Vulcan Materials (VMC) 10-Q 5 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Trading Symbol	'VMC
Entity Registrant Name	'Vulcan Materials CO
Entity Central Index Key	'0001396009
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	129,989,477

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$245,813	$275,478	$243,126
Accounts and notes receivable	'	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable, gross	450,642	303,178	403,520
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-5,412	-6,198	-6,106
Accounts and notes receivable, net	445,230	296,980	397,414
Inventories	'	'	'
Finished products	255,047	262,886	263,893
Raw materials	29,480	27,758	28,221
Products in process	6,385	5,963	6,209
Operating supplies and other	37,267	38,415	38,655
Inventories	328,179	335,022	336,978
Current deferred income taxes	39,326	40,696	45,353
Prepaid expenses	31,854	21,713	26,384
Assets held for sale	10,559	15,083	0
Total current assets	1,100,961	984,972	1,049,255
Investments and long-term receivables	43,275	42,081	42,226
Property, plant & equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant & equipment, cost	6,792,470	6,666,617	6,690,448
Reserve for depreciation, depletion & amortization	-3,578,010	-3,507,432	-3,477,496
Property, plant & equipment, net	3,214,460	3,159,185	3,212,952
Goodwill	3,081,521	3,086,716	3,086,716
Other intangible assets, net	697,655	692,532	693,308
Other noncurrent assets	172,184	161,113	141,459
Total assets	8,310,056	8,126,599	8,225,916
Liabilities	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	163	150,602	285,153
Trade payables and accruals	154,451	113,337	133,209
Other current liabilities	204,029	171,671	213,735
Liabilities of assets held for sale	0	801	0
Total current liabilities	358,643	436,411	632,097
Long-term debt	2,523,389	2,526,401	2,527,450
Noncurrent deferred income taxes	673,135	657,367	680,880
Deferred revenue	225,863	73,583	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	666,115	671,775	618,292
Total liabilities	4,447,145	4,365,537	4,458,719
Other commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'	'
Equity	'	'	'
Common stock, $1 par value, Authorized 480,000 shares, Issued 129,989, 129,721 and 129,596 shares, respectively	129,989	129,721	129,596
Capital in excess of par value	2,598,744	2,580,209	2,567,859
Retained earnings	1,288,054	1,276,649	1,274,465
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-153,876	-225,517	-204,723
Total equity	3,862,911	3,761,062	3,767,197
Total liabilities and equity	$8,310,056	$8,126,599	$8,225,916

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	480,000,000	480,000,000	480,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	129,989,000	129,721,000	129,596,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$775,183,000	$687,616,000	$1,975,814,000	$1,836,357,000
Delivery revenues	38,385,000	41,245,000	114,649,000	122,522,000
Total revenues	813,568,000	728,861,000	2,090,463,000	1,958,879,000
Cost of goods sold	616,200,000	560,693,000	1,666,281,000	1,581,537,000
Delivery costs	38,385,000	41,245,000	114,649,000	122,522,000
Cost of revenues	654,585,000	601,938,000	1,780,930,000	1,704,059,000
Gross profit	158,983,000	126,923,000	309,533,000	254,820,000
Selling, administrative and general expenses	65,854,000	65,441,000	195,411,000	192,267,000
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses, net	9,350,000	2,009,000	36,869,000	21,687,000
Restructuring charges	0	-3,056,000	-1,509,000	-9,018,000
Exchange offer costs	0	-1,206,000	0	-43,331,000
Other operating expense, net	-2,712,000	-3,363,000	-12,907,000	-2,642,000
Operating earnings	99,767,000	55,866,000	136,575,000	29,249,000
Other nonoperating income, net	2,310,000	1,806,000	4,968,000	4,196,000
Interest expense, net	49,134,000	53,043,000	152,757,000	158,997,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	52,943,000	4,629,000	-11,214,000	-125,552,000
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	10,793,000	-10,992,000	-21,874,000	-67,138,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	42,150,000	15,621,000	10,660,000	-58,414,000
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax	-787,000	-1,361,000	4,640,000	2,338,000
Net earnings (loss)	41,363,000	14,260,000	15,300,000	-56,076,000
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges	679,000	975,000	2,368,000	2,868,000
Adjustment for funded status of pension plans	0	0	60,299,000	0
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans actuarial loss and prior service cost	2,111,000	3,084,000	8,974,000	9,252,000
Other comprehensive income	2,790,000	4,059,000	71,641,000	12,120,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	44,153,000	18,319,000	86,941,000	-43,956,000
Basic earnings (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.32	$0.12	$0.08	($0.45)
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.01)	$0.04	$0.02
Net earnings (loss)	$0.32	$0.11	$0.12	($0.43)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.32	$0.12	$0.08	($0.45)
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.04	$0.02
Net earnings (loss)	$0.31	$0.11	$0.12	($0.43)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic	130,266	129,753	130,234	129,674
Assuming dilution	131,320	130,215	131,368	129,674
Cash dividends per share of common stock	$0.01	$0.01	$0.03	$0.03
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	$78,320,000	$84,108,000	$230,877,000	$253,391,000
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	20.40%	'	195.10%	53.50%

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Activities	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	$15,300,000	($56,076,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	230,877,000	253,391,000
Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	-48,597,000	-31,886,000
Proceeds from sale of future production, net of transactions costs (Note 16)	153,095,000	0
Contributions to pension plans	-3,535,000	-3,379,000
Share-based compensation	16,789,000	9,362,000
Deferred tax provision	-25,862,000	-66,194,000
Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions	-78,947,000	-9,886,000
Other, net	892,000	-1,573,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	260,012,000	93,759,000
Investing Activities	'	'
Purchases of property, plant & equipment	-117,310,000	-49,418,000
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	14,974,000	28,930,000
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	51,604,000	10,690,000
Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash	-89,951,000	0
Other, net	2,000	963,000
Net cash used for investing activities	-140,681,000	-8,835,000
Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from line of credit	156,000,000	0
Payment of current maturities of long-term debt & line of credit	-306,493,000	-120,000
Dividends paid	-3,890,000	-3,885,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,491,000	6,167,000
Other, net	896,000	201,000
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-148,996,000	2,363,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-29,665,000	87,287,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	275,478,000	155,839,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$245,813,000	$243,126,000

