Document and Entity Information Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] AccountsReceivableNetCurrent CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Previously Reported [Member] As Reported [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restated [Member] Restated [Member] Restated [Member] Assets Abstract ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable2 Total accounts receivable Accounts receivable-net Total accounts receivable Current portion of accounts receivable-net Costs In Excess Of Billings On Uncompleted Contracts Or Programs Expected To Be Collected Within One Year Current portion of contract revenues in excess of billings Contract revenues in excess of billings Total contract revenues in excess of billings Inventory Net Inventories Inventories Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current, Total Assets, Current Total current assets PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-Net Property and equipment - net Property and equipment - net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill), Total INVENTORIES - Noncurrent INVENTORIES-Noncurrent INVENTORIES - Noncurrent INVENTORIES - Noncurrent INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES Investments in joint ventures Investment in joint ventures Other noncurrent assets OTHER Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total OTHER ASSETS Assets Total assets TOTAL Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities, Current [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses Total accrued expenses Accrued liabilities Billings in excess of contract revenues Total billings in excess of contract revenues Total billings in excess of contract revenues Total billings in excess of contract revenues Total billings in excess of contract revenues Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of long term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Notes Payable, Noncurrent LONG TERM NOTE PAYABLE Notes Payable, Noncurrent, Total Senior Notes 7 3/8% SENIOR NOTES Senior Notes, Total 7.375% senior notes DEFERRED INCOME TAXES Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilites Deferred income taxes OTHER Other Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Other liabilties Liabilities Total liabilities EQUITY: Common stock-$.0001 par value; 90,000,000 authorized, 58,671,956 and 58,542,038 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock-$.0001 par value; 90,000 authorized, 59,359 and 58,999 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional paid-in capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained earnings Accumulated deficit Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent BALANCE - Value BALANCE - Value Total Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation equity NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Acquisition of Yankee Environmental Services Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest BALANCE - value BALANCE - value Total equity Liabilities and Equity TOTAL Common Stock, Par Value Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, shares outstanding Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Contract revenues Revenues Contract revenues CONTRACT REVENUES Costs of contract revenues Costs of contract revenues Costs of contract revenues COSTS OF CONTRACT REVENUES Gross Profit GROSS PROFIT Operating Expenses [Abstract] OPERATING EXPENSES: General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Assets Gain on sale of assets-net GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS-Net Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Total operating income Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] OTHER EXPENSE: Interest expense - net Interest expense-net Interest Income (Expense), Net, Total Interest expense, net Equity in loss of joint ventures Equity in (earnings) loss of joint ventures Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures Foreign Currency Transaction Loss, before Tax Loss on foreign currency transactions-net Loss on foreign currency transactions, net Loss on foreign currency transactions - net Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on extinguishment of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total Loss on extinguishment of 7.75% senior subordinated notes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income tax provision Income tax (provision) benefit INCOME TAX PROVISION Income tax provision Net income Net income NET INCOME Net income Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION Net income attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Basic earnings per share attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Earnings per share - basic Basic earnings per share attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Earnings per share - basic Basic weighted average shares Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Basic weighted average shares Diluted earnings per share attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Earnings per share - diluted Diluted earnings per share attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Earnings per share - diluted Diluted weighted average shares Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted Denominator for diluted earnings per share adjusted weighted average shares Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted Diluted weighted average shares Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Currency translation adjustment-net of tax Reclassification of derivative losses to earnings-net of tax Reclassification of derivative gains to earnings-net of tax Reclassification of derivative gains to earnings Reclassification of derivative gains (losses) to earnings-net of tax Reclassification of derivative gains to earnings Reclassification of derivative gains to earnings Change in fair value of derivatives-net of tax Change in fair value of derivatives Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss-net of tax Other comprehensive loss-net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Currency translation adjustment, tax Reclassification of derivative gains (losses) to earnings, tax Reclassification of derivative gains to earnings, tax Change in fair value of derivatives, tax Consolidated Statements Of Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)[Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Shares, Issued BALANCE - shares BALANCE - shares Share-based compensation, Value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Total Share-based compensation, Shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Total Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures, Total Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, value Vesting of RSU's Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes Vesting of restricted stock units, including impact of shares withheld for taxes, shares Vesting of RSU's Exercise of stock options, Value Exercise of stock options, Shares Exercise of stock options, Shares Options exercised Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net, Total Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends declared and paid Dividends declared and paid Dividends, Share-based Compensation Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units Dividends, Share-based Compensation, Total Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests. Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in NASDI, LLC Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in NASDI, LLC Dividends declared per share Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Gain on dispositions of property and equipment GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS- Net Gain on dispositions of property and equipment Gain on sale of assets, net Gain on dispositions of property and equipment Gain (loss) on adjustment of contingent earnout. Gain (Loss) On Adjustment Of Contingent Earnout Gain on adjustment of contingent earnout Amortization of deferred financing fees Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Unrealized foreign currency loss Unrealized foreign currency loss Share-based compensation expense Share-based compensation expense Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation Excess income tax benefit from share based compensation Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 1 Accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Costs In Excess Of Billings On Uncompleted Contracts Or Programs Expected To Be Collected Within One Year Increase Decrease In Costs In Excess Of Billings On Uncompleted Contracts Or Programs Expected To Be Collected Within One Year Contract revenues in excess of billings Contract revenues in excess of billings Inventories Inventories Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Billings In Excess Of Cost Increase Decrease In Billings In Excess Of Cost Billings in excess of contract revenues Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Other noncurrent assets and liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash flows provided by (used in) by operating activities Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of property and equipment Purchases of property and equipment Purchases of property and equipment Dispositions of property and equipment Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment Dispositions of property and equipment Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash flows used in investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of 7.375% senior notes Proceeds from issuance of 7 3/8% senior notes Repayments of Subordinated Debt Redemption of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes Redemption of 7.75% senior subordinated notes Repayments of Subordinated Debt, Total Senior Subordinated Notes Redemption Premium Senior Subordinated Notes Redemption Premium Senior subordinated notes redemption premium Senior subordinated notes redemption premium Payment of Financing and Stock Issuance Costs Deferred financing fees Deferred financing fees Payment of Financing and Stock Issuance Costs, Total Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Distributions paid to minority interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid Dividends paid Payments Of Dividends Share Based Compensation Payments Of Dividends Share Based Compensation Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Taxes paid on settlement of vested share awards Taxes paid on settlement of vested share awards Repayment of capital lease debt Repayments of equipment debt Repayments of equipment debt Exercise of stock options Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Net, Total Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities Property and equipment purchased but not yet paid Property and equipment purchased on capital leases and equipment notes Property and equipment purchased on capital leases and equipment notes Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Net Nonmonetary Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed) Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in NASDI, LLC Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Net Nonmonetary Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Total Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in NASDI, LLC Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Accounts Receivable And Contracts In Progress [Abstract] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivables And Contracts In Progress Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair value measurements [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Expenses Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based compensation Share-Based Compensation Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block Commitments And Contingencies Acquisition Of Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Minority Interest Disclosure Text Block Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition Of Noncontrolling Interest Subsidiary Guarantors [Abstract] Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Subsidiary Guarantors Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Computations For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Accounts Receivable Components Of Contracts In Progress [Table Text Block] Components Of Contracts In Progress [Table Text Block] Components Of Contracts In Progress Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position, Fair Value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule Fair Value Measurements Balance Sheet Location Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Accrued Expenses Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting By Segment Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating of Balance Sheet Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Operations and Comprehensive Income Table (Text Block) Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Operations and Comprehensive Income Table (Text Block) Condensed Consolidating of Operations and Comprehensive Income Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating of Cash Flows Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Overstated [Member] Overstated [Member] Overstated [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Equipment-Related Costs, Percentage Of Costs Of Contract Revenue Equipment-Related Costs, Percentage Of Costs Of Contract Revenue Average equipment-related costs of total costs of contract revenue Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Ownership interest percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling owners membership interest Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share Errors in contract revenues Errors in contract revenues Accounts receivable-net and contract revenues in excess of billings Accounts receivable-net and contract revenues in excess of billings Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Net income per basic and diluted common share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Total Prepaid expenses and other assets (Current) Prepaid expenses and other assets (Current) Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Effect of stock options and restricted stock units Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment, Total Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Contract Receivable Type [Axis] Contract Receivable Type [Axis] Contract Receivable Type [Domain] Contract Receivable Type [Domain] Contract Receivable Type [Domain] Completed Contracts [Member] Completed Contracts [Member] Completed Contracts [Member] Contracts In Progress [Member] Contracts In Progress [Member] Contracts In Progress [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts Receivable [Line Items] Contract Receivable Contracts Contract Receivable, Total Contract