VSE Corporation Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Fair Value Measurements, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance as of the beginning of the period	$ 9,455
Fair value adjustment included in earnings	310
Earn-out obligation	35,000vsec_PaymentOfEarnOutObligation
Balance as of the end of the period	44,765
Earn-out Obligation - Current [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance as of the beginning of the period	9,455
Fair value adjustment included in earnings	310
Earn-out obligation	4,800
Balance as of the end of the period	14,565
Earn-out Obligation - Long-term [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance as of the beginning of the period	0
Fair value adjustment included in earnings	0
Earn-out obligation	30,200
Balance as of the end of the period	$ 30,200