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
	Note 1: summary of significant accounting policies
	NATURE OF OPERATIONS
	Vulcan Materials Company (the “Company,” “Vulcan,” “we,” “our”), a New Jersey corporation, is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates, primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel; a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete, and a leading producer of cement in Florida.
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in compliance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and thus do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 was derived from the audited financial statement at that date. In the opinion of our management, the statements reflect all adjustments, including those of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the results of the reported interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2013. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as presented in Note 2, the operating results of the Chemicals business are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	RECLASSIFICATIONS
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform with the 2013 presentation.
	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	In 2012, our Board approved a Profit Enhancement Plan that further leveraged our streamlined management structure and substantially completed ERP and Shared Services platforms to achieve cost reductions and other earnings enhancements. During the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, we incurred $1,509,000 and $9,018,000, respectively, of costs (primarily project design, outside advisory and severance) related to the implementation of this plan. We do not anticipate any future material charges related to this Profit Enhancement Plan.
	EXCHANGE OFFER COSTS
	In December 2011, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (Martin Marietta) commenced an unsolicited exchange offer for all outstanding shares of our common stock and indicated its intention to nominate a slate of directors to our Board. After careful consideration, including a thorough review of the offer with its financial and legal advisors, our Board unanimously determined that Martin Marietta’s offer was inadequate, substantially undervalued Vulcan, was not in the best interests of Vulcan and its shareholders and had substantial risk.
	In May 2012, the Delaware Chancery Court ruled and the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed that Martin Marietta had breached two confidentiality agreements between the companies, and enjoined Martin Marietta through September 15, 2012 from pursuing its exchange offer for our shares, prosecuting its proxy contest, or otherwise taking steps to acquire control of our shares or assets and from any further violations of the two confidentiality agreements between the parties. As a result of the court ruling, Martin Marietta withdrew its exchange offer and its board nominees.
	In response to Martin Marietta’s actions, we have incurred legal, professional and other costs of $45,607,000 to date, of which $43,331,000 was incurred during the first nine months of 2012. As of September 30, 2013, $43,107,000 of the incurred costs was paid. We do not anticipate any future material charges related to this exchange offer.
	EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
	We report two earnings per share numbers: basic and diluted. These are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic EPS) or weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (diluted EPS), as set forth below:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012		2013	2012
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	130,266	129,753		130,234	129,674
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	405	120		449	0
	Other stock compensation plans	649	342		685	0
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	131,320	130,215		131,368	129,674
	All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in our earnings per share calculations. Antidilutive common stock equivalents are not included in our earnings per share calculations. In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation are excluded. These excluded shares are as follows: nine months ended September 30, 2012 — 471,000.
	The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price is as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012		2013	2012
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,899	5,046		2,899	5,046

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	Note 2: Discontinued Operations
	In 2005, we sold substantially all the assets of our Chemicals business to Basic Chemicals, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation. In addition to the initial cash proceeds, Basic Chemicals was required to make payments under two earn-out agreements subject to certain conditions. During 2007, we received the final payment under the ECU (electrochemical unit) earn-out, bringing cumulative cash receipts to its $150,000,000 cap.
	Proceeds under the second earn-out agreement were based on the performance of the hydrochlorocarbon product HCC-240fa (commonly referred to as 5CP) from the closing of the transaction through December 31, 2012 (5CP earn-out). The primary determinant of the value for this earn-out is the level of growth in 5CP sales volume.
	In March 2013, we received a payment of $13,031,000 under the 5CP earn-out related to performance during 2012, the final year of the earn-out agreement. During 2012, we received $11,336,000 in the first quarter and $33,000 in the third quarter under the 5CP earn-out related to the year ended December 31, 2011. Through September 30, 2013, we have received a total of $79,391,000 under the 5CP earn-out, a total of $46,290,000 in excess of the receivable recorded on the date of disposition.
	We were liable for a cash transaction bonus payable annually (2009 - 2013) to certain former key Chemicals employees based on the prior year’s 5CP earn-out results. Payments for the transaction bonus were $1,303,000 during the first nine months of 2013 and $1,137,000 during the first nine months of 2012.
	The financial results of the Chemicals business are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for all periods presented. There were no net sales or revenues from discontinued operations for the periods presented. Results from discontinued operations are as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Discontinued Operations
	Pretax loss	$       (1,302)	$       (2,283)	$       (4,063)	$       (6,360)
	Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	30	11,728	10,232
	Income tax (provision) benefit	515	892	-3,025	-1,534
	Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,
	net of income taxes	$          (787)	$       (1,361)	$        4,640	$        2,338
	The pretax losses from discontinued operations noted above were due primarily to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	Note 3: Income Taxes
	Our estimated annual effective tax rate (EAETR) is based on full year expectations of pretax book earnings, statutory tax rates, permanent differences such as percentage depletion and tax planning alternatives available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. For interim financial reporting, except in circumstances as described in the following paragraph, we calculate our quarterly income tax provision in accordance with the EAETR. Each quarter, we update our EAETR based on our revised full year expectation of pretax book earnings and calculate the income tax provision or benefit so that the year-to-date income tax provision reflects the EAETR. Significant judgment is required in determining our EAETR.
	When expected pretax book earnings or loss for the full year is at or near breakeven, the EAETR can distort the income tax provision for an interim period due to the size and nature of our permanent differences. In these circumstances, we calculate the interim income tax provision or benefit using the year-to-date effective tax rate. This method results in an income tax provision or benefit based solely on the year-to-date pretax book earnings or loss as adjusted for permanent differences on a pro rata basis. In the third quarter of 2013, income taxes were calculated based on the year-to-date effective tax rate. In the third quarter of 2012, income taxes were calculated based on the EAETR.
	We recorded an income tax provision from continuing operations of $10,793,000 in the third quarter of 2013 compared to an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $10,992,000 in the third quarter of 2012. After applying the statutory rate to the pretax earnings, the decrease in the income tax benefit (to a provision) mainly relates to the different methodologies used to calculate income taxes in the two periods.
	We recorded income tax benefits from continuing operations of $21,874,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to income tax benefits of $67,138,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. After applying the statutory rate to the pretax losses, the decrease in our income tax benefit mainly relates to the different methodologies used to calculate income taxes in the two periods.
	We recognize an income tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position when, in our judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we initially and subsequently measure the income tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. Our liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. Our income tax provision includes the net impact of changes in the liability for unrecognized benefits and subsequent adjustments as we consider appropriate.
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in future tax returns. Realization of the deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in either the carryback or carryforward period.
	Each quarter we analyze the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. A summary of our deferred tax assets is included in Note 9 “Income Taxes” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	On an annual basis, we perform a complete analysis of all forms of positive and negative evidence based on year end results. During each interim period, we update our annual analysis for significant changes to the positive and negative evidence.
	Based on our third quarter 2013 analysis, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of all our deferred tax assets with the exception of the state net operating loss carryforwards for which a valuation allowance was previously recorded. For 2013, we project these state net operating loss carryforwards (and the associated valuation allowance) to increase by $7,567,000. This change in the valuation allowance is reflected as a component of our income tax provision.
	In the future, if we determine that realization is more likely than not for deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance, the related valuation allowance will be reduced and we will record a benefit to earnings. Conversely, if we determine that it is more likely than not that we will not be able to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets, we will increase the valuation allowance and record a charge to earnings.