Receivable Retainage Retainage Contract Receivable Retainage, Total Accounts Receivable, Gross Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Beginning Balance Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Net Total accounts receivable-net Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent And Contract Receivable Retainage Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent And Contract Receivable Retainage Long-term accounts receivable and retainage Costs And Earnings In Excess Of Billings [Member] Costs And Earnings In Excess Of Billings [Member] Costs And Earnings In Excess Of Billings [Member] Billings In Excess Of Costs And Earnings [Member] Billings In Excess Of Costs And Earnings [Member] Billings In Excess Of Costs And Earnings [Member] Costs and earnings for contracts in progress. Costs And Earnings For Contracts In Progress Costs and earnings for contracts in progress Billings for contracts in progress. Billings For Contracts In Progress Amounts billed Costs and earnings in excess of billings for contracts in progress. Costs And Earnings In Excess Of Billings For Contracts In Progress Costs and earnings in excess of billings on contracts in progress Costs and earnings in excess of billings for completed contracts. Costs and Earnings In Excess Of Billings For Completed Contracts Costs and earnings in excess of billings for completed contracts Costs in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts or Programs Costs and earnings in excess of billings on contracts in progress Total contract revenues in excess of billings Costs in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts or Programs Expected to be Collected after One Year Portion included in other noncurrent assets Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Derivative asset, notional amount Derivative, average fixed interest rate Derivative underlying hedge percent. Derivative Underlying Hedge Percent Derivative underlying hedge percent Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount Derivative, Swap Type, Fixed Price Fixed price range Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset, Total Fair value hedge liabilities Fuel hedge liability Fair value hedge assets Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Senior notes interest rate Financial Instrument [Axis] Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Instruments Types Of Financial Instruments [Domain] Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] Investment Type [Member] Investment Type [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Fair Value Option Eligible Item Or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Fuel Hedge Contracts [Member] Fuel Hedge Contracts [Member] Fuel Hedge Contracts [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, fair value disclosure Assets, fair value disclosure, total Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities, fair value disclosure Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Ending Balance Beginning Balance Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net, Total Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Total Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Settlement Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Nondesignated [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative [Member] Derivative [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net Derivative asset, fair value, net, Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net, Total Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative asset, fair value, gross liability Employee-related Liabilities, Current Payroll and employee benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued Insurance, Current Insurance Interest Payable, Current Interest Taxes Payable, Current Income and other taxes Taxes Payable, Current, Total Percentage of completion adjustment Percentage of completion adjustment Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Liabilities Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Liabilities, Total Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Interest Rate, Types [Axis] Interest Rate, Types [Axis] Interest Rate, Types [Domain] Interest Rate Types [Domain] Interest Rate, Types [Domain] LIBOR Rate [Member] Libor Rate [Member] LIBOR Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Standby Letters Of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Multicurrency [Member] Multicurrency [Member] Multicurrency [Member] Swingline Loans [Member] Swingline Loans [Member] Swingline Loans [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total leverage ratio Total leverage ratio Leverage ratio exceeds Leverage ratio exceeds Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit , maximum borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of credit facility optional increase capacity Line of credit facility optional increase capacity Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Revolving credit facility, interest rate description Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Revolving credit facility, basis spread on variable rate Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letter of credit remaining borrowing capacity Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Options to purchase of common stock and restricted stock units, granted Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares available for grant Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-average grant-date fair value as of December 31, 2012 Weighted-average grant-date fair value as of January 1, 2012 Options granted Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Foreign [Member] Foreign [Member] Foreign [Member] Dredging [Member] Dredging [Member] Dredging [Member] Demolition [Member] Demolition [Member] Demolition [Member] Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Segment reporting information, intersegment revenue Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short Term Debt Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Foreign Line Of Credit [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] Bids bond range Bids bond range Outstanding performance bonds Outstanding performance bonds Revenue value remaining from outstanding performance bonds Revenue value remaining from outstanding performance bonds Asbestos related personal lawsuit injury Asbestos related personal lawsuit injury Actual cases Actual cases Dismissal cases Dismissal cases Cases pending Cases pending Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount Judgement Adjustment of noncontrolling interest. Adjustment of NonControlling Interest Adjustment of noncontrolling interests Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary Guarantors [Member] Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Due from Affiliate, Current Receivables from affiliates Investments in subsidiaries. Investments in subsidiaries INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES Due to Affiliate, Current Payables to affiliates Income (loss) from equity investments in subsidiaries. Income Loss From Equity Investments In Subsidiaries Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Total Payments for proceeds from accounts with affiliates. Payments For Proceeds From Accounts With Affiliates Net change in accounts with affiliates Capital contributions Capital contributions Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member]