10.00%
Domestic | OMI/Thames Water Stockton, Inc. Member
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
Domestic | Savannah River Remediation LLC
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	15.00%
Domestic | URS/CH2M OAK RIDGE LLC
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	45.00%
Domestic | Washington Closure, LLC
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	30.00%
International | A-one+ Integrated Highway Services
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	33.30%
International | Cavendish Dounreay Partnership, Ltd.
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	30.00%
International | CH2M Olayan
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
International | CH2M HILL BECA, Ltd.
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
International | CH2M HILL Kunwon PMC
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	54.00%
International | CHT JV Member
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
International | Consorcio Integrador Rio de Janeiro
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
International | Consorcio Sondotecnica-Cobrape-CH2M
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	25.00%
International | Halcrow (Shanghai) Engineering Consulting Co., LTD
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	49.00%
International | Halcrow Hyder Member
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
International | HWC Treatment Program Alliance Joint Venture
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
International | OMI BECA, Ltd.
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
International | SMNM VECO Joint Venture
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
International | Sydney Water Corporation-Odour Management Program Alliance
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	50.00%
International | Transcend Partners, Ltd.
Investments in affiliated unconsolidated companies
Percentage of ownership in affiliated unconsolidated companies	40.00%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciation expense	$43,100,000	$39,100,000	$41,000,000
Property, plant and equipment, gross	526,982,000	482,358,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-268,822,000	-255,933,000
Net property, plant and equipment	258,160,000	226,425,000	212,007,000
Land
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	21,044,000	22,120,000
Building and land improvements
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	98,972,000	93,088,000
Furniture and fixtures
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	27,531,000	26,560,000
Computer and office equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	158,022,000	146,645,000
Field equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	140,542,000	121,186,000
Leasehold improvements
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$80,871,000	$72,759,000

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Assets_D

Employee Benefit Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Employee Benefit Plan Assets
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	$86.50	$80

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Apr. 04, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Estimated fair values of the net assets acquired
Goodwill	$533,975,000			$573,487,000	$562,461,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Net cash outflow to acquire remaining outstanding partnership interest	87,607,000
TERA
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
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	84,600,000
Operating income	10,600,000
Estimated fair values of the net assets acquired
Current assets			19,551,000
Plant, property, and equipment			2,465,000
Finite-lived intangible assets			55,410,000
Goodwill			44,813,000
Other			955,000
Total assets			123,194,000
Deferred tax liability			3,632,000
Net assets acquired			119,562,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue	5,436,022,000			6,002,190,000
Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	-179,631,000			119,387,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	($6.36)			$4.01
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	($6.36)			$3.97
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		1,000,000
TERA | Customer relationships
Estimated fair values of the net assets acquired
Finite-lived intangible assets			43,100,000
Useful lives			10 years
TERA | Contracted backlog
Estimated fair values of the net assets acquired
Finite-lived intangible assets			11,500,000
Useful lives			1 year
TERA | Tradename
Estimated fair values of the net assets acquired
Finite-lived intangible assets			$800,000
Useful lives			2 years

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in goodwill
Balance at beginning of period	$573,487	$562,461
Acquisitions	44,813
Impairment loss	-64,165
Foreign currency translation	-20,160	11,026
Balance at end of period	$533,975	$573,487