DEFERRED_REVENUE

DEFERRED REVENUE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'
DEFERRED REVENUE	'
	Note 4: deferred revenue
	In two separate transactions during the third quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012, we sold a percentage of the future production from aggregates reserves at certain owned and leased quarries. These sales were structured as volumetric production payments (VPP) for which we received net cash proceeds of $153,095,000 and $73,644,000 for the 2013 and 2012 transactions, respectively. These proceeds were recorded as deferred revenue and are amortized on a unit-of-sales basis to revenue over the terms of the VPPs.
	The impact to our net sales and gross margin related to the 2012 VPP (the 2013 VPP closed on September 30, 2013) is outlined as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Revenue amortized from deferred revenue	$           300	$               0	$           876	$               0
	Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-1,014	0	-2,911	0
	Decrease to net sales and gross margin	$          (714)	$               0	$       (2,035)	$               0
	Based on projected aggregates sales from the specified quarries, we anticipate recognizing a range of $4,000,000 to $5,000,000 of deferred revenue during the 12-month period ending September 30, 2014.
	The common key terms of both VPP transactions are:
	§	the purchaser has a nonoperating interest in reserves entitling them to a percentage of future production
	§	there is no minimum annual or cumulative production or sales volume, nor any minimum sales price required
	§	the purchaser has the right to take its percentage of future production in physical product, or receive the cash proceeds from the sale of its percentage of future production under the terms of a separate marketing agreement
	§	the purchaser's percentage of future production is conveyed free and clear of future costs of production and sales
	§	we retain full operational and marketing control of the specified quarries
	§	we retain fee simple interest in the land as well as any residual values that may be realized upon the conclusion of mining
	The key terms specific to the 2013 VPP transaction are:
	§	terminates at the earlier to occur of September 30, 2051 or the sale of 250.8 million tons of aggregates from the specified quarries subject to the VPP; based on historical and projected volumes from the specified quarries, it is expected that 250.8 million tons will be sold prior to September 30, 2051
	§	the purchaser's percentage of the maximum 250.8 million tons of future production is estimated, based on current sales volume projection, to be 11.5% (approximately 29 million tons); the actual percentage may vary
	The key terms specific to the 2012 VPP transaction are:
	§	terminates at the earlier to occur of December 31, 2052 or the sale of 143.2 million tons of aggregates from the specified quarries subject to the VPP; based on historical and projected volumes from the specified quarries, it is expected that 143.2 million tons will be sold prior to December 31, 2052
	§	the purchaser's percentage of the maximum 143.2 million tons of future production is estimated, based on current sales volume projection, to be 10.5% (approximately 15 million tons); the actual percentage may vary

