10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

OR

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
	Commission File Number: 1-12911

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

State of Incorporation:	I.R.S. Employer Identification Number:
Delaware	77-0239383

Address of principal executive offices:

585 W. Beach Street

Watsonville, California 95076

(831) 724-1011

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. xYes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). xYes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes x No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of July 23, 2012.

Class	Outstanding
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	38,708,442 shares

Index

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Financial Statements
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
		Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures
	Item 5.	Other Information
	Item 6.	Exhibits
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 10.1
EXHIBIT 10.2
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32
EXHIBIT 95
EXHIBIT 101.INS
EXHIBIT 101.SCH
EXHIBIT 101.CAL
EXHIBIT 101.DEF
EXHIBIT 101.LAB
EXHIBIT 101.PRE

2

PARTI.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited - in thousands, except share and per share data)
	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents ($67,685, $75,122 and $89,666 related to consolidated construction joint ventures (“CCJV”))	$	237,951	$	256,990	$	190,069
Short-term marketable securities	43,260		70,408		78,255
Receivables, net ($26,903, $30,332 and $31,958 related to CCJVs)	272,562		251,838		283,944
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	69,688		37,703		51,739
Inventories	67,503		50,975		64,727
Real estate held for development and sale	57,367		67,037		78,725
Deferred income taxes	38,571		38,571		52,714
Equity in construction joint ventures	107,821		101,029		87,653
Other current assets	20,436		35,171		34,779
Total current assets	915,159		909,722		922,605
Property and equipment, net ($6,919, $8,671 and $11,012 related to CCJVs)	439,664		447,140		464,616
Long-term marketable securities	45,800		79,250		49,580
Investments in affiliates	28,521		31,071		32,932
Other noncurrent assets	78,503		80,616		82,214
Total assets	$	1,507,647	$	1,547,799	$	1,551,947
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	9,102	$	9,102	$	8,351
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	16,328		23,071		16,454
Accounts payable ($31,135, $38,193 and $37,229 related to CCJVs)	186,290		158,660		179,664
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ($17,979, $22,251 and $41,386 related to CCJVs)	75,629		90,845		122,014
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($3,027, $5,129 and $9,147 related to CCJVs)	155,322		166,790		156,727
Total current liabilities	442,671		448,468		483,210
Long-term debt	200,168		208,501		208,519
Long-term non-recourse debt	4,641		9,912		28,907
Other long-term liabilities	47,393		49,221		46,460
Deferred income taxes	3,644		4,034		10,983
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares, none outstanding	—		—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 38,684,540 shares as of June 30, 2012, 38,682,771 shares as of December 31, 2011 and 38,677,457 shares as of June 30, 2011	387		387		387
Additional paid-in capital	112,815		111,514		105,287
Retained earnings	667,278		687,296		642,228
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders’ equity	780,480		799,197		747,902
Noncontrolling interests	28,650		28,466		25,966
Total equity	809,130		827,663		773,868
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,507,647	$	1,547,799	$	1,551,947

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenue
Construction	$	245,113		$	260,600		$	363,059		$	353,292
Large project construction	228,799			162,338			392,727			300,158
Construction materials	63,349			58,114			88,972			81,912
Real estate	2,354			3,622			5,017			6,043
Total revenue	539,615			484,674			849,775			741,405
Cost of revenue
Construction	227,152			237,211			336,518			324,350
Large project construction	200,560			149,680			342,239			256,202
Construction materials	58,349			49,644			89,922			80,712
Real estate	1,638			3,183			4,244			5,197
Total cost of revenue	487,699			439,718			772,923			666,461
Gross profit	51,916			44,956			76,852			74,944
Selling, general and administrative expenses	40,806			38,793			83,994			82,165
Gain on sales of property and equipment	2,954			3,270			4,871			5,974
Operating income (loss)	14,064			9,433			(2,271		)	(1,247		)
Other income (expense)
Interest income	611			575			1,655			1,819
Interest expense	(2,827		)	(879		)	(6,009		)	(4,235		)
Equity in loss of affiliates	(484		)	(181		)	(1,101		)	(438		)
Other (expense) income, net	(5,018		)	(688		)	1,853			(118		)
Total other expense	(7,718		)	(1,173		)	(3,602		)	(2,972		)
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	6,346			8,260			(5,873		)	(4,219		)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	1,859			2,087			(1,673		)	(3,136		)
Net income (loss)	4,487			6,173			(4,200		)	(1,083		)
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,538		)	(1,227		)	(5,624		)	(2,978		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	$	1,949		$	4,946		$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 13)
Basic	$	0.05		$	0.13		$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)
Diluted	$	0.05		$	0.13		$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)
Weighted average shares of common stock
Basic	38,471			38,140			38,368			38,052
Diluted	39,151			38,479			38,368			38,052
Dividends per common share	$	0.13		$	0.13		$	0.26		$	0.26

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited - in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,	2012			2011
Operating activities
Net loss	$	(4,200	)	$	(1,083	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	29,573			30,464
Non-cash restructuring, net	(1,888		)	661
Other non-cash impairment charges	2,752			—
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(4,871		)	(5,974		)
Stock-based compensation	6,492			5,913
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of consolidations:
Receivables	(20,771		)	(36,910		)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	(47,201		)	(39,391		)
Inventories	(16,528		)	(13,709		)
Real estate held for development and sale	722			(1,820		)
Equity in construction joint ventures	(6,792		)	(12,937		)
Other assets, net	15,031			5,353
Accounts payable	27,632			49,964
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net	(14,575		)	2,733
Net cash used in operating activities	(34,624		)	(16,736		)
Investing activities
Purchases of marketable securities	(39,945		)	(65,287		)
Maturities of marketable securities	65,100			58,375
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	35,000			19,268
Additions to property and equipment	(19,855		)	(27,542		)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	6,078			10,266
Other investing activities, net	(978		)	120
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	45,400			(4,800		)
Financing activities
Long-term debt principal payments	(10,834		)	(16,151		)
Cash dividends paid	(10,050		)	(10,061		)
Purchase of common stock	(4,054		)	(3,662		)
Distributions to noncontrolling partners, net	(5,440		)	(11,616		)
Other financing activities, net	563			1,073
Net cash used in financing activities	(29,815		)	(40,417		)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(19,039		)	(61,953		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	256,990			252,022
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	237,951		$	190,069

Supplementary Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	7,158	$	8,812
Income taxes	771		240
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted stock/units issued, net of forfeitures	$	11,417	$	4,598
Accrued cash dividends	5,029		5,027
Debt payments out of escrow from sale of assets	1,109		3,277
Debt extinguishment from joint venture interest transfer	9,115		—
Debt payment from refinance	1,150		—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Granite Construction Incorporated (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Granite”) without audit, 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, 2011. 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, although we believe the disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. 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, 2012 and 2011 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2011 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements except for the adoption of the following new accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2012:

• Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity or as a footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements, and provides the option of presenting comprehensive income in a continuous statement of comprehensive income. This guidance became effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012 and requires prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation. For all periods presented the comprehensive income (loss) was equal to the net income (loss); therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income (loss) is not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

• ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820):Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, which clarifies the application of certain existing fair value measurement guidance and expands the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs and for assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. This guidance was effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012. As a result of this new guidance, we disclosed the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value were categorized (see Note 4). Other items in this new guidance had no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

• ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which gives companies the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value when assessing goodwill for impairment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, further impairment analysis is not necessary. However, if it is concluded otherwise, we are required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test. This guidance was effective as of January 1, 2012 and will be applied during our annual goodwill impairment tests to be performed during the fourth quarter of 2012, and earlier if fact and circumstances indicate that an impairment has occurred. This new guidance will have no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements for our 2012 fiscal year.

Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  

6

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2. Revisions in Estimates

Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary in the normal course of business as projects progress and uncertainties are resolved. We do not recognize revenue on contract change orders or claims until we have a signed agreement; however, we do recognize costs as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Approved change orders and claims, as well as changes in related estimates of costs to complete, are considered revisions in estimates. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this option, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. As of June 30, 2012, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

Construction

The net 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 $1.6 million and $0.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The net changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were net increases of $1.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		1		1		3		2
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.4	$	1.4	$	1.1 - 3.2	$	1.4 - 1.5
Increase on project profitability	$	1.4	$	1.4	$	5.4	$	2.9

The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were due to lower than anticipated costs and settlement of outstanding issues with contract owners. The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were due to construction costs lower than anticipated and owner directed scope changes.

Decreases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		2		—		2		—
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.1 - 1.9	$	—	$	1.4 - 4.8	$	—
Decrease on project profitability	$	3.0	$	—	$	6.2	$	—

The decreases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were due to lower productivity than originally anticipated.

7

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Large Project Construction

The net 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 increases of $9.3 million and $13.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The net changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were a net decrease of $0.3 million and a net increase of $5.2 million, respectively. Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests were $0.4 million and $0.9 million of the net increases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and were $0.4 million of the net increase for the six months ended June 30, 2011. There were no amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		6		1		6		4
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.2 - 3.6	$	1.3	$	1.4 - 5.2	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability	$	14.9	$	1.3	$	23.1	$	11.0

The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were due to owner directed scope changes and lower than anticipated construction costs. The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were due to lower than anticipated construction costs and resolution of a project claim.

Decreases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		1		1		2		2
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	5.6	$	1.6	$	1.5 - 7.9	$	2.6 - 3.2
Decrease on project profitability	$	5.6	$	1.6	$	9.4	$	5.8

The downward estimate changes during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were due to lower productivity than anticipated.

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”) and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which was under contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of U.S. Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. In addition to previous geologic landslide issues, unanticipated ground movement was observed at several hillsides beginning in 2010. YRC and ODOT were in dispute regarding their respective responsibilities under the terms of the contract relative to the project revisions necessary on account of the unanticipated ground movement. In May 2012, ODOT and YRC reached a settlement that ended YRC’s responsibility to perform any further work following limited final activities, which have been completed; released both parties from claims against the other, including from ODOT’s Notice of Default, which was rescinded and withdrawn; and contained terms calling for YRC to make certain payments to ODOT and for ODOT to release certain earned amounts to YRC. The settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

8

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3. Marketable Securities

All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity for the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	20,107	$	40,240	$	49,400
Commercial paper	14,967		24,980		19,986
Municipal bonds	3,065		2,057		5,685
Corporate bonds	5,121		3,131		3,184
Total short-term marketable securities	43,260		70,408		78,255
U.S. Government and agency obligations	40,041		65,109		40,144
Municipal bonds	5,759		8,909		4,091
Corporate bonds	—		5,232		5,345
Total long-term marketable securities	45,800		79,250		49,580
Total marketable securities	$	89,060	$	149,658	$	127,835

Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):

June 30, 2012
Due within one year	$	43,260
Due in one to five years	45,800
Total	$	89,060

9

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

4. Fair Value Measurement

Effective in 2012, we adopted a new accounting standard that expands the disclosure of our assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. As of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011, and June 30, 2011, these assets and liabilities were our held-to-maturity marketable securities and senior notes payable. The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as assets and liabilities that are disclosed but not recorded at fair value: 

June 30, 2012	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	167,427	$	—	$	—	$	167,427
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	89,239		—		—		89,239
Total assets	$	256,666	$	—	$	—	$	256,666
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	239,443	$	239,443
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	239,443	$	239,443

December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	178,174	$	—	$	—	$	178,174
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	149,979		—		—		149,979
Total assets	$	328,153	$	—	$	—	$	328,153
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541

June 30, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	163,058	$	—	$	—	$	163,058
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	128,263		—		—		128,263
Total assets	$	291,321	$	—	$	—	$	291,321
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	239,641	$	239,641
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	239,641	$	239,641

¹Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

²Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

³Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

10

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

A reconciliation of money market funds to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Money market funds	$	167,427	$	178,174	$	163,058
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		—
Cash	65,527		73,817		27,011
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	237,951	$	256,990	$	190,069

We believe the carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. In addition, the fair value measured using Level 3 inputs of non-recourse debt approximates its carrying value due to its relative short-term nature and competitive interest rates. The fair value of the senior notes payable was based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term loans with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk. The carrying amount of senior notes payable, including current maturities, was $208.3 million, $216.7 million and $216.7 million as of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively. See Note 3 for the carrying amount of held-to-maturity marketable securities as of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011.

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the only significant fair value adjustment was a $2.8 million non-cash impairment charge to write-off our cost method investment in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment. The fair value was estimated based on Level 3 inputs using the expected future cash flows attributable to the asset and on other assumptions that market participants would use in determining fair value, such as liquidation preferences, market discount rates, transaction prices for other comparable assets, and other market data. No other significant fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

5. Receivables, net

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	146,509	$	122,987	$	155,807
Retentions	66,265		77,038		79,598
Total construction contracts	212,774		200,025		235,405
Construction material sales	50,205		30,356		39,074
Other	12,624		24,337		12,605
Total gross receivables	275,603		254,718		287,084
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	3,041		2,880		3,140
Total net receivables	$	272,562	$	251,838	$	283,944

Receivables include amounts billed and billable for public and private contracts and do not bear interest. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to retainage provisions in construction contracts generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the contract by the owners. Included in other receivables at June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 were items such as notes receivable, interest receivable, fuel tax refunds and income tax refunds. No such receivables individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of these dates.

Financing receivables consisted of long-term notes receivable and retentions receivable. As of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, long-term notes receivable outstanding were $1.9 million, $2.0 million, and $2.1 million, respectively, and primarily related to loans made to employees and were included in other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

11

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow. The balances in each category were as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Escrow	$	42,421	$	43,378	$	38,366
Non-escrow	23,844		33,660		41,232
Total retention receivables	$	66,265	$	77,038	$	79,598

The escrow receivables include amounts due to Granite which 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.

Non-escrow retention receivables are amounts that the project owner has contractually withheld that will be paid upon owner acceptance of contract completion. We evaluate our non-escrow retention receivables for collectability using certain customer information that includes the following:

• Federal - includes federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The obligations of these agencies are backed by the federal government. Consequently, there is minimal risk of not collecting the amounts we are entitled to receive.    

• State - primarily state departments of transportation. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as states have struggled with budget issues.

• Local - these customers include local agencies such as cities, counties and other local municipal agencies. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as some local agencies have struggled to deal with budget issues.       

• Private - includes individuals, developers and corporations. The majority of our collection risk is associated with these customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law provides us certain remedies, including, but not limited to, the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such customers.

The following table summarizes the amount of our non-escrow retention receivables within each category:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Federal	$	2,464	$	2,811	$	3,421
State	4,626		5,453		7,928
Local	9,944		14,708		20,282
Private	6,810		10,688		9,601
Total	$	23,844	$	33,660	$	41,232

12

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

We regularly review our accounts receivable, including past due amounts, to determine their probability of collection. If it is probable that an amount is uncollectible, it is charged to bad debt expense and a corresponding reserve is established in allowance for doubtful accounts. If it is deemed certain that an amount is uncollectible, the amount is written off. Based on contract terms, non-escrow retention receivables are typically due within 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion. We consider retention amounts beyond 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion to be past due. The following tables present the aging of our non-escrow retention receivables (in thousands):

June 30, 2012	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,746	$	—	$	718	$	2,464
State	3,552		208		866		4,626
Local	7,330		1,326		1,288		9,944
Private	6,363		92		355		6,810
Total	$	18,991	$	1,626	$	3,227	$	23,844

December 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,462	$	326	$	23	$	2,811
State	2,751		860		1,842		5,453
Local	12,313		1,326		1,069		14,708
Private	9,599		765		324		10,688
Total	$	27,125	$	3,277	$	3,258	$	33,660

June 30, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	3,025	$	—	$	396	$	3,421
State	6,951		29		948		7,928
Local	16,294		1,432		2,556		20,282
Private	9,028		222		351		9,601
Total	$	35,298	$	1,683	$	4,251	$	41,232

Federal, state and local agencies generally require several approvals to release payments, and these approvals often take over 90 days past contractual due dates to obtain. Amounts past due from government agencies primarily result from delays caused by paperwork processing and obtaining proper agency approvals rather than lack of funds. As of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, our allowance for doubtful accounts contained no material provision related to non-escrow retention receivables as we determined there were no significant collectibility issues.

13

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

6. Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

We participate in various construction joint venture partnerships. We also participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each partner is responsible for performing certain discrete items of the total scope of contracted work.

Our agreements with our joint venture partners for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures provide that each party will pay for any losses it is responsible for under the joint venture agreement. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under our joint venture arrangements beyond our stated ownership interest include the failure of a partner to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur should a partner fail to provide the services and resources that it had committed to provide in the joint venture agreement. Due to the joint and several nature of the obligations under our joint venture arrangements, if one of our joint venture partners fails to perform, we and the remaining joint venture partners would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work.

At June 30, 2012, there was approximately $1.9 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $0.7 billion represented our share and the remaining $1.2 billion represented our partners’ share.  Due to the uncertainties associated with the nature of our work, we are not able to quantify our maximum exposure on the underlying arrangements and contracts 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 our partners’ corporate and/or other guarantees.

Construction Joint Ventures

Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to complete a specific contract and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. The joint venture 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 project. We have no significant commitments beyond completion of the contracts. Under our contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, partners 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 partners. As we absorb our share of these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential losses.

We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners.

