| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 11, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Vulcan Materials CO |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001396009 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 11, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | NJ |
| Entity File Number | 001-33841 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-8579133 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1200 Urban Center Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Birmingham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 35242 |
| City Area Code | (205) |
| Local Phone Number | 298-3000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $1 par value |
| Trading Symbol | VMC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
