Granite Construction (GVA) 10-Q 29 Jul 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 27, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INC
Entity Central Index Key	861,459
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		39,597,687

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents ($50,065, $46,210 and $46,963 related to consolidated construction joint ventures (“CCJVs”))	$ 161,218	$ 252,836	$ 188,147
Short-term marketable securities	34,959	25,043	17,560
Receivables, net ($59,923, $45,734 and $36,978 related to CCJVs)	431,127	340,822	362,336
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	86,025	59,070	60,093
Inventories	64,711	55,553	71,022
Equity in construction joint ventures	245,509	224,689	209,016
Other current assets ($8,940, $4,863 and $2,562 related to CCJVs)	31,949	26,985	33,885
Total current assets	1,055,498	984,998	942,059
Property and equipment, net ($13,420, $5,378 and $7,474 related to CCJVs)	409,860	385,129	391,989
Long-term marketable securities	42,653	80,652	70,508
Investments in affiliates	34,517	33,182	32,655
Goodwill	53,799	53,799	53,799
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	5,407	4,329	32,616
Other noncurrent assets	84,095	84,789	74,912
Total assets	1,685,829	1,626,878	1,598,538
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	14,795	14,800	22
Accounts payable ($25,061, $11,909 and $12,554 related to CCJVs)	210,923	157,571	170,474
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ($18,687, $15,768 and $23,947 related to CCJVs)	90,484	92,515	106,086
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($1,529, $1,171 and $1,388 related to CCJVs)	212,986	200,935	201,259
Total current liabilities	529,188	465,821	477,841
Long-term debt	241,907	244,323	269,566
Other long-term liabilities	45,719	46,613	42,851
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares, none outstanding	0	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 39,597,469 shares as of June 30, 2016, 39,412,877 shares as of December 31, 2015 and 39,372,298 shares as of June 30, 2015	396	394	394
Additional paid-in capital	145,972	140,912	137,012
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,811)	(1,500)	(798)
Retained earnings	691,924	699,431	650,357
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders’ equity	836,481	839,237	786,965
Non-controlling interests	32,534	30,884	21,315
Total equity	869,015	870,121	808,280
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,685,829	$ 1,626,878	$ 1,598,538

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Con

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Assets and Liabilities) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 161,218	$ 252,836	$ 188,147
Other Assets, Current	31,949	26,985	33,885
Property and equipment, net	409,860	385,129	391,989
Accounts payable	210,923	157,571	170,474
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	90,484	92,515	106,086
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	212,986	200,935	201,259
Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	50,065	46,210	46,963
Receivables, Net	59,923	45,734	36,978
Other Assets, Current	8,940	4,863	2,562
Property and equipment, net	13,420	5,378	7,474
Accounts payable	25,061	11,909	12,554
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	18,687	15,768	23,947
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 1,529	$ 1,171	$ 1,388

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Co4

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Equity) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	39,597,469	39,412,877	39,372,298
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	39,597,469	39,412,877	39,372,298

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Revenue
Construction	$ 331,346	$ 305,605	$ 540,833	$ 494,125
Large Project Construction	197,322	182,893	392,771	373,198
Construction Materials	75,911	80,744	110,427	122,168
Total revenue	604,579	569,242	1,044,031	989,491
Cost of revenue
Construction	282,290	266,721	464,844	434,646
Large Project Construction	183,668	168,414	365,612	341,183
Construction Materials	65,420	69,907	101,129	110,533
Total cost of revenue	531,378	505,042	931,585	886,362
Gross profit	73,201	64,200	112,446	103,129
Selling, general and administrative expenses	48,705	47,526	104,838	98,549
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(1,366)	(475)	(1,966)	(1,286)
Operating income	25,862	17,149	9,574	5,866
Other (income) expense
Interest income	(798)	(528)	(1,634)	(970)
Interest expense	3,187	3,985	6,236	7,481
Equity in income of affiliates	(717)	(670)	(2,159)	(607)
Other income, net	(3,183)	(152)	(4,555)	(1,436)
Total other (income) expense	(1,511)	2,635	(2,112)	4,468
Income before provision for income taxes	27,373	14,514	11,686	1,398
Provision for income taxes	8,916	4,975	3,739	469
Net income	18,457	9,539	7,947	929
Amount attributable to non-controlling interests	(4,327)	74	(5,005)	124
Net income attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	$ 14,130	$ 9,613	$ 2,942	$ 1,053
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 11)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.36	$ 0.24	$ 0.07	$ 0.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.24	$ 0.07	$ 0.03
Weighted average shares of common stock
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	39,584	39,358	39,509	39,287
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	40,302	39,881	40,140	39,848
Dividends per common share (in US$ per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13	$ 0.26	$ 0.26

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 18,457	$ 9,539	$ 7,947	$ 929
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Net unrealized loss on derivatives	(507)	0	(1,398)	0
Less: reclassification for net losses included in interest expense	100	0	100	0
Net change	(407)	0	(1,298)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	165	133	987	(396)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(242)	133	(311)	(396)
Comprehensive income	18,215	9,672	7,636	533
Non-controlling interests in comprehensive income	(4,327)	74	(5,005)	124
Comprehensive income attributable to Granite	$ 13,888	$ 9,746	$ 2,631	$ 657

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 7,947	$ 929
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	29,502	31,331
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(1,966)	(1,286)
Stock-based compensation	8,563	4,992
Equity in net income from unconsolidated joint ventures	(5,688)	(18,547)
Gain on real estate entity	(2,452)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(87,286)	(54,262)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	(30,645)	(22,958)
Inventories	(9,158)	(2,102)
Contributions to unconsolidated construction joint ventures	(8,018)	(40,750)
Distributions from unconsolidated construction joint ventures	5,445	22,020
Other assets, net	(7,544)	923
Accounts payable	47,529	21,861
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net	(158)	1,186
Net cash used in operating activities	(53,929)	(56,663)
Investing Activities
Purchases of marketable securities	(29,894)	(29,974)
Maturities of marketable securities	20,000	16,700
Proceeds from called marketable securities	35,000	30,000
Purchases of property and equipment	(48,837)	(16,152)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,510	2,062
Other investing activities, net	(128)	912
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(21,349)	3,548
Financing Activities
Long-term debt principal repayments	(2,500)	(306)
Cash dividends paid	(10,267)	(10,208)
Repurchases of common stock	(4,845)	(3,291)
Other financing activities, net	1,272	(894)
Net cash used in financing activities	(16,340)	(14,699)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(91,618)	(67,814)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	252,836	255,961
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	161,218	188,147
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	6,911	7,220
Income taxes	6,438	412
Other non-cash operating activities:
Performance guarantees	11,247	(9,590)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted stock units issued, net of forfeitures	21,013	6,135
Accrued cash dividends	5,148	5,118
Accrued equipment purchases	$ (5,823)	$ 3,324

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Granite Construction Incorporated (“we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or “Granite”) and are unaudited, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. Further, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly our financial position at June 30, 2016 and 2015 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2015 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. Our operations are typically affected more by weather conditions during the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year which may alter our construction schedules and can create variability in our revenues and profitability. Therefore, the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements, except for the addition of the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2016 , we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) , ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) and ASU No. 2015-15 , Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, none of which had a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to current year presentation.