Based on our initial primary beneficiary analysis, we determined that decision making responsibility is shared between the venture partners for one construction joint venture. Therefore, this joint venture did not have an identifiable primary beneficiary partner and we continue to report the pro rata results. All other joint ventures were assigned one primary beneficiary partner. Based on our primary beneficiary assessment during the six months ended June 30, 2012, we determined no change was required to the accounting for existing construction joint ventures.

14

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	67,685	$	75,122	$	89,666
Other current assets	29,028		33,750		35,183
Total current assets	96,713		108,872		124,849
Noncurrent assets	6,919		8,671		11,012
Total assets2	$	103,632	$	117,543	$	135,861
Accounts payable	$	31,135	$	38,193	$	37,229
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	17,979		22,251		41,386
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,027		5,129		9,147
Total current liabilities	52,141		65,573		87,762
Noncurrent liabilities	—		4		—
Total liabilities2	$	52,141	$	65,577	$	87,762

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

²The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

At June 30, 2012, we were engaged in two active consolidated construction joint venture projects with total contract values of $246.0 million and $319.3 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures was 45.0% and 60.0%, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total revenue of the consolidated joint ventures was $55.0 million and $96.6 million, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total revenue of the consolidated joint ventures was $54.5 million and $97.2 million, respectively. Total cash used in consolidated joint venture operations was $1.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and total cash provided by consolidated joint venture operations was $16.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

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, 2012, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in nine active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $57.8 million to $1.2 billion. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from 20.0% to 50.0%. As of June 30, 2012, our share of the revenue remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from $0.5 million to $212.0 million.

15

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	337,102	$	338,681	$	382,745
Other assets	300,744		264,901		205,408
Less partners’ interest	392,139		364,979		357,929
Granite’s interest	245,707		238,603		230,224
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	101,782		85,075		85,505
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	265,883		280,650		290,584
Other liabilities	8,455		8,595		8,996
Less partners’ interest	238,234		236,746		242,514
Granite’s interest	137,886		137,574		142,571
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	107,821	$	101,029	$	87,653

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Revenue:
Total	$	663,536	$	224,498	$	869,368	$	424,266
Less partners’ interest1	563,302		163,932		695,505		290,278
Granite’s interest	100,234		60,566		173,863		133,988
Cost of revenue:
Total	544,838		183,130		714,450		334,010
Less partners’ interest1	467,540		128,495		576,780		230,359
Granite’s interest	77,298		54,635		137,670		103,651
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	22,936	$	5,931	$	36,193	$	30,337

¹Partners’ 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.

Line Item Joint Ventures

The revenue for each line item joint venture partner’s discrete items of work is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture partner 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 partner accounts for its items of work individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We account for our portion of these contracts as project revenues and costs in our accounting system and include receivables and payables associated with our work in our condensed consolidated financial statements. As of June 30, 2012, we had four active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values ranging from $54.1 million to $130.0 million of which our portions ranged from $21.5 million to $54.9 million. As of June 30, 2012, our share of revenue remaining to be recognized on these line item joint ventures ranged from $5.6 million to $35.5 million.

16

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

7. Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

The operations of our Real Estate segment are conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Land Company (“GLC”). Generally, GLC participates with third-party partners in entities that are formed to accomplish specific real estate development projects. The agreements with GLC’s partners in these real estate entities define each partner’s management role and financial responsibility in the project. If one of GLC’s partners is unable to fulfill its management role or make its required financial contribution, GLC may assume full management or financial responsibility for the project. This may result in the consolidation of entities that are accounted for under the equity method in our consolidated financial statements. The amount of GLC’s exposure is limited to GLC’s equity investment in the real estate joint venture.

Substantially all the assets of these real estate entities in which we are participants through our GLC subsidiary are classified as real estate held for development and sale. All outstanding debt of these entities is non-recourse to Granite. However, there is recourse to our real estate affiliates that incurred the debt. Our real estate affiliates include limited partnerships or limited liability companies of which we are a limited partner or member. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we publicly announced our work in progress on our Enterprise Improvement Plan which includes business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business by the end of 2013, subject to market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us. In 2011, development activities were curtailed for the majority of our real estate development projects as divestiture efforts increased. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded amounts associated with the sale or other disposition of two real estate projects, the impact of which was not significant to our results of operations. Subsequent to the sale or other disposition of these projects, GLC had no significant continuing involvement with the associated entities.

GLC receives authorization to provide additional financial support for certain of its real estate entities in increments to address changes in business plans.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012, GLC was not authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities and during the six months ended June 30, 2011, GLC was authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities by $12.0 million on three separate projects. As of June 30, 2012, $3.2 million of the total authorized investment had yet to be contributed to the consolidated entities.

We have determined that certain of the real estate joint ventures are VIEs as defined by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners. Based on our ongoing primary beneficiary assessments, there were no changes to our determinations of whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary for existing real estate entities during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

To determine if impairment charges should be recognized, the carrying amount of each consolidated real estate development project is reviewed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and each real estate development project accounted for under the equity method of accounting is reviewed in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The review of each project includes an evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to each project to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a consolidated project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the future undiscounted cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount. In the event that the project’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts, it is written down to its estimated fair value. The projects accounted for under the equity method are evaluated for impairment using the other-than-temporary impairment model, which requires an impairment charge to be recognized if the project’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary. In the event that the estimated fair value is not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of a project, it is written down to its estimated fair value.

Based on our quarterly evaluations of each project’s business plan and our review of each project, we recorded no significant impairment charges to our real estate development projects or investments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

17

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Consolidated Real Estate Entities

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of real estate entities we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Real estate held for development and sale	$	57,367	$	67,037	$	78,725
Other current assets	2,124		4,715		3,011
Total current assets	59,491		71,752		81,736
Property and equipment, net	—		—		203
Total assets	$	59,491	$	71,752	$	81,939
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	16,328	$	22,571	$	15,954
Other current liabilities	368		1,794		2,045
Total current liabilities	16,696		24,365		17,999
Long-term non-recourse debt	4,641		9,912		28,907
Other noncurrent liabilities	—		74		313
Total liabilities	$	21,337	$	34,351	$	47,219

Substantially all of the consolidated real estate entities’ real estate held for development and sale is pledged as collateral for the debt of the real estate entities. All outstanding debt of the real estate entities is recourse only to the real estate affiliate that incurred the debt (i.e. the limited partnership or limited liability company of which we are a limited partner or member). Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

Included in current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets is real estate held for development and sale. The breakdown by type and location of our real estate held for development and sale is summarized below:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011			June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	47,986	3	$	54,610	4	$	55,433	5
Commercial	9,381		4	12,427		5	23,292		7
Total	$	57,367	7	$	67,037	9	$	78,725	12
Washington	$	47,547	2	$	47,600	2	$	46,184	2
California	2,587		4	4,006		5	16,335		8
Texas	7,233		1	8,859		1	8,859		1
Oregon	—		—	6,572		1	7,347		1
Total	$	57,367	7	$	67,037	9	$	78,725	12

Investments in Affiliates

We account for our share of unconsolidated real estate entities in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as investments in affiliates. At June 30, 2012, these entities were engaged in real estate development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $2.9 million to $48.3 million. Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

18

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Additionally, we have investments in non-real estate affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method. The most significant of these investments is a 50% interest in a limited liability company which owns and operates an asphalt terminal in Nevada. We also have a cost method investment in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, it was determined that the carrying amount of the cost method investment in the power generation equipment manufacturer exceeded its fair value, which required us to recognize a non-cash impairment charge of $2.8 million.

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	17,563	$	16,478	$	15,865
Equity method investments in other affiliates	10,958		11,841		10,617
Total equity method investments	28,521		28,319		26,482
Cost method investments	—		2,752		6,450
Total investments in affiliates	$	28,521	$	31,071	$	32,932

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate affiliates accounted for under the equity method is summarized below:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011			June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	12,217	2	$	11,903	2	$	11,391	2
Commercial	5,346		3	4,575		3	4,474		3
Total	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5
Texas	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5
Total	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5

The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a 100% combined basis:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Total assets	$	158,431	$	157,771	$	152,358
Net assets	87,197		82,511		79,666
Granite’s share of net assets	28,521		28,319		26,482

8. 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, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Land and land improvements	$	126,396	$	124,216	$	124,892
Quarry property	177,792		175,612		173,055
Buildings and leasehold improvements	80,910		81,272		81,325
Equipment and vehicles	722,724		733,158		772,800
Office furniture and equipment	63,414		55,570		45,840
Property and equipment	1,171,236		1,169,828		1,197,912
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,572		722,688		733,296
Property and equipment, net	$	439,664	$	447,140	$	464,616

19

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

9. Intangible Assets

The balances of the following intangible assets are included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	393		393		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	10,293	$	10,293	$	11,219

¹Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.

Amortized Intangible Assets:

June 30, 2012			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(9,494	)	$	20,219
Customer lists	2,198		(2,056		)	142
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,536		)	52
Other	871		(658		)	213
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(13,744	)	$	20,626

December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,573	)	$	22,140
Customer lists	2,198		(1,942		)	256
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,476		)	112
Other	871		(583		)	288
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,574	)	$	22,796

June 30, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,837	)	$	22,876
Customer lists	2,198		(1,828		)	370
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,401		)	187
Other	871		(508		)	363
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(10,574	)	$	23,796

Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was approximately $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, and approximately $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets balance at June 30, 2012, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $1.6 million for the remainder of 2012; $1.3 million in 2013; $1.1 million in 2014; $1.1 million in 2015; $1.0 million in 2016; and $14.5 million thereafter.

20

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

10. Restructuring

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2012 included a net gain on restructuring of $1.9 million related to divestiture activities of our real estate investment business. We recorded no significant restructuring charges during the three months ended June 30, 2012 or during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011. During the remainder of 2012 and beyond, we may record up to $8.0 million of restructuring charges, primarily related to previously planned additional consolidation efforts and assets to be held-for-sale as part of our Enterprise Improvement Plan. The ultimate amount and timing of future restructuring charges is subject to market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us.

11. 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 (1) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements, (2) termination of the agreements, (3) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized, (4) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements and/or (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entities, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements. As of June 30, 2012, one of our consolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of a change in the venture partner’s financial condition. The affected loans are non-recourse to Granite and these defaults do not result in cross-defaults under other debt agreements under which Granite is the obligor; however, there is recourse to the real estate entity that incurred the debt. The real estate entity in default is currently in discussions with its lender to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

21

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

12. Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012	2011	2012	2011
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,664	38,654	38,666	38,683
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	193	514	298	631
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	680	339	—	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	39,151	38,479	38,368	38,052

¹Due to the net losses, stock options and restricted stock units representing approximately580,000 and 291,000 shares have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

22

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

13. Earnings Per Share

We calculate earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method by allocating earnings to both common shares and unvested restricted stock which are considered participating securities. However, net losses are not allocated to participating securities for purposes of computing EPS under the two-class method. The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Granite and related weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share using the two-class method:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2012			2011
Basic
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	1,949	$	4,946	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	10		65		—			—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation	$	1,939	$	4,881	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	38,471		38,140		38,368			38,052
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	0.05	$	0.13	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	1,949	$	4,946	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	10		65		—			—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for diluted calculation	$	1,939	$	4,881	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	39,151		38,479		38,368			38,052
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.05	$	0.13	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)

23

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

14. Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 29.3% and 28.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and was 25.3% and 74.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. The changes from the prior year were primarily due to the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which was considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The recognition and measurement of these tax benefits was the result of a favorable settlement of an income tax examination conducted by the Internal Revenue Service.

15. Equity

The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented:

(in thousands)	Granite Construction Incorporated			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock1	(4,054		)	—			(4,054		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	5,211			—			5,211
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(5,440		)	(5,440		)
Net (loss) income	(9,824		)	5,624			(4,200		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,050		)	—			(10,050		)
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	780,480		$	28,650		$	809,130

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock2	(3,662		)	—			(3,662		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	4,644			—			4,644
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(11,616		)	(11,616		)
Net (loss) income	(4,061		)	2,978			(1,083		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,050		)	—			(10,050		)
Balance at June 30, 2011	$	747,902		$	25,966		$	773,868

¹Represents 139,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 129,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

³Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

⁴Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.

24

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

16. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings that are pending against us and our affiliates alleging, among other things, breach of contract or tort in connection with the performance of professional services, the various outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. The most significant of these proceedings are as follows:

• US Highway 20 Project: Our wholly owned subsidiaries, GCCO and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as YRC which was contracted by ODOT to construct a new road alignment of US Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. The project involved constructing seven miles of new road through steep and forested terrain in the Coast Range Mountains. During the fall and winter of 2006, extraordinary rain events produced runoff that overwhelmed installed erosion control measures and resulted in discharges to surface water and alleged violations of YRC’s stormwater permit. In June 2009, YRC was informed that the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”) had assumed the criminal investigation that the Oregon Department of Justice had initiated in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. The USDOJ has since informed YRC that the USDOJ will not criminally charge YRC or any Granite affiliate in connection with these matters. However, we continue to negotiate the terms of a consent decree, including payment of a civil penalty. This matter is not expected to have direct or indirect consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flow and/or liquidity.

• Grand Avenue Project DBE Issues: On March 6, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) served upon our wholly-owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. (“Granite Northeast”), a United States District Court Eastern District of New York subpoena to testify before a grand jury by producing documents. The subpoena seeks all documents pertaining to the use of a DBE firm (the “Subcontractor”), and the Subcontractor’s use of a non-DBE lower tier subcontractor/consultant, on the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility for the Borough of Queens Project, a Granite Northeast project.  The subpoena also seeks any documents regarding the use of the Subcontractor as a DBE on any other projects and any other documents related to the Subcontractor or to the lower-tier subcontractor/consultant.  We have received two follow-up requests from the USDOJ for additional information and documents.  We have complied with the subpoena and the requests, and are fully cooperating with the OIG’s investigation. To date, Granite Northeast has not been notified that it is either a subject or target of the OIG’s investigation. Accordingly, we do not know whether any criminal charges or civil lawsuits will be brought against any party as a result of the investigation. We cannot, however, rule out the possibility of civil or criminal actions or administrative sanctions being brought against Granite Northeast.

• Other Legal Proceedings/Government Inquiries: We are a party to a number of other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. From time to time, we also receive inquiries from public agencies seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and related laws and regulations. We believe that the nature and number of these proceedings and compliance inquiries are typical for a construction firm of our size and scope. Our litigation typically involves claims regarding public liability or contract related issues. While management currently believes, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate outcome of pending proceedings and compliance inquiries, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on our financial position or overall trends in results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Were one or more unfavorable rulings to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and/or liquidity for the period in which the ruling occurs. In addition, our government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended or debarred, or payment of our costs disallowed. While any one of our pending legal proceedings is 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.

We record amounts in our condensed consolidated balance sheets representing our estimated liability relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, there were no significant additions or revisions to the estimated liability that were recorded in our condensed consolidated statements of operations, or significant changes to our accrual for such ligation loss contingencies on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

25

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

17. Business Segment Information

Our reportable segments are: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate. 

The Construction segment performs various heavy civil construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, bridges, site work and other infrastructure projects. These projects are typically bid-build projects completed within two years with a contract value of less than $75 million.

The Large Project Construction segment focuses on large, complex infrastructure projects which typically have longer duration than our Construction segment work. These projects include major highways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, waterway locks and dams, pipelines, canals and airport infrastructure. This segment primarily includes bid-build, design-build and construction management/general contractor contracts, generally with contract values in excess of $75 million.

The Construction Materials segment mines and processes aggregates and operates plants that produce construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties.

The Real Estate segment purchases, develops, operates, sells and invests in real estate related projects and provides real estate services for the Company’s operations. The Real Estate segment’s current portfolio consists of residential, retail and office site development projects for sale to home and commercial property developers in Washington, California and Texas. In October 2010, we announced our Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business consistent with our strategy to focus on our core business.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies contained in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate segment performance based on gross profit or loss, and do not include overhead and non-operating income or expense. Segment assets include property and equipment, intangibles, inventory, equity in construction joint ventures and real estate held for development and sale.