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	Note 5: Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as described below:
	Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2: Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data
	Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement
	Our assets subject to fair value measurement on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Level 1
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2012
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Mutual funds	$       14,371	$       13,349	$       13,144
	Equities	11,688	9,843	8,427
	Total	$       26,059	$       23,192	$       21,571
		Level 2
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2012
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Common/collective trust funds	$        1,365	$        2,265	$        2,229
	Total	$        1,365	$        2,265	$        2,229
	We have established two Rabbi Trusts for the purpose of providing a level of security for the employee nonqualified retirement and deferred compensation plans and for the directors' nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The fair values of these investments are estimated using a market approach. The Level 1 investments include mutual funds and equity securities for which quoted prices in active markets are available. Level 2 investments are stated at estimated fair value based on the underlying investments in those funds (short-term, highly liquid assets in commercial paper, short-term bonds and certificates of deposit).
	The carrying values of our cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, current maturities of long-term debt, short-term borrowings, trade payables and accruals, and other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Additional disclosures for derivative instruments and interest-bearing debt are presented in Notes 6 and 7, respectively.
	Assets that were subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:
		As of December 31, 2012
			Impairment
	in thousands	Level 3	Charges
	Fair Value Nonrecurring
	Assets held for sale (Note 16)	$       10,559	$         1,738
	Totals	$       10,559	$         1,738
	The fair values of the assets classified as held for sale were estimated based on the negotiated transaction values. The impairment charges represent the difference between the carrying value and the fair value, less costs to sell, of the assets.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	'
	Note 6: Derivative Instruments
	During the normal course of operations, we are exposed to market risks including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity pricing. From time to time, and consistent with our risk management policies, we use derivative instruments to hedge against these market risks. We do not utilize derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
	The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationship. The interest rate swap agreements described below were designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. The changes in fair value of our interest rate swap cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and are reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. The changes in fair value of our interest rate swap fair value hedges are recorded as interest expense consistent with the change in the fair value of the hedged items attributable to the risk being hedged.
	CASH FLOW HEDGES
	We have used interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges to minimize the variability in cash flows of liabilities or forecasted transactions caused by fluctuations in interest rates. During 2007, we entered into fifteen forward starting interest rate swap agreements for a total stated amount of $1,500,000,000. Upon the 2007 and 2008 issuances of the related fixed-rate debt, we terminated and settled these forward starting swaps for cash payments of $89,777,000. Amounts in AOCI are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt. This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as follows:
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		Location on	30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	Statement	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Loss reclassified from AOCI	Interest
	(effective portion)	expense	$       (1,127)	$       (1,615)	$       (3,928)	$       (4,755)
	For the 12-month period ending September 30, 2014, we estimate that $4,734,000 of the pretax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to earnings.
	FAIR VALUE HEDGES
	We have used interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges to minimize exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt that results from fluctuations in the benchmark interest rates for such debt. In June 2011, we issued $500,000,000 of 6.50% fixed-rate notes due in 2016. Concurrently, we entered into interest rate swap agreements in the stated amount of $500,000,000. Under these agreements, we paid 6-month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.05% and received a fixed interest rate of 6.50%. Additionally, in June 2011, we entered into interest rate swap agreements on our $150,000,000 of 10.125% fixed-rate notes due in 2015. Under these agreements, we paid 6-month LIBOR plus a spread of 8.03% and received a fixed interest rate of 10.125%. In August 2011, we terminated and settled these interest rate swap agreements for $25,382,000 of cash proceeds. The $23,387,000 forward component of the settlement (cash proceeds less $1,995,000 of accrued interest) was added to the carrying value of the related debt and is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining lives of the related debt using the effective interest method. This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as follows:
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Deferred Gain on Settlement
	Amortized to earnings as a reduction
	to interest expense		$        1,093	$        1,021	$        3,223	$        3,014

