Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, 8,036,472 and 2,843,324 common shares, at cost Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts Inventory, Net Inventories Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $481,690 and $428,025 Other assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $148,006 and $134,735 Assets Total assets Goodwill Goodwill Billings in Excess of Cost Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Insurance and other non-current liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, value Retained Earnings(Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and equity ASSETS Current Assets: LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities: Equity: Per Share Information [Abstract] Earnings per share attributable to common stock: Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Information [Abstract] SEGMENT INFORMATION. Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES. Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Debt Disclosure [Text Block] DEBT OBLIGATIONS Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] EQUITY Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT INFORMATION Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of non-cash transactions - (Increase) decrease in - Increase (decrease) in - Gross Profit Gross profit Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Amortization of Intangible Assets Total amortization expense Total amortization expense Amortization of intangible assets Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income attributable to common stock Net income attributable to common stock Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share Weighted average basic shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share Weighted average diluted shares outstanding Depreciation Depreciation Amortization of debt issuance costs Recognition of Deferred Revenue Amortization of deferred revenues Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment (Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax (benefit) provision Share-based Compensation Total stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses Non-cash stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Tax impact of stock-based equity awards Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Notes Receivable Accounts and notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions of property and equipment Net cash used in investing activities Proceeds from other long-term debt Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Payments on other long-term debt Tax impact of stock-based equity awards Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Net cash used in financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common Stock outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Treasury stock, common shares Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowances for doubtful accounts, Current Allowances on accounts receivable Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Total accumulated amortization Accumulated amortization on other intangible assets Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Net income Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,086 and $6,105 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net income Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Income tax refunds Cash paid received during the period for [Abstract] Cash (paid) received during the period for - Cash (paid) received during the period for. Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities - Non-cash interest expense Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Other, net Interest Paid Interest paid Interest paid Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Income taxes paid Cost of Services Cost of services (including depreciation) Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities Earnings Per Share [Text Block] PER SHARE INFORMATION Sales Revenue, Services, Net Revenues Earnings per share attributable to common stock: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] Costs in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts or Programs Expected to be Collected within One Year Other Assets, Noncurrent Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury Stock, Shares Investment Income, Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of Financing Costs Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Business and Organization [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Long-term Incentive Plans [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Foreign currency (gain) loss Debt Obligations [Abstract] Debt Obligations. Business and Organization (Details) [Abstract] Business and Organization Details Abstract. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Details Abstract. Business and Organization Textuals Abstract Business and Organization (Textuals) [Abstract] Business and Organization Textuals Abstract. Cash paid for acquisition Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals Abstract. Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents held in domestic bank accounts Cash and cash equivalents held in domestic bank accounts Cash and cash equivalents held in domestic bank accounts. Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign bank accounts Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign bank accounts Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign bank accounts. Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Fiber optic non-current deferred revenue Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions from last fiscal year Current retainage balances Contract Receivable Retainage, Due One Year or Less Unbilled receivables Unbilled Contracts Receivable Debt Instrument, Principal Outstanding Outstanding aggregate principal amount Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Tables Abstract. Contract Receivable Retainage, Due after One Year Non-current retainage balances Interest expense (income) and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense, Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Number of shares issued for acquisition of a company Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Aggregate value of shares issued for acquisition of a company Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Policies Abstract. Minimum future licensing revenues [Text Block] Minimum future licensing revenues expected to be recognized Minimum future licensing revenues. Minimum future licensing revenues. Minimum future licensing revenues [Abstract] Minimum Future Licensing Revenues (In thousands) Minimum Future Licensing Revenues, Total. Minimum Future Licensing Revenues, Thereafter. Minimum future licensing revenues thereafter Thereafter Minimum future licensing revenues Fixed non-cancelable minimum licensing revenues Shares used in computing earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables) [Abstract] Goodwill and other intangible assets. Summary of changes in Quanta's goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Abstract] Goodwill and other intangible assets. Estimated future aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Electric Power Division [Member] Electric power division. Natural Gas and Pipeline Division [Member] Natural Gas and Pipeline Division. Telecommunications Division [Member] Telecommunications Division. Customer relationships [Member] Backlog [Member] Non-compete agreements [Member] Patented rights and developed technology [Member] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Textuals Abstract Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Annual interest rate of convertible subordinated notes Other intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets, net, subject to amortization Total intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life Remaining weighted average amortization periods in years Expenses for the amortization of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Changes in Accounting Principles and New Accounting Pronouncements (Textuals) Summary of changes in Quanta's goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Future amortization expense remainder of current period Remainder of 2011 Future amortization expense remainder of current period. Per Share Information (Tables) [Abstract] Per Share Information Tables Abstract. Per Share Information (Details) [Abstract] Per Share Information Details Abstract. NET INCOME: Net income attributable to common stock for diluted earnings per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES: Basic and diluted earnings per share Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Per Share Information Textuals Abstract Per Share Information (Textuals) [Abstract] Per Share Information Textuals Abstract. Debt Obligations (Details) [Abstract] Debt Obligations Details Abstract. Debt Obligations Textuals Abstract Debt Obligations (Textuals) [Abstract] Debt Obligations Textuals Abstract. Interest rate in excess of Base Rate minimum Interest Rate In excess of Base Rate minimum Interest rate in excess of Base Rate minimum. Interest rate in excess of Base Rate maximum Interest Rate In excess of Base Rate maximum Interest rate in excess of Base Rate maximum. Letter of credit fee minimum Letter of credit fee minimum Letter of credit fee minimum. Letter of credit fee maximum Letter of credit fee maximum Letter of credit fee maximum. Commitment fee minimum Commitment fee minimum Commitment fee minimum. Commitment fee maximum Commitment fee maximum Commitment fee maximum. Reduction In Company Maximum Funded Debt And Maximum Senior Debt By All Cash And Cash Equivalents In Excess Of Amount Reduction in Quanta's maximum funded debt and maximum senior debt by all cash and cash equivalents in excess of amount Reduction in Quanta's maximum funded debt and maximum senior debt by all cash and cash equivalents in excess of amount. Senior secured revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Maturity date of senior secured revolving credit facility Letters of credit issued under credit facility (approximately) Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Credit facility available for revolving loans or issuing new letters of credit Effect of dilutive stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Non-cash compensation expense related to restricted stock Restricted Stock Expense Stock Option Plan Expense Non-cash compensation expense related to stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Income tax benefit related to non-cash compensation expense Non Cash Compensation Expense And Related Tax Benefits [Abstract] Non-cash compensation expense and related tax benefits Non Cash Compensation Expense And Related Tax Benefits. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Unrecognized compensation cost, related to unvested restricted stock, total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Grant of restricted stocks under the Plans Weighted average grant price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock, vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Fair value of additional restricted stock, vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Change orders and/or claims Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Equity (Details) [Abstract] Equity. Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Change in unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedges, net of tax Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to common stock Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Equity (Textuals) [Abstract] Equity (Textuals) [Abstract] Equity. Variable Interest, Carrying Amount Carrying value of the investments held by Quanta in variable interest entities Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Interest Rate In Excess Of Eurodollar Rate Minimum Interest Rate In excess of Eurodollar Rate minimum Interest Rate In Excess Of Eurodollar Rate Minimum. Interest rate in excess of Eurodollar Rate maximum Interest Rate In excess of Eurodollar Rate maximum Interest rate in excess of Eurodollar Rate maximum. Minimum future licensing revenues remainder of current year Remainder of 2011 Minimum Future Licensing Revenues, Remainder of Current Year. Future amortization expense in the third full fiscal year 2014 The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the third full fiscal year. Future amortization expense in the fifth full fiscal year and thereafter Thereafter Future amortization expense year in the fifth full fiscal year and thereafter. Finite-lived intangible assets future amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter Total intangible assets subject to amortization The aggregate estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter related to finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization. Actual Tax Benefit Expense From Vested Restricted Stock Actual tax benefit (expense) from vested restricted stock Actual Tax Benefit Expense From Vested Restricted Stock. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards, Weighted Average Period of Recognition Expected period (in months) to recognize total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options Expected weighted average period to recognize compensation cost on restricted stock (in years) Subordinated Borrowing, Interest Rate Interest rate of convertible subordinated notes Deferred Revenue, Total Fiber optic deferred revenue Actual tax benefit (expense) related to stock-based compensation expense Actual tax benefit (expense) related to stock-based compensation expense Actual tax benefit (expense) related to stock-based compensation expense Actual tax benefit, expense, related to stock-based compensation expense. Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Tables Abstract. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Details Abstract. Operating Leases [Member] Operating Leases Member. Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total minimum lease payments Commitments And Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Textuals Abstract. Operating Leases, Rent Expense Rent expense related to operating leases Employer's liability insurance claims deductible Employer's liability claims subject to deductible per occurrence Employer's liability claims deductible amount per occurrence. Worker's compensation insurance claims deductible Worker's compensation claims per occurrence Workers' compensation insurance claims deductible. Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Total Gross amount accrued for insurance claims Related insurance recoveries receivables Related insurance recoveries receivables. Related insurance recoveries/receivables Related insurance recoveries/receivables included in prepaid expenses and other current assets Related insurance recoveries/receivables included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Related insurance recoveries/receivables included in prepaid expenses and other current assets Related insurance recoveries receivables included in other assets net Related insurance recoveries/receivables included in other assets, net Related insurance recoveries/receivables included in other assets, net. Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Letters of credit outstanding issued under credit facility Estimated cost to complete bonded projects Estimated cost to complete bonded projects. Estimated cost to complete bonded projects Segment Information (Details) [Abstract] Segment Information Details Abstract. Segment Information (Textuals) [Abstract] Segment Information Textuals Abstract. Segment Information (Textuals) [Abstract] Segment Information (Tables) [Abstract] Segment Information Tables Abstract. Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Axis] Component of Other Income, Nonoperating, Name [Domain] Electric Power Segment Member Electric Power [Member] Electric Power Segment Member. Natural Gas and Pipeline Segment Member Natural Gas and Pipeline [Member] Natural Gas and Pipeline Segment Member. Telecommunications Segment Member Telecommunications [Member] Telecommunications Segment. Fiber Optic Licensing Segment Member Fiber Optic Licensing [Member] Fiber Optic Licensing Segment Member. Corporate and Non Allocated Costs Member Corporate and non-allocated costs [Member] Corporate and Non Allocated Costs Member. Consolidated Member Consolidated [Member] Consolidated Member. Segment Reporting Information, Revenue from External Customers Revenues from external customers Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss), Total Operating income (loss) Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Domain] Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Minimum Lease Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] Minimum Lease Payments Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Maximum guaranteed residual value Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Summarized financial information Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Summarized financial information Entity-Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries Revenues from foreign operations Segment Reporting Information, Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense Depreciation General liability insurance claims deductible General liability insurance claims deductible amount per occurrence. General liability insurance claims deductible Auto liability insurance claims deductible Auto liability insurance claims deductible Auto liability insurance claims deductible amount per occurrence. Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, $.00001 par value, 1 share authorized, issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Exchangeable Shares Of Subsidiary Member Exchangeable Shares of Subsidiary [Member] Exchangeable shares of subsidiary. Payment of cash to repay acquiree debt Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Liabilities Incurred Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Total allowances for doubtful accounts Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable [Table] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable by Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Foreign Currency Adjustments Total foreign currency adjustments Finite lived intangible assets foreign currency adjustments. Trade Names [Member] Number of Series F preferred Stock issued to voting trust Number of Series F preferred Stock issued to voting trust. Number of Series F preferred Stock issued to voting trust Liabilities Under Restricted Stock Units Liabilities under Restricted Stock Units Liabilities under Restricted Stock Units. Payment Of Fire Suppression Costs Payment of fire suppression costs. Payment of fire suppression costs Other Damages Other damages. Other damages Series F Preferred Stock [Member] Series F Preferred Stock Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period for Restricted Stock Units Insurance Settlements Receivable Insurance recovery receivable related to California wildfire litigation Entity-Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries Property and equipment held in foreign countries Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Table] Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Future Amortization Expense In Second Full Fiscal Year The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the second full fiscal year. 2013 Future Amortization Expense In Fourth Full Fiscal Year The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fourth full fiscal year. 2015 Long Term Insurance Claims Long-term insurance claims Long-term insurance claims. Consolidation, Policy [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Receivables, Policy [Text Block] Current and Long-term Accounts and Notes Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangibles Revenue Recognition, Policy [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Income Tax, Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Text Block] Functional Currency and Translation of Financial Statements Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Information [Policy Text Block] Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Interim condensed consolidated financial information policy. Convertible Common Stock [Member] Exchangeable Shares Exchangeable Shares, no par value, 3,909,110 shares authorized, issued and outstanding Nonvoting Common Stock [Member] Limited Vote Common Stock Limited Vote Common Stock, $.00001 par value, 0 and 3,345,333 shares authorized, and 0 and 432,485 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Notes Payable, Current Notes payable Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt Non Cash Portion Of Loss On Early Extinguishment Of Debt Non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment, less the cash prepayment penalty. Repayments of Convertible Debt Payments on convertible notes Redemption Premium On Convertible Subordinated Notes Redemption premium on convertible subordinated notes Redemption premium on convertible subordinated notes Redemption premium on convertible subordinated notes. Additional Shares Of Common Stock Available To Plan Number of additional shares of common stock available pursuant to the terms of the 2007 Plan Additional shares of common stock available to the plan. Long-term Incentive Plans (Tables) [Abstract] Long Term Incentive Plans. Long-term Incentive Plans (Details) [Abstract] Long Term Incentive Plans. Long Term Incentive Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Long Term Incentive Plans. Long Term Incentive Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Equity (Tables) [Abstract] Equity. Earnings Per Share, Policy [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Information Segment Reporting Policy, Policy [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure of accounting policy for segment reporting. Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Use Of Estimates, Policy [Text Block] Use of Estimates and Assumptions Disclosure of accounting policy for the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Estimated future aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets Tabular disclosure of the amount of amortization expense expected to be recorded in succeeding fiscal years for finite-lived intangible assets. Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted [Table Text Block] Basic and diluted earnings per share Tabular disclosure of an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. Schedule Of Compensation Cost For Share Based Payment Arrangements, Allocation Of Share Based Compensation Costs By Plan [Table Text Block] Non-cash compensation expense and related tax benefits Tabular disclosure of the amount of total share-based compensation cost, including the amounts attributable to each share-based compensation plan and any related tax benefits. Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change Estimated amount believed to be reasonably possible for unrecognized tax benefits to decrease over the next 12 months related to uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations Goodwill Gross Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, of the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable), in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Goodwill, Gross Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Losses The accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill as of the balance sheet date. Goodwill, Translation Adjustments The increase (decrease) to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments. Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value. Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Other intangible assets. Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Contingently Issuable Shares Effect of shares in escrow Base Rate In Excess Of Federal Funds Rate Base rate in excess of Federal Funds Rate. Base rate in excess of Federal Funds Rate Cross Default Provisions Cross default provisions with debt instruments exceeding this amount Cross-default provisions. Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Market value of common stock repurchased Common Stock Available For Awards Pursuant To Plan Common Stock available for awards pursuant to the 2011 plan Common stock available for awards pursuant to the plan. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due, Remainder Of The Current Year Remainder of 2011 For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due in the remainder of the current year relating to leases defined as operating. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments, Due In The First Full Year 2012 For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the first full year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments, Due In The Second Full Year 2013 For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the second full year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments, Due In The Third Full Year 2014 For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the third full year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Percentage of Interest In Unincorporated Joint Venture Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Committed capital expenditures Concentration Risk, Percentage Percentage of billed and accrued receivables for significant customer Health Care Deductible Employee health care benefit plans subject to deductible per claimant Health Care Deductible. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In The Fourth Full Year For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the fourth full year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. 2015 New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted. Redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount of convertible subordinated notes Redemption price as a percentage of the principle amount of the 3.75% convertible subordinated notes Redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount of convertible subordinated notes. Restricted Stock Units R S U Member Restricted stock units (RSUs) as awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Restricted Stock Units [Member] Minimum Future Licensing Revenues In First Full Year 2012 Minimum Future Licensing Revenues, In first full year. Minimum Future Licensing Revenues In Third Full Year 2014 Minimum Future Licensing Revenues, In third full year. Minimum Future Licensing Revenues In Second Full Year 2013 Minimum Future Licensing Revenues, In second full year. Minimum Future Licensing Revenues In Fourth Full Year 2015 Minimum Future Licensing Revenues, In Fourth full year. Future Amortization Expense In First Full Fiscal Year 2012 The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the first full fiscal year. Tax Benefit Related To Stock Based Compensation Expense Total tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense Total tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense. Compensation Expense Related To Restricted Stock Units Compensation expense related to Restricted Stock Units Compensation expense related to Restricted Stock Units. Letters Of Credit Outstanding Issued Under Arrangements Other Than Credit Facility Letters of credit outstanding issued under arrangements other than credit facility Letters of credit outstanding issued under arrangements other than credit facility. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due After Fourth Full Year For Interim Periods Or After Five Full Years For Year End Reporting Periods Thereafter For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due after fourth full year for interim periods or after five full years for year end reporting periods on leases defined as operating. Number Of Lawsuits Related To Wildfire Litigation Number of lawsuits related to California wildfire litigation Number of lawsuits related to California wildfire litigation. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period Minimum Minimum vested period, restricted stock The minimum vesting term over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period Maximum Maximum vested period, restricted stock The maximum vesting term over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition. Additional Business And Organization (Textuals) [Abstract] Additional Business and Organization (Textuals) [Abstract] Additional Business And Organization Textuals Abstract. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Additional Long Term Incentive Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Additional Long Term Incentive Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Additional Long Term Incentive Plans Textuals Abstract. Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount Issued Under Agreements Other Than Credit Facility Letters of credit outstanding amount issued under agreements other than credit facility Letters of credit outstanding amount issued under agreements other than credit facility. Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Payment to acquire equity method investments Equity method investment made during the period Initial capital contribution for acquisition of HEP Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Acquired ownership interest in HEP Common Stock Withheld For Settlement Of Employee Tax Liabilities [Member] Common stock withheld for settlement of employee tax liabilities Common stock withheld for settlement of employee tax liabilities member. Common Stock Repurchased Under Repurchase Plan [Member] Common stock repurchased under repurchase plan Common stock repurchased under repurchase plan member. Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Equity Additional (Textuals) [Abstract] Equity (Additional Textuals) [Abstract] Equity additional textuals. Number Of Limited Vote Common Stock Reclassified And Converted For Common stock Number of Limited Vote Common Stock reclassified and converted for common stock. Number of Limited Vote Common Stock reclassified and converted for common stock Number Of Limited Vote Common Stock Exchanged For Common Stock Number of Limited Vote Common Stock exchanged for common stock. Number of Limited Vote Common Stock exchanged for common stock Aggregate Authorized Amount Of Common Stock To Be Repurchased Aggregate authorized amount of common stock to be repurchased. Aggregate authorized amount of common stock to be repurchased Number Of Common Stock Shares Issued On Reclassification And Conversion Of Limited Vote Common Stock Number of common stock shares issued on reclassification and conversion of limited vote common stock. Number of common stock shares issued on reclassification and conversion of limited vote common stock Number Of Common Stock Shares Issued On Exchange Of Limited Vote Common Stock Number of common stock shares issued on exchange of limited vote common stock. Number of common stock shares issued on exchange of limited vote common stock Outstanding Performance Bonds Total amount of outstanding performance bonds The total amount of outstanding performance bonds. Number of Insurers Participating Under a Reservation of Rights Number of Insurers Participating Under a Reservation of Rights Number of insurers participating under a reservation of rights. Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Fiber Optic Licensing Terms Minimum In Years Fiber Optic Licensing terms, minimum in years Fiber optic licensing terms minimum in years. Fiber Optic Licensing Terms Maximum In Years Fiber Optic Licensing terms, maximum in years Fiber optic licensing terms, maximum in years. Number Of Shares Of Common Stock Received For Each Exchangeable Share Number of shares of common stock received for each exchangeable share. Number of shares of Common stock received for each exchangeable share Minimum Number Of Shares That Can Be Exchanged By Exchangeable Shareholders Unless The Total Number Of Remaining Exchangeable Shares Registered In The Name Of The Holder Is Less Minimum number of shares that can be exchanged by exchangeable shareholders unless the total number of remaining exchangeable shares registered in the name of the holder is less. Minimum number of shares that can be exchanged by exchangeable shareholders unless the total number of remaining exchangeable shares registered in the name of the holder is less Fraction Of Vote Limited Vote Common Stockholders Were Allowed On All Matters Other Than Election Of The Board Fraction of vote Limited Vote Common Stockholders were allowed on all matters other than election of the Board. Fraction of vote Limited Vote Common Stockholders were allowed on all matters other than election of the Board Number Of Common Stock Shares Received For Each Share Of Limited Vote Common Stock Converted Number of common stock shares received for each share of limited vote common stock converted. Number of common stock shares received for each share of Limited Vote Common Stock converted Damages Caused To Acreage Due To Wildfire Amount of acreage damaged due to wildfire Damages caused to acreage due to wildfire. Damages Caused To Homes And Structures Due To Wildfire Number of homes and structures damaged due to wildfire Damages caused to homes and structures due to wildfire. Alleged Deaths Caused By Wildfire Alleged deaths caused by wildfire. Alleged deaths caused by wildfire Alleged Number Of Personal Injuries Caused By Wildfire Alleged number of personal injuries caused by wildfire. Alleged number of personal injuries caused by wildfire Land Damaged Due To Wildfire In Acres Land damaged due to wildfire, in acres. Land damaged due to wildfire, in acres Number Of Insurers Claiming Coverage Does Not Exist Number of Insurers Claiming Coverage does not exist Number of insurers claiming coverage does not exist. Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent events. Schedule of Subsequent Events [Text Block] SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent Events (Details) [Abstract] Subsequent Events. Subsequent Events (Textuals) [Abstract] Subsequent events. Mc Gregor Construction Group [Member] Mc Gregor Construction Group [Member] Mc Gregor Construction Group. Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Business Combination [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events (Additional Textuals) [Abstract] Subsequent Events (Additional Textuals) [Abstract] Subsequent Events. Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Distributions to noncontrolling interest Operating Unit Reorganization Operating unit reorganization. Operating unit reorganization Reporting Unit's Goodwill Balance Reporting unit's goodwill balance. Reporting unit's goodwill balance Decrease In Fair Value Of Reporting Units Considered For Impairment Calculation Decrease in fair value of Reporting units considered, for impairment calculation. Decrease in fair value of reporting units considered, for impairment calculation Excess Of Fair Value Over Carrying Value Of Reporting Units Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting units Excess of fair value over carrying value of Reporting units. Agreed Amount Of Loan To Indirect Parent Of Llc Agreed amount of loan to indirect parent of Llc. Agreed amount of loan to indirect parent of LLC Valard Construction Lp [Member] Valard Construction LP [Member] Valard Construction LP. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Addition To Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Total additions Addition to indefinite lived intangible assets. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Intangible assets, net, not subject to amortization Investments In Affiliates And Other Entities [Policy Text Block] Investments in Affiliates and Other Entities Investments In Affiliates And Other Entities Policy Text Block. Schedule Of New Accounting Pronouncement And Changes In Accounting Principles [Text Block] Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and changes in Accounting Principles. Common Stock Repurchased Related To Repurchase Plan, Policy [Text Block] Repurchase of Common Stock Common stock repurchased related to repurchase plan. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Actual tax benefit (expense) from options exercised