Note 2 - Accounting Policies (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Construction Revenue	$ 3,100,000
Number of Components	3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	6,600,000	9,900,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	(600,000)	(700,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	(200,000)	(400,000)
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 19,674,000	$ 19,181,000
Number of Steps, VIE	2
Bayou Coating [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	49.00%
WCU [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	49.00%
Minimum [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Maximum [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Bayou Delta [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	41.00%