DEBT

DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DEBT [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	Note 7: Debt
	Debt is summarized as follows:
			30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2012
	Long-term Debt
	5.60% notes due 2012 1		$                  0	$                0	$     134,548
	6.30% notes due 2013 2		0	140,413	140,398
	10.125% notes due 2015 3		152,110	152,718	152,911
	6.50% notes due 2016 4		512,505	515,060	515,887
	6.40% notes due 2017 5		349,902	349,888	349,883
	7.00% notes due 2018 6		399,761	399,731	399,721
	10.375% notes due 2018 7		248,799	248,676	248,637
	7.50% notes due 2021 8		600,000	600,000	600,000
	7.15% notes due 2037 9		239,559	239,553	239,551
	Medium-term notes		6,000	16,000	16,000
	Industrial revenue bonds		14,000	14,000	14,000
	Other notes		916	964	1,067
	Total long-term debt including current maturities		$    2,523,552	$  2,677,003	$  2,812,603
	Less current maturities		163	150,602	285,153
	Total long-term debt		$    2,523,389	$  2,526,401	$  2,527,450
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt		$    2,795,661	$  2,766,835	$  2,796,358
	1	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2012 — $9 thousand.
	2	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: December 31, 2012 — $30 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $46 thousand.
	3	Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $2,315 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $2,983 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $3,195 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $206 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $265 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $284 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.59%.
	4	Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $12,505 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $15,060 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $15,887 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.02%.
	5	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $98 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $112 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $117 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
	6	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $239 thousand, December 31, 2012  — $269 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $279 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
	7	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $1,201 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $1,324 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $1,363 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.62%.
	8	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
	9	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $629 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $635 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $637 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.
	Our long-term debt is presented in the table above net of unamortized discounts from par and unamortized deferred gains realized upon settlement of interest rate swaps. Discounts and deferred gains are being amortized using the effective interest method over the respective terms of the notes.
	The estimated fair value of long-term debt presented in the table above was determined by averaging the asking price quotes for the notes. The fair value estimates were based on Level 2 information (as defined in Note 5) available to us as of the respective balance sheet dates. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been revalued since those dates.
	Scheduled debt payments during the first nine months of 2013 included $10,000,000 in January to retire the 8.70% medium-term note and $140,444,000 in June to retire the 6.30% notes. Scheduled debt payments during 2012 included $134,557,000 in November to retire the 5.60% notes.
	In December 2011, we entered into a $600,000,000 bank line of credit expiring on December 15, 2016. In March 2013, we proactively amended this line of credit to reduce its capacity to $500,000,000 and extend its term to March 12, 2018. The line of credit is secured by certain domestic accounts receivable and inventory. Borrowing capacity fluctuates with the level of eligible accounts receivable and inventory and may be less than $500,000,000 at any point in time. As of September 30, 2013, our available borrowing capacity was $380,289,000 (net of the $55,032,000 backing for standby letters of credit).
	Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at a rate determined at the time of borrowing equal to the lower of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% based on the level of utilization, or an alternative rate derived from the lender’s prime rate. Borrowings on our line of credit are classified as short-term due to our intent to repay within twelve months. As of September 30, 2013, the applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing was 1.75%.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies
	LETTERS OF CREDIT
	We provide, in the normal course of business, certain third party beneficiaries standby letters of credit to support our obligations to pay or perform according to the requirements of an underlying agreement. Such letters of credit typically have an initial term of one year, typically renew automatically, and can only be modified or cancelled with the approval of the beneficiary. All of our letters of credit are issued by banks that participate in our $500,000,000 line of credit, and reduce the borrowing capacity thereunder. We pay a fee for all letters of credit equal to the LIBOR margin (ranges from 1.50% to 2.00%) applicable to borrowings under the line of credit, plus 0.125%. Our standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2013 are summarized by purpose in the table below:
	in thousands
	Standby Letters of Credit
	Risk management insurance	$       34,478
	Industrial revenue bond	14,230
	Reclamation/restoration requirements	6,324
	Total	$       55,032
	LITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
	We are a defendant in various lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine with precision the outcome, or the amount of liability, if any, under these lawsuits, especially where the cases involve possible jury trials with as yet undetermined jury panels.
	In addition to these lawsuits in which we are involved in the ordinary course of business, certain other material legal proceedings are more specifically described below. At this time, we cannot determine the likelihood or reasonably estimate a range of loss pertaining to these matters.
	Perchloroethylene cases
	We are a defendant in cases involving perchloroethylene (perc), which was a product manufactured by our former Chemicals business. Perc is a cleaning solvent used in dry cleaning and other industrial applications. Vulcan is vigorously defending these cases:
	§	Suffolk County Water Authority — On July 29, 2010, we were served in an action styled Suffolk County Water Authority v. The Dow Chemical Company, et al., in the Supreme Court for Suffolk County, State of New York. The complaint alleges that the plaintiff “owns and/or operates drinking water systems and supplies drinking water to thousands of residents and businesses, in Suffolk County, New York.” The complaint alleges that perc and its breakdown products “have been and are contaminating and damaging Plaintiff's drinking water supply wells.” The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The trial court ruled that any detectable amount of perc in a well constitutes a legal injury. We are appealing this and other rulings of the trial court. Discovery is ongoing. At this time, plaintiffs have not established that our perc was used at any specific dry cleaner or that we are liable for any alleged contamination.
	§	R.R. Street Indemnity — Street, a former distributor of perc manufactured by us, alleges that we owe Street, and its insurer (National Union), a defense and indemnity in several litigation matters in which Street was named as a defendant. National Union alleges that we are obligated to contribute to National Union's share of defense fees, costs and any indemnity payments made on Street's behalf. We have had discussions with Street about the nature and extent of indemnity obligations, if any, and to date there has been no resolution of these issues.
	lower passaic river matter
	§	NJDEP LITIGATION — In 2009, Vulcan and over 300 other parties were named as third-party defendants in New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, et al. v. Occidental Chemical Corporation, et al., a case originally brought by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in the New Jersey Superior Court. Vulcan was brought into the suit due to alleged discharges to the lower Passaic River (River) from the former Chemicals Division - Newark Plant. Vulcan owned and operated this site as a chloralkali plant from 1961-1974. In 1974, we sold the plant, although we continued to operate the plant for one additional year. This suit by the NJDEP seeks recovery of past and future clean-up costs, as well as unspecified economic damages, punitive damages, penalties and a variety of other forms of relief. All defendants, with the exception of Occidental Chemical Corporation, have reached a tentative settlement agreement with the plaintiffs. Vulcan’s settlement amount is immaterial and has been fully accrued. Final approval of the settlement is pending.
	§	Lower Passaic River Study Area (Superfund Site) — Vulcan and approximately 70 other companies are parties to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) of the lower 17 miles of the River. Separately, the EPA issued a draft Focused Feasibility Study (FFS) that evaluated early action remedial alternatives for a portion of the River. The EPA has given a range of estimated costs for these alternatives between $0.9 billion and $3.5 billion, although estimates of the cost and timing of future environmental remediation requirements are inherently imprecise and subject to revision. The EPA has not released the final FFS. As an interim step related to the 2007 AOC, Vulcan and 69 other companies voluntarily entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent on June 18, 2012 with the EPA for remediation actions focused at River Mile 10.9 of the River. Our estimated costs related to this focused remediation action, based on an interim allocation, are immaterial and have been accrued. On June 25, 2012, the EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order for Removal Response Activities to Occidental Chemical Corporation ordering Occidental to participate and cooperate in this remediation action at River Mile 10.9.
	At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate our liability related to this matter because the RI/FS is ongoing; the ultimate remedial approach and associated cost has not been determined; and the parties that will participate in funding the remediation and their respective allocations are not yet known.
	It is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of these and other legal proceedings in which we are involved, and a number of factors, including developments in ongoing discovery or adverse rulings, or the verdict of a particular jury, could cause actual losses to differ materially from accrued costs. No liability was recorded for claims and litigation for which a loss was determined to be only reasonably possible or for which a loss could not be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in defense of lawsuits are expensed as incurred. In addition, losses on certain claims and litigation described above may be subject to limitations on a per occurrence basis by excess insurance, as described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]	'
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	'
	Note 9: Asset Retirement Obligations
	Asset retirement obligations (AROs) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets resulting from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the underlying assets.
	Recognition of a liability for an ARO is required in the period in which it is incurred at its estimated fair value. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the underlying asset and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The liability is accreted through charges to operating expenses. If the ARO is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, we recognize a gain or loss on settlement.
	We record all AROs for which we have legal obligations for land reclamation at estimated fair value. Essentially all these AROs relate to our underlying land parcels, including both owned properties and mineral leases. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, we recognized ARO operating costs related to accretion of the liabilities and depreciation of the assets as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	ARO Operating Costs
	Accretion	$        2,908	$        1,973	$        7,731	$        5,990
	Depreciation	886	1,110	2,495	4,837
	Total	$        3,794	$        3,083	$      10,226	$      10,827
	ARO operating costs are reported in cost of goods sold. AROs are reported within other noncurrent liabilities in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of our AROs are as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Balance at beginning of period	$     222,851	$     150,413	$     150,072	$     153,979
	Liabilities incurred	3,524	82	69,111	127
	Liabilities settled	-2,328	-822	-8,839	-2,241
	Accretion expense	2,908	1,973	7,731	5,990
	Revisions up (down), net	6,606	-2,923	15,486	-9,132
	Balance at end of period	$     233,561	$     148,723	$     233,561	$     148,723
	The ARO liabilities incurred during 2013 relate primarily to reclamation activities required under a new development agreement and a new conditional use permit at an aggregates facility on owned property in Southern California. Upward revisions to our ARO liability during 2013 are largely attributable to an adjacent aggregates facility on owned property. The reclamation requirements at this property will result in the restoration and development of mined property into a 90 acre tract suitable for commercial and retail development. The estimated cost to fill and compact the property increased and the estimated settlement date decreased resulting in an upward revision to the ARO.
	Downward revisions to our ARO liability during 2012 relate primarily to extensions in the estimated settlement dates at numerous sites.