26

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	245,113	$	228,799	$	115,852		$	2,354	$	592,118
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(52,503		)	—		(52,503		)
Revenue from external customers	245,113		228,799		63,349			2,354		539,615
Gross profit	17,961		28,239		5,000			716		51,916
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,233		909		7,179			—		11,321
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	260,600	$	162,338	$	108,616		$	3,622	$	535,176
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(50,502		)	—		(50,502		)
Revenue from external customers	260,600		162,338		58,114			3,622		484,674
Gross profit	23,389		12,658		8,470			439		44,956
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,847		1,289		7,000			8		12,144

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	363,059	$	392,727	$	146,861		$	5,017	$	907,664
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(57,889		)	—		(57,889		)
Revenue from external customers	363,059		392,727		88,972			5,017		849,775
Gross profit (loss)	26,541		50,488		(950		)	773		76,852
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	6,813		2,177		14,557			—		23,547
Segment assets	110,119		119,652		365,690			57,367		652,828
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	353,292	$	300,158	$	139,272		$	6,043	$	798,765
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(57,360		)	—		(57,360		)
Revenue from external customers	353,292		300,158		81,912			6,043		741,405
Gross profit	28,942		43,956		1,200			846		74,944
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	7,925		2,057		14,107			97		24,186
Segment assets	113,922		102,641		382,892			88,316		687,771

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	51,916		$	44,956		$	76,852		$	74,944
Selling, general and administrative expenses	40,806			38,793			83,994			82,165
Gain on sales of property and equipment	2,954			3,270			4,871			5,974
Other expense, net	(7,718		)	(1,173		)	(3,602		)	(2,972		)
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	6,346		$	8,260		$	(5,873	)	$	(4,219	)

27

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ANDRESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Disclosure

From time to time, Granite makes certain comments and disclosures in reports and statements, including in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or statements made by its officers or directors, that are not based on historical facts, including statements regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results, that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “future,” “outlook,” “assumes,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “appears,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” and the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology or by the context in which they are made. In addition, other written or oral statements which constitute forward-looking statements have been made and may in the future be made by or on behalf of Granite.  These forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the best judgment of senior management and are based on our current expectations regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results.  These expectations may or may not be realized.  Some of these expectations may be based on beliefs, assumptions or estimates that may prove to be incorrect.  In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those more specifically described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”Due to the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our forward-looking statements, the reader is cautioned not to place reliance on them.  The reader is also cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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Overview

We are one of the largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers in the United States, engaged in the construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure-related projects. We own aggregate reserves and plant facilities to produce construction materials for use in our construction business and for sale to third parties. We also operate a real estate investment and development company. Our permanent offices are located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. We have four reportable business segments: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate (see Note 17 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”). In October 2010, we announced our Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business consistent with our business strategy to focus on our core business. 

Our construction contracts are obtained through competitive bidding in response to advertisements and other general solicitations by both public agencies and private parties and on a negotiated basis as a result of direct solicitation by private parties. Our bidding activity is affected by such factors as the nature and volume of advertising and other solicitations, contract backlog, available personnel, current utilization of equipment and other resources, our ability to obtain necessary surety bonds and competitive considerations. Our contract review process includes identifying risks and opportunities during the bidding process and managing these risks through mitigation efforts such as insurance and pricing. Contracts fitting certain criteria of size and complexity are reviewed by various levels of management and, in some cases, by the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors. Bidding activity, contract backlog and revenue resulting from the award of new contracts may vary significantly from period to period.

Our typical construction project begins with the preparation and submission of a bid to a customer. If selected as the successful bidder, we generally enter into a contract with the customer that provides for payment upon completion of specified work or units of work as identified in the contract. We usually invoice our customers on a monthly basis. Our contracts frequently call for retention that is a specified percentage withheld from each payment until the contract is completed and the work accepted by the customer. Additionally, we defer recognition of profit on projects until they reach at least 25% completion (see “Gross Profit” section below) and our profit recognition is based on estimates that change over time. Our revenue, gross margin and cash flows can differ significantly from period to period due to a variety of factors including the projects’ stage of completion, the mix of early and late stage projects, our estimates of contract costs and the payment terms of our contracts. The timing differences between our cash inflows and outflows require us to maintain adequate levels of working capital.

The three primary economic drivers of our business are (1) the overall health of the economy, (2) federal, state and local public funding levels, and (3) population growth resulting in public and private development. A stagnant or declining economy will generally result in reduced demand for construction and construction materials in the private sector. This reduced demand increases competition for private sector projects and will ultimately also increase competition in the public sector as companies migrate from bidding on scarce private sector work to projects in the public sector. Greater competition can reduce our revenues and/or have a downward impact on our gross profit margins. In addition, a stagnant or declining economy tends to produce less tax revenue for public agencies, thereby decreasing a source of funds available for spending on public infrastructure improvements. Some funding sources that have been specifically earmarked for infrastructure spending, such as diesel and gasoline taxes, are not as directly affected by a stagnant or declining economy, unless actual consumption is reduced. However, even these can be temporarily at risk as state and local governments struggle to balance their budgets. Additionally, high fuel prices can have a dampening effect on consumption, resulting in overall lower tax revenue. Conversely, increased levels of public funding as well as an expanding or robust economy will generally increase demand for our services and provide opportunities for revenue growth and margin improvement.

Our market sector information reflects three geographic regions (known as “groups”) defined as follows: 1) California and the Pacific; 2) Northwest, which includes our offices in Alaska, Nevada, Utah and Washington; and 3) East which includes our offices in Arizona, Florida, New York and Texas. Each of these groups includes operations from our Construction, Large Project Construction, and Construction Materials lines of business.

29

Current Economic Environment and Outlook

Significant competition continues to have a negative impact on our Construction segment gross margins. In addition, funding issues for public sector infrastructure projects coupled with weak demand for commercial and residential development in many of our markets has had a negative impact on sales of our Construction Materials segment. While we continue to have a significant amount of work to bid across the country, lower tax revenues, budget deficits, financing constraints and competing priorities have impacted the timing and volume of public infrastructure projects. In addition, the number of new commercial and residential construction projects has been adversely affected by an oversupply of existing inventories of commercial and residential properties, declining property values and subsequent financing restrictions. We expect these challenging conditions to persist throughout 2012.

The President recently signed into law a 27 month reauthorization of the federal surface transportation program (“MAP21”). State and Local transportation agencies have been operating on short term extensions of the program since the expiration of SAFETEA-LU in September 2009. We are confident that the passage of MAP21 will provide much needed funding certainty and program stability to our state and local transportation agencies. In addition to maintaining a relatively flat level of funding authorization, the legislation included significant reforms including program consolidation, increased flexibility for state and local agencies and environmental review streamlining which should result in a greater percentage of dollars authorized being spent on infrastructure improvements.

In response to the challenging market conditions, we continue to seek opportunities in our traditional markets while leveraging our capabilities and further diversifying into rail, power, water, industrial and federal government opportunities. In addition, in 2010, we implemented the Enterprise Improvement Plan to reduce our cost structure. The majority of restructuring charges associated with the Enterprise Improvement Plan were recorded in 2010. During the remainder of 2012 and beyond, we may record up to $8.0 million of restructuring charges, primarily related to previously planned additional consolidation efforts and assets to be held-for-sale as part of our Enterprise Improvement Plan. The ultimate amount and timing of future restructuring charges is subject to our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us. We had no material restructuring charges during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Results of Operations

Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Comparative Financial Summary	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Total revenue	$	539,615		$	484,674		$	849,775		$	741,405
Gross profit	51,916			44,956			76,852			74,944
Operating income (loss)	14,064			9,433			(2,271		)	(1,247		)
Total other expense	(7,718		)	(1,173		)	(3,602		)	(2,972		)
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,538		)	(1,227		)	(5,624		)	(2,978		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	1,949			4,946			(9,824		)	(4,061		)

30

Revenue

Total Revenue by Segment	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011				2012				2011
Construction	$	245,113	45.4	%	$	260,600	53.8	%	$	363,059	42.7	%	$	353,292	47.7	%
Large Project Construction	228,799		42.5		162,338		33.5		392,727		46.2		300,158		40.5
Construction Materials	63,349		11.7		58,114		12.0		88,972		10.5		81,912		11.0
Real Estate	2,354		0.4		3,622		0.7		5,017		0.6		6,043		0.8
Total	$	539,615	100.0	%	$	484,674	100.0	%	$	849,775	100.0	%	$	741,405	100.0	%

Construction Revenue	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011				2012				2011
California:
Public sector	$	112,546	45.9	%	$	112,107	43.0	%	$	179,959	49.6	%	$	155,512	44.1	%
Private sector	11,704		4.8		12,567		4.8		19,587		5.4		22,043		6.2
Northwest:
Public sector	74,473		30.4		96,565		37.1		91,283		25.1		119,187		33.7
Private sector	33,337		13.6		6,439		2.5		46,631		12.8		9,926		2.8
East:
Public sector	10,783		4.4		32,127		12.3		21,333		5.9		45,768		13.0
Private sector	2,270		0.9		795		0.3		4,266		1.2		856		0.2
Total	$	245,113	100.0	%	$	260,600	100.0	%	$	363,059	100.0	%	$	353,292	100.0	%

Revenue decreased by $15.5 million, or 5.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and increased by $9.8 million, or 2.8%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011. The decrease during the quarter was primarily due to less public sector construction revenue in the Northwest and East offset by improved private sector revenue in the Northwest from increased success in new markets, such as power and industrial. The increase during the six months ended June 30, 2012 was due to improved private sector revenue in the Northwest and increased construction activity in our California public sector primarily due to entering the year with greater backlog.

31

Large Project Construction Revenue1	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011				2012				2011
California	$	25,893	11.3	%	$	17,017	10.5	%	$	46,019	11.7	%	$	32,025	10.7	%
Northwest	86,839		38.0		37,393		23.0		130,355		33.2		61,373		20.4
East	116,067		50.7		107,928		66.5		216,353		55.1		206,760		68.9
Total	$	228,799	100.0	%	$	162,338	100.0	%	$	392,727	100.0	%	$	300,158	100.0	%

¹For the periods presented, all Large Project Construction revenue was earned from the public sector.

Revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased by $66.5 million, or 40.9%, and $92.6 million, or 30.8%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011 due to progress on jobs that were awarded in late 2010 and early 2011. Revenue in the Northwest was also higher in 2012 when compared to 2011 as a result of several projects working at increased levels when compared to the previous year.

Construction Materials Revenue	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012				2011				2012				2011
California	$	39,673	62.7	%	$	38,180	65.7	%	$	59,000	66.3	%	$	57,074	69.7	%
Northwest	17,251		27.2		14,660		25.2		20,266		22.8		16,785		20.5
East	6,425		10.1		5,274		9.1		9,706		10.9		8,053		9.8
Total	$	63,349	100.0	%	$	58,114	100.0	%	$	88,972	100.0	%	$	81,912	100.0	%

Revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased by $5.2 million, or 9.0%, and $7.1 million, or 8.6%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. Despite the increases in revenue, the construction materials business continues to be impacted by the weakness in the commercial and residential development markets.

Real Estate Revenue

Revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 remained relatively unchanged when compared to the same periods in 2011. Factors that contribute to real estate revenue fluctuations include national and local market conditions, entitlement status and buyers’ access to capital.

Contract Backlog

Our contract backlog consists of the remaining unearned revenue on awarded contracts, including 100% of our consolidated joint venture contracts and our proportionate share of unconsolidated joint venture contracts. We generally include a project in our contract backlog at the time it is awarded and funding is in place. Certain federal government contracts where funding is appropriated on a periodic basis are included in contract backlog at the time of the award. Substantially all of the contracts in our contract backlog may be canceled or modified at the election of the customer; however, we have not been materially adversely affected by contract cancellations or modifications in the past.

The following tables illustrate our contract backlog as of the respective dates:

Total Contract Backlog by Segment
(dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2012				March 31, 2012				June 30, 2011
Construction	$	697,535	35.8	%	$	622,240	29.9	%	$	800,434	38.0	%
Large Project Construction	1,252,828		64.2		1,460,674		70.1		1,306,961		62.0
Total	$	1,950,363	100.0	%	$	2,082,914	100.0	%	$	2,107,395	100.0	%

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Construction Contract Backlog
(dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2012				March 31, 2012				June 30, 2011
California:
Public sector	$	367,737	52.7	%	$	349,013	56.1	%	$	445,686	55.7	%
Private sector	13,374		1.9		10,224		1.6		8,334		1.0
Northwest:
Public sector	231,574		33.2		177,842		28.6		282,693		35.3
Private sector	44,690		6.4		51,395		8.3		18,280		2.3
East:
Public sector	33,935		4.9		32,052		5.2		44,555		5.6
Private sector	6,225		0.9		1,714		0.2		886		0.1
Total	$	697,535	100.0	%	$	622,240	100.0	%	$	800,434	100.0	%

Construction contract backlog of $697.5 million at June 30, 2012 was $75.3 million, or 12.1%, higher than at March 31, 2012 and $102.9 million, or 12.9%, lower than at June 30, 2011. The increase from March 31, 2012 was primarily due to new awards, partially offset by progress on existing projects. New awards during the three months ended June 30, 2012 included a $29.4 million highway renovation project, a $29.2 million highway lane construction project and a $20.3 million highway access ramp project, all in California, as well as a $21.2 million highway widening project in Nevada and a $14.3 million intersection replacement project in Washington. The decrease from June 30, 2011 was due to progress on existing projects.

Large Project Construction Contract Backlog1
(dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2012				March 31, 2012				June 30, 2011
California	$	177,047	14.1	%	$	201,077	13.8	%	$	170,203	13.0	%
Northwest	323,337		25.8		396,034		27.1		520,367		39.8
East	752,444		60.1		863,563		59.1		616,391		47.2
Total	$	1,252,828	100.0	%	$	1,460,674	100.0	%	$	1,306,961	100.0	%

¹For all dates presented, Large Project Construction contract backlog is related to contracts with public agencies.

Large project construction contract backlog of $1.3 billion at June 30, 2012 was $207.8 million, or 14.2%, lower than at March 31, 2012, and $54.1 million, or 4.1%, lower than at June 30, 2011. The decrease from March 31, 2012 primarily reflected work completed during the quarter, with no significant projects awarded during the period. The decrease from June 30, 2011 primarily reflected work completed during the period, partially offset by new awards.

Noncontrolling interests included in Large Project Construction contract backlog as of June 30, 2012, March 31, 2012, and June 30, 2011 were $117.3 million, $138.0 million and $210.4 million, respectively.

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Gross Profit (Loss)

The following table presents gross profit (loss) by business segment for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Construction	$	17,961		$	23,389		$	26,541		$	28,942
Percent of segment revenue	7.3		%	9.0		%	7.3		%	8.2		%
Large Project Construction	28,239			12,658			50,488			43,956
Percent of segment revenue	12.3			7.8			12.9			14.6
Construction Materials	5,000			8,470			(950		)	1,200
Percent of segment revenue	7.9			14.6			(1.1		)	1.5
Real Estate	716			439			773			846
Percent of segment revenue	30.4			12.1			15.4			14.0
Total gross profit	$	51,916		$	44,956		$	76,852		$	74,944
Percent of total revenue	9.6		%	9.3		%	9.0		%	10.1		%

We defer profit recognition until a project reaches at least 25% completion. In the case of large, complex design/build projects, we may defer profit recognition beyond the point of 25% completion until such time as we believe we have enough information to make a reasonably dependable estimate of contract revenue and cost. Because we have a large number of smaller projects at various stages of completion in our Construction segment, this policy generally does not impact gross profit significantly on a quarterly or annual basis. However, our Large Project Construction segment has fewer projects at any given time; therefore, gross profit can vary significantly in periods where one or more projects reach our percentage of completion threshold and the deferred profit is recognized or, conversely, in periods where contract backlog is growing rapidly and a higher percentage of projects are in their early stages with no associated gross profit recognition.

The following table presents revenue from projects that have not yet reached our profit recognition threshold:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Construction	$	14,065	$	35,999	$	14,645	$	38,775
Large Project Construction	16,789		74,402		26,727		121,625
Total revenue from contracts with deferred profit	$	30,854	$	110,401	$	41,372	$	160,400

We do not recognize revenue from contract claims until we have a signed agreement and payment is assured, nor do we recognize revenue from contract change orders until the owner has agreed to the change order in writing. However, we do recognize the costs related to any contract claims or pending change orders in our forecasts when costs are incurred and revisions to estimated total costs are reflected as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. As a result, our gross profit as a percent of revenue can vary depending on the magnitude and timing of settlement claims and change orders.

When we experience significant contract forecast changes, 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 a change in estimate for the current period. In our review of these changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period.

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Construction gross profit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 decreased $5.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. Construction gross profit as a percent of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2012 decreased to 7.3% from 9.0% in 2011 and decreased to 7.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from 8.2% in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to increased competition and challenging market conditions primarily in California. In addition, the decreases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were partially due to net decreases of $1.6 million and $0.8 million from revisions in estimates, respectively, compared to net increases of $1.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2011 (see Note 2 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”).