Recent Pronouncements

Recent Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which provides guidance for revenue recognition and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. This ASU’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which deferred the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which requires an entity to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide a good or service to the customer (i.e., the entity is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (i.e., the entity is an agent). In April, 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies the following two aspects of Topic 606: (a) identifying performance obligations, and (b) the licensing implementation guidance. In May, 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which clarifies guidance in certain narrow areas and adds a practical expedient for certain aspects of the guidance. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance in ASU 2014-09. These ASUs will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2018. We are currently assessing the potential impact of these ASUs on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which, among other things, eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. This ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (a) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (b) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2019. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships, which clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. This ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2017. We do not expect any changes in the counterparty to our cash flow hedge and therefore do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employe e Share-Based Payment Accounting . This ASU identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. This ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2017. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2020. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revisions in Estimates

Revisions in Estimates	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Change in Accounting Estimate [Abstract]
Revisions in Estimate	Revisions in Estimates Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary significantly in the normal course of business as projects progress, circumstances develop and evolve, and uncertainties are resolved. When we experience significant changes in our estimates of costs to complete, we undergo a process that includes reviewing the nature of the changes to ensure that there are no material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period rather than as revisions in estimates for the current period. In our review of these changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this method, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. There can be no assurance that we will not experience further changes in circumstances or otherwise be required to further revise our cost estimates. Revenue in an amount equal to cost incurred is recognized if there is not sufficient information to determine the estimated profit on the project with a reasonable level of certainty. Revisions in estimates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 included an increase in revenue and gross profit of $17.4 million and $20.2 million , respectively, related to the estimated recovery of customer affirmative claims. Revenue and gross profit was also affected by an increase in estimated contract costs that were in excess of the estimated recovery for $15.3 million of the total during both the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016. There were no material changes to estimated contract costs on the remaining $2.1 million and $4.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. Revisions in estimates during the six months ended June 30, 2015 included an increase in revenue and gross profit of $9.7 million related to the estimated recovery of customer affirmative claims for which there was no material associated cost during the respective periods. There was no revenue or gross profit associated with customer affirmative claims during the three months ended June 30, 2015 . Revisions in estimates for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 included an increase in gross profit of $7.6 million related to the estimated recovery of back charge claims. There was no estimated recovery of back charge claims during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. Construction The changes in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit were decreases of $1.0 million and $2.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , respectively. There were no increases in project profitability from revisions in estimates that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 . The net changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , were net decreases of $1.3 million and net increases of $4.3 million , respectively. The projects are summarized as follows: Increases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with upward estimate changes — 1 — 4 Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net $ — $ 1.3 $ — $ 1.0 - 2.3 Increase on project profitability $ — $ 1.3 $ — $ 6.9 The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were due to owner-directed scope changes and estimated cost recovery from claims. Decreases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with downward estimate changes 1 2 2 2 Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net $ 1.0 $ 1.1 - 1.5 $ 1.2 - 1.3 $ 1.2 - 1.4 Decrease on project profitability $ 1.0 $ 2.6 $ 2.5 $ 2.6 The decreases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were due to additional costs and lower productivity than originally anticipated. Large Project Construction The changes in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit were net decreases of $4.8 million and $7.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , respectively. The net changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were net decreases of $1.1 million and $2.5 million , respectively. Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests were $3.6 million of the net decreases for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , respectively, and were $0.5 million and $1.0 million of the net decreases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively. The projects are summarized as follows: Increases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with upward estimate changes 2 2 4 3 Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net $ 2.9 - 6.9 $ 2.3 - 2.3 $ 1.2 - 6.9 $ 2.1 - 2.9 Increase on project profitability $ 9.8 $ 4.6 $ 12.3 $ 7.3 The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were due to estimated recovery from back charge claims and higher productivity than originally anticipated as well as owner-directed scope changes during the six month period. The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were due to owner-directed scope changes as well as estimated cost recovery from claims during the six month period. Decreases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with downward estimate changes 4 3 4 4 Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net $ 2.2 - 5.9 $ 1.2 - 2.4 $ 3.4 - 6.4 $ 1.4 - 3.4 Decrease on project profitability $ 14.6 $ 5.7 $ 20.1 $ 9.8 The decreases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were due to additional design, weather and owner-related costs and lower productivity than originally anticipated.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity as of the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, U.S. Government and agency obligations $ 20,010 $ 15,051 $ 7,573 Commercial paper 14,949 9,992 9,987 Total short-term marketable securities 34,959 25,043 17,560 U.S. Government and agency obligations 42,653 80,652 70,508 Total long-term marketable securities 42,653 80,652 70,508 Total marketable securities $ 77,612 $ 105,695 $ 88,068 Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows: (in thousands) June 30, Due within one year $ 34,959 Due in one to five years 42,653 Total $ 77,612

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurement We measure our cash equivalents and interest rate and commodity swap derivative contracts at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis. The carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , we did not record any fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Cash and Cash Equivalents The following tables summarize our cash equivalents by significant investment categories (in thousands): Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using June 30, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 30,082 $ — $ — $ 30,082 Commercial paper 4,994 — — 4,994 Total assets $ 35,076 $ — $ — $ 35,076 December 31, 2015 Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 62,024 $ — $ — $ 62,024 Total assets $ 62,024 $ — $ — $ 62,024 June 30, 2015 Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 23,975 $ — $ — $ 23,975 Total assets $ 23,975 $ — $ — $ 23,975 A reconciliation of cash equivalents to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Cash equivalents $ 35,076 $ 62,024 $ 23,975 Cash 126,142 190,812 164,172 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 161,218 $ 252,836 $ 188,147 Derivatives We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value using Level 2 inputs. Interest Rate Swaps As of June 30, 2016 , the fair value of the cash flow hedge that we entered into in January 2016 was $2.1 million and was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the losses, net of taxes, on the effective portion were $0.4 million and $1.3 million , respectively, and were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 there was no ineffective portion and the interest expense reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income was $0.1 million for both periods. We estimate $0.8 million to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into pre-tax earnings within the next twelve months. As of June 30, 2016 , December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 , the fair value of the interest rate swap that we entered into in March 2014 was $1.7 million , $0.6 million and $0.9 million , respectively, and was included in other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , we recorded net gains of $0.3 million and $1.6 million , respectively, and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 we recorded a net loss of less than $0.1 million and a net gain of $1.3 million , respectively, and these amounts were included in other income, net on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Other Derivatives Our diesel and natural gas commodity swaps were settled in October 2015. As of June 30, 2015 , the fair value of these swaps was $1.6 million and was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , the amounts included in other (income) expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations were immaterial. Other Assets and Liabilities The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not required to be recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Held-to-maturity marketable securities Level 1 $ 77,612 $ 77,678 $ 105,695 $ 105,336 $ 88,068 $ 88,075 Liabilities (including current maturities): 2019 Notes 1 Level 3 $ 160,000 $ 167,210 $ 160,000 $ 165,731 $ 200,000 $ 212,648 Credit Agreement loan 1 Level 3 97,500 97,409 100,000 99,375 70,000 69,387 1 The fair values of the 2019 Notes and Credit Agreement (defined in Note 10) loan are based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term debt with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk.