BENEFIT_PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
BENEFIT PLANS	'
	Note 10: Benefit Plans
	We sponsor three funded, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. These plans cover substantially all employees hired prior to July 15, 2007, other than those covered by union-administered plans. Benefits for the Salaried Plan are generally based on salaries or wages and years of service; the Construction Materials Hourly Plan and the Chemicals Hourly Plan provide benefits equal to a flat dollar amount for each year of service. In addition to these qualified plans, we sponsor three unfunded, nonqualified pension plans. Effective July 15, 2007, we amended our defined benefit pension plans to no longer accept new participants. In May 2013, we announced that future accruals for salaried pension participants will cease effective December 31, 2013. This change included a special transition provision which will allow salaries or wages through December 31, 2015 to be considered in the participants’ benefit calculations. The announcement resulted in a curtailment and remeasurement of the salaried and nonqualified pension plans as of May 31, 2013 that will reduce our 2013 pension expense by approximately $7,600,000 (net of the one-time curtailment loss noted below) of which $800,000 relates to discontinued operations. See Note 11 for the impact of this remeasurement to our pension plan funded status.
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension benefit cost:
	PENSION BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$        4,958	$        5,587	$      16,852	$      16,762
	Interest cost	10,179	10,798	30,816	32,395
	Expected return on plan assets	-11,926	-12,195	-35,500	-36,585
	Curtailment loss	0	0	855	0
	Amortization of prior service cost	79	69	259	206
	Amortization of actuarial loss	4,264	4,882	16,259	14,645
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$        7,554	$        9,141	$      29,541	$      27,423
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic pension benefit cost	$        4,343	$        4,951	$      17,373	$      14,851
	In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for some retired employees. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we amended our postretirement healthcare plan to cap our portion of the medical coverage cost at the 2015 level. Effective July 15, 2007, we amended our salaried postretirement healthcare coverage to increase the eligibility age for early retirement coverage to age 62, unless certain grandfathering provisions were met. Substantially all our salaried employees and where applicable, hourly employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach a qualifying age and meet certain service requirements. Generally, Company-provided healthcare benefits terminate when covered individuals become eligible for Medicare benefits, become eligible for other group insurance coverage or reach age 65, whichever occurs first.
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
	OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$           708	$        1,166	$        2,123	$        3,499
	Interest cost	815	1,563	2,445	4,687
	Amortization of prior service credit	-1,215	-169	-3,647	-506
	Amortization of actuarial loss	343	287	1,029	862
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$           651	$        2,847	$        1,950	$        8,542
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$          (872)	$           118	$       (2,618)	$           356
	The reclassifications from AOCI noted in the tables above are related to curtailment losses, amortization of prior service costs or credits and actuarial losses as shown in Note 11.
	Prior contributions, along with the existing funding credits, are sufficient to cover required contributions to the qualified plans through 2013.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	Note 11: other Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income comprises two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (OCI). The components of other comprehensive income are presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, net of applicable taxes.
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax, are as follows:
			30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2012
	AOCI
	Cash flow hedges		$       (25,802)	$       (28,170)	$       (29,118)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		-128,074	-197,347	-175,605
	Total		$     (153,876)	$     (225,517)	$     (204,723)
	Changes in AOCI, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
				Pension and
			Cash Flow	Postretirement
	in thousands		Hedges	Benefit Plans	Total
	AOCI
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$       (28,170)	$     (197,347)	$     (225,517)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	before reclassifications  1		0	60,299	60,299
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		2,368	8,974	11,342
	Net current period OCI changes		2,368	69,273	71,641
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		$       (25,802)	$     (128,074)	$     (153,876)
	1	Remeasurement of the pension plan funded status resulting from the plan change as described in Note 10.
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings, are as follows:
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow
	Hedges Losses
	Interest expense		$          1,127	$          1,615	$          3,928	$          4,755
	Benefit from income taxes		-448	-640	-1,560	-1,887
	Total		$             679	$             975	$          2,368	$          2,868
	Amortization of Pension and Postretirement
	Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost 1
	Cost of goods sold		$          2,827	$          4,092	$        11,837	$        12,066
	Selling, administrative and general expenses		644	977	2,918	3,141
	Benefit from income taxes		-1,360	-1,985	-5,781	-5,955
	Total		$          2,111	$          3,084	$          8,974	$          9,252
	Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings		$          2,790	$          4,059	$        11,342	$        12,120
	1	See Note 10 for a breakdown of the reclassifications among the curtailment loss and amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost.

EQUITY

EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
EQUITY	'
	Note 12: Equity
	Changes in total equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are summarized below:
		Total
	in thousands	Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$    3,761,062
	Net earnings	15,300
	Common stock issued
	Share-based compensation plans	1,115
	Share-based compensation expense	16,789
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	896
	Cash dividends on common stock ($0.03 per share)	-3,890
	Other comprehensive income	71,641
	Other	-2
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$    3,862,911
	There were no shares held in treasury as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, 3,411,416 shares may be repurchased under the current purchase authorization of our Board of Directors.