Large Project Construction gross profit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased $15.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. The increases were due to progress made on projects in the East and Northwest. Large Project Construction gross profit as a percent of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2012 increased to 12.3% from 7.8% in 2011 and decreased to 12.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from 14.6% in 2011. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, $16.8 million and $26.7 million, respectively, of revenue was recognized on projects that have not yet reached our profit recognition threshold compared to $74.4 million and $121.6 million, respectively, during the same periods in 2011. The increase during the three months ended June 30, 2012 was also due to a net increase of $9.3 million from revisions in estimates compared to a net decrease of $0.3 million during the same period in 2011. The increase during the six months ended June 30, 2012 was also due to a net increase of $13.7 million from revisions in estimates compared to a net increase of $5.2 million during the same period in 2011 (see Note 2 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”). The increase in gross margin during the six months ended June 30, 2012 from revisions in estimates was partially offset by a decrease from the recognition of deferred profit on a project that reached the profit recognition threshold in the same period of 2011. Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”) and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which was under contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of U.S. Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. In addition to previous geologic landslide issues, unanticipated ground movement was observed at several hillsides beginning in 2010. YRC and ODOT were in dispute regarding their respective responsibilities under the terms of the contract relative to the project revisions necessary on account of the unanticipated ground movement. In May 2012, ODOT and YRC reached a settlement that ended YRC’s responsibility to perform any further work following limited final activities, which have been completed; released both parties from claims against the other, including from ODOT’s Notice of Default, which was rescinded and withdrawn; and contained terms calling for YRC to make certain payments to ODOT and for ODOT to release certain earned amounts to YRC. The settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Construction Materials and Real Estate gross profit remained relatively unchanged for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011 as residential, commercial and private markets remained depressed. Factors that contribute to real estate revenue fluctuations include national and local market conditions, entitlement status and buyers access to capital.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table presents the components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Selling
Salaries and related expenses	$	10,122		$	7,986		$	19,950		$	18,776
Other selling expenses	1,858			2,882			3,887			4,539
Total selling	11,980			10,868			23,837			23,315
General and administrative
Salaries and related expenses	13,925			11,281			28,637			26,221
Incentive compensation	1,893			2,711			3,097			4,331
Restricted stock amortization	2,296			2,594			6,492			5,913
Other general and administrative expenses	10,712			11,339			21,931			22,385
Total general and administrative	28,826			27,925			60,157			58,850
Total selling, general and administrative	$	40,806		$	38,793		$	83,994		$	82,165
Percent of revenue	7.6		%	8.0		%	9.9		%	11.1		%

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased $2.0 million, or 5.2%, and $1.8 million, or 2.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses include the costs of aggregate resource development, business development, estimating and bidding. Selling expenses can vary depending on the volume of projects in process and the number of employees assigned to estimating and bidding activities. As projects are completed or the volume of work slows down, we temporarily redeploy project employees to bid on new projects, moving their salaries and related costs from cost of revenue to selling expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include costs related to our operational offices that are not allocated to direct contract costs and expenses related to our corporate functions. These costs include variable cash and restricted stock performance-based incentives for select management personnel on which our compensation strategy heavily relies. The cash portion of these incentives is expensed when earned while the restricted stock portion is expensed over the vesting period of the restricted stock award (generally three years). Other general and administrative expenses include information technology, occupancy, office supplies, depreciation, travel and entertainment, outside services, training and other miscellaneous expenses.

Total general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. Included in other general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was a net gain on restructuring of $1.9 million related to divestiture activities of our real estate investment business.

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Other Expense

The following table presents the components of other expense for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Interest income	$	611		$	575		$	1,655		$	1,819
Interest expense	(2,827		)	(879		)	(6,009		)	(4,235		)
Equity in loss of affiliates	(484		)	(181		)	(1,101		)	(438		)
Other (expense) income, net	(5,018		)	(688		)	1,853			(118		)
Total other expense	$	(7,718	)	$	(1,173	)	$	(3,602	)	$	(2,972	)

Interest expense increased $1.9 million and $1.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 from the same periods in 2011, respectively, primarily due to an immaterial adjustment related to prior periods that was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2011. Other (expense) income, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 included a $2.8 million non-cash impairment charge associated with our cost method investment in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment. Other (expense) income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2012 included a $5.3 million gain related to the sale of gold, a by-product of aggregate production.

Income Taxes

The following table presents the provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	1,859		$	2,087		$	(1,673	)	$	(3,136	)
Effective tax rate	29.3		%	25.3		%	28.5		%	74.3		%

We calculate our income tax provision (benefit) at the end of each interim period by estimating our annual effective tax rate and applying that rate to our year-to-date ordinary earnings. The effect of changes in enacted tax laws, tax rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.

Our effective tax rate was 29.3% and 28.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and was 25.3% and 74.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.  The change was primarily due to the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes, during the six months ended June 30, 2011. The recognition and measurement of these tax benefits was the result of a favorable settlement of an income tax examination conducted by the Internal Revenue Service.

Noncontrolling Interests

The following table presents the amount attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(2,538	)	$	(1,227	)	$	(5,624	)	$	(2,978	)

The amount attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the noncontrolling owners’ share of the income or loss of our consolidated construction joint ventures and real estate development entities. 

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Certain Legal Proceedings

As discussed in Note 16 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report, under certain circumstances the resolution of certain legal proceedings to which we are subject could have direct or indirect consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and/or liquidity.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital needs, capital expenditures, financial commitments, cash dividend payments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations through the next twelve months. We currently maintain a secured revolving credit facility of $100.0 million primarily to provide capital needs to fund growth opportunities, either internally or generated through acquisition (see “Credit Agreement” section below for further discussion). We do not anticipate that this credit facility will be required to fund future working capital needs. If we experience a prolonged change in our business operating results or make a significant acquisition, we may need to acquire additional sources of financing, which, if available, may be limited by the terms of our existing debt covenants, or may require the amendment of our existing debt agreements.

The following table presents our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including amounts from our consolidated joint ventures, as of the respective dates:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents excluding consolidated joint ventures	$	170,266	$	181,868	$	100,403
Consolidated construction joint venture cash and cash equivalents1	67,685		75,122		89,666
Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents	237,951		256,990		190,069
Short-term and long-term marketable securities2	89,060		149,658		127,835
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	327,011	$	406,648	$	317,904

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in joint venture cash and cash equivalents between periods.

²See Note 3 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for the composition of our marketable securities.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We may also from time to time issue and sell equity, debt or hybrid securities or engage in other capital markets transactions.

Our cash and cash equivalents consisted of commercial paper, deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions. Marketable securities consist of U.S. government and agency obligations, commercial paper, municipal bonds and corporate bonds. Cash and cash equivalents held by our consolidated joint ventures represent the working capital needs of each joint venture’s project. The decision to distribute joint venture cash must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these funds generally are not available for the working capital or other liquidity needs of Granite.

Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with our operations, servicing outstanding indebtedness, making capital expenditures and paying dividends on our capital stock.  We may also from time to time prepay or repurchase outstanding indebtedness, and acquire assets or businesses that are complementary to our operations.

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Cash Flows	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Net cash (used in) provided by:
Operating activities	$	(34,624	)	$	(16,736	)
Investing activities	45,400			(4,800		)
Financing activities	(29,815		)	(40,417		)

Cash used in operating activities of $34.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 represents a $17.9 million increase from the amount of cash used in operating activities during the same period in 2011.  This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net loss as well as a less favorable change in working capital items in 2012 when compared to 2011.

Cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 increased $50.2 million when compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to a $47.8 million increase in net proceeds from marketable securities as we shifted cash proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities from longer term and lower yield investments to more liquid and higher yield interest bearing deposit accounts.

Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 decreased $10.6 million compared to the same period in 2011. The decrease was primary driven by a $6.2 million decrease in net distributions to noncontrolling partners as well as a $5.3 million decrease in long-term debt principal payments associated with our real estate entities.

Capital Expenditures

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we had capital expenditures of $19.9 million compared to $27.5 million during the same period in 2011. Major capital expenditures are typically for aggregate and asphalt production facilities, aggregate reserves, construction equipment, buildings and leasehold improvements and investments in our information technology systems. The timing and amount of such expenditures can vary based on the progress of planned capital projects, the type and size of construction projects, changes in business outlook and other factors. Capital expenditures during 2012 are expected not to exceed $45.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we had capital expenditures of $45.0 million.

Credit Agreement

We have a $100.0 million committed secured revolving credit facility, with a sublimit for letters of credit of $50.0 million (“Credit Agreement”), which expires on June 22, 2013. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin. LIBOR varies based on the applicable loan term. The applicable margin is based upon certain financial ratios calculated quarterly and was 2.75% at June 30, 2012. Accordingly, the effective interest rate was between 3.00% and 3.82% at June 30, 2012. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of Granite Construction Incorporated and our subsidiaries that are guarantors or co-borrowers under the Credit Agreement, excluding any owned or leased real property subject to an existing mortgage. At June 30, 2012, there were no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement, but there were standby letters of credit totaling approximately $4.2 million. The letters of credit will expire between October 2012 and March 2013. These letters of credit will be automatically replaced upon expiration. 

The most significant restrictive covenants under the terms of our Credit Agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The calculations and terms of such covenants are defined by Amendment No. 1 of the Credit Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2012 and pursuant to the definitions in the Credit Agreement, our Consolidated Tangible Net Worth was $759.7 million, which exceeded the minimum of $669.6 million, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 10.69, which exceeded the minimum of 4.00 and the Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 1.40, which did not exceed the maximum of 3.50. The maximum Adjusted Consolidated Leverage Ratio gradually decreases in 0.25 increments until reaching 3.00 for the quarter ending March 31, 2013.

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Senior Notes Payable

As of June 30, 2012, senior notes payable in the amount of $8.3 million were due to a group of institutional holders in nine equal annual installments which began in 2005 and bear interest at 6.96% per annum. The most significant covenant under the terms of the related agreement requires the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Net Worth, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the related agreement filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2001. As of June 30, 2012 and pursuant to the definitions in the note agreement, our Consolidated Net Worth was $780.5 million, which exceeded the minimum of $687.4 million.

In addition, as of June 30, 2012, senior notes payable in the amount of $200.0 million were due to a second group of institutional holders in five equal annual installments beginning in 2015 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum. The most significant covenant under the terms of the related agreement requires the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Net Worth, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the related agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed January 31, 2008. As of June 30, 2012 and pursuant to the definitions in the note agreement, our Consolidated Net Worth was $780.5 million, which exceeded the minimum of $698.4 million.

Surety Bonds and Real Estate Mortgages

We are generally required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide an additional measure of security under certain public and private sector contracts. At June 30, 2012, approximately $1.9 billion of our contract backlog was bonded. Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are generally released from the bonds after the owner accepts the work performed under contract. The ability to maintain bonding capacity to support our current and future level of contracting requires that we maintain cash and working capital balances satisfactory to our sureties.

A significant portion of our real estate held for development and sale is subject to mortgage indebtedness. All of this indebtedness is non-recourse to Granite but is recourse to the real estate entities that incurred the indebtedness. The terms of this indebtedness are typically renegotiated to reflect the evolving nature of the real estate projects as they progress through acquisition, entitlement and development. Modification of these terms may include changes in loan-to-value ratios requiring the real estate entities to repay portions of the debt. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we provided no significant funding to our real estate entities. As of June 30, 2012, the principal amount of debt of our real estate entities secured by mortgages was $20.9 million, of which $16.3 million was included in current liabilities and $4.6 million was included in long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Covenants and Events of Default

Our debt and credit agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants, including the financial covenants described above. 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 (1) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements, (2) termination of the agreements, (3) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized, (4) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements and/or (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entities, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements. As of June 30, 2012, one of our consolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of a change in the venture partner’s financial condition. The affected loans are non-recourse to Granite and these defaults do not result in cross-defaults under other debt agreements under which Granite is the obligor; however, there is recourse to the real estate entity that incurred the debt. The real estate entity in default is currently in discussions with its lender to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

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Share Purchase Program

In 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to $200.0 million of our common stock at management’s discretion. As of June 30, 2012, $64.1 million was available for purchase. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase program in any of the periods presented.

Website Access

Our website address is www.graniteconstruction.com. On our website we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information on our website is not incorporated into, and is not part of, this report. These reports, and any amendments to them, are also available at the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, www.sec.gov.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has been no significant change in our exposure to market risks since December 31, 2011.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management carried out, as of June 30, 2012, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the second quarter of 2012, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

41

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The description of the matters set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Report under “Note 16 - Legal Proceedings” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. 

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we did not sell any of our equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The following table sets forth information regarding the repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2012:

Period	Total number of shares purchased1	Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs	Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs2
April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012	18,172	$	28.93	—	$	64,065,401
May 1, 2012 through May 31, 2012	836	$	28.93	—	$	64,065,401
June 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012	845	$	21.89	—	$	64,065,401
	19,853	$	28.63	—

¹The number of shares purchased is in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²In October 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase, at management’s discretion, up to $200.0 million of our common stock. Under this purchase program, the Company may purchase shares from time to time on the open market or in private transactions. The specific timing and amount of purchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. Purchases under the share purchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time and from time to time without prior notice. 

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable.

42

Item 6. EXHIBITS

10.1	* **	Granite Construction Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2012]
10.2	* **	Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement effective May 22, 2012 [Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2012]
31.1	†	Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2	†	Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32	††	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
95	†	Mine Safety Disclosure
101.INS	††	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	††	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
	*	Incorporated by reference
	**	Compensatory plan or management contract
	†	Filed herewith
	††	Furnished herewith

43

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

			GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Date:	August 3, 2012	By:	/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
			Laurel J. Krzeminski
			Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

44

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, James H. Roberts, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Granite Construction Incorporated;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:	August 3, 2012	/s/ James H. Roberts
		James H. Roberts
		President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Laurel J. Krzeminski, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Granite Construction Incorporated;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:	August 3, 2012	/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned officers of Granite Construction Incorporated (the “Company”) does hereby certify that, to such officers’ knowledge:

(i) The report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods expressed in the report on Form 10-Q.

Dated:	August 3, 2012	/s/ James H. Roberts
		James H. Roberts
		President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated:	August 3, 2012	/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Laurel J. Krzeminski
		Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signatures that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Granite Construction Incorporated and will be retained by Granite Construction Incorporated and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-95

Exhibit 95

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

We operate surface mines in the western United States to produce construction aggregates. The operation of our mines is subject to regulation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). MSHA conducted 20 and 16 inspections at 19 and 15 of our mines during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There were no reportable citations or orders following 16 and 13 of those inspections during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The chart below presents the total number of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard under Section 104 of the Mine Act for which the operator received a citation from the MSHA during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. With respect to this information, it should be noted that: (i) the number of citations and orders will vary depending on the size of the mine, (ii) the number of citations issued will vary from inspector to inspector and mine to mine, and (iii) citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and in that process, may be reduced in severity and amount or dismissed.

	Three Months Ended June 30,
Name of Mine	2012	2011
Bradshaw Pit	2	—
Freeman Quarry	2	—
Indio Plant	1	—
Vernalis Plant	2	—
Highway 175 Quarry	—	2
Rosemary	—	1
Utah Portable Crusher #4	—	1
Total	7	4

During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, with respect to our mines:

• MSHA did not issue any orders requiring persons to be withdrawn from the areas affected by the alleged violations of mandatory health or safety standards under Section 104(b) of the Mine Act.

• MSHA did not issue any citations or orders for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to comply with mandatory health or safety standards under section104(d) of the Mine Act.

•MSHA did not identify any flagrant violations under Section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act.

• MSHA did not issue any imminent danger orders requiring immediate withdrawal from the affected areas under Section 107(a) of the Mine Act.

•We did not experience any mining-related fatalities.

• We did not receive written notice of a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards from MSHA under Section 104(e) of the Mine Act or of the potential to have a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards from MSHA.

• There were no legal actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, and there were no such legal actions instituted or resolved.

• Proposed assessments from the MSHA during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were $1,321 and $2,419, respectively.

XML

Revisions in Estimates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Financial Effect on Future Periods	$ 0		$ 0
Amount Considered Significant on Individual Project Gross Profit	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(1,600,000)	1,400,000	(800,000)	2,900,000
Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	9,300,000	(300,000)	13,700,000	5,200,000
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	400,000	0	900,000	400,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	1	1	3	2
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	1,400,000	1,400,000	5,400,000	2,900,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,400,000	1,400,000	1,100,000	1,400,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,400,000	1,400,000	3,200,000	1,500,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	6	1	6	4
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	14,900,000	1,300,000	23,100,000	11,000,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	1,200,000	1,300,000	1,400,000	1,000,000
Upward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	3,600,000	1,300,000	5,200,000	4,200,000
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	2	0	2	0
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(3,000,000)	0	(6,200,000)	0
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(1,100,000)	0	(1,400,000)	0
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(1,900,000)	0	(4,800,000)	0
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Projects with Estimate Changes	1	1	2	2
Increase (Decrease) on Project Profitability	(5,600,000)	(1,600,000)	(9,400,000)	(5,800,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	(5,600,000)	(1,600,000)	(1,500,000)	(2,600,000)
Downward Estimate Change [Member] | Large Project Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Range Of Effect On Gross Profit	$ (5,600,000)	$ (1,600,000)	$ (7,900,000)	$ (3,200,000)

XML

Covenants and Events of Default (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Covenant Compliance	We were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

XML

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates - Consolidated Real Estate Entities (Details) (USD $)				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Subsidiaries [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Subsidiaries [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Residential real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] Commercial real estate [Member] Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] WASHINGTON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] CALIFORNIA Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] TEXAS Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2012 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project	Jun. 30, 2011 Real Estate Segment [Member] Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] OREGON Real Estate Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] project
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Increase in Financial Support Authorization				$ 0	$ 12,000,000
Authorized Investment Yet to be Contributed				3,200,000
Impairment charges related to Enterprise Improvement Plan						0	0
Number of Projects with Authorization for Increase in Financial or Other Support					3
Real estate held for development and sale	57,367,000	67,037,000	78,725,000					57,367,000	67,037,000	78,725,000	47,986,000	54,610,000	55,433,000	9,381,000	12,427,000	23,292,000	47,547,000	47,600,000	46,184,000	2,587,000	4,006,000	16,335,000	7,233,000	8,859,000	8,859,000	0	6,572,000	7,347,000
Other current assets	20,436,000	35,171,000	34,779,000					2,124,000	4,715,000	3,011,000
Total current assets	915,159,000	909,722,000	922,605,000					59,491,000	71,752,000	81,736,000
Property and equipment, net	439,664,000	447,140,000	464,616,000					0	0	203,000
Total assets								59,491,000	71,752,000	81,939,000
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	16,328,000	23,071,000	16,454,000					16,328,000	22,571,000	15,954,000
Other Liabilities, Current								368,000	1,794,000	2,045,000
Total current liabilities	442,671,000	448,468,000	483,210,000					16,696,000	24,365,000	17,999,000
Long-term non-recourse debt	4,641,000	9,912,000	28,907,000					4,641,000	9,912,000	28,907,000
Other long-term liabilities	47,393,000	49,221,000	46,460,000					0	74,000	313,000
Total liabilities								$ 21,337,000	$ 34,351,000	$ 47,219,000
Number of projects								7	9	12	3	4	5	4	5	7	2	2	2	4	5	8	1	1	1	0	1	1