Receivables, Net

Receivables, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, Net	Receivables, net (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Construction contracts: Completed and in progress $ 266,685 $ 206,756 $ 229,861 Retentions 95,415 91,670 77,955 Total construction contracts 362,100 298,426 307,816 Construction Material sales 54,277 28,727 49,064 Other 15,227 14,033 5,820 Total gross receivables 431,604 341,186 362,700 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts 477 364 364 Total net receivables $ 431,127 $ 340,822 $ 362,336 Receivables include amounts billed and billable to clients for services provided as of the end of the applicable period and, except for escrow receivables, do not bear interest. Included in Other receivables at June 30, 2016 , December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 were items such as estimated recovery from back charge claims, notes receivable, fuel tax refunds, receivables from vendors and income tax refunds. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the estimated recovery from back charge claims included in Other receivables was $10.5 million , $6.5 million , and there were no receivables related back charges as of June 30, 2015 . No such receivables individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of these dates. To the extent costs are not contractually billable or have not been earned, such as claim recovery estimates, the associated revenue is included in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings or billings i n excess of costs and estimated earnings, respectively, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2016 , December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 , the aggregate claim recovery estimates, included in these balances, were approximately $8.1 million , $8.8 million and $7.9 million , respectively. Ultimate settlement with the customer is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year or the project operating cycle. Certain construction contracts include retainage provisions and the associated retention receivables are considered financing receivables. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to these provisions generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the project work or products by the owners. No retention receivable individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of the presented dates. As of June 30, 2016 , the majority of the retentions receivable are expected to be collected within one year. We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow. The balances in each category were as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Escrow $ 19,804 $ 21,958 $ 22,381 Non-escrow 75,611 69,712 55,574 Total retention receivables $ 95,415 $ 91,670 $ 77,955 The escrow receivables include amounts due to Granite that have been deposited into an escrow account and bear interest. Typically, escrow retention receivables are held until work on a project is complete and has been accepted by the owner who then releases those funds, along with accrued interest, to us. There is minimal risk of not collecting on these amounts. As of all periods presented, there were no significant collectability issues related to non-escrow retention receivables.

Construction and Line Item Join

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures	Construction Joint Ventures We participate in various construction joint ventures, partnerships and a limited liability company of which we are a limited member (“joint ventures”). Due to the joint and several nature of the performance obligations under the related owner contracts, if any of the members fail to perform, we and the other members would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work. Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to complete a specific contract and is jointly controlled by the venture members. The associated agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities resulting from the performance of the contracts, are limited to our stated percentage interest in the venture. Under our contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, members dedicate resources to the ventures necessary to complete the contracts and are reimbursed for their cost. The operational risks of each construction joint venture are passed along to the joint venture members. As we absorb our share of these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential gains and losses. At June 30, 2016 , there was approximately $5.1 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $1.6 billion represented our share and the remaining $3.5 billion represented the other members’ share. We are not able to estimate amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by billings to the customer or by proceeds from other members and/or other guarantors. We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are consolidated because they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), and we are the primary beneficiary. We continually evaluate whether there are changes in the status of the VIEs or changes to the primary beneficiary designation of the VIE. Based on our assessments during the three months ended June 30, 2016 , we determined no change was required for existing construction joint ventures. The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated and unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents and, for consolidated construction joint ventures, billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings and costs in excess of billings and estimated earnings between periods. The assets and liabilities of each consolidated and unconsolidated construction joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture assets must generally be made jointly by a majority of the members and, accordingly, these assets, including those associated with customer affirmative claims and back charge claims, are generally not available for the working capital needs of Granite until distributed. Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures (“CCJVs”) At June 30, 2016 , we were engaged in five active CCJV projects with total contract values ranging from $6.7 million to $290.9 million . Our share of revenue remaining to be recognized on these CCJVs ranged from $1.9 million to $181.6 million . Our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures is between 50.0% and 65.0% . During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , total revenue from CCJVs was $33.0 million and $55.1 million , respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , total revenue from CCJVs was $10.0 million and $25.0 million , respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , CCJVs provided $12.8 million of operating cash flows and during the six months ended June 30, 2015 , used $12.0 million of operating cash flows. Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures We account for our share of construction joint ventures that we are not required to consolidate on a pro rata basis in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2016 , these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in eleven active projects with total contract values ranging from $80.2 million to $3.6 billion . Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranges from 20.0% to 50.0% . As of June 30, 2016 , our share of the revenue remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from $0.3 million to $566.3 million . The following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 435,098 $ 439,871 $ 336,581 Other assets 2 896,642 859,749 816,262 Less partners’ interest 894,017 881,183 771,875 Granite’s interest 437,723 418,437 380,968 Liabilities: Accounts payable 254,954 218,790 216,663 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 2 277,900 341,609 276,982 Other liabilities 101,942 89,901 64,581 Less partners’ interest 434,371 447,926 385,506 Granite’s interest 200,425 202,374 172,720 Equity in construction joint ventures 1 $ 237,298 $ 216,063 $ 208,248 1 As of June 30, 2016 , December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 this balance included $8.2 million , $8.6 million and $0.8 million , respectively, of deficit in construction joint ventures that is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 2 Included in these balances are amounts associated with estimated recovery of customer affirmative claims. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue: Total $ 682,002 $ 466,144 $ 970,046 $ 909,551 Less partners’ interest and adjustments 1 552,986 327,980 694,771 636,100 Granite’s interest 129,016 138,164 275,275 273,451 Cost of revenue: Total 479,113 436,230 940,610 846,301 Less partners’ interest and adjustments 1 347,661 305,822 671,702 591,869 Granite’s interest 131,452 130,408 268,908 254,432 Granite’s interest in gross (loss) profit $ (2,436 ) $ 7,756 $ 6,367 $ 19,019 1 Partners’ interest represents amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies. During the three months ended June 30, 2016 , unconsolidated construction joint venture net loss was $4.4 million of which our share was $2.9 million and during the six months ended June 30, 2016 , unconsolidated construction joint venture net income was $29.3 million of which our share was $5.6 million . During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , unconsolidated construction joint venture net income was $34.0 million and $67.4 million , respectively, of which our share was $7.3 million and $18.6 million , respectively. These joint venture net income amounts exclude our corporate overhead required to manage the joint ventures and include taxes only to the extent the applicable states have joint venture level taxes. Line Item Joint Ventures We participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each member is responsible for performing certain discrete items of the total scope of contracted work. The revenue for each line item joint venture member’s discrete items of work is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture member bears the profitability risk associated with its own work. There is not a single set of books and records for a line item joint venture. Each member accounts for its items of work individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We include only our portion of these contracts in our condensed consolidated financial statements. As of June 30, 2016 , we had six active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values ranging from $42.2 million to $87.8 million of which our portion ranged from $24.8 million to $64.9 million . As of June 30, 2016 , our share of revenue remaining to be recognized on these line item joint ventures ranged from $0.1 million to $29.3 million .