SEGMENT_REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT REPORTING	'
	Note 13: Segment Reporting
	We have four operating (and reportable) segments organized around our principal product lines: aggregates, concrete, asphalt mix and cement. The vast majority of our activities are domestic. We sell a relatively small amount of construction aggregates outside the United States. Intersegment sales are made at local market prices for the particular grade and quality of product utilized in the production of ready-mixed concrete and asphalt mix. Management reviews earnings from the product line reporting segments principally at the gross profit level.
	segment financial disclosure
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep		30-Sep
	in millions		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Total Revenues
	Aggregates 1
	Segment revenues		$        561.2	$        491.1	$     1,428.6	$     1,317.9
	Intersegment sales		-56.5	-42.5	-134.5	-112.9
	Net sales		504.7	448.6	1,294.1	1,205.0
	Concrete 2
	Segment revenues		129.7	108.7	349.9	303.3
	Net sales		129.7	108.7	349.9	303.3
	Asphalt Mix
	Segment revenues		127.9	118.2	295.1	293.3
	Net sales		127.9	118.2	295.1	293.3
	Cement 3
	Segment revenues		25.1	22.7	71.6	63.6
	Intersegment sales		-12.2	-10.6	-34.9	-28.8
	Net sales		12.9	12.1	36.7	34.8
	Totals
	Net sales		775.2	687.6	1,975.8	1,836.4
	Delivery revenues		38.4	41.3	114.7	122.5
	Total revenues		$        813.6	$        728.9	$     2,090.5	$     1,958.9
	Gross Profit
	Aggregates		$        149.8	$        124.9	$        301.7	$        270.8
	Concrete		-3.9	-8.5	-19.8	-29.9
	Asphalt Mix		13.6	10.9	24.8	15.5
	Cement		-0.5	-0.4	2.8	-1.6
	Total		$        159.0	$        126.9	$        309.5	$        254.8
	Depreciation, Depletion,
	Accretion and Amortization 4
	Aggregates		$          56.7	$          59.6	$        169.2	$        183.7
	Concrete		8.4	10.5	24.5	32.1
	Asphalt Mix		2.2	2.1	6.4	6.6
	Cement		5.4	5.8	13.8	13.5
	Other		5.6	6.1	17.0	17.5
	Total		$          78.3	$          84.1	$        230.9	$        253.4
	1	Includes crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, other aggregates, as well as transportation and service revenues associated with the aggregates business.
	2	Includes ready-mixed concrete, concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale.
	3	Includes cement and calcium products.
	4	The allocation of indirect depreciation to our operating segments was changed in the fourth quarter of 2012 to better align the presentation with how management views information internally. The 2012 DDA&A amounts presented above have been revised to conform to the 2013 presentation.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
	Note 14: Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Supplemental information referable to our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is summarized below:
		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012
	Cash Payments
	Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$     102,137	$     104,440
	Income taxes	29,909	19,219
	Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Amounts referable to business acquisition (Note 16)
	Liabilities assumed	$            232	$                0
	Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant
	& equipment	9,197	4,316