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Amortization (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2014
	item
Intangible assets with finite lives
Cost	$292,014,000	$266,608,000
Accumulated Amortization	-200,635,000	-169,950,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	91,379,000	96,658,000
Finite-lived intangible assets
Amortization expense	46,300,000	35,400,000	38,600,000
Number of reporting units	8
Goodwill impairment loss	64,165,000
Goodwill	533,975,000	573,487,000	562,461,000
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets
2015	25,770,000
2016	20,433,000
2017	19,041,000
2018	4,764,000
2019	4,031,000
Thereafter	17,340,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	91,379,000	96,658,000
Minimum
Finite-lived intangible assets
Useful lives of intangible assets	1 year
Maximum
Finite-lived intangible assets
Useful lives of intangible assets	10 years
Power Unit, Energy Market
Finite-lived intangible assets
Goodwill impairment loss	36,400,000
Goodwill				113,500,000
Industrial and Advanced Technology Unit, Facilities and Urban Environments market
Finite-lived intangible assets
Goodwill impairment loss	27,800,000
Goodwill				309,100,000
Contracted backlog
Intangible assets with finite lives
Cost	89,313,000	79,576,000
Accumulated Amortization	-84,349,000	-70,306,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	4,964,000	9,270,000
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets
Net finite-lived intangible assets	4,964,000	9,270,000
Customer relationships
Intangible assets with finite lives
Cost	197,910,000	162,444,000
Accumulated Amortization	-111,970,000	-88,436,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	85,940,000	74,008,000
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets
Net finite-lived intangible assets	85,940,000	74,008,000
Tradename
Intangible assets with finite lives
Cost	4,791,000	24,588,000
Accumulated Amortization	-4,316,000	-11,208,000
Net finite-lived intangible assets	475,000	13,380,000
Future estimated amortization expense of intangible assets
Net finite-lived intangible assets	475,000	13,380,000
Tradename | Power Unit, Energy Market
Finite-lived intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets	$9,100,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments
Fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale	$1,000,000
Carrying Amount | Mortgage notes payable
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments
Long-term debt		8,682,000	10,472,000
Carrying Amount | Equipment lease
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments
Long-term debt		11,392,000	2,446,000
Fair Value | Level 2 | Mortgage notes payable
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments
Long-term debt		7,925,000	9,260,000
Fair Value | Level 2 | Equipment lease
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments
Long-term debt		10,747,000	2,279,000
Fair Value | Level 1
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments
Fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale	$1,000,000		$1,100,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Foreign Exchange Contracts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2.9
Maximum
Derivative financial instruments
Term of forward foreign exchange contracts	5 years	5 years

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_2

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 28, 2014
Long-term debt
Total debt	$513,049,000	$513,049,000		$391,122,000
Less: current portion of debt	5,028,000	5,028,000		4,099,000
Total long-term portion of debt	508,021,000	508,021,000		387,023,000
First Amendment to Credit Agreement
Line of credit
Maximum borrowing capacity					1,100,000
Additional borrowing capacity, option to increase	350,000,000	350,000,000
Maximum available for the issuance of standby letters of credit after amendment	750,000,000	750,000,000
Maximum subfacility available for multicurrency borrowings	300,000,000	300,000,000
Remaining unused borrowing capacity available under the credit facility	200,000,000	200,000,000
Average rate of interest (as a percent)	1.67%	1.67%
Amount outstanding under letters of credit, and bank guarantee facilities	199,300,000	199,300,000		201,900,000
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
Required proforma leverage threshold through 2015		3
Required proforma leverage threshold thereafter		2.75
Long-term debt
Total debt	492,551,000	492,551,000		376,829,000
First Amendment to Credit Agreement | Maximum
Line of credit
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
Payment of dividends		100,000,000
Percentage of sale proceeds of assets utilized to repurchase stock	50.00%	50.00%
First Amendment to Credit Agreement | Minimum
Line of credit
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio			3
Mortgage notes payable
Long-term debt
Total debt	8,682,000	8,682,000		10,472,000
Mortgage Payable Due December 2015 Member
Long-term debt
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)	5.35%	5.35%
Mortgage Payable Due June 2020 Member
Long-term debt
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)	6.59%	6.59%
Equipment lease
Long-term debt
Minimum interest rate on notes (as a percent)		0.00%
Maximum interest rate on notes (as a percent)		8.84%
Total debt	11,392,000	11,392,000		2,446,000
Other notes payable
Long-term debt
Total debt	$424,000	$424,000		$1,375,000

Revolving_Credit_Facility_and_3

Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt Future Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future principal payments on long-term debt
2015	$5,028
2016	3,188
2017	3,243
2018	3,310
2019	495,459
Thereafter	2,821
Total debt	$513,049	$391,122

