Shareholders' Investment - Changes in Total Shareholders' Investment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 225,152	$ 220,629
Net income	5,107	2,671	10,824	4,550
Employee Stock Purchase Plan			560	572
Amortization of restricted stock			703	920
Treasury stock purchases			(323)	(272)
Stock options exercised			51	60
Restricted stock issued			4
Options granted				199
Dividends declared ($0.34 per share)			(3,285)
Profit distribution			(176)	(375)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Unrealized gain on investment, net of reclassification adjustments	(50)	16	(58)	47
Foreign currency translation adjustments				43
Ending Balance	233,452	226,373	233,452	226,373
Total Michael Baker Corporation Shareholders' Investment [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			224,600	219,912
Net income			10,293	4,144
Employee Stock Purchase Plan			560	572
Amortization of restricted stock			703	920
Treasury stock purchases			(323)	(272)
Stock options exercised			51	60
Restricted stock issued			4
Options granted				199
Dividends declared ($0.34 per share)			(3,285)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Unrealized gain on investment, net of reclassification adjustments			(58)	47
Foreign currency translation adjustments				43
Ending Balance	232,545	225,625	232,545	225,625
Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			552	717
Net income			531	406
Profit distribution			(176)	(375)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Ending Balance	$ 907	$ 748	$ 907	$ 748