Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 29,160	$ (7,990)	$ (35,412)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation adjustments		(6,343)	(25,379)	(27,591)
Pension activity, net of tax	[1]	(8)	145	(576)
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging activity, net of tax	[2]	746	279	296
Total comprehensive income (loss)		23,555	(32,945)	(63,283)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests		294	1,686	(605)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aegion Corporation		$ 23,849	$ (31,259)	$ (63,888)

[1] Amounts presented net of tax of $(2), $37 and $(158) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

[2] Amounts presented net of tax of $496, $187 and $196 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.