Investments in Affiliates

Investments in Affiliates	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Investments in Affiliates	Investments in Affiliates The investments in affiliates balance on the condensed consolidated balance sheet is related to our investments in unconsolidated non-construction entities that we account for using the equity method of accounting, including investments in real estate entities and a non-real estate entity. The investments in affiliates balance consists of the following: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Equity method investments in real estate affiliates $ 25,018 $ 24,103 $ 23,102 Equity method investment in other affiliate 9,499 9,079 9,553 Total investments in affiliates $ 34,517 $ 33,182 $ 32,655 The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a combined basis: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Total assets $ 176,275 $ 175,477 $ 175,503 Net assets 102,650 104,370 103,539 Granite’s share of net assets 34,517 33,182 32,655 The equity method investments in real estate affiliates included $19.4 million , $18.5 million and $17.5 million in residential real estate in Texas as of June 30, 2016 , December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 , respectively. The remaining balances were in commercial real estate in Texas. Of the $176.3 million in total assets as of June 30, 2016 , real estate entities had total assets ranging from $1.7 million to $65.9 million and the non-real estate entity had total assets of $20.7 million .

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, net Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Equipment and vehicles $ 769,307 $ 731,224 $ 768,831 Quarry property 179,773 178,357 172,009 Land and land improvements 111,425 110,294 110,452 Buildings and leasehold improvements 82,733 82,871 82,628 Office furniture and equipment 63,721 60,821 70,903 Property and equipment 1,206,959 1,163,567 1,204,823 Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion 797,099 778,438 812,834 Property and equipment, net $ 409,860 $ 385,129 $ 391,989

Covenants and Events of Default

Covenants and Events of Default	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	Debt Covenants and Events of Default Our debt and credit agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt or credit agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our agreements) may constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt or credit agreements. Default under our debt and credit agreements could result in (i) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements; (ii) termination of the agreements; (iii) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized; (iv) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements; and/or (v) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements. As of June 30, 2016 , we had a $297.5 million credit facility, of which $200.0 million was a revolving credit facility and $97.5 million was a term loan that matures on October 28, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”) and has a sublimit for letters of credit of $100.0 million (the “Credit Agreement”). As of June 30, 2016 , senior notes payable in the amount of $160.0 million were due to a group of institutional holders in four remaining equal annual installments from 2016 through 2019 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum (“2019 Notes”). Of the $40.0 million due for the 2016 installment of the 2019 Notes, $30.0 million is included in long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, as we have the ability and intent to pay this installment using borrowings under the Credit Agreement or by obtaining other sources of financing. As of June 30, 2016 , we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our note purchase agreement governing our 2019 Notes and Credit Agreement. We are not aware of any non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated real estate entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements.

Weighted Average Shares Outstan

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Net Incomer (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Net Income Per Share The following table presents a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share as well as the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator (basic and diluted): Net income allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation $ 14,130 $ 9,613 $ 2,942 $ 1,053 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 39,584 39,358 39,509 39,287 Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock units 718 523 631 561 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 40,302 39,881 40,140 39,848 Net income per share, basic $ 0.36 $ 0.24 $ 0.07 $ 0.03 Net income per share, diluted $ 0.35 $ 0.24 $ 0.07 $ 0.03

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity	Equity The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented (in thousands): Granite Construction Incorporated Non-controlling Interests Total Equity Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 839,237 $ 30,884 $ 870,121 Purchases of common stock 1 (4,845 ) — (4,845 ) Other transactions with shareholders and employees 2 9,439 — 9,439 Transactions with non-controlling interests, net — (3,355 ) (3,355 ) Net income 2,942 5,005 7,947 Dividends on common stock (10,292 ) — (10,292 ) Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 836,481 $ 32,534 $ 869,015 Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 794,385 $ 22,721 $ 817,106 Purchases of common stock 3 (3,332 ) — (3,332 ) Other transactions with shareholders and employees 2 5,092 — 5,092 Transactions with non-controlling interests, net — (1,282 ) (1,282 ) Net income (loss) 1,053 (124 ) 929 Dividends on common stock (10,233 ) — (10,233 ) Balance at June 30, 2015 $ 786,965 $ 21,315 $ 808,280 1 Represents 109,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. 2 Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock units. 3 Represents 102,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	Legal Proceedings In the ordinary course of business, we or our joint ventures and affiliates are involved in various legal proceedings alleging, among other things, public liability issues or breach of contract or tortious conduct in connection with the performance of services and/or materials provided, the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. We are also subject to government inquiries and reporting requirements seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and various laws and regulations, the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. Some of the matters in which we or our joint ventures and affiliates are involved may involve compensatory, punitive, or other claims or sanctions that, if granted, could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures in amounts that are not probable to be incurred or cannot currently be reasonably estimated. In addition, in some circumstances our government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended, debarred or incur other administrative penalties or sanctions, or payment of our costs could be disallowed. While any of our pending legal proceedings may be subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to settle, whether or when any legal proceeding will be resolved through settlement is neither predictable nor guaranteed. Accordingly, it is possible that future developments in such proceedings and inquiries could require us to (i) adjust existing accruals, or (ii) record new accruals that we did not originally believe to be probable or that could not be reasonably estimated. Such changes could be material to our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows in any particular reporting period. In addition to matters that are considered probable for which the loss can be reasonably estimated, we also disclose certain matters where the loss is considered reasonably possible and is reasonably estimable. Liabilities relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries, to the extent that we have concluded such liabilities are probable and the amounts of such liabilities are reasonably estimable, are recorded in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate liabilities recorded as of June 30, 2016 , December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 related to these matters were approximately $0.7 million , $5.2 million and $9.5 million , respectively, and were primarily included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The aggregate range of possible loss related to (i) matters considered reasonably possible, and (ii) reasonably possible amounts in excess of accrued losses recorded for probable loss contingencies, was immaterial as of June 30, 2016 .