Operating_Lease_Obligations_De

Operating Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Future minimum lease payments of noncancellable operating leases
2014	$95,198,000
2015	77,831,000
2016	66,181,000
2017	47,199,000
2018	36,404,000
Thereafter	124,755,000
Total future minimum lease payments of noncancellable operating leases	447,568,000
Rental expense	121,100,000	121,200,000	125,800,000
Amortization of a deferred gain related to sale-leaseback of corporate offices	$4,300,000	$4,300,000	$4,300,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income before provision for income taxes
U.S. (loss) income	($161,951,000)	$129,049,000	$137,033,000
Foreign income	-56,792,000	39,993,000	8,009,000
Income before taxes	-218,743,000	169,042,000	145,042,000
Current income tax (benefit) / expense:
Federal	17,660,000	-3,601,000	49,468,000
Foreign	14,318,000	22,475,000	19,098,000
State and local	-1,801,000	-2,656,000	7,556,000
Total current income tax expense	30,177,000	16,218,000	76,122,000
Deferred income tax expense / (benefit):
Federal	-52,852,000	29,991,000	-22,481,000
Foreign	-10,271,000	-2,837,000	2,810,000
State	-4,260,000	7,336,000	-4,385,000
Total deferred income tax benefit	-67,383,000	34,490,000	-24,056,000
Total income tax expense	-37,206,000	50,708,000	52,066,000
Reconciliations of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to effective income tax rate
Pretax income	-218,743,000	169,042,000	145,042,000
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	24.50%	30.00%
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Expected tax expense	-76,560,000	59,165,000	50,765,000
Reconciling items:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	-11,498,000	8,076,000	4,200,000
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	8,881,000
Section 199-domestic manufacturer deduction		-3,591,000	-4,263,000
Non-taxable reversal of purchase accounting accrual	-5,459,000
Tax effect of noncontrolling interests	-1,557,000	-3,488,000	-7,001,000
Permanent expenses	16,221,000	38,999,000	3,622,000
Foreign tax rate differential	10,765,000	-12,554,000	-8,436,000
Tax credits	-19,278,000	-36,948,000	-5,387,000
Change in valuation allowance	35,993,000	-1,127,000	17,685,000
Change in uncertain tax positions	16,550,000
Other	-11,264,000	2,176,000	881,000
Total income tax expense	-37,206,000	50,708,000	52,066,000
Deferred tax assets:
Net foreign operating loss carryforwards	167,061,000	155,445,000
Deferred gain, insurance and other	90,146,000	14,320,000
Credit carryovers	53,225,000	11,184,000
Accrued employee benefits	260,026,000	262,283,000
Total deferred tax assets	570,458,000	443,232,000
Valuation allowance	-269,176,000	-226,970,000
Net deferred tax assets	301,282,000	216,262,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investments in affiliates	-14,318,000	-15,827,000
Depreciation and amortization	-30,941,000	-19,465,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	-45,259,000	-35,292,000
Net deferred tax assets	256,023,000	180,970,000
Operating loss carryforwards from foreign operations and employee benefits	485,600,000	469,900,000
Minimum period operating losses carry forwards in foreign jurisdiction	3 years
Income taxes
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	331,200,000
Cash held in international accounts	99,200,000	247,800,000
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation awards reflected as additional paid-in capital	7,600,000	6,100,000	10,700,000
Liability for uncertain tax positions and accrued interest	34,200,000	38,500,000
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	7,000,000	6,800,000
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions
Beginning balance	32,803,000	24,760,000
Additions for current year tax positions	20,264,000	1,862,000
Additions for prior year tax positions	3,701,000	8,370,000
Reductions for prior year tax positions	-2,296,000	-1,604,000
Reductions as a result of settlement with taxing authority	-5,157,000
Reductions as a result of lapse of applicable statue of expirations	-754,000	-585,000
Ending balance	48,561,000	32,803,000	24,760,000
Estimated range of unrecognized change, minimum	0
Estimated range of unrecognized change, maximum	3,700,000
Tax credit carryforward through 2032
Tax credit carryforward
Tax credit carryforward	600,000
Tax credit carryforward through 2033
Tax credit carryforward
Tax credit carryforward	800,000
Foreign | Tax credit carryforward through 2022
Tax credit carryforward
Tax credit carryforward	8,200,000
Foreign | Tax credit carryforward through 2023
Tax credit carryforward
Tax credit carryforward	11,100,000
Foreign | Tax credit carryforward through 2024
Tax credit carryforward
Tax credit carryforward	$30,000,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net (loss) income attributable to CH2M HILL	($55,653)	($131,242)	$11,450	($6,092)	$50,031	$33,693	$27,496	$7,114	($181,537)	$118,334	$92,976
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding									28,256,864	29,612,309	31,081,679
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares)										278,000	402,000
Diluted adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming conversion of common stock equivalents									28,256,864	29,889,844	31,483,901
Basic net (loss) income per common share (in dollars per share)	($2.01)	($4.69)	$0.40	($0.21)	$1.71	$1.14	$0.92	$0.24	($6.42)	$4	$2.99
Diluted net (loss) income per common share (in dollars per share)	($2.01)	($4.69)	$0.40	($0.21)	$1.70	$1.13	$0.91	$0.24	($6.42)	$3.96	$2.95
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									226,000

