VSE Corporation Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

401(k) Plan and Profit Sharing Plan (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Vesting period for profit sharing	2 years
401(k) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expense	$ 4,000	$ 3,700	$ 4,900
Profit Sharing Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expense	$ 190	$ 175	$ 217