Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 70,046	$ 77,367
Certificates of deposit	1,500
Available-for-sale securities	9,695
Receivables, net of allowances of $3,204 and $2,915, respectively	96,869	85,733
Unbilled revenues on contracts in progress	72,726	78,062
Prepaid expenses and other	7,201	7,630
Prepaid income taxes	3,748	3,731
Total current assets	261,785	252,523
Property, plant and equipment, net	15,733	17,286
Goodwill	81,598	81,598
Other intangible assets, net	9,684	12,765
Deferred income tax asset	1,725	3,125
Other long-term assets	6,404	6,112
Total assets	376,929	373,409
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	40,979	41,386
Accrued employee compensation	23,725	21,008
Accrued insurance	9,211	9,715
Billings in excess of revenues on contracts in progress	17,974	22,215
Deferred income tax liability	17,707	17,707
Other accrued expenses	13,785	13,513
Total current liabilities	123,381	125,544
Long-term Liabilities
Deferred income tax liability	10,126	11,517
Other long-term liabilities	9,970	11,196
Total liabilities	143,477	148,257
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' Investment
Common Stock, par value $1, authorized 44,000,000 shares, issued 10,199,521 and 10,171,664, respectively	10,200	10,172
Additional paid-in capital	70,804	69,514
Retained earnings	157,095	150,087
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - unrealized loss on investments	(58)
Less - 525,315 and 513,227 shares of Common Stock in treasury, at cost, respectively	(5,496)	(5,173)
Total Michael Baker Corporation shareholders' investment	232,545	224,600
Noncontrolling interests	907	552
Total shareholders' investment	233,452	225,152
Total liabilities and shareholders' investment	$ 376,929	$ 373,409