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information Summarized segment information is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Construction Large Project Construction Construction Materials Total 2016 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 331,346 $ 197,322 $ 115,342 $ 644,010 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (39,431 ) (39,431 ) Revenue from external customers 331,346 197,322 75,911 604,579 Gross profit 49,056 13,654 10,491 73,201 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 5,345 1,519 5,859 12,723 2015 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 305,605 $ 182,893 $ 113,449 $ 601,947 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (32,705 ) (32,705 ) Revenue from external customers 305,605 182,893 80,744 569,242 Gross profit 38,884 14,479 10,837 64,200 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 4,866 2,359 5,575 12,800 Six Months Ended June 30, Construction Large Project Construction Construction Materials Total 2016 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 540,833 $ 392,771 $ 164,273 $ 1,097,877 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (53,846 ) (53,846 ) Revenue from external customers 540,833 392,771 110,427 1,044,031 Gross profit 75,989 27,159 9,298 112,446 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 9,870 2,988 11,196 24,054 Segment assets 151,877 306,440 297,910 756,227 2015 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 494,125 $ 373,198 $ 167,149 $ 1,034,472 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (44,981 ) (44,981 ) Revenue from external customers 494,125 373,198 122,168 989,491 Gross profit 59,479 32,015 11,635 103,129 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 9,558 5,003 11,007 25,568 Segment assets 143,139 265,124 308,207 716,470 A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Total gross profit from reportable segments $ 73,201 $ 64,200 $ 112,446 $ 103,129 Selling, general and administrative expenses 48,705 47,526 104,838 98,549 Gain on sales of property and equipment (1,366 ) (475 ) (1,966 ) (1,286 ) Other (income) expense (1,511 ) 2,635 (2,112 ) 4,468 Income before provision for income taxes $ 27,373 $ 14,514 $ 11,686 $ 1,398

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Revision in Estimates	Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary significantly in the normal course of business as projects progress, circumstances develop and evolve, and uncertainties are resolved. When we experience significant changes in our estimates of costs to complete, we undergo a process that includes reviewing the nature of the changes to ensure that there are no material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period rather than as revisions in estimates for the current period. In our review of these changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this method, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. There can be no assurance that we will not experience further changes in circumstances or otherwise be required to further revise our cost estimates. Revenue in an amount equal to cost incurred is recognized if there is not sufficient information to determine the estimated profit on the project with a reasonable level of certainty.
Construction Joint Ventures	We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are consolidated because they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), and we are the primary beneficiary. We continually evaluate whether there are changes in the status of the VIEs or changes to the primary beneficiary designation of the VIE.

Revisions in Estimates (Tables)

Revisions in Estimates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate	The projects are summarized as follows: Increases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with upward estimate changes — 1 — 4 Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net $ — $ 1.3 $ — $ 1.0 - 2.3 Increase on project profitability $ — $ 1.3 $ — $ 6.9 Decreases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with downward estimate changes 1 2 2 2 Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net $ 1.0 $ 1.1 - 1.5 $ 1.2 - 1.3 $ 1.2 - 1.4 Decrease on project profitability $ 1.0 $ 2.6 $ 2.5 $ 2.6
Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate	Decreases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with downward estimate changes 4 3 4 4 Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net $ 2.2 - 5.9 $ 1.2 - 2.4 $ 3.4 - 6.4 $ 1.4 - 3.4 Decrease on project profitability $ 14.6 $ 5.7 $ 20.1 $ 9.8 The projects are summarized as follows: Increases Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Number of projects with upward estimate changes 2 2 4 3 Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net $ 2.9 - 6.9 $ 2.3 - 2.3 $ 1.2 - 6.9 $ 2.1 - 2.9 Increase on project profitability $ 9.8 $ 4.6 $ 12.3 $ 7.3

Marketable Securities (Tables)

Marketable Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Marketable Securities	All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity as of the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, U.S. Government and agency obligations $ 20,010 $ 15,051 $ 7,573 Commercial paper 14,949 9,992 9,987 Total short-term marketable securities 34,959 25,043 17,560 U.S. Government and agency obligations 42,653 80,652 70,508 Total long-term marketable securities 42,653 80,652 70,508 Total marketable securities $ 77,612 $ 105,695 $ 88,068
Held-to-maturity Securities	Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows: (in thousands) June 30, Due within one year $ 34,959 Due in one to five years 42,653 Total $ 77,612

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize our cash equivalents by significant investment categories (in thousands): Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using June 30, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 30,082 $ — $ — $ 30,082 Commercial paper 4,994 — — 4,994 Total assets $ 35,076 $ — $ — $ 35,076 December 31, 2015 Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 62,024 $ — $ — $ 62,024 Total assets $ 62,024 $ — $ — $ 62,024 June 30, 2015 Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 23,975 $ — $ — $ 23,975 Total assets $ 23,975 $ — $ — $ 23,975
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of cash equivalents to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Cash equivalents $ 35,076 $ 62,024 $ 23,975 Cash 126,142 190,812 164,172 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 161,218 $ 252,836 $ 188,147
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not required to be recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Held-to-maturity marketable securities Level 1 $ 77,612 $ 77,678 $ 105,695 $ 105,336 $ 88,068 $ 88,075 Liabilities (including current maturities): 2019 Notes 1 Level 3 $ 160,000 $ 167,210 $ 160,000 $ 165,731 $ 200,000 $ 212,648 Credit Agreement loan 1 Level 3 97,500 97,409 100,000 99,375 70,000 69,387 1 The fair values of the 2019 Notes and Credit Agreement (defined in Note 10) loan are based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term debt with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk.