Restructuring_and_Related_Char2

Restructuring and Related Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring reserve
Provision	$70,354,000
Cash Payments	-53,330,000
Non-cash settlements	-544,000
Balance at the end of the period	16,480,000
Maximum
Restructuring Charges
Pre-tax restructuring charges	120,000,000
Voluntary early retirement program
Restructuring reserve
Provision	30,412,000
Cash Payments	-30,412,000
Employee severance and termination benefits
Restructuring reserve
Provision	19,128,000
Cash Payments	-18,068,000
Balance at the end of the period	1,060,000
Facilities cost
Restructuring reserve
Provision	17,096,000
Cash Payments	-1,552,000
Non-cash settlements	-544,000
Balance at the end of the period	15,000,000
Other Expense
Restructuring reserve
Provision	3,718,000
Cash Payments	-3,298,000
Balance at the end of the period	$420,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Deferre

Employee Benefit Plans Deferred Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Executive Retirement and Retention Plan ("SERRP")
Deferred compensation plans
Compensation expense	$0	$1.50	$2
Nonqualified deferred compensation plans
Deferred compensation plans
Compensation expense	0.3	1.4	2.7
Number of nonqualified plans	2
Amounts due under deferred compensation plans	$94.40	$89.20
Death Benefit Only Plan
Deferred compensation plans
Multiple of base salary as payment on death of participants	5

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Stock_O

Employee Benefit Plans Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	7-May-12	Dec. 31, 2009
Stock Option Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of shares reserved				5,500,000	3,000,000
Expiration term	5 years
Stock options, Number of Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	2,417,021
Granted (in shares)	638,938
Exercised (in shares)	-545,168
Forfeited (in shares)	-256,040
Expired (in shares)	-55,683
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	2,199,068	2,417,021
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	1,001,330
Available for future grants (in shares)	2,563,600
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$50.61
Granted (in dollars per share)	$64.81
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$42.90
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$58.59
Expired (in dollars per share)	$47.38
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$55.78	$50.61
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$50.19
Outstanding weighted -average remaining contractual term at the end the period	2 years 8 months 12 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term for options vested	1 year 6 months	1 year 6 months
Weighted-average remaining contractual term of options exercisable	1 year 8 months 12 days	1 year 8 months 12 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$7.72	$6.99
Additional share-based compensation information
Outstanding aggregate intrinsic value at the end of the period (in dollars)	$900,000	$26,900,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	900,000	17,100,000
Cash received from the exercises of stock option	5,000,000	4,800,000	5,200,000
Minimum ownership period for tendering shares to satisfy exercise price and tax withholding obligation	6 months
Intrinsic value of option exercises (in dollars)	9,900,000	12,200,000	18,000,000
Assumption of measure fair value of options
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.29%	0.91%
Expected option life	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 2 months 12 days
Expected stock price volatility (as a percent)	11.50%	12.30%
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures
Total compensation cost recognized	3,500,000	3,700,000	2,100,000
Remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested awards	5,600,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period	1 year 7 months 6 days
Stock Option Plans | Awards exercisable after one year from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%
Stock Option Plans | Awards exercisable after two years from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%
Stock Option Plans | Awards exercisable after three years from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	50.00%
Payroll Deduction Stock Purchase Plan ("PDSPP")
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures
Total compensation cost recognized	0	0	0
Percentage of market value of common stock as of the date of purchase	90.00%
Maximum percentage of payroll deductions on annual compensation	15.00%
Maximum dollar amount of common stock that an employee may purchase in any calendar year	25,000
Shares issued	415,577	464,514	540,134
Proceeds from issuance	22,400,000	24,800,000	26,300,000
Phantom Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures
Total compensation cost recognized	0	0	0
Percentage of awards vested on the date of grant	100%
Minimum period after the grant date to redeem shares	6 months
Stock activity other than options
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	22,897
Granted (in shares)	0		711
Exercised (in shares)	-5,570
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	17,327	22,897
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)			$57.01
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Expiration term	5 years
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures
Total compensation cost recognized	0	200,000	100,000
Stock activity other than options
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	23,910
Granted (in shares)	9,771
Exercised (in shares)	-2,963
Forfeited/Cancelled (in shares)	-1,212
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	29,506	23,910
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$52.88
Granted (in dollars per share)	$64.83
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$39.34
Forfeited/Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$57.64
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$58.01	$52.88
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan | Awards exercisable after one year from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan | Awards exercisable after two years from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	25.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan | Awards exercisable after three years from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards	50.00%
Annual Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures
Total compensation cost recognized	0	0
Fair value of shares	$69.43
Accrued compensation expense	100,000
Shares issued	1,396
Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures
Total compensation cost recognized	6,400,000	4,100,000	7,200,000
The period over which long-term goals are assessed to determine eligibility for the award under the plan	3 years
Shares issued	66,528	235,590	304,736
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$69.43	$57.22	$57.01
Restricted Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Additional Disclosures
Total compensation cost recognized	0	4,200,000	6,700,000
Remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested awards	$4,300,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period	1 year 4 months 17 days
Stock activity other than options
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	269,802
Granted (in shares)	268,291	122,009	163,469
Vested (in shares)	-68,411
Cancelled (in shares)	-121,918
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	347,764	269,802
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$51.57
Granted (in dollars per share)	$64.92	$59.23	$54.96
Vested (in dollars per share)	$52.51
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$51.86
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$61.58	$51.57

