PARTNERING ARRANGEMENTS - Proportionately Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Summarized Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Advances from ventures	$ 99,000		$ 71,200
Advances to ventures	99,000		108,700
Chicago Bridge And Iron Chiyoda Unconsolidated Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	163,875	[1]	102,035	[1]
Current liabilities	172,922		124,367
Chicago Bridge And Iron Zachary Unconsolidated Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	128,885	[1]	85,484	[1]
Current liabilities	$ 177,750		$ 149,891

[1] Our venture arrangements allow for excess working capital of the ventures to be advanced to the venture partners. Such advances are returned to the venture for working capital needs as necessary. Accordingly, at a reporting period end a venture may have advances to its partners which are reflected as an advance receivable within current assets of the venture. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, other current assets on the Balance Sheet included approximately $99,000 and $71,200, respectively, related to our proportionate share of advances from the CB&I/Zachry and CB&I/Chiyoda ventures to our venture partners. In addition, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 other current liabilities on the Balance Sheet included approximately $99,000 and $108,700, respectively, related to advances to CB&I from the CB&I/Zachry and CB&I/Chiyoda ventures.