Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] RepurchaseProgramSep262011 [Member] RepurchaseProgramSep262011 [Member] RepurchaseProgramSep262011 RepurchaseProgramDec052013 RepurchaseProgramDec052013 [Member] RepurchaseProgramDec052013 Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Common stock, outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Stock repurchase, authorized amount (in US dollars) Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Number of shares repurchased Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchased (in US dollars) Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Remaining authorized repurchase amount (in US dollars) Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts Costs in Excess of Billings Inventories Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments, notes and other long-term receivables Long-term Investments and Receivables, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Identifiable intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Borrowings under revolving credit facility Line of Credit, Current Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Current Maturities Of Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, excluding borrowings under revolving credit facility. Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts Billings in Excess of Cost Accrued payroll and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses and liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Borrowings under revolving credit facility Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Non Current Long term debt and capital lease obligations, excluding borrowings under revolving credit facility. Other long-term obligations Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] EMCOR Group, Inc. stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, zero issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 67,711,975 and 67,627,359 shares issued, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury stock, at cost 659,841 and 730,841 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total EMCOR Group, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials and construction materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Inventories Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] United Kingdom Subsidiary [Member] United Kingdom Subsidiary [Member] United Kingdom Subsidiary [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Foreign Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Contribution of U.K. subsidiary to its defined benefit pension plan Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Anticipated additional contribution Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES UNITED STATES Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] United States Electrical Construction And Facilities Services [Member] United States Electrical Construction And Facilities Services [Member] United States electrical construction and facilities services. United States Mechanical Construction And Facilities Services [Member] United States Mechanical Construction And Facilities Services [Member] United States mechanical construction and facilities services. United States Building Services [Member] United States Building Services [Member] United States Building Services [Member] United Kingdom Construction And Building Services [Member] United Kingdom Construction And Building Services [Member] United Kingdom Construction And Building Services Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring reserve Restructuring Reserve Restructuring expenses Restructuring Charges Payments for restructuring Payments for Restructuring Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] United States Industrial Services [Member] United States Industrial Services [Member] United States Industrial Services [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues from unrelated entities Revenue, Net Total revenues Revenues Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Restructuring expenses Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Total assets Insurance recoveries Insurance Recoveries Income from reduction in estimate of certain accrued contract costs IncomeFromReductionInEstimateOfCertainAccruedContractCosts Income recognized as a result of a reduction in the estimate of certain accrued contract costs that were no longer expected to be incurred. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash flows - operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income including noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Depreciation and amortization Depreciation Amortization of identifiable intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Loss on sale of subsidiary Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Equity income from unconsolidated entities Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other non-cash items Other Noncash Income (Expense) Distributions from unconsolidated entities Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of businesses acquired Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows - investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale of subsidiary Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Purchase of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Maturity of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Short-term Investments Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities and joint ventures Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows - financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Dividends paid to stockholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Payments to satisfy minimum tax withholding Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan Proceeds from Stock Plans Payments for contingent consideration arrangements Payments for Contingent Consideration Arrangements Payments for acquisition related contingent consideration arrangements. Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for: Cash Paid For Abstract Cash Paid For [Abstract] Interest Interest Paid Income taxes Income Taxes Paid Non-cash financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Assets acquired under capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Information About Industry Segments And Geographic Areas Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event, Date Subsequent Event, Date Expected gain on sale of building ExpectedGainOnSaleOfBuilding The expected gain on the sale of a building. Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Common Stock Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Numerator Numerator Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Numerator Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income attributable to EMCOR Group, Inc. common stockholders (in US dollars) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Denominator Denominator Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Denominator Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per common share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive securities-Share-based awards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to EMCOR Group, Inc. common stockholders (in US dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income attributable to EMCOR Group, Inc. common stockholders (in US dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Tax benefit associated with share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Carried At Fair Value Measured On A Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Total Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Components Of Net Periodic Pension Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of unrecognized loss Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic pension (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective income tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Before Discrete Items Effective income tax rate before discrete items. Actual income tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Unrecognized income tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized income tax benefits, if recognized, that would favorably affect the effective income tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Accrued interest expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Interest expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Interest income related to unrecognized income tax benefits UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestincomeOnIncomeTaxes Amount of interest income for the reversal of income tax accruals Unrecognized income tax benefits to be recognized in the next twelve months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] RepconStrickland [Member] RepconStrickland [Member] RepconStrickland [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition date Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Purchase price Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Working capital acquired BusinessCombinationRecognizedWorkingCapital The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to working capital. Other net liabilities acquired BusinessCombinationRecognizedOtherNetLiabilities The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to other net liabilities. Identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Acquired goodwill, tax deductible amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Non-cash income from contingent consideration arrangements Non-Cash Income (Expense) From Contingent Consideration Arrangements Non-cash income (expense) from acquisition related contingent consideration arrangements. Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Post retirement plans, amortization of actuarial loss included in net income, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Restructuring expenses, additional expected to be incurred Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposition of Assets Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Net income including noncontrolling interests Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Post retirement plans, amortization of actuarial loss included in net income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to EMCOR Group, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred stock, par value (in US dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in US dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 2013 Term Loan Term Loan2013 [Member] 2013 Term Loan Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Term Loan Long-term Debt Capitalized lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Other Other Borrowings Total debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less: current maturities Total long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring expenses Operating income Interest expense Interest income Income before income taxes Net income including noncontrolling interests Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to EMCOR Group, Inc. (in US dollars) Diluted earnings per common share: Dividends declared per common share (in US dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Prime Rate [Member] Prime Rate [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] 2011 Credit Agreement Credit Agreement2011 [Member] Credit Agreement2011 2013 Credit Agreement Credit Agreement2013 [Member] [Member] Credit Agreement2013 [Member] 2013 Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility2013 [Member] [Member] Revolving Credit Facility2013 [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity (in US dollars) Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Term Loan (in US dollars) Expiration date of revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Increase in borrowing capacity (in US dollars) Increase Borrowing Capacity Amount of increase in borrowing capacity if additional lenders are identified and/or existing lenders are willing to increase their current commitments. Letters of credit maximum borrowing capacity (in US dollars) Letters Of Credit Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit maximum borrowing capacity. Commitment fee percentage of unused amount Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Interest rate description Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description Commercial lending rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Letter of credit fees Range Of Letter Of Credit Fees Range of letter of credit fees. Debt issuance costs, capitalized (in US dollars) Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Periodic principal payment on term loan (in US dollars) Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Letters of credit outstanding (in US dollars) Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Borrowings under revolving credit facility (in US dollars) Acquisitions Of Businesses Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Capital Surplus [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Balance Other comprehensive income Common stock issued under share-based compensation plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Common stock dividends Dividends, Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Balance Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]