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Deta

Employee Retirement Plans (Details) (The Retirement and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan ("401(k) Plan"), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expenses related to defined contributions made in common stock for 401(k) Plan	$48.50	$36.50	$45.50
Maximum
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution limit per calendar quarter to 401 (k) plan (as a percent of base compensation)	6.00%

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Expe

Employee Retirement Plans Expected Future Services Paid (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	plan
U.S. Pension Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans	3
Number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans discontinued	2
Number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans remains active	1
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.10%	4.20%	5.30%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	6.75%	6.75%	7.50%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.30%	3.00%	3.00%
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense
Service costs	$3,132	$3,833	$3,532
Interest costs	10,941	10,015	10,592
Expected return on plan assets	-11,683	-10,801	-10,756
Amortization of prior service cost (credits)	-766	-766	-781
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	4,598	7,490	5,546
Net expense included in current income	6,222	9,771	8,133
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows
2015	14,078
2016	14,972
2017	15,943
2018	16,264
2019	17,082
Thereafter	89,867
Total expected future benefit payments	168,206
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.40%	4.50%	4.90%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	4.86%	4.63%	5.81%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	4.00%	4.00%	4.10%
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense
Service costs	3,296	4,041	2,350
Interest costs	50,278	47,752	45,628
Expected return on plan assets	-36,420	-32,440	-36,647
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	1,199	931
Net expense included in current income	18,353	20,284	11,331
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows
2015	43,184
2016	41,543
2017	42,568
2018	44,516
2019	46,465
Thereafter	256,353
Total expected future benefit payments	474,629
Non-Qualified Pension Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.10%	4.20%	5.30%
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense
Interest costs	78	81	38
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		21	36
Net expense included in current income	78	102	74
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows
2015	289
2016	283
2017	105
2018	101
2019	97
Thereafter	422
Total expected future benefit payments	1,297
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the net benefit expense
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.10%	4.20%	5.30%
Components of the pension benefit expense, non-qualified pension benefit expense and post-retirement benefit expense
Service costs	1,058	1,816	1,828
Interest costs	2,195	2,196	2,416
Amortization of transition obligation			100
Amortization of prior service cost (credits)	-29	206	341
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	-11	336
Net expense included in current income	3,213	4,554	4,685
Expected future services paid from plan assets and operating cash flows
2015	3,120
2016	3,149
2017	3,175
2018	3,237
2019	3,302
Thereafter	17,961
Total expected future benefit payments	$33,944