XML

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,664,000		38,654,000		38,666,000		38,683,000
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	193,000		514,000		298,000		631,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	38,471,000		38,140,000		38,368,000		38,052,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted units excluded from calculation	680,000	[1]	339,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,471,000		38,140,000		38,368,000		38,052,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted units excluded from calculation	680,000	[1]	339,000	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	39,151,000		38,479,000		38,368,000		38,052,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share					580,000		291,000

[1] Due to the net losses, stock options and restricted stock units representing approximately 580,000 and 291,000 shares have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

XML

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 237,951,000		$ 190,069,000		$ 237,951,000		$ 190,069,000		$ 256,990,000		$ 252,022,000
Other current assets	20,436,000		34,779,000		20,436,000		34,779,000		35,171,000
Total current assets	915,159,000		922,605,000		915,159,000		922,605,000		909,722,000
Other noncurrent assets	78,503,000		82,214,000		78,503,000		82,214,000		80,616,000
Total assets	1,507,647,000		1,551,947,000		1,507,647,000		1,551,947,000		1,547,799,000
Accounts payable	186,290,000		179,664,000		186,290,000		179,664,000		158,660,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	75,629,000		122,014,000		75,629,000		122,014,000		90,845,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	155,322,000		156,727,000		155,322,000		156,727,000		166,790,000
Total current liabilities	442,671,000		483,210,000		442,671,000		483,210,000		448,468,000
Construction	245,113,000		260,600,000		363,059,000		353,292,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities					(34,624,000)		(16,736,000)
Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	4				4
Partnership Interest [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	1,900,000,000				1,900,000,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	67,685,000	[1]	89,666,000	[1]	67,685,000	[1]	89,666,000	[1]	75,122,000	[1]
Other current assets	29,028,000		35,183,000		29,028,000		35,183,000		33,750,000
Total current assets	96,713,000		124,849,000		96,713,000		124,849,000		108,872,000
Other noncurrent assets	6,919,000		11,012,000		6,919,000		11,012,000		8,671,000
Total assets	103,632,000	[2]	135,861,000	[2]	103,632,000	[2]	135,861,000	[2]	117,543,000	[2]
Accounts payable	31,135,000		37,229,000		31,135,000		37,229,000		38,193,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	17,979,000	[1]	41,386,000	[1]	17,979,000	[1]	41,386,000	[1]	22,251,000	[1]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,027,000		9,147,000		3,027,000		9,147,000		5,129,000
Total current liabilities	52,141,000		87,762,000		52,141,000		87,762,000		65,573,000
Noncurrent liabilities	0		0		0		0		4,000
Total liabilities	52,141,000	[2]	87,762,000	[2]	52,141,000	[2]	87,762,000	[2]	65,577,000	[2]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	2				2
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	9				9
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	700,000,000				700,000,000
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	1,200,000,000				1,200,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	246,000,000				246,000,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	45.00%				45.00%
Construction	55,000,000		54,500,000		96,600,000		97,200,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities					(1,900,000)		16,800,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	57,800,000				57,800,000
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	54,100,000				54,100,000
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	500,000				500,000
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	21,500,000				21,500,000
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	319,300,000				319,300,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	60.00%				60.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	1,200,000,000				1,200,000,000
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	130,000,000				130,000,000
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	212,000,000				212,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	$ 54,900,000				$ 54,900,000

[1] The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

[2] The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

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Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

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, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Land and land improvements	$	126,396	$	124,216	$	124,892
Quarry property	177,792		175,612		173,055
Buildings and leasehold improvements	80,910		81,272		81,325
Equipment and vehicles	722,724		733,158		772,800
Office furniture and equipment	63,414		55,570		45,840
Property and equipment	1,171,236		1,169,828		1,197,912
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,572		722,688		733,296
Property and equipment, net	$	439,664	$	447,140	$	464,616

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Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	29.30%	25.30%	28.50%	74.30%

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Receivables, Net Accounts Receivable Policy (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

5. Receivables, Net [Abstract]

Retention Receivable Policy [Policy Text Block]

Non-escrow retention receivables are amounts that the project owner has contractually withheld that will be paid upon owner acceptance of contract completion. We evaluate our non-escrow retention receivables for collectability using certain customer information that includes the following:

• Federal - includes federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The obligations of these agencies are backed by the federal government. Consequently, there is minimal risk of not collecting the amounts we are entitled to receive.    

• State - primarily state departments of transportation. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as states have struggled with budget issues.

• Local - these customers include local agencies such as cities, counties and other local municipal agencies. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as some local agencies have struggled to deal with budget issues.       

• Private - includes individuals, developers and corporations. The majority of our collection risk is associated with these customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law provides us certain remedies, including, but not limited to, the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such customers.

Accounts Receivable Collection Policy [Policy Text Block]

We regularly review our accounts receivable, including past due amounts, to determine their probability of collection. If it is probable that an amount is uncollectible, it is charged to bad debt expense and a corresponding reserve is established in allowance for doubtful accounts. If it is deemed certain that an amount is uncollectible, the amount is written off. Based on contract terms, non-escrow retention receivables are typically due within 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion. We consider retention amounts beyond 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion to be past due.

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Property and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,171,236	$ 1,169,828	$ 1,197,912
Accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,572	722,688	733,296
Property and equipment, net	439,664	447,140	464,616
Land and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	126,396	124,216	124,892
Quarry property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	177,792	175,612	173,055
Building and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	80,910	81,272	81,325
Equipment and vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	722,724	733,158	772,800
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 63,414	$ 55,570	$ 45,840

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Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	$ 167,427	[1]	$ 178,174	[1]	$ 163,058	[1]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	256,666	[1]	328,153	[1]	291,321	[1]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	239,443	[3]	250,541	[3]	239,641	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	167,427		178,174		163,058
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	256,666		328,153		291,321
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	239,443		250,541		239,641
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,239	[1]	149,979	[1]	128,263	[1]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	239,443	[3]	250,541	[3]	239,641	[3]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,239		149,979		128,263
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 239,443		$ 250,541		$ 239,641

[1] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

[2] Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

[3] Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

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Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity

The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented:

(in thousands)	Granite Construction Incorporated			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock1	(4,054		)	—			(4,054		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	5,211			—			5,211
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(5,440		)	(5,440		)
Net (loss) income	(9,824		)	5,624			(4,200		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,050		)	—			(10,050		)
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	780,480		$	28,650		$	809,130

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock2	(3,662		)	—			(3,662		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	4,644			—			4,644
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(11,616		)	(11,616		)
Net (loss) income	(4,061		)	2,978			(1,083		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,050		)	—			(10,050		)
Balance at June 30, 2011	$	747,902		$	25,966		$	773,868

¹Represents 139,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 129,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

³Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

⁴Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.

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Intangible Assets - Finite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	$ 34,370,000	$ 34,370,000	$ 34,370,000	$ 34,370,000	$ 34,370,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(13,744,000)	(10,574,000)	(13,744,000)	(10,574,000)	(11,574,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	20,626,000	23,796,000	20,626,000	23,796,000	22,796,000
Amortization expense	1,000,000	500,000	2,100,000	1,000,000
Future amortization expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	1,600,000		1,600,000
Future amortization expense, Year One	1,300,000		1,300,000
Future amortization expense, Year Two	1,100,000		1,100,000
Future amortization expense, Year Three	1,100,000		1,100,000
Future amortization expense, Year Four	1,000,000		1,000,000
Future amortization expense, after Year Four	14,500,000		14,500,000
Permits [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	29,713,000	29,713,000	29,713,000	29,713,000	29,713,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(9,494,000)	(6,837,000)	(9,494,000)	(6,837,000)	(7,573,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	20,219,000	22,876,000	20,219,000	22,876,000	22,140,000
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	2,198,000	2,198,000	2,198,000	2,198,000	2,198,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,056,000)	(1,828,000)	(2,056,000)	(1,828,000)	(1,942,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	142,000	370,000	142,000	370,000	256,000
Covenants not to compete [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	1,588,000	1,588,000	1,588,000	1,588,000	1,588,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,536,000)	(1,401,000)	(1,536,000)	(1,401,000)	(1,476,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	52,000	187,000	52,000	187,000	112,000
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets, Gross Value	871,000	871,000	871,000	871,000	871,000
Total amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(658,000)	(508,000)	(658,000)	(508,000)	(583,000)
Total amortized intangible assets, Net Value	$ 213,000	$ 363,000	$ 213,000	$ 363,000	$ 288,000

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures - Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Equity in construction joint ventures	$ 107,821,000		$ 87,653,000		$ 107,821,000		$ 87,653,000		$ 101,029,000
Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	4				4
Partnership Interest [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	1,900,000,000				1,900,000,000
Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	2				2
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Number of Active Joint Venture Projects	9				9
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	663,536,000		224,498,000		869,368,000		424,266,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	544,838,000		183,130,000		714,450,000		334,010,000
Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	245,707,000		230,224,000		245,707,000		230,224,000		238,603,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	137,886,000		142,571,000		137,886,000		142,571,000		137,574,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	100,234,000		60,566,000		173,863,000		133,988,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	77,298,000		54,635,000		137,670,000		103,651,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Gross Profit Loss	22,936,000		5,931,000		36,193,000		30,337,000
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	700,000,000				700,000,000
Other Partners Interest in Partnerships [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	392,139,000		357,929,000		392,139,000		357,929,000		364,979,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	238,234,000		242,514,000		238,234,000		242,514,000		236,746,000
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Revenue	563,302,000	[1]	163,932,000	[1]	695,505,000	[1]	290,278,000	[1]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Cost of Revenue	467,540,000	[1]	128,495,000	[1]	576,780,000	[1]	230,359,000	[1]
Revenue Remaining to be Recognized on Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures	1,200,000,000				1,200,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures	5,600,000				5,600,000
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	246,000,000				246,000,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	45.00%				45.00%
Minimum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	57,800,000				57,800,000
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	54,100,000				54,100,000
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	500,000				500,000
Minimum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	21,500,000				21,500,000
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	319,300,000				319,300,000
Proportionate Share of the Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Owned by or Beneficial Interest in the Reporting Entity Directly or Indirectly	60.00%				60.00%
Maximum [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	1,200,000,000				1,200,000,000
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	130,000,000				130,000,000
Revenue Per Project Remaining to be Recognized on Line Item Construction Joint Ventures	35,500,000				35,500,000
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	212,000,000				212,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Reporting Entitys Interest in Joint Venture [Member] | Line Item Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Construction Contract Value	54,900,000				54,900,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Assets	337,102,000	[1]	382,745,000	[1]	337,102,000	[1]	382,745,000	[1]	338,681,000	[1]
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	300,744,000		205,408,000		300,744,000		205,408,000		264,901,000
Accounts Payable [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	101,782,000		85,505,000		101,782,000		85,505,000		85,075,000
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	265,883,000	[1]	290,584,000	[1]	265,883,000	[1]	290,584,000	[1]	280,650,000	[1]
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member]
Construction Joint Venture [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Venture Liabilities	$ 8,455,000		$ 8,996,000		$ 8,455,000		$ 8,996,000		$ 8,595,000

[1] The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

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Marketable Securities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]

Marketable Securities

All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity for the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	20,107	$	40,240	$	49,400
Commercial paper	14,967		24,980		19,986
Municipal bonds	3,065		2,057		5,685
Corporate bonds	5,121		3,131		3,184
Total short-term marketable securities	43,260		70,408		78,255
U.S. Government and agency obligations	40,041		65,109		40,144
Municipal bonds	5,759		8,909		4,091
Corporate bonds	—		5,232		5,345
Total long-term marketable securities	45,800		79,250		49,580
Total marketable securities	$	89,060	$	149,658	$	127,835

Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):

June 30, 2012
Due within one year	$	43,260
Due in one to five years	45,800
Total	$	89,060

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Fair Value Measurement - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract]
Money market funds	$ 167,427	$ 178,174	$ 163,058
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997	4,999	0
Cash	65,527	73,817	27,011
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 237,951	$ 256,990	$ 190,069	$ 252,022

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Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as assets and liabilities that are disclosed but not recorded at fair value: 

June 30, 2012	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	167,427	$	—	$	—	$	167,427
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	89,239		—		—		89,239
Total assets	$	256,666	$	—	$	—	$	256,666
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	239,443	$	239,443
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	239,443	$	239,443

December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	178,174	$	—	$	—	$	178,174
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	149,979		—		—		149,979
Total assets	$	328,153	$	—	$	—	$	328,153
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541

June 30, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	163,058	$	—	$	—	$	163,058
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	128,263		—		—		128,263
Total assets	$	291,321	$	—	$	—	$	291,321
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	239,641	$	239,641
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	239,641	$	239,641

¹Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

²Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

³Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of money market funds to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Money market funds	$	167,427	$	178,174	$	163,058
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		—
Cash	65,527		73,817		27,011
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	237,951	$	256,990	$	190,069

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Marketable Securities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of Marketable Securities

All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity for the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	20,107	$	40,240	$	49,400
Commercial paper	14,967		24,980		19,986
Municipal bonds	3,065		2,057		5,685
Corporate bonds	5,121		3,131		3,184
Total short-term marketable securities	43,260		70,408		78,255
U.S. Government and agency obligations	40,041		65,109		40,144
Municipal bonds	5,759		8,909		4,091
Corporate bonds	—		5,232		5,345
Total long-term marketable securities	45,800		79,250		49,580
Total marketable securities	$	89,060	$	149,658	$	127,835

Held-to-maturity Securities

Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):

June 30, 2012
Due within one year	$	43,260
Due in one to five years	45,800
Total	$	89,060

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Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite, Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1,949	$ 4,946	$ (9,824)	$ (4,061)
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings	10	65	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	1,939	4,881	(9,824)	(4,061)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$ 0.05	$ 0.13	$ (0.26)	$ (0.11)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite, Earnings per Share, Diluted	1,949	4,946	(9,824)	(4,061)
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities	10	65	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 1,939	$ 4,881	$ (9,824)	$ (4,061)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	39,151	38,479	38,368	38,052
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$ 0.05	$ 0.13	$ (0.26)	$ (0.11)

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Fair Value Measurement - Carrying and Fair Value Amounts (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Senior Notes	$ 208,300,000	$ 208,300,000	$ 216,700,000	$ 216,700,000
Other non-cash impairment charges	$ 2,752,000	$ 2,752,000	$ 0

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Receivables, Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]

Receivables, net

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	146,509	$	122,987	$	155,807
Retentions	66,265		77,038		79,598
Total construction contracts	212,774		200,025		235,405
Construction material sales	50,205		30,356		39,074
Other	12,624		24,337		12,605
Total gross receivables	275,603		254,718		287,084
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	3,041		2,880		3,140
Total net receivables	$	272,562	$	251,838	$	283,944

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, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Escrow	$	42,421	$	43,378	$	38,366
Non-escrow	23,844		33,660		41,232
Total retention receivables	$	66,265	$	77,038	$	79,598

Schedule of Non Escrow Receivables [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the amount of our non-escrow retention receivables within each category:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Federal	$	2,464	$	2,811	$	3,421
State	4,626		5,453		7,928
Local	9,944		14,708		20,282
Private	6,810		10,688		9,601
Total	$	23,844	$	33,660	$	41,232

Aging of Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]

The following tables present the aging of our non-escrow retention receivables (in thousands):

June 30, 2012	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,746	$	—	$	718	$	2,464
State	3,552		208		866		4,626
Local	7,330		1,326		1,288		9,944
Private	6,363		92		355		6,810
Total	$	18,991	$	1,626	$	3,227	$	23,844

December 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,462	$	326	$	23	$	2,811
State	2,751		860		1,842		5,453
Local	12,313		1,326		1,069		14,708
Private	9,599		765		324		10,688
Total	$	27,125	$	3,277	$	3,258	$	33,660

June 30, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	3,025	$	—	$	396	$	3,421
State	6,951		29		948		7,928
Local	16,294		1,432		2,556		20,282
Private	9,028		222		351		9,601
Total	$	35,298	$	1,683	$	4,251	$	41,232

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of Consolidated Joint Ventures [Table Text Block]

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	67,685	$	75,122	$	89,666
Other current assets	29,028		33,750		35,183
Total current assets	96,713		108,872		124,849
Noncurrent assets	6,919		8,671		11,012
Total assets2	$	103,632	$	117,543	$	135,861
Accounts payable	$	31,135	$	38,193	$	37,229
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	17,979		22,251		41,386
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,027		5,129		9,147
Total current liabilities	52,141		65,573		87,762
Noncurrent liabilities	—		4		—
Total liabilities2	$	52,141	$	65,577	$	87,762

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

²The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

Schedule of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Table Text Block]

Following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	337,102	$	338,681	$	382,745
Other assets	300,744		264,901		205,408
Less partners’ interest	392,139		364,979		357,929
Granite’s interest	245,707		238,603		230,224
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	101,782		85,075		85,505
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	265,883		280,650		290,584
Other liabilities	8,455		8,595		8,996
Less partners’ interest	238,234		236,746		242,514
Granite’s interest	137,886		137,574		142,571
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	107,821	$	101,029	$	87,653

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Revenue:
Total	$	663,536	$	224,498	$	869,368	$	424,266
Less partners’ interest1	563,302		163,932		695,505		290,278
Granite’s interest	100,234		60,566		173,863		133,988
Cost of revenue:
Total	544,838		183,130		714,450		334,010
Less partners’ interest1	467,540		128,495		576,780		230,359
Granite’s interest	77,298		54,635		137,670		103,651
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	22,936	$	5,931	$	36,193	$	30,337

¹Partners’ 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.

