Earnings Per Common Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests	$ 5,107	$ 2,907	$ 10,824	$ 4,049
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	347	223	531	406
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Michael Baker Corporation	4,760	2,684	10,293	3,643
Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(236)		501
Net income attributable to Michael Baker Corporation	$ 4,760	$ 2,448	$ 10,293	$ 4,144
Basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding	9,545	9,373	9,535	9,368
Continuing operations	$ 0.50	$ 0.29	$ 1.08	$ 0.39
Discontinued operations		$ (0.03)		$ 0.05
Total	$ 0.50	$ 0.26	$ 1.08	$ 0.44
Diluted:
Effect of dilutive securities - contingently issuable shares and stock options	130	250	136	231
Weighted average shares outstanding	9,675	9,623	9,671	9,599
Continuing operations	$ 0.49	$ 0.28	$ 1.06	$ 0.38
Discontinued operations		$ (0.03)		$ 0.05
Total	$ 0.49	$ 0.25	$ 1.06	$ 0.43