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Chan

Employee Retirement Plans Change in Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)	$136,600,000
Pension Plans | Minimum
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Company contributions expected to be funded for calendar year 2014	39,200,000
Target Allocation
Period investments in domestic and international equity securities are utilized with the expectation of higher rate of return than debt securities	5 years
Pension Plans | Maximum
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Company contributions expected to be funded for calendar year 2014	44,400,000
Target Allocation
Period investments in domestic and international equity securities are utilized with the expectation of higher rate of return than debt securities	10 years
U.S. Pension Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.30%	5.10%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.30%	3.30%
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	220,860,000	245,077,000
Service costs	3,132,000	3,833,000	3,532,000
Interest costs	10,941,000	10,015,000	10,592,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	47,220,000	-26,876,000
Benefits paid	-13,696,000	-11,189,000
Benefit obligation at end of year	268,457,000	220,860,000	245,077,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans
Plan assets at beginning of year	171,939,000	162,665,000
Actual return on plan assets	26,839,000	12,274,000
Company contributions	10,979,000	8,189,000
Benefits paid	-13,696,000	-11,189,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	196,061,000	171,939,000	162,665,000
Target Allocation
Total (as a percent)	100.00%
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity securities
Target Allocation
Total (as a percent)	55.00%
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	51.00%	63.00%
U.S. Pension Plans | Debt securities
Target Allocation
Total (as a percent)	45.00%
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	45.00%	36.00%
U.S. Pension Plans | Other
Target Allocation
Total (as a percent)	0.00%
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	4.00%	1.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.60%	4.40%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.65%	4.00%
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,147,510,000	1,063,952,000
Service costs	3,296,000	4,041,000	2,350,000
Interest costs	50,278,000	47,752,000	45,628,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	139,313,000	52,050,000
Participant contributions	341,000	338,000
Currency translation	-65,637,000	16,639,000
Benefits paid	-38,558,000	-37,262,000
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,236,543,000	1,147,510,000	1,063,952,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans
Plan assets at beginning of year	751,143,000	701,256,000
Actual return on plan assets	78,094,000	52,571,000
Company contributions	27,348,000	23,120,000
Participant contributions	341,000	338,000
Currency translation	-41,631,000	11,120,000
Benefits paid	-38,558,000	-37,262,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	776,737,000	751,143,000	701,256,000
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Equity securities
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	35.00%	38.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Debt securities
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	58.00%	55.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Other
Change in plan assets for the pension plans
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	23,843,000	27,762,000
Weighted average asset actual allocations for the benefit plans
Total (as a percent)	7.00%	7.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Minimum
Target Allocation
Target allocation period	5 years
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Maximum
Target Allocation
Target allocation period	10 years
Non-Qualified Pension Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.30%	5.10%
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,608,000	1,994,000
Interest costs	78,000	81,000	38,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	106,000	-341,000
Benefits paid	-293,000	-126,000
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,499,000	1,608,000	1,994,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans
Benefits paid	-293,000	-126,000
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to compute the benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.30%	5.10%
Summarizes the change in benefit obligation for the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	44,336,000	53,686,000
Service costs	1,058,000	1,816,000	1,828,000
Interest costs	2,195,000	2,196,000	2,416,000
Plan contributions	2,138,000	2,001,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	4,927,000	-10,907,000
Benefits paid	-4,314,000	-4,456,000
Benefit obligation at end of year	50,340,000	44,336,000	53,686,000
Change in plan assets for the pension plans
Benefits paid	($4,314,000)	($4,456,000)