Receivables, Net (Tables)

Receivables, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	(in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Construction contracts: Completed and in progress $ 266,685 $ 206,756 $ 229,861 Retentions 95,415 91,670 77,955 Total construction contracts 362,100 298,426 307,816 Construction Material sales 54,277 28,727 49,064 Other 15,227 14,033 5,820 Total gross receivables 431,604 341,186 362,700 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts 477 364 364 Total net receivables $ 431,127 $ 340,822 $ 362,336
Schedule Of Escrow and Non Escrow Retention Receivable [Table Text Block]	We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow. The balances in each category were as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Escrow $ 19,804 $ 21,958 $ 22,381 Non-escrow 75,611 69,712 55,574 Total retention receivables $ 95,415 $ 91,670 $ 77,955

Construction and Line Item Jo27

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 435,098 $ 439,871 $ 336,581 Other assets 2 896,642 859,749 816,262 Less partners’ interest 894,017 881,183 771,875 Granite’s interest 437,723 418,437 380,968 Liabilities: Accounts payable 254,954 218,790 216,663 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 2 277,900 341,609 276,982 Other liabilities 101,942 89,901 64,581 Less partners’ interest 434,371 447,926 385,506 Granite’s interest 200,425 202,374 172,720 Equity in construction joint ventures 1 $ 237,298 $ 216,063 $ 208,248 1 As of June 30, 2016 , December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 this balance included $8.2 million , $8.6 million and $0.8 million , respectively, of deficit in construction joint ventures that is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Schedule of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Revenue and Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue: Total $ 682,002 $ 466,144 $ 970,046 $ 909,551 Less partners’ interest and adjustments 1 552,986 327,980 694,771 636,100 Granite’s interest 129,016 138,164 275,275 273,451 Cost of revenue: Total 479,113 436,230 940,610 846,301 Less partners’ interest and adjustments 1 347,661 305,822 671,702 591,869 Granite’s interest 131,452 130,408 268,908 254,432 Granite’s interest in gross (loss) profit $ (2,436 ) $ 7,756 $ 6,367 $ 19,019 1 Partners’ interest represents amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies.

Investments in Affiliates (Tabl

Investments in Affiliates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block]	The investments in affiliates balance consists of the following: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Equity method investments in real estate affiliates $ 25,018 $ 24,103 $ 23,102 Equity method investment in other affiliate 9,499 9,079 9,553 Total investments in affiliates $ 34,517 $ 33,182 $ 32,655
Equity Method Investment Summarized Balance Sheet Location [Table Text Block]	The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a combined basis: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Total assets $ 176,275 $ 175,477 $ 175,503 Net assets 102,650 104,370 103,539 Granite’s share of net assets 34,517 33,182 32,655

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, June 30, Equipment and vehicles $ 769,307 $ 731,224 $ 768,831 Quarry property 179,773 178,357 172,009 Land and land improvements 111,425 110,294 110,452 Buildings and leasehold improvements 82,733 82,871 82,628 Office furniture and equipment 63,721 60,821 70,903 Property and equipment 1,206,959 1,163,567 1,204,823 Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion 797,099 778,438 812,834 Property and equipment, net $ 409,860 $ 385,129 $ 391,989

Weighted Average Shares Outst30

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share as well as the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator (basic and diluted): Net income allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation $ 14,130 $ 9,613 $ 2,942 $ 1,053 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 39,584 39,358 39,509 39,287 Dilutive effect of common stock options and restricted stock units 718 523 631 561 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 40,302 39,881 40,140 39,848 Net income per share, basic $ 0.36 $ 0.24 $ 0.07 $ 0.03 Net income per share, diluted $ 0.35 $ 0.24 $ 0.07 $ 0.03

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented (in thousands): Granite Construction Incorporated Non-controlling Interests Total Equity Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 839,237 $ 30,884 $ 870,121 Purchases of common stock 1 (4,845 ) — (4,845 ) Other transactions with shareholders and employees 2 9,439 — 9,439 Transactions with non-controlling interests, net — (3,355 ) (3,355 ) Net income 2,942 5,005 7,947 Dividends on common stock (10,292 ) — (10,292 ) Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 836,481 $ 32,534 $ 869,015 Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 794,385 $ 22,721 $ 817,106 Purchases of common stock 3 (3,332 ) — (3,332 ) Other transactions with shareholders and employees 2 5,092 — 5,092 Transactions with non-controlling interests, net — (1,282 ) (1,282 ) Net income (loss) 1,053 (124 ) 929 Dividends on common stock (10,233 ) — (10,233 ) Balance at June 30, 2015 $ 786,965 $ 21,315 $ 808,280 1 Represents 109,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. 2 Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock units. 3 Represents 102,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Summarized segment information is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Construction Large Project Construction Construction Materials Total 2016 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 331,346 $ 197,322 $ 115,342 $ 644,010 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (39,431 ) (39,431 ) Revenue from external customers 331,346 197,322 75,911 604,579 Gross profit 49,056 13,654 10,491 73,201 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 5,345 1,519 5,859 12,723 2015 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 305,605 $ 182,893 $ 113,449 $ 601,947 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (32,705 ) (32,705 ) Revenue from external customers 305,605 182,893 80,744 569,242 Gross profit 38,884 14,479 10,837 64,200 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 4,866 2,359 5,575 12,800 Six Months Ended June 30, Construction Large Project Construction Construction Materials Total 2016 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 540,833 $ 392,771 $ 164,273 $ 1,097,877 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (53,846 ) (53,846 ) Revenue from external customers 540,833 392,771 110,427 1,044,031 Gross profit 75,989 27,159 9,298 112,446 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 9,870 2,988 11,196 24,054 Segment assets 151,877 306,440 297,910 756,227 2015 Total revenue from reportable segments $ 494,125 $ 373,198 $ 167,149 $ 1,034,472 Elimination of intersegment revenue — — (44,981 ) (44,981 ) Revenue from external customers 494,125 373,198 122,168 989,491 Gross profit 59,479 32,015 11,635 103,129 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 9,558 5,003 11,007 25,568 Segment assets 143,139 265,124 308,207 716,470
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Total gross profit from reportable segments $ 73,201 $ 64,200 $ 112,446 $ 103,129 Selling, general and administrative expenses 48,705 47,526 104,838 98,549 Gain on sales of property and equipment (1,366 ) (475 ) (1,966 ) (1,286 ) Other (income) expense (1,511 ) 2,635 (2,112 ) 4,468 Income before provision for income taxes $ 27,373 $ 14,514 $ 11,686 $ 1,398

Revisions in Estimates (Details

Revisions in Estimates (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)project	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)project	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)project	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)project
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Impact From Affirmative Claim Recovery Estimate	$ 17.4		$ 20.2
Impact from estimated recovery of backcharge claims			7.6	$ 0
Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate Amount Considered Significant to Individual Project Gross Profit	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes | project	1	2	2	2
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	$ (1)	$ (2.6)	$ (2.5)	$ (2.6)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(1)	(1.1)	(1.2)	(1.2)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	$ (1)	$ (1.5)	$ (1.3)	$ (1.4)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes | project	4	3	4	4
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	$ (14.6)	$ (5.7)	$ (20.1)	$ (9.8)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(2.2)	(1.2)	(3.4)	(1.4)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	$ (5.9)	$ (2.4)	$ (6.4)	$ (3.4)
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes | project	0	1	0	4
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	$ 0	$ 1.3	$ 0	$ 6.9
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	0	1.3	0	1
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	$ 0	$ 1.3	$ 0	$ 2.3
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes | project	2	2	4	3
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	$ 9.8	$ 4.6	$ 12.3	$ 7.3
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	2.9	2.3	1.2	2.1
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	6.9	2.3	6.9	2.9
Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(3.6)	(0.5)		(1)
Net Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(1)	(1.3)	(2.5)
Net Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(4.8)	(1.1)	(7.8)	(2.5)
Net Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability				4.3
no material associated cost [Member] | customer [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Impact From Affirmative Claim Recovery Estimate	$ 2.1		4.9	$ 9.7
Revisions to Estimated Total Contract Costs [Member] [Member] | customer [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Impact From Affirmative Claim Recovery Estimate		$ 0	$ 15.3