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Revisions in Estimates

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Change in Accounting Estimate [Abstract]

Change In Accounting Estimate [Text Block]

Revisions in Estimates

Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary in the normal course of business as projects progress and uncertainties are resolved. We do not recognize revenue on contract change orders or claims until we have a signed agreement; however, we do recognize costs as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Approved change orders and claims, as well as changes in related estimates of costs to complete, are considered revisions in estimates. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this option, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. As of June 30, 2012, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.

Construction

The net 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 $1.6 million and $0.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The net changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were net increases of $1.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		1		1		3		2
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.4	$	1.4	$	1.1 - 3.2	$	1.4 - 1.5
Increase on project profitability	$	1.4	$	1.4	$	5.4	$	2.9

The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were due to lower than anticipated costs and settlement of outstanding issues with contract owners. The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were due to construction costs lower than anticipated and owner directed scope changes.

Decreases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		2		—		2		—
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.1 - 1.9	$	—	$	1.4 - 4.8	$	—
Decrease on project profitability	$	3.0	$	—	$	6.2	$	—

The decreases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were due to lower productivity than originally anticipated.

Large Project Construction

The net 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 increases of $9.3 million and $13.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The net changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were a net decrease of $0.3 million and a net increase of $5.2 million, respectively. Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests were $0.4 million and $0.9 million of the net increases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and were $0.4 million of the net increase for the six months ended June 30, 2011. There were no amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		6		1		6		4
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.2 - 3.6	$	1.3	$	1.4 - 5.2	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability	$	14.9	$	1.3	$	23.1	$	11.0

The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were due to owner directed scope changes and lower than anticipated construction costs. The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were due to lower than anticipated construction costs and resolution of a project claim.

Decreases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		1		1		2		2
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	5.6	$	1.6	$	1.5 - 7.9	$	2.6 - 3.2
Decrease on project profitability	$	5.6	$	1.6	$	9.4	$	5.8

The downward estimate changes during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were due to lower productivity than anticipated.

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”) and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which was under contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) to construct a new road alignment of U.S. Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. In addition to previous geologic landslide issues, unanticipated ground movement was observed at several hillsides beginning in 2010. YRC and ODOT were in dispute regarding their respective responsibilities under the terms of the contract relative to the project revisions necessary on account of the unanticipated ground movement. In May 2012, ODOT and YRC reached a settlement that ended YRC’s responsibility to perform any further work following limited final activities, which have been completed; released both parties from claims against the other, including from ODOT’s Notice of Default, which was rescinded and withdrawn; and contained terms calling for YRC to make certain payments to ODOT and for ODOT to release certain earned amounts to YRC. The settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates [Abstract]

Schedule of Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Table Text Block]

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of real estate entities we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Real estate held for development and sale	$	57,367	$	67,037	$	78,725
Other current assets	2,124		4,715		3,011
Total current assets	59,491		71,752		81,736
Property and equipment, net	—		—		203
Total assets	$	59,491	$	71,752	$	81,939
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	16,328	$	22,571	$	15,954
Other current liabilities	368		1,794		2,045
Total current liabilities	16,696		24,365		17,999
Long-term non-recourse debt	4,641		9,912		28,907
Other noncurrent liabilities	—		74		313
Total liabilities	$	21,337	$	34,351	$	47,219

Schedule of Real Estate Inventory Held For Sale [Table Text Block]

The breakdown by type and location of our real estate held for development and sale is summarized below:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011			June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	47,986	3	$	54,610	4	$	55,433	5
Commercial	9,381		4	12,427		5	23,292		7
Total	$	57,367	7	$	67,037	9	$	78,725	12
Washington	$	47,547	2	$	47,600	2	$	46,184	2
California	2,587		4	4,006		5	16,335		8
Texas	7,233		1	8,859		1	8,859		1
Oregon	—		—	6,572		1	7,347		1
Total	$	57,367	7	$	67,037	9	$	78,725	12

Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Table Text Block]

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	17,563	$	16,478	$	15,865
Equity method investments in other affiliates	10,958		11,841		10,617
Total equity method investments	28,521		28,319		26,482
Cost method investments	—		2,752		6,450
Total investments in affiliates	$	28,521	$	31,071	$	32,932

Breakdown of Equity Method in Real Estate Affiliates by Type and Location [Table Text Block]

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate affiliates accounted for under the equity method is summarized below:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011			June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	12,217	2	$	11,903	2	$	11,391	2
Commercial	5,346		3	4,575		3	4,474		3
Total	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5
Texas	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5
Total	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5

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 100% combined basis:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Total assets	$	158,431	$	157,771	$	152,358
Net assets	87,197		82,511		79,666
Granite’s share of net assets	28,521		28,319		26,482

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Marketable Securities - Carrying Amounts of Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	$ 43,260	$ 70,408	$ 78,255
Long-term marketable securities	45,800	79,250	49,580
Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	43,260	70,408	78,255
Long-term marketable securities	45,800	79,250	49,580
Total marketable securities	89,060	149,658	127,835
U.S. Government and agency obligations [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	20,107	40,240	49,400
Long-term marketable securities	40,041	65,109	40,144
Commercial paper [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	14,967	24,980	19,986
Municipal bonds [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	3,065	2,057	5,685
Long-term marketable securities	5,759	8,909	4,091
Corporate bonds [Member] | Held-to-Maturity [Member]
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Short-term marketable securities	5,121	3,131	3,184
Long-term marketable securities	$ 0	$ 5,232	$ 5,345

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Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Non-cash restructuring, net	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,888,000)	$ 661,000
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring charges			$ 8,000,000

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents ($67,685, $75,122, and $89,666 related to consolidated construction joint ventures (CCJV))	$ 237,951	$ 256,990	$ 190,069
Short-term marketable securities	43,260	70,408	78,255
Receivables, net ($26,903, $30,332 and $31,958 related to CCJVs)	272,562	251,838	283,944
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	69,688	37,703	51,739
Inventories	67,503	50,975	64,727
Real estate held for development and sale	57,367	67,037	78,725
Deferred income taxes	38,571	38,571	52,714
Equity in construction joint ventures	107,821	101,029	87,653
Other current assets	20,436	35,171	34,779
Total current assets	915,159	909,722	922,605
Property and equipment, net ($6,919, $8,671 and $11,012 related to CCJVs)	439,664	447,140	464,616
Long-term marketable securities	45,800	79,250	49,580
Investments in affiliates	28,521	31,071	32,932
Other noncurrent assets	78,503	80,616	82,214
Total assets	1,507,647	1,547,799	1,551,947
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	9,102	9,102	8,351
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	16,328	23,071	16,454
Accounts payable ($31,135, $38,193 and $37,229 related to CCJVs)	186,290	158,660	179,664
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ($17,979, $22,251 and $41,386 related to CCJVs)	75,629	90,845	122,014
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($3,027, $5,129 and $9,147 related to CCJVs)	155,322	166,790	156,727
Total current liabilities	442,671	448,468	483,210
Long-term debt	200,168	208,501	208,519
Long-term non-recourse debt	4,641	9,912	28,907
Other long-term liabilities	47,393	49,221	46,460
Deferred income taxes	3,644	4,034	10,983
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 38,684,540 shares as of June 30, 2012, 38,682,771 shares as of December 31, 2011 and 38,667,457 shares as of June 30, 2011	387	387	387
Additional paid-in capital	112,815	111,514	105,287
Retained earnings	667,278	687,296	642,228
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders' equity	780,480	799,197	747,902
Noncontrolling interests	28,650	28,466	25,966
Total equity	809,130	827,663	773,868
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,507,647	$ 1,547,799	$ 1,551,947

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Receivables, Net (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	$ 275,603,000	$ 254,718,000	$ 287,084,000
Allowance for Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current	3,041,000	2,880,000	3,140,000
Receivables, net	272,562,000	251,838,000	283,944,000
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	1,900,000	2,000,000	2,100,000
Construction Contracts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	212,774,000	200,025,000	235,405,000
Completed and in Progress [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	146,509,000	122,987,000	155,807,000
Retentions [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	66,265,000	77,038,000	79,598,000
Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	42,421,000	43,378,000	38,366,000
Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	23,844,000	33,660,000	41,232,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	18,991,000	27,125,000	35,298,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	1,626,000	3,277,000	1,683,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	3,227,000	3,258,000	4,251,000
Construction Material Sales [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	50,205,000	30,356,000	39,074,000
Other Business Products and Services [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	12,624,000	24,337,000	12,605,000
Federal [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	2,464,000	2,811,000	3,421,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	1,746,000	2,462,000	3,025,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	0	326,000	0
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	718,000	23,000	396,000
State [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	4,626,000	5,453,000	7,928,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	3,552,000	2,751,000	6,951,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	208,000	860,000	29,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	866,000	1,842,000	948,000
Local [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	9,944,000	14,708,000	20,282,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	7,330,000	12,313,000	16,294,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	1,326,000	1,326,000	1,432,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	1,288,000	1,069,000	2,556,000
Private [Member] | Non Escrow [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	6,810,000	10,688,000	9,601,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Non-escrow retention receivable - current	6,363,000	9,599,000	9,028,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - 0 to 90 days past due	92,000	765,000	222,000
Non-escrow retention receivable - over 90 days past due	$ 355,000	$ 324,000	$ 351,000

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Operating Activities
Net loss	$ (4,200)	$ (1,083)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	29,573	30,464
Non-cash restructuring, net	(1,888)	661
Other non-cash impairment charges	2,752	0
Gain on sales of property and equipment	(4,871)	(5,974)
Stock-based compensation	6,492	5,913
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of consolidations:
Receivables	(20,771)	(36,910)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	(47,201)	(39,391)
Inventories	(16,528)	(13,709)
Real estate held for development and sale	722	(1,820)
Equity in construction joint ventures	(6,792)	(12,937)
Other assets, net	15,031	5,353
Accounts payable	27,632	49,964
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net	(14,575)	2,733
Net cash used in operating activities	(34,624)	(16,736)
Investing Activities
Purchases of marketable securities	(39,945)	(65,287)
Maturities of marketable securities	65,100	58,375
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	35,000	19,268
Additions to property and equipment	(19,855)	(27,542)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	6,078	10,266
Other investing activities, net	(978)	120
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	45,400	(4,800)
Financing Activities
Long-term debt principal payments	(10,834)	(16,151)
Cash dividends paid	(10,050)	(10,061)
Purchase of common stock	(4,054)	(3,662)
Distributions to noncontrolling partners, net	(5,440)	(11,616)
Other financing activities, net	563	1,073
Net cash used in financing activities	(29,815)	(40,417)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(19,039)	(61,953)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	256,990	252,022
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	237,951	190,069
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	7,158	8,812
Income taxes	771	240
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted stock/units issued, net of forfeitures	11,417	4,598
Accrued cash dividends	5,029	5,027
Debt payments out of escrow from sale of assets	1,109	3,277
Debt extinguishment from joint venture interest transfer	9,115	0
Debt payment from refinance	$ 1,150	$ 0

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Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	$ 592,118	$ 535,176	$ 907,664	$ 798,765
Elimination of intersegment revenue	(52,503)	(50,502)	(57,889)	(57,360)
Revenue from external customers	539,615	484,674	849,775	741,405
Gross profit (loss)	51,916	44,956	76,852	74,944
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	11,321	12,144	23,547	24,186
Assets	1,507,647	1,551,947	1,507,647	1,551,947	1,547,799
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	51,916	44,956	76,852	74,944
Selling, general and administrative expenses	40,806	38,793	83,994	82,165
Gain on sales of property and equipment	2,954	3,270	4,871	5,974
Other income (expense), net	(7,718)	(1,173)	(3,602)	(2,972)
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	6,346	8,260	(5,873)	(4,219)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	652,828	687,771	652,828	687,771
Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	245,113	260,600	363,059	353,292
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Revenue from external customers	245,113	260,600	363,059	353,292
Gross profit (loss)	17,961	23,389	26,541	28,942
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	3,233	3,847	6,813	7,925
Assets	110,119	113,922	110,119	113,922
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	17,961	23,389	26,541	28,942
Large Project Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	228,799	162,338	392,727	300,158
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Revenue from external customers	228,799	162,338	392,727	300,158
Gross profit (loss)	28,239	12,658	50,488	43,956
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	909	1,289	2,177	2,057
Assets	119,652	102,641	119,652	102,641
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	28,239	12,658	50,488	43,956
Construction Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	115,852	108,616	146,861	139,272
Elimination of intersegment revenue	(52,503)	(50,502)	(57,889)	(57,360)
Revenue from external customers	63,349	58,114	88,972	81,912
Gross profit (loss)	5,000	8,470	(950)	1,200
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	7,179	7,000	14,557	14,107
Assets	365,690	382,892	365,690	382,892
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	5,000	8,470	(950)	1,200
Real Estate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from reportable segments	2,354	3,622	5,017	6,043
Elimination of intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Revenue from external customers	2,354	3,622	5,017	6,043
Gross profit (loss)	716	439	773	846
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	0	8	0	97
Assets	57,367	88,316	57,367	88,316
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross profit (loss)	$ 716	$ 439	$ 773	$ 846

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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012	2011	2012	2011
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,664	38,654	38,666	38,683
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	193	514	298	631
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	680	339	—	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	39,151	38,479	38,368	38,052

¹Due to the net losses, stock options and restricted stock units representing approximately580,000 and 291,000 shares have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

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Legal Proceedings

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings that are pending against us and our affiliates alleging, among other things, breach of contract or tort in connection with the performance of professional services, the various outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. The most significant of these proceedings are as follows:

• US Highway 20 Project: Our wholly owned subsidiaries, GCCO and Granite Northwest, Inc., are members of a joint venture known as YRC which was contracted by ODOT to construct a new road alignment of US Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon. The project involved constructing seven miles of new road through steep and forested terrain in the Coast Range Mountains. During the fall and winter of 2006, extraordinary rain events produced runoff that overwhelmed installed erosion control measures and resulted in discharges to surface water and alleged violations of YRC’s stormwater permit. In June 2009, YRC was informed that the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”) had assumed the criminal investigation that the Oregon Department of Justice had initiated in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. The USDOJ has since informed YRC that the USDOJ will not criminally charge YRC or any Granite affiliate in connection with these matters. However, we continue to negotiate the terms of a consent decree, including payment of a civil penalty. This matter is not expected to have direct or indirect consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flow and/or liquidity.

• Grand Avenue Project DBE Issues: On March 6, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) served upon our wholly-owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. (“Granite Northeast”), a United States District Court Eastern District of New York subpoena to testify before a grand jury by producing documents. The subpoena seeks all documents pertaining to the use of a DBE firm (the “Subcontractor”), and the Subcontractor’s use of a non-DBE lower tier subcontractor/consultant, on the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility for the Borough of Queens Project, a Granite Northeast project.  The subpoena also seeks any documents regarding the use of the Subcontractor as a DBE on any other projects and any other documents related to the Subcontractor or to the lower-tier subcontractor/consultant.  We have received two follow-up requests from the USDOJ for additional information and documents.  We have complied with the subpoena and the requests, and are fully cooperating with the OIG’s investigation. To date, Granite Northeast has not been notified that it is either a subject or target of the OIG’s investigation. Accordingly, we do not know whether any criminal charges or civil lawsuits will be brought against any party as a result of the investigation. We cannot, however, rule out the possibility of civil or criminal actions or administrative sanctions being brought against Granite Northeast.

• Other Legal Proceedings/Government Inquiries: We are a party to a number of other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. From time to time, we also receive inquiries from public agencies seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and related laws and regulations. We believe that the nature and number of these proceedings and compliance inquiries are typical for a construction firm of our size and scope. Our litigation typically involves claims regarding public liability or contract related issues. While management currently believes, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate outcome of pending proceedings and compliance inquiries, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on our financial position or overall trends in results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Were one or more unfavorable rulings to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and/or liquidity for the period in which the ruling occurs. In addition, our government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended or debarred, or payment of our costs disallowed. While any one of our pending legal proceedings is 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.

We record amounts in our condensed consolidated balance sheets representing our estimated liability relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, there were no significant additions or revisions to the estimated liability that were recorded in our condensed consolidated statements of operations, or significant changes to our accrual for such ligation loss contingencies on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Granite and related weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share using the two-class method:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2012			2011
Basic
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	1,949	$	4,946	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	10		65		—			—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation	$	1,939	$	4,881	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	38,471		38,140		38,368			38,052
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	0.05	$	0.13	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	1,949	$	4,946	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	10		65		—			—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for diluted calculation	$	1,939	$	4,881	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	39,151		38,479		38,368			38,052
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.05	$	0.13	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)

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Revisions in Estimates Revisions in Estimates (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Revisions in Estimates [Abstract]

Revision in Estimate Method [Policy Text Block]

Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary in the normal course of business as projects progress and uncertainties are resolved. We do not recognize revenue on contract change orders or claims until we have a signed agreement; however, we do recognize costs as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Approved change orders and claims, as well as changes in related estimates of costs to complete, are considered revisions in estimates. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this option, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change.