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Tota

Employee Retirement Plans Total Investments Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
U.S. Pension Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	$196,061	$171,939	$162,665
U.S. Pension Plans | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	196,061	171,939
U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	8,677	1,610
U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	8,677	1,610
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity funds
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	99,267	108,726
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity funds | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	99,267	108,726
U.S. Pension Plans | Fixed income securities
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	88,117	61,603
U.S. Pension Plans | Fixed income securities | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	88,117	61,603
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	776,737	751,143	701,256
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	657,772	635,909
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Level 2
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	117,477	113,904
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Level 3
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	1,488	1,330
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	17,659	20,543
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	15,740	18,380
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	1,919	2,163
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Equity funds
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	273,553	281,191
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Equity funds | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	236,964	244,804
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Equity funds | Level 2
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	36,589	36,387
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Fixed income securities
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	446,888	407,461
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Fixed income securities | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	387,016	349,941
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Fixed income securities | Level 2
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	59,872	57,520
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | International property fund
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	14,794	14,186
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | International property fund | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	1,089	1,148
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | International property fund | Level 2
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	12,217	11,708
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | International property fund | Level 3
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	1,488	1,330
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Other
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	23,843	27,762
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Other | Level 1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	16,963	21,636
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Other | Level 2
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Total investment assets at fair value	$6,880	$6,126

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Fund

Employee Retirement Plans Funded Status (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. Pension Plans
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Projected benefit obligation	$268,457	$220,860	$245,077
Accumulated benefit obligation	263,543	216,824
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	196,061	171,939	162,665
Underfunded status	-72,396	-48,921
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	87,470	60,004
Net prior service cost (credits)	-6,349	-7,115
Total	81,121	52,889
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	7,464	4,598
Net prior service cost (credits)	-766	-766
Total	6,698	3,832
Additional information:
Accumulated benefit obligation	263,543	216,824
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Projected benefit obligation	1,236,543	1,147,510	1,063,952
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,230,352	1,139,224
Fair value of employee benefit plan assets	776,737	751,143	701,256
Overfunded status	-1,908	-765
Underfunded status	-461,714	-397,132
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	200,557	115,399
Total	200,557	115,399
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	4,015	1,195
Total	4,015	1,195
Additional information:
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,230,352	1,139,224
Non-Qualified Pension Plans
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Projected benefit obligation	1,499	1,608	1,994
Underfunded status	-1,499	-1,608
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	161	55
Total	161	55
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1
Total	1
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Funded status of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans
Projected benefit obligation	50,340	44,336	53,686
Accumulated benefit obligation	50,340	44,336
Underfunded status	-50,340	-44,336
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	2,155	-2,784
Net prior service cost (credits)	-233	-262
Total	1,922	-3,046
Amounts to be recognized in next fiscal year as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	-7	-11
Net prior service cost (credits)	-29	-29
Total	-36	-40
Additional information:
Accumulated benefit obligation	$50,340	$44,336

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Mult

Employee Retirement Plans Multiemployer Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Multiemployer Plans
Contributions by employer	$4.10	$5.70	$6.10

Changes_in_ProjectRelated_Esti1

Changes in Project-Related Estimates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes in project-related estimates
Reserves for project related losses		$222.40	$222.40	$8.40	$222.40
Reserves for project related losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest		91.8	91.8		91.8
Fixed Price Contract | Northeastern United States
Changes in project-related estimates
Charge to operations due to changes in cost estimates	52.5	11.9
Fixed Price Contract | Southwestern United States
Changes in project-related estimates
Charge to operations due to changes in cost estimates			38.7
Reserves for project related losses		36.2	36.2		36.2
Fixed Price Contract | Western United States
Changes in project-related estimates
Loss recorded				40.9
Facilities and Urban Environments Project | Europe
Changes in project-related estimates
Charge to operations due to changes in cost estimates			17.8
Consortium Contract | Australia
Changes in project-related estimates
Charge to operations due to changes in cost estimates					110	170
Loss recorded					55	85
Reserves for project related losses		280	280		280
Corporate Joint Venture [Member] | Consortium Contract | Australia
Changes in project-related estimates
Ownership percentage in the joint venture partnership			50.00%
Total contract value of the project allocated to the joint venture		$470	$470		$470
Percentage of completion of the project		35.00%	35.00%		35.00%

Segment_Information_Gross_Reve

Segment Information Gross Revenue by Market (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2015
									segment			item
Segment Information
Number of segments									1
Gross revenue by market
Revenues	$1,309,035	$1,422,537	$1,402,448	$1,279,449	$1,444,461	$1,472,603	$1,513,006	$1,447,749	$5,413,469	$5,877,819	$6,160,553
Subsequent event
Gross revenue by market
Number of business groups												5
Water
Gross revenue by market
Revenues									1,243,694	1,207,223	1,112,001
Environmental and Nuclear
Gross revenue by market
Revenues									1,377,126	1,318,777	1,424,504
Energy
Gross revenue by market
Revenues									1,055,726	1,493,222	1,782,721
Transportation
Gross revenue by market
Revenues									947,395	939,088	962,608
Facilities and Urban Environments
Gross revenue by market
Revenues									$789,528	$919,509	$878,719