Marketable Securities - Carryin

Marketable Securities - Carrying Amounts of Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	$ 34,959	$ 25,043	$ 17,560
Long-term marketable securities	42,653	80,652	70,508
Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	34,959	25,043	17,560
Long-term marketable securities	42,653	80,652	70,508
Total marketable securities	77,612	105,695	88,068
U.S. Government and agency obligations [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	20,010	15,051	7,573
Long-term marketable securities	42,653	80,652	70,508
Commercial paper [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	$ 14,949	$ 9,992	$ 9,987

Marketable Securities - Maturit

Marketable Securities - Maturities of Held to Maturity Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due within one year	$ 34,959
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due in one to five years	42,653
Held-to-maturity investments, total maturities due	$ 77,612

Fair Value Measurement - Assets

Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 35,076	$ 62,024	$ 23,975
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		35,076	62,024	23,975
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents		30,082	62,024	23,975
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents		30,082	62,024	23,975
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents		0	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents		0	0	0
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity marketable securities		77,612	105,695	88,068
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes Payable		160,000	160,000	200,000
Lines of Credit		97,500	100,000	70,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity marketable securities		77,678	105,336	88,075
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes Payable	[1]	167,210	165,731	212,648
Lines of Credit	[1]	$ 97,409	$ 99,375	$ 69,387
[1]	The fair values of the 2019 Notes and Credit Agreement (defined in Note 10) loan are based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term debt with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk.

Fair Value Measurement - Cash a

Fair Value Measurement - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 35,076	$ 62,024	$ 23,975
Cash	126,142	190,812	164,172
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 161,218	$ 252,836	$ 188,147	$ 255,961

Fair Value Measurement - Carryi

Fair Value Measurement - Carrying and Fair Value Amounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 30,082	$ 62,024	$ 23,975
Commercial Paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		4,994
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity marketable securities		77,678	105,336	88,075
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity marketable securities		77,612	105,695	88,068
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		30,082	62,024	23,975
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		4,994
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes payable	[1]	167,210	165,731	212,648
Credit Agreement loan	[1]	97,409	99,375	69,387
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes payable		160,000	160,000	200,000
Credit Agreement loan		97,500	100,000	70,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 0
[1]	The fair values of the 2019 Notes and Credit Agreement (defined in Note 10) loan are based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term debt with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk.

Fair Value Measurement - Narrat

Fair Value Measurement - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months			$ 800
Less: reclassification for net losses included in interest expense	$ 100	$ 0	100	$ 0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative, (Gain) Loss on Derivative, Net	400		1,300
Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative, (Gain) Loss on Derivative, Net	(300)		(1,600)	(1,300)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	1,700	900	1,700	900	$ 600
Derivative Liability	$ 2,100	$ 1,600	$ 2,100	$ 1,600

Receivables, Net (Details)

Receivables, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	$ 431,604	$ 341,186	$ 362,700
Allowance for Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current	477	364	364
Receivables, net	431,127	340,822	362,336
Back charges claims	10,500	6,500	0
Construction Contracts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	362,100	298,426	307,816
Completed and in Progress [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	266,685	206,756	229,861
Retentions [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	95,415	91,670	77,955
Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	19,804	21,958	22,381
Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	75,611	69,712	55,574
Construction Material Sales [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	54,277	28,727	49,064
Other Business Products and Services [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total Gross Receivables	15,227	14,033	5,820
customer [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Affirmative Claim Recovery Estimate	$ 8,100	$ 8,800	$ 7,900

Construction and Line Item Jo41

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction	$ 331,346	$ 305,605	$ 540,833	$ 494,125
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities			$ 53,929	56,663
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	5		5
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	11		11
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	6		6
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 6,700		$ 6,700
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures	$ 1,900		$ 1,900
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	50.00%		50.00%
Construction	$ 33,000	$ 10,000	$ 55,100	25,000
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities			(12,800)	$ 12,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 80,200		$ 80,200
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	20.00%		20.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 42,200		$ 42,200
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures	100		100
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	24,800		24,800
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	290,900		290,900
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures	$ 181,600		$ 181,600
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	65.00%		65.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 3,600,000		$ 3,600,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	50.00%		50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 87,800		$ 87,800
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures	29,300		29,300
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 64,900		$ 64,900

Construction and Line Item Jo42

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Schedule of Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Deficit in unconsolidatedconstruction joint venture		$ 8,200	$ 800	$ 8,200	$ 800	$ 8,600
Equity in Construction Joint Ventures Current Assets Excluding Deficit in Equity	[1]	237,298	208,248	237,298	208,248	216,063
Granite Construction [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue		(2,900)	7,300	5,600	18,600
Partnership Interest [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures		$ 5,100,000		$ 5,100,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects		5		5
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects		11		11
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue		$ 682,002	466,144	$ 970,046	909,551
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue		479,113	436,230	940,610	846,301
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue		$ (4,400)	34,000	$ 29,300	67,400
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects		6		6
Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures		$ 1,600,000		$ 1,600,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets		437,723	380,968	437,723	380,968	418,437
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities		200,425	172,720	200,425	172,720	202,374
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue		129,016	138,164	275,275	273,451
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue		131,452	130,408	268,908	254,432
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Gross Profit Loss		(2,436)	7,756	6,367	19,019
Other Partners Interest in Partnerships [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures		3,500,000		3,500,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets		894,017	771,875	894,017	771,875	881,183
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities		434,371	385,506	434,371	385,506	447,926
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	[2]	552,986	327,980	694,771	636,100
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	[2]	347,661	305,822	671,702	591,869
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		$ 6,700		$ 6,700
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly		50.00%		50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		$ 80,200		$ 80,200
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly		20.00%		20.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		$ 42,200		$ 42,200
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures		100		100
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures		300		300
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		24,800		24,800
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		$ 290,900		$ 290,900
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly		65.00%		65.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		$ 3,600,000		$ 3,600,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly		50.00%		50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		$ 87,800		$ 87,800
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures		29,300		29,300
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures		566,300		566,300
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value		64,900		64,900
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets		435,098	336,581	435,098	336,581	439,871
Other Assets, Current and Longterm [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets		896,642	816,262	896,642	816,262	859,749
Accounts Payable [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities		254,954	216,663	254,954	216,663	218,790
Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities		277,900	276,982	277,900	276,982	341,609
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities		$ 101,942	$ 64,581	$ 101,942	$ 64,581	$ 89,901
[1]	As of June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 this balance included $8.2 million, $8.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of deficit in construction joint ventures that is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Partners’ interest represents amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies.