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Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

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,” “Company” or “Granite”) without audit, 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, 2011. 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, although we believe the disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. 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, 2012 and 2011 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2011 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements except for the adoption of the following new accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2012:

• Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity or as a footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements, and provides the option of presenting comprehensive income in a continuous statement of comprehensive income. This guidance became effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012 and requires prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation. For all periods presented the comprehensive income (loss) was equal to the net income (loss); therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income (loss) is not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

• ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820):Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, which clarifies the application of certain existing fair value measurement guidance and expands the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs and for assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. This guidance was effective for our quarter ended March 31, 2012. As a result of this new guidance, we disclosed the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value were categorized (see Note 4). Other items in this new guidance had no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

• ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which gives companies the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value when assessing goodwill for impairment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, further impairment analysis is not necessary. However, if it is concluded otherwise, we are required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test. This guidance was effective as of January 1, 2012 and will be applied during our annual goodwill impairment tests to be performed during the fourth quarter of 2012, and earlier if fact and circumstances indicate that an impairment has occurred. This new guidance will have no impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements for our 2012 fiscal year.

Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Assets and Liabilities) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 237,951		$ 256,990		$ 190,069
Other noncurrent assets	78,503		80,616		82,214
Accounts payable	186,290		158,660		179,664
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	75,629		90,845		122,014
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	155,322		166,790		156,727
Consolidated Construction Joint Venture [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	67,685	[1]	75,122	[1]	89,666	[1]
Receivables, Net, Current	26,903		30,332		31,958
Other noncurrent assets	6,919		8,671		11,012
Accounts payable	31,135		38,193		37,229
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	17,979	[1]	22,251	[1]	41,386	[1]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 3,027		$ 5,129		$ 9,147

[1] The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

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Covenants and Events of Default

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements

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 (1) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements, (2) termination of the agreements, (3) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized, (4) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements and/or (5) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.

As of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our senior note agreements and Credit Agreement.

Except as noted below, as of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entities, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements. As of June 30, 2012, one of our consolidated real estate entities was in default under debt agreements as a result of a change in the venture partner’s financial condition. The affected loans are non-recourse to Granite and these defaults do not result in cross-defaults under other debt agreements under which Granite is the obligor; however, there is recourse to the real estate entity that incurred the debt. The real estate entity in default is currently in discussions with its lender to revise the terms of the defaulted debt agreements.

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Document and Entity Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 23, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000861459
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,708,442

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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012	2011	2012	2011
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding	38,664	38,654	38,666	38,683
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	193	514	298	631
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options and restricted stock units1	680	339	—	—
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	39,151	38,479	38,368	38,052

¹Due to the net losses, stock options and restricted stock units representing approximately580,000 and 291,000 shares have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Equity) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
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	38,684,540	38,682,771	38,667,457
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	38,684,540	38,682,771	38,667,457

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Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures

We participate in various construction joint venture partnerships. We also participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each partner is responsible for performing certain discrete items of the total scope of contracted work.

Our agreements with our joint venture partners for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures provide that each party will pay for any losses it is responsible for under the joint venture agreement. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under our joint venture arrangements beyond our stated ownership interest include the failure of a partner to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur should a partner fail to provide the services and resources that it had committed to provide in the joint venture agreement. Due to the joint and several nature of the obligations under our joint venture arrangements, if one of our joint venture partners fails to perform, we and the remaining joint venture partners would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work.

At June 30, 2012, there was approximately $1.9 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $0.7 billion represented our share and the remaining $1.2 billion represented our partners’ share.  Due to the uncertainties associated with the nature of our work, we are not able to quantify our maximum exposure on the underlying arrangements and contracts 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 our partners’ corporate and/or other guarantees.

Construction Joint Ventures

Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to complete a specific contract and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. The joint venture 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 project. We have no significant commitments beyond completion of the contracts. Under our contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, partners 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 partners. As we absorb our share of these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential losses.

We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners.

Based on our initial primary beneficiary analysis, we determined that decision making responsibility is shared between the venture partners for one construction joint venture. Therefore, this joint venture did not have an identifiable primary beneficiary partner and we continue to report the pro rata results. All other joint ventures were assigned one primary beneficiary partner. Based on our primary beneficiary assessment during the six months ended June 30, 2012, we determined no change was required to the accounting for existing construction joint ventures.

Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	67,685	$	75,122	$	89,666
Other current assets	29,028		33,750		35,183
Total current assets	96,713		108,872		124,849
Noncurrent assets	6,919		8,671		11,012
Total assets2	$	103,632	$	117,543	$	135,861
Accounts payable	$	31,135	$	38,193	$	37,229
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	17,979		22,251		41,386
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,027		5,129		9,147
Total current liabilities	52,141		65,573		87,762
Noncurrent liabilities	—		4		—
Total liabilities2	$	52,141	$	65,577	$	87,762

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

²The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.

At June 30, 2012, we were engaged in two active consolidated construction joint venture projects with total contract values of $246.0 million and $319.3 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures was 45.0% and 60.0%, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total revenue of the consolidated joint ventures was $55.0 million and $96.6 million, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total revenue of the consolidated joint ventures was $54.5 million and $97.2 million, respectively. Total cash used in consolidated joint venture operations was $1.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and total cash provided by consolidated joint venture operations was $16.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

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, 2012, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in nine active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $57.8 million to $1.2 billion. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from 20.0% to 50.0%. As of June 30, 2012, our share of the revenue remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from $0.5 million to $212.0 million.

Following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents1	$	337,102	$	338,681	$	382,745
Other assets	300,744		264,901		205,408
Less partners’ interest	392,139		364,979		357,929
Granite’s interest	245,707		238,603		230,224
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	101,782		85,075		85,505
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1	265,883		280,650		290,584
Other liabilities	8,455		8,595		8,996
Less partners’ interest	238,234		236,746		242,514
Granite’s interest	137,886		137,574		142,571
Equity in construction joint ventures	$	107,821	$	101,029	$	87,653

¹The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings between periods.

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Revenue:
Total	$	663,536	$	224,498	$	869,368	$	424,266
Less partners’ interest1	563,302		163,932		695,505		290,278
Granite’s interest	100,234		60,566		173,863		133,988
Cost of revenue:
Total	544,838		183,130		714,450		334,010
Less partners’ interest1	467,540		128,495		576,780		230,359
Granite’s interest	77,298		54,635		137,670		103,651
Granite’s interest in gross profit	$	22,936	$	5,931	$	36,193	$	30,337

¹Partners’ 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.

Line Item Joint Ventures

The revenue for each line item joint venture partner’s discrete items of work is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture partner 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 partner accounts for its items of work individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We account for our portion of these contracts as project revenues and costs in our accounting system and include receivables and payables associated with our work in our condensed consolidated financial statements. As of June 30, 2012, we had four active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values ranging from $54.1 million to $130.0 million of which our portions ranged from $21.5 million to $54.9 million. As of June 30, 2012, our share of revenue remaining to be recognized on these line item joint ventures ranged from $5.6 million to $35.5 million.

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Receivables, Net

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Receivables [Abstract]

Receivables, Net

Receivables, net

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Construction contracts:
Completed and in progress	$	146,509	$	122,987	$	155,807
Retentions	66,265		77,038		79,598
Total construction contracts	212,774		200,025		235,405
Construction material sales	50,205		30,356		39,074
Other	12,624		24,337		12,605
Total gross receivables	275,603		254,718		287,084
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	3,041		2,880		3,140
Total net receivables	$	272,562	$	251,838	$	283,944

Receivables include amounts billed and billable for public and private contracts and do not bear interest. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to retainage provisions in construction contracts generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the contract by the owners. Included in other receivables at June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 were items such as notes receivable, interest receivable, fuel tax refunds and income tax refunds. No such receivables individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of these dates.

Financing receivables consisted of long-term notes receivable and retentions receivable. As of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, long-term notes receivable outstanding were $1.9 million, $2.0 million, and $2.1 million, respectively, and primarily related to loans made to employees and were included in other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow. The balances in each category were as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Escrow	$	42,421	$	43,378	$	38,366
Non-escrow	23,844		33,660		41,232
Total retention receivables	$	66,265	$	77,038	$	79,598

The escrow receivables include amounts due to Granite which 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.

Non-escrow retention receivables are amounts that the project owner has contractually withheld that will be paid upon owner acceptance of contract completion. We evaluate our non-escrow retention receivables for collectability using certain customer information that includes the following:

• Federal - includes federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The obligations of these agencies are backed by the federal government. Consequently, there is minimal risk of not collecting the amounts we are entitled to receive.    

• State - primarily state departments of transportation. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as states have struggled with budget issues.

• Local - these customers include local agencies such as cities, counties and other local municipal agencies. The risk of not collecting on these accounts is small; however, we have experienced occasional delays in payment as some local agencies have struggled to deal with budget issues.       

• Private - includes individuals, developers and corporations. The majority of our collection risk is associated with these customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law provides us certain remedies, including, but not limited to, the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such customers.

The following table summarizes the amount of our non-escrow retention receivables within each category:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Federal	$	2,464	$	2,811	$	3,421
State	4,626		5,453		7,928
Local	9,944		14,708		20,282
Private	6,810		10,688		9,601
Total	$	23,844	$	33,660	$	41,232

We regularly review our accounts receivable, including past due amounts, to determine their probability of collection. If it is probable that an amount is uncollectible, it is charged to bad debt expense and a corresponding reserve is established in allowance for doubtful accounts. If it is deemed certain that an amount is uncollectible, the amount is written off. Based on contract terms, non-escrow retention receivables are typically due within 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion. We consider retention amounts beyond 60 days of owner acceptance of contract completion to be past due. The following tables present the aging of our non-escrow retention receivables (in thousands):

June 30, 2012	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	1,746	$	—	$	718	$	2,464
State	3,552		208		866		4,626
Local	7,330		1,326		1,288		9,944
Private	6,363		92		355		6,810
Total	$	18,991	$	1,626	$	3,227	$	23,844

December 31, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	2,462	$	326	$	23	$	2,811
State	2,751		860		1,842		5,453
Local	12,313		1,326		1,069		14,708
Private	9,599		765		324		10,688
Total	$	27,125	$	3,277	$	3,258	$	33,660

June 30, 2011	Current		1 - 90 Days Past Due		Over 90 Days Past Due		Total
Federal	$	3,025	$	—	$	396	$	3,421
State	6,951		29		948		7,928
Local	16,294		1,432		2,556		20,282
Private	9,028		222		351		9,601
Total	$	35,298	$	1,683	$	4,251	$	41,232

Federal, state and local agencies generally require several approvals to release payments, and these approvals often take over 90 days past contractual due dates to obtain. Amounts past due from government agencies primarily result from delays caused by paperwork processing and obtaining proper agency approvals rather than lack of funds. As of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, our allowance for doubtful accounts contained no material provision related to non-escrow retention receivables as we determined there were no significant collectibility issues.

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Business Segment Information

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information

Our reportable segments are: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate. 

The Construction segment performs various heavy civil construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, bridges, site work and other infrastructure projects. These projects are typically bid-build projects completed within two years with a contract value of less than $75 million.

The Large Project Construction segment focuses on large, complex infrastructure projects which typically have longer duration than our Construction segment work. These projects include major highways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, waterway locks and dams, pipelines, canals and airport infrastructure. This segment primarily includes bid-build, design-build and construction management/general contractor contracts, generally with contract values in excess of $75 million.

The Construction Materials segment mines and processes aggregates and operates plants that produce construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties.

The Real Estate segment purchases, develops, operates, sells and invests in real estate related projects and provides real estate services for the Company’s operations. The Real Estate segment’s current portfolio consists of residential, retail and office site development projects for sale to home and commercial property developers in Washington, California and Texas. In October 2010, we announced our Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business consistent with our strategy to focus on our core business.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies contained in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate segment performance based on gross profit or loss, and do not include overhead and non-operating income or expense. Segment assets include property and equipment, intangibles, inventory, equity in construction joint ventures and real estate held for development and sale.

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	245,113	$	228,799	$	115,852		$	2,354	$	592,118
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(52,503		)	—		(52,503		)
Revenue from external customers	245,113		228,799		63,349			2,354		539,615
Gross profit	17,961		28,239		5,000			716		51,916
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,233		909		7,179			—		11,321
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	260,600	$	162,338	$	108,616		$	3,622	$	535,176
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(50,502		)	—		(50,502		)
Revenue from external customers	260,600		162,338		58,114			3,622		484,674
Gross profit	23,389		12,658		8,470			439		44,956
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,847		1,289		7,000			8		12,144

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	363,059	$	392,727	$	146,861		$	5,017	$	907,664
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(57,889		)	—		(57,889		)
Revenue from external customers	363,059		392,727		88,972			5,017		849,775
Gross profit (loss)	26,541		50,488		(950		)	773		76,852
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	6,813		2,177		14,557			—		23,547
Segment assets	110,119		119,652		365,690			57,367		652,828
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	353,292	$	300,158	$	139,272		$	6,043	$	798,765
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(57,360		)	—		(57,360		)
Revenue from external customers	353,292		300,158		81,912			6,043		741,405
Gross profit	28,942		43,956		1,200			846		74,944
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	7,925		2,057		14,107			97		24,186
Segment assets	113,922		102,641		382,892			88,316		687,771

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	51,916		$	44,956		$	76,852		$	74,944
Selling, general and administrative expenses	40,806			38,793			83,994			82,165
Gain on sales of property and equipment	2,954			3,270			4,871			5,974
Other expense, net	(7,718		)	(1,173		)	(3,602		)	(2,972		)
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	6,346		$	8,260		$	(5,873	)	$	(4,219	)

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Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

We calculate earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method by allocating earnings to both common shares and unvested restricted stock which are considered participating securities. However, net losses are not allocated to participating securities for purposes of computing EPS under the two-class method. The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Granite and related weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share using the two-class method:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2012			2011
Basic
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	1,949	$	4,946	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	10		65		—			—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation	$	1,939	$	4,881	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	38,471		38,140		38,368			38,052
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	0.05	$	0.13	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite	$	1,949	$	4,946	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities	10		65		—			—
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for diluted calculation	$	1,939	$	4,881	$	(9,824	)	$	(4,061	)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	39,151		38,479		38,368			38,052
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.05	$	0.13	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.11	)

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Intangible Assets

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

The balances of the following intangible assets are included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	393		393		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	10,293	$	10,293	$	11,219

¹Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.

Amortized Intangible Assets:

June 30, 2012			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(9,494	)	$	20,219
Customer lists	2,198		(2,056		)	142
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,536		)	52
Other	871		(658		)	213
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(13,744	)	$	20,626

December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,573	)	$	22,140
Customer lists	2,198		(1,942		)	256
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,476		)	112
Other	871		(583		)	288
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,574	)	$	22,796

June 30, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,837	)	$	22,876
Customer lists	2,198		(1,828		)	370
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,401		)	187
Other	871		(508		)	363
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(10,574	)	$	23,796

Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was approximately $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, and approximately $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets balance at June 30, 2012, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $1.6 million for the remainder of 2012; $1.3 million in 2013; $1.1 million in 2014; $1.1 million in 2015; $1.0 million in 2016; and $14.5 million thereafter.

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates

The operations of our Real Estate segment are conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Land Company (“GLC”). Generally, GLC participates with third-party partners in entities that are formed to accomplish specific real estate development projects. The agreements with GLC’s partners in these real estate entities define each partner’s management role and financial responsibility in the project. If one of GLC’s partners is unable to fulfill its management role or make its required financial contribution, GLC may assume full management or financial responsibility for the project. This may result in the consolidation of entities that are accounted for under the equity method in our consolidated financial statements. The amount of GLC’s exposure is limited to GLC’s equity investment in the real estate joint venture.

Substantially all the assets of these real estate entities in which we are participants through our GLC subsidiary are classified as real estate held for development and sale. All outstanding debt of these entities is non-recourse to Granite. However, there is recourse to our real estate affiliates that incurred the debt. Our real estate affiliates include limited partnerships or limited liability companies of which we are a limited partner or member. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we publicly announced our work in progress on our Enterprise Improvement Plan which includes business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business by the end of 2013, subject to market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us. In 2011, development activities were curtailed for the majority of our real estate development projects as divestiture efforts increased. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded amounts associated with the sale or other disposition of two real estate projects, the impact of which was not significant to our results of operations. Subsequent to the sale or other disposition of these projects, GLC had no significant continuing involvement with the associated entities.

GLC receives authorization to provide additional financial support for certain of its real estate entities in increments to address changes in business plans.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012, GLC was not authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities and during the six months ended June 30, 2011, GLC was authorized to increase its financial support to consolidated real estate entities by $12.0 million on three separate projects. As of June 30, 2012, $3.2 million of the total authorized investment had yet to be contributed to the consolidated entities.