Segment_Information_Percent_of

Segment Information Percent of Revenues (Details) (Government Contracts Concentration Risk, Revenue, U.S. federal government)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Government Contracts Concentration Risk | Revenue | U.S. federal government
Revenue concentration
Percentage of benchmark derived from specified source	21.00%	18.00%	18.00%

Segment_Information_US_and_Int

Segment Information U.S. and International Revenue (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total U.S. and international revenue
Revenue	$1,309,035	$1,422,537	$1,402,448	$1,279,449	$1,444,461	$1,472,603	$1,513,006	$1,447,749	$5,413,469	$5,877,819	$6,160,553
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	258,160				226,425				258,160	226,425	212,007
Domestic
Total U.S. and international revenue
Revenue									3,806,935	3,915,091	4,237,918
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	215,689				183,884				215,689	183,884	131,684
International
Total U.S. and international revenue
Revenue									1,606,534	1,962,728	1,922,635
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$42,471				$42,541				$42,471	$42,541	$80,323

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Commercial Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Commercial Guarantee Commitments
Less than 1 year	$888,160,200
1-3 Years	550,556,700
4-5 Years	57,973,600
Over 5 Years	36,103,800
Total Amount Committed	1,532,794,300
Letters of credit
Commercial Guarantee Commitments
Less than 1 year	71,844,100
1-3 Years	20,408,500
4-5 Years	35,130,800
Over 5 Years	35,018,000
Total Amount Committed	162,401,400
Bank guarantees
Commercial Guarantee Commitments
Less than 1 year	32,777,600
1-3 Years	2,545,600
4-5 Years	553,000
Over 5 Years	1,035,600
Total Amount Committed	36,911,800
Surety and bid bonds
Commercial Guarantee Commitments
Less than 1 year	783,538,500
1-3 Years	527,602,600
4-5 Years	22,289,800
Over 5 Years	50,200
Total Amount Committed	$1,333,481,100

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Loss Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2007	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2010	31-May-07	Dec. 31, 2014
		employee	employee							item
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accruals for potential estimated claim liabilities								$15.50			$16.30
Hanford Tank Farm
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
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	18.5
Criminal charges	0
DynaCorp
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Profit sharing (as a percent)						30.00%
Damages				43	26
Counter damages				98
CWI | DOL
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages							40.1
Ownership (as a percent)								50.50%
Incentive fee deficiency								30
Halcrow | Carnival Member
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of piers										2
Eroding limits U.S. Legacy professional liability policy											5
Damages									$21

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Purchase Price Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Purchase price adjustments
Operating lease payments due			$447,568,000
Payment on termination of lease obligation	27,033,000
Gain on termination of lease obligations	-15,468,000
Halcrow | Equipment lease
Purchase price adjustments
Capital lease and related obligations				66,100,000
Operating lease payments due				36,800,000
Termination of obligation under the lease		66,100,000
Payment on termination of lease obligation		27,000,000
Gain on termination of lease obligations		$15,500,000

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
Revenue	$1,309,035	$1,422,537	$1,402,448	$1,279,449	$1,444,461	$1,472,603	$1,513,006	$1,447,749	$5,413,469	$5,877,819	$6,160,553
Operating income	-116,712	-234,903	19,575	-9,546	72,460	56,851	49,086	13,965	-341,586	192,362	158,839
Net income attributable to CH2M HILL	($55,653)	($131,242)	$11,450	($6,092)	$50,031	$33,693	$27,496	$7,114	($181,537)	$118,334	$92,976
Net income per common share
Basic (in dollars per share)	($2.01)	($4.69)	$0.40	($0.21)	$1.71	$1.14	$0.92	$0.24	($6.42)	$4	$2.99
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($2.01)	($4.69)	$0.40	($0.21)	$1.70	$1.13	$0.91	$0.24	($6.42)	$3.96	$2.95