Construction and Line Item Jo43

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Schedule of Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures Revenue and Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Deficit in unconsolidatedconstruction joint venture		$ 8,200	$ 800	$ 8,200	$ 800	$ 8,600
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Net Income		(4,400)	34,000	29,300	67,400
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue		682,002	466,144	970,046	909,551
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue		479,113	436,230	940,610	846,301
Parent Company [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Net Income		(2,900)	7,300	5,600	18,600
Other Partners Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	[1]	552,986	327,980	694,771	636,100
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	[1]	347,661	305,822	671,702	591,869
Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue		129,016	138,164	275,275	273,451
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue		131,452	130,408	268,908	254,432
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Gross Profit Loss		$ (2,436)	$ 7,756	$ 6,367	$ 19,019
[1]	Partners’ interest represents amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies.

Investments in Affiliates (Deta

Investments in Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$ 34,517	$ 33,182	$ 32,655
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	34,517	33,182	32,655
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	176,275	175,477	175,503
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Net Assets	102,650	104,370	103,539
Equity Method Investments	19,400	18,500	17,500
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	9,499	9,079	9,553
Equity Method Investments	34,517	33,182	32,655
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	25,018	$ 24,103	$ 23,102
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	20,700
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Real Estate Development Projects Range of Total Assets	1,700
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Real Estate Development Projects Range of Total Assets	$ 65,900

Property and Equipment, Net (De

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,206,959	$ 1,163,567	$ 1,204,823
Accumulated depreciation and depletion	797,099	778,438	812,834
Property and equipment, net	409,860	385,129	391,989
Equipment and vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	769,307	731,224	768,831
Quarry property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	179,773	178,357	172,009
Land and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	111,425	110,294	110,452
Building and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	82,733	82,871	82,628
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 63,721	$ 60,821	$ 70,903

Covenants and Events of Defau46

Covenants and Events of Default (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 28, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 241,907	$ 244,323		$ 269,566
Covenant Compliance	As of June 30, 2016, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our note purchase agreement governing our 2019 Notes and Credit Agreement. We are not aware of any non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated real estate entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements.
Senior Notes [Member] | 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 160,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.11%
Debt, Current	$ 40,000
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	30,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	200,000		$ 297,500
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	97,500
Term Loan Sublimit for Letters of Credit [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net Income Attributable to Parent	$ 14,130	$ 9,613	$ 2,942	$ 1,053
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	39,584	39,358	39,509	39,287
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	718	523	631	561
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	40,302	39,881	40,140	39,848
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.36	$ 0.24	$ 0.07	$ 0.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.24	$ 0.07	$ 0.03

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance				$ 870,121		$ 817,106
Purchase of common stock				(4,845)	[1]	(3,332)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	[3]			9,439		5,092
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net				(3,355)		(1,282)
Net Income Attributable to Parent		$ 14,130	$ 9,613	2,942		1,053
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income		18,457	9,539	7,947		929
Dividends on common stock				(10,292)		(10,233)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance		869,015	808,280	$ 869,015		$ 808,280
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation				109,000		102,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance				$ 839,237		$ 794,385
Purchase of common stock				(4,845)	[1]	(3,332)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	[3]			9,439		5,092
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net				0		0
Net Income Attributable to Parent				2,942
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income						1,053
Dividends on common stock				(10,292)		(10,233)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance		836,481	786,965	836,481		786,965
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance				30,884		22,721
Purchase of common stock				0	[1]	0	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders	[3]			0		0
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net				(3,355)		(1,282)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income				5,005		(124)
Dividends on common stock				0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance		$ 32,534	$ 21,315	$ 32,534		$ 21,315
[1]	Represents 109,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
[2]	Represents 102,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
[3]	Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock units.

Legal Proceedings Legal Proceed

Legal Proceedings Legal Proceedings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 0.7	$ 5.2	$ 9.5

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Construction	$ 331,346	$ 305,605	$ 540,833	$ 494,125
Large Project Construction	197,322	182,893	392,771	373,198
Construction Materials	75,911	80,744	110,427	122,168
Total revenue	604,579	569,242	1,044,031	989,491
Gross profit	73,201	64,200	112,446	103,129
Assets	1,685,829	1,598,538	1,685,829	1,598,538	$ 1,626,878
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit	73,201	64,200	112,446	103,129
Selling, general and administrative expenses	48,705	47,526	104,838	98,549
Gain on sales of property and equipment	1,366	475	1,966	1,286
Other income (expense), net	(1,511)	2,635	(2,112)	4,468
Income before provision for income taxes	27,373	14,514	11,686	1,398
Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Construction	331,346	305,605	540,833	494,125
Large Project Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Large Project Construction	197,322	182,893	392,771	373,198
Construction Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Construction Materials	75,911	80,744	110,427	122,168
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	644,010	601,947	1,097,877	1,034,472
Elimination of intersegment revenue	644,010	601,947	1,097,877	1,034,472
Gross profit	73,201	64,200	112,446	103,129
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	12,723	12,800	24,054	25,568
Assets	756,227	716,470	756,227	716,470
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit	73,201	64,200	112,446	103,129
Operating Segments [Member] | Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	331,346	305,605	540,833	494,125
Elimination of intersegment revenue	331,346	305,605	540,833	494,125
Gross profit	49,056	38,884	75,989	59,479
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	5,345	4,866	9,870	9,558
Assets	151,877	143,139	151,877	143,139
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit	49,056	38,884	75,989	59,479
Operating Segments [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	197,322	182,893	392,771	373,198
Elimination of intersegment revenue	197,322	182,893	392,771	373,198
Gross profit	13,654	14,479	27,159	32,015
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	1,519	2,359	2,988	5,003
Assets	306,440	265,124	306,440	265,124
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit	13,654	14,479	27,159	32,015
Operating Segments [Member] | Construction Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	115,342	113,449	164,273	167,149
Elimination of intersegment revenue	115,342	113,449	164,273	167,149
Gross profit	10,491	10,837	9,298	11,635
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	5,859	5,575	11,196	11,007
Assets	297,910	308,207	297,910	308,207
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit	10,491	10,837	9,298	11,635
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	(39,431)	(32,705)	(53,846)	(44,981)
Elimination of intersegment revenue	(39,431)	(32,705)	(53,846)	(44,981)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	0	0	0	0
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	0	0	0	0
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Construction Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	(39,431)	(32,705)	(53,846)	(44,981)
Elimination of intersegment revenue	$ (39,431)	$ (32,705)	$ (53,846)	$ (44,981)