We have determined that certain of the real estate joint ventures are VIEs as defined by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners. Based on our ongoing primary beneficiary assessments, there were no changes to our determinations of whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary for existing real estate entities during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

To determine if impairment charges should be recognized, the carrying amount of each consolidated real estate development project is reviewed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and each real estate development project accounted for under the equity method of accounting is reviewed in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The review of each project includes an evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to each project to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a consolidated project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the future undiscounted cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount. In the event that the project’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts, it is written down to its estimated fair value. The projects accounted for under the equity method are evaluated for impairment using the other-than-temporary impairment model, which requires an impairment charge to be recognized if the project’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary. In the event that the estimated fair value is not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of a project, it is written down to its estimated fair value.

Based on our quarterly evaluations of each project’s business plan and our review of each project, we recorded no significant impairment charges to our real estate development projects or investments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Consolidated Real Estate Entities

The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of real estate entities we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Real estate held for development and sale	$	57,367	$	67,037	$	78,725
Other current assets	2,124		4,715		3,011
Total current assets	59,491		71,752		81,736
Property and equipment, net	—		—		203
Total assets	$	59,491	$	71,752	$	81,939
Current maturities of non-recourse debt	$	16,328	$	22,571	$	15,954
Other current liabilities	368		1,794		2,045
Total current liabilities	16,696		24,365		17,999
Long-term non-recourse debt	4,641		9,912		28,907
Other noncurrent liabilities	—		74		313
Total liabilities	$	21,337	$	34,351	$	47,219

Substantially all of the consolidated real estate entities’ real estate held for development and sale is pledged as collateral for the debt of the real estate entities. All outstanding debt of the real estate entities is recourse only to the real estate affiliate that incurred the debt (i.e. the limited partnership or limited liability company of which we are a limited partner or member). Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

Included in current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets is real estate held for development and sale. The breakdown by type and location of our real estate held for development and sale is summarized below:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011			June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	47,986	3	$	54,610	4	$	55,433	5
Commercial	9,381		4	12,427		5	23,292		7
Total	$	57,367	7	$	67,037	9	$	78,725	12
Washington	$	47,547	2	$	47,600	2	$	46,184	2
California	2,587		4	4,006		5	16,335		8
Texas	7,233		1	8,859		1	8,859		1
Oregon	—		—	6,572		1	7,347		1
Total	$	57,367	7	$	67,037	9	$	78,725	12

Investments in Affiliates

We account for our share of unconsolidated real estate entities in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as investments in affiliates. At June 30, 2012, these entities were engaged in real estate development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $2.9 million to $48.3 million. Our proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities depends on the ultimate operating results of the entities.

Additionally, we have investments in non-real estate affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method. The most significant of these investments is a 50% interest in a limited liability company which owns and operates an asphalt terminal in Nevada. We also have a cost method investment in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, it was determined that the carrying amount of the cost method investment in the power generation equipment manufacturer exceeded its fair value, which required us to recognize a non-cash impairment charge of $2.8 million.

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates	$	17,563	$	16,478	$	15,865
Equity method investments in other affiliates	10,958		11,841		10,617
Total equity method investments	28,521		28,319		26,482
Cost method investments	—		2,752		6,450
Total investments in affiliates	$	28,521	$	31,071	$	32,932

The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate affiliates accounted for under the equity method is summarized below:

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011			June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects	Amount		Number of Projects
Residential	$	12,217	2	$	11,903	2	$	11,391	2
Commercial	5,346		3	4,575		3	4,474		3
Total	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5
Texas	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5
Total	$	17,563	5	$	16,478	5	$	15,865	5

The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a 100% combined basis:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Total assets	$	158,431	$	157,771	$	152,358
Net assets	87,197		82,511		79,666
Granite’s share of net assets	28,521		28,319		26,482

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Property and Equipment, Net

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

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, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Land and land improvements	$	126,396	$	124,216	$	124,892
Quarry property	177,792		175,612		173,055
Buildings and leasehold improvements	80,910		81,272		81,325
Equipment and vehicles	722,724		733,158		772,800
Office furniture and equipment	63,414		55,570		45,840
Property and equipment	1,171,236		1,169,828		1,197,912
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	731,572		722,688		733,296
Property and equipment, net	$	439,664	$	447,140	$	464,616

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Restructuring

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring

Restructuring

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2012 included a net gain on restructuring of $1.9 million related to divestiture activities of our real estate investment business. We recorded no significant restructuring charges during the three months ended June 30, 2012 or during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011. During the remainder of 2012 and beyond, we may record up to $8.0 million of restructuring charges, primarily related to previously planned additional consolidation efforts and assets to be held-for-sale as part of our Enterprise Improvement Plan. The ultimate amount and timing of future restructuring charges is subject to market conditions and our ability to negotiate sales of certain assets at prices acceptable to us.

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Intangible Assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Table Text Block]

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Goodwill1	$	9,900	$	9,900	$	9,900
Use rights and other	393		393		1,319
Total unamortized intangible assets	$	10,293	$	10,293	$	11,219

¹Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

Amortized Intangible Assets:

June 30, 2012			Accumulated
(in thousands)	Gross Value		Amortization			Net Value
Permits	$	29,713	$	(9,494	)	$	20,219
Customer lists	2,198		(2,056		)	142
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,536		)	52
Other	871		(658		)	213
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(13,744	)	$	20,626

December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(7,573	)	$	22,140
Customer lists	2,198		(1,942		)	256
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,476		)	112
Other	871		(583		)	288
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(11,574	)	$	22,796

June 30, 2011
(in thousands)
Permits	$	29,713	$	(6,837	)	$	22,876
Customer lists	2,198		(1,828		)	370
Covenants not to compete	1,588		(1,401		)	187
Other	871		(508		)	363
Total amortized intangible assets	$	34,370	$	(10,574	)	$	23,796

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Intangible Assets - Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Total unamortized intangible assets	$ 10,293	$ 10,293	$ 11,219
Contractual Rights [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Use rights and other	393	393	1,319
Construction [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9,900	$ 9,900	$ 9,900

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Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Equity

The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented:

(in thousands)	Granite Construction Incorporated			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	799,197		$	28,466		$	827,663
Purchase of common stock1	(4,054		)	—			(4,054		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	5,211			—			5,211
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(5,440		)	(5,440		)
Net (loss) income	(9,824		)	5,624			(4,200		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,050		)	—			(10,050		)
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	780,480		$	28,650		$	809,130

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	761,031		$	34,604		$	795,635
Purchase of common stock2	(3,662		)	—			(3,662		)
Other transactions with shareholders3	4,644			—			4,644
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net4	—			(11,616		)	(11,616		)
Net (loss) income	(4,061		)	2,978			(1,083		)
Dividends on common stock	(10,050		)	—			(10,050		)
Balance at June 30, 2011	$	747,902		$	25,966		$	773,868

¹Represents 139,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

²Represents 129,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

³Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

⁴Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners.

We have determined that certain of the real estate joint ventures are VIEs as defined by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate the VIE, we continually evaluate whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

To determine if impairment charges should be recognized, the carrying amount of each consolidated real estate development project is reviewed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and each real estate development project accounted for under the equity method of accounting is reviewed in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The review of each project includes an evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to each project to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a consolidated project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the future undiscounted cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount. In the event that the project’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts, it is written down to its estimated fair value.

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Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates - Investments in Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Other non-cash impairment charges	$ 2,752,000	$ 2,752,000	$ 0
Investments in affiliates	28,521,000	28,521,000	32,932,000	31,071,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	158,431,000	158,431,000	152,358,000	157,771,000
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Net Assets	87,197,000	87,197,000	79,666,000	82,511,000
Cost Method Investments	0	0	6,450,000	2,752,000
Investments in affiliates	28,521,000	28,521,000	32,932,000	31,071,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	28,521,000	28,521,000	26,482,000	28,319,000
Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Equity Method Investments in Non Real Estate Affiliate [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	10,958,000	10,958,000	10,617,000	11,841,000
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	7	7	12	9
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Residential real estate [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	3	3	5	4
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	4	4	7	5
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | TEXAS | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	1	1	1	1
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | CALIFORNIA | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	4	4	8	5
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | OREGON | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	0	0	1	1
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Consolidated [Member] | WASHINGTON | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Number of projects	2	2	2	2
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	17,563,000	17,563,000	15,865,000	16,478,000
Number of projects	5	5	5	5
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Residential real estate [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	12,217,000	12,217,000	11,391,000	11,903,000
Number of projects	2	2	2	2
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | Commercial real estate [Member] | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	5,346,000	5,346,000	4,474,000	4,575,000
Number of projects	3	3	3	3
Real Estate Segment [Member] | Joint Venture Unconsolidated [Member] | TEXAS | Equity Method investments in Real Estate Affiliates [Member] | Real Estate Entities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	17,563,000	17,563,000	15,865,000	16,478,000
Number of projects	5	5	5	5
Real Estate Segment [Member] | 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	2,900,000	2,900,000
Real Estate Segment [Member] | 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	$ 48,300,000	$ 48,300,000

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Marketable Securities - Maturities of Held to Maturity Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due within one year	$ 43,260
Held-to-maturity investments, maturities due in one to five years	45,800
Held-to-maturity investments, total maturities due	$ 89,060

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Revenue
Construction	$ 245,113	$ 260,600	$ 363,059	$ 353,292
Large project construction	228,799	162,338	392,727	300,158
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	63,349	58,114	88,972	81,912
Sales of Real Estate	2,354	3,622	5,017	6,043
Total revenue	539,615	484,674	849,775	741,405
Cost of revenue
Construction	227,152	237,211	336,518	324,350
Large project construction	200,560	149,680	342,239	256,202
Construction materials	58,349	49,644	89,922	80,712
Real estate	1,638	3,183	4,244	5,197
Total cost of revenue	487,699	439,718	772,923	666,461
Gross profit	51,916	44,956	76,852	74,944
Selling, general and administrative expenses	40,806	38,793	83,994	82,165
Gain on sales of property and equipment	2,954	3,270	4,871	5,974
Operating income (loss)	14,064	9,433	(2,271)	(1,247)
Other income (expense)
Interest income	611	575	1,655	1,819
Interest expense	(2,827)	(879)	(6,009)	(4,235)
Equity in loss of affiliates	(484)	(181)	(1,101)	(438)
Other income, net	(5,018)	(688)	1,853	(118)
Total other expense	(7,718)	(1,173)	(3,602)	(2,972)
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	6,346	8,260	(5,873)	(4,219)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	1,859	2,087	(1,673)	(3,136)
Net income (loss)	4,487	6,173	(4,200)	(1,083)
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,538)	(1,227)	(5,624)	(2,978)
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated	$ 1,949	$ 4,946	$ (9,824)	$ (4,061)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 13)
Basic	$ 0.05	$ 0.13	$ (0.26)	$ (0.11)
Diluted	$ 0.05	$ 0.13	$ (0.26)	$ (0.11)
Weighted average shares of common stock
Basic	38,471	38,140	38,368	38,052
Diluted	39,151	38,479	38,368	38,052
Dividends per common share	$ 0.13	$ 0.13	$ 0.26	$ 0.26

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Fair Value Measurement

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Fair Value Measurement

Effective in 2012, we adopted a new accounting standard that expands the disclosure of our assets and liabilities disclosed but not recorded at fair value. As of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011, and June 30, 2011, these assets and liabilities were our held-to-maturity marketable securities and senior notes payable. The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as assets and liabilities that are disclosed but not recorded at fair value: 

June 30, 2012	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	167,427	$	—	$	—	$	167,427
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	89,239		—		—		89,239
Total assets	$	256,666	$	—	$	—	$	256,666
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	239,443	$	239,443
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	239,443	$	239,443

December 31, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	178,174	$	—	$	—	$	178,174
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	149,979		—		—		149,979
Total assets	$	328,153	$	—	$	—	$	328,153
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	250,541	$	250,541

June 30, 2011	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	Level 11		Level 22		Level 33		Total
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	163,058	$	—	$	—	$	163,058
Marketable securities
Held-to-maturity marketable securities	128,263		—		—		128,263
Total assets	$	291,321	$	—	$	—	$	291,321
Long-term debt (including current maturities)
Senior notes payable	$	—	$	—	$	239,641	$	239,641
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	239,641	$	239,641

¹Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

²Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

³Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

A reconciliation of money market funds to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

(in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011		June 30, 2011
Money market funds	$	167,427	$	178,174	$	163,058
Held-to-maturity commercial paper	4,997		4,999		—
Cash	65,527		73,817		27,011
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	237,951	$	256,990	$	190,069

We believe the carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. In addition, the fair value measured using Level 3 inputs of non-recourse debt approximates its carrying value due to its relative short-term nature and competitive interest rates. The fair value of the senior notes payable was based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term loans with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk. The carrying amount of senior notes payable, including current maturities, was $208.3 million, $216.7 million and $216.7 million as of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively. See Note 3 for the carrying amount of held-to-maturity marketable securities as of June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011.

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the only significant fair value adjustment was a $2.8 million non-cash impairment charge to write-off our cost method investment in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment. The fair value was estimated based on Level 3 inputs using the expected future cash flows attributable to the asset and on other assumptions that market participants would use in determining fair value, such as liquidation preferences, market discount rates, transaction prices for other comparable assets, and other market data. No other significant fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

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Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			$ 827,663		$ 795,635
Purchase of common stock			(4,054)	[1]	(3,662)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			5,211	[3]	4,644	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			(5,440)	[4]	(11,616)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income	4,487	6,173	(4,200)		(1,083)
Dividends on common stock			(10,050)		(10,050)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	809,130	773,868	809,130		773,868
Shares Purchased for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation			139,000		129,000
Granite Construction [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			799,197		761,031
Purchase of common stock			(4,054)	[1]	(3,662)	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			5,211	[3]	4,644	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			0	[4]	0	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income			(9,824)		(4,061)
Dividends on common stock			(10,050)		(10,050)
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	780,480	747,902	780,480		747,902
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance			28,466		34,604
Purchase of common stock			0	[1]	0	[2]
Other transactions with shareholders			0	[3]	0	[3]
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net			(5,440)	[4]	(11,616)	[4]
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net (loss) income			5,624		2,978
Dividends on common stock			0		0
Stockholders' equity, ending balance	$ 28,650	$ 25,966	$ 28,650		$ 25,966

[1] Represents 139,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

[2] Represents 129,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares/units granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.

[3] Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock and units.

[4] Amounts are comprised primarily of distributions to noncontrolling partners.

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Revisions in Estimates (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

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)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		2		—		2		—
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.1 - 1.9	$	—	$	1.4 - 4.8	$	—
Decrease on project profitability	$	3.0	$	—	$	6.2	$	—

Increases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		1		1		3		2
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.4	$	1.4	$	1.1 - 3.2	$	1.4 - 1.5
Increase on project profitability	$	1.4	$	1.4	$	5.4	$	2.9

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)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with downward estimate changes		1		1		2		2
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net	$	5.6	$	1.6	$	1.5 - 7.9	$	2.6 - 3.2
Decrease on project profitability	$	5.6	$	1.6	$	9.4	$	5.8

Increases

		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in millions)		2012		2011		2012		2011
Number of projects with upward estimate changes		6		1		6		4
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net	$	1.2 - 3.6	$	1.3	$	1.4 - 5.2	$	1.0 - 4.2
Increase on project profitability	$	14.9	$	1.3	$	23.1	$	11.0

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Business Segment Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	245,113	$	228,799	$	115,852		$	2,354	$	592,118
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(52,503		)	—		(52,503		)
Revenue from external customers	245,113		228,799		63,349			2,354		539,615
Gross profit	17,961		28,239		5,000			716		51,916
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,233		909		7,179			—		11,321
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	260,600	$	162,338	$	108,616		$	3,622	$	535,176
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(50,502		)	—		(50,502		)
Revenue from external customers	260,600		162,338		58,114			3,622		484,674
Gross profit	23,389		12,658		8,470			439		44,956
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,847		1,289		7,000			8		12,144

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	Construction		Large Project Construction		Construction Materials			Real Estate		Total
2012
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	363,059	$	392,727	$	146,861		$	5,017	$	907,664
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(57,889		)	—		(57,889		)
Revenue from external customers	363,059		392,727		88,972			5,017		849,775
Gross profit (loss)	26,541		50,488		(950		)	773		76,852
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	6,813		2,177		14,557			—		23,547
Segment assets	110,119		119,652		365,690			57,367		652,828
2011
Total revenue from reportable segments	$	353,292	$	300,158	$	139,272		$	6,043	$	798,765
Elimination of intersegment revenue	—		—		(57,360		)	—		(57,360		)
Revenue from external customers	353,292		300,158		81,912			6,043		741,405
Gross profit	28,942		43,956		1,200			846		74,944
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	7,925		2,057		14,107			97		24,186
Segment assets	113,922		102,641		382,892			88,316		687,771

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes is as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Total gross profit from reportable segments	$	51,916		$	44,956		$	76,852		$	74,944
Selling, general and administrative expenses	40,806			38,793			83,994			82,165
Gain on sales of property and equipment	2,954			3,270			4,871			5,974
Other expense, net	(7,718		)	(1,173		)	(3,602		)	(2,972		)
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	6,346		$	8,260		$	(5,873	)	$	(4,219	)

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 29.3% and 28.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and was 25.3% and 74.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. The changes from the prior year were primarily due to the recognition and measurement of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which was considered a discrete item for tax provision purposes for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The recognition and measurement of these tax benefits was the result of a favorable settlement of an income tax examination conducted by the Internal Revenue Service.