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
GOODWILL [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL	'
	Note 15: Goodwill
	Goodwill is recognized when the consideration paid for a business combination (acquisition) exceeds the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. There were no charges for goodwill impairment in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	We have four reportable segments organized around our principal product lines: aggregates, concrete, asphalt mix and cement. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 are summarized below:
	GOODWILL
	in thousands		Aggregates	Concrete	Asphalt Mix	Cement	Total
	Gross Carrying Amount
	Total as of December 31, 2012		$    2,995,083	$             0	$    91,633	$     252,664	$    3,339,380
	Goodwill of divested businesses 1		-5,195	0	0	0	-5,195
	Total as of September 30, 2013		$    2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$     252,664	$    3,334,185
	Accumulated Impairment Losses
	Total as of December 31, 2012		$                  0	$             0	$             0	$   (252,664)	$      (252,664)
	Total as of September 30, 2013		$                  0	$             0	$             0	$   (252,664)	$      (252,664)
	Goodwill, net of Accumulated
	Impairment Losses
	Total as of December 31, 2012		$    2,995,083	$             0	$    91,633	$                0	$    3,086,716
	Total as of September 30, 2013		$    2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$                0	$    3,081,521
	1	The goodwill of divested businesses relates to the 2013 divestitures discussed in Note 16.
	We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances change in a manner that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. A decrease in the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units could result in the recognition of a material, noncash write-down of goodwill.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	'
	Note 16: Acquisitions and Divestitures
	In the third quarter of 2013, we sold reclaimed land associated with a former site of a ready-mixed concrete facility resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $11,261,000 and a pretax gain of $9,027,000.
	Also in the third quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of a percentage of the future production from aggregates reserves at certain owned quarries. The sale was structured as a volumetric production payment (VPP) for which we received gross cash proceeds of $154,000,000 and incurred transaction costs of $905,000. The net proceeds were recorded as deferred revenue and are amortized on a unit-of-sales basis to revenues over the term of the VPP. See Note 4 for the key terms of the VPP.
	In the second quarter of 2013, we acquired an aggregates production facility and four ready-mixed concrete facilities for $29,983,000. As a result, we recognized $5,425,000 of amortizable intangible assets (contractual rights in place). The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings using the unit-of-production method over an estimated weighted-average period in excess of 50 years and will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years.
	In the second quarter of 2013, we sold four aggregates production facilities resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $34,743,000 and a pretax gain of $21,183,000. We allocated $4,521,000 of goodwill to these dispositions based on the relative fair values of the businesses disposed of and the portion of the reporting unit retained. Additionally, the dispositions of these facilities will likely result in a partial withdrawal from one of our multiemployer pension plans; therefore, we recognized a $4,000,000 liability related to this plan.
	In the first quarter of 2013, we acquired two aggregates production facilities for $59,968,000. The initial accounting for the business combination was not finalized at the end of the second quarter because appraisals of amortizable intangible assets (contractual rights in place) and property, plant & equipment were not completed. Provisional amounts for contractual rights in place and property, plant & equipment were adjusted to the appraised values in the second and third quarters of 2013. These adjustments resulted in an increase in contractual rights in place from $800,000 to $3,620,000, an increase in property, plant & equipment from $45,888,000 to $52,583,000, a decrease in goodwill from $9,759,000 to $0 and other minor adjustments to working capital. The comparative balance sheets as of March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, will be retrospectively adjusted to reflect these adjustments. The impact of applying these adjustments retrospectively to 2013’s first and second quarter statements of comprehensive income was immaterial. The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings using the unit-of-production method over an estimated weighted-average period in excess of 20 years and will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years.
	In the first quarter of 2013, we sold an aggregates production facility and its related replacement reserve land resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $5,133,000 and a pretax gain of $2,802,000. We allocated $674,000 of goodwill to this disposition based on the relative fair values of the business disposed of and the portion of the reporting unit retained. Additionally, we sold equipment and other personal property from two idled prestress concrete production facilities in the first quarter of 2013 resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $622,000 and a pretax gain of $457,000.
	Pending divestiture (Aggregates segment — a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land) is presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 as assets held for sale. We expect the sale to occur during 2013. Likewise, pending divestitures as of December 31, 2012 (Aggregates segment — a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land, an aggregates production facility and its related replacement reserve land, and Concrete segment — reclaimed land associated with a former site of a ready-mixed concrete facility) are presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012 as assets held for sale and liabilities of assets held for sale. The major classes of assets and liabilities of assets classified as held for sale are as follows:
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2012
	Held for Sale
	Current assets	$              0	$          809	$              0
	Property, plant & equipment, net	10,559	14,274	0
	Total assets held for sale	$     10,559	$     15,083	$              0
	Noncurrent liabilities	$              0	$          801	$              0
	Total liabilities of assets held for sale	$              0	$          801	$              0
	During the first nine months of 2012, we sold:
	§	mitigation credits resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $13,469,000 and a pretax gain of $12,342,000
	§	real estate resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $9,691,000 and a pretax gain of $5,979,000
	Effective land management is both a business strategy and a social responsibility. We strive to achieve value through our mining activities as well as incremental value through effective post-mining land management. Our land management strategy includes routinely reclaiming and selling our previously mined land. Additionally, this strategy includes developing conservation banks by preserving land as a suitable habitat for endangered or sensitive species. These conservation banks have received approval from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to offer mitigation credits for sale to third parties who may be required to compensate for the loss of habitats of endangered or sensitive species.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS [Abstract]	'
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
	Note 17: New Accounting Standards
	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED
	NEW DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS ON OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  As of and for the interim period ended March 31, 2013, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” This ASU creates new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial and derivative instruments. The scope of instruments covered under this ASU was further clarified in the January 2013 issuance of ASU 2013-01,"Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities." These new disclosures are designed to facilitate comparisons between financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP and those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Our adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	AMENDMENTS ON INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSET IMPAIRMENT TESTING  As of and for the interim period ended March 31, 2013, we adopted ASU No. 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” This ASU amends the impairment testing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification 350-30, “General Intangibles Other Than Goodwill.” Under the amended guidance, an entity has the option of performing a qualitative assessment when testing an indefinite-lived intangible asset for impairment. Further testing would be required only if, on the basis of the qualitative factors, an entity determines that the fair value of the intangible asset is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) less than the carrying amount. Additionally, this ASU revises the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider when determining if an interim impairment test is required. Our adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	presentation of other comprehensive income  As of the annual period ended December 31, 2011, we adopted ASU No. 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income." This standard eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income (OCI) as part of the statement of equity. The amendments in this standard require that all nonowner changes in equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2011-12, “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU No. 2011-05.” ASU No. 2011-12 indefinitely defers the requirement in ASU No. 2011-05 to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) by component in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2013-02 finalizes the requirements of ASU 2011-05 that ASU 2011-12 deferred, clarifying how to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of AOCI. Our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Note 11 conform to the presentation requirements of these standards.
	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS PENDING ADOPTION
	GUIDANCE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS  In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" which provides explicit presentation guidelines. Under this ASU, an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion thereof, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except when specific conditions are met as outlined in the ASU. When these specific conditions are met, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, and should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Both early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. We will adopt this standard as of and for the interim period ending March 31, 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	GUIDANCE ON THE LIQUIDATION BASIS OF ACCOUNTING  In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-07, “Liquidation Basis of Accounting” which provides guidance on when and how to apply the liquidation basis of accounting and on what to disclose. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied prospectively from the date liquidation is imminent. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	GUIDANCE FOR OBLIGATIONS RESULTING FROM JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY ARRANGEMENTS  In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, "Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date" which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of such obligations that are within the scope of the ASU. Obligations within the scope of this ASU include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations and settled litigation and judicial rulings. Under this ASU, an entity (1) recognizes such obligations at the inception of the arrangement, (2) measures such obligations as the sum of (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors and (3) discloses the nature and amount of such obligations as well as other information about those obligations. This ASU is effective for all prior periods in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, with retrospective application required. We will adopt this standard as of and for the interim period ending June 30, 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	TANGIBLE PROPERTY REGULATIONS  In September 2013, the Internal Revenue Service issued final tangible property regulations. These regulations apply to amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property, as well as dispose of such property and are effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. We have considered the effect of these tax law changes to our deferred tax assets and liabilities and do not expect their implementation to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
NATURE OF OPERATIONS	'
	NATURE OF OPERATIONS
	Vulcan Materials Company (the “Company,” “Vulcan,” “we,” “our”), a New Jersey corporation, is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates, primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel; a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete, and a leading producer of cement in Florida.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in compliance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and thus do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 was derived from the audited financial statement at that date. In the opinion of our management, the statements reflect all adjustments, including those of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the results of the reported interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2013. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as presented in Note 2, the operating results of the Chemicals business are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
RECLASSIFICATIONS	'
	RECLASSIFICATIONS
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform with the 2013 presentation.
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	'
	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	In 2012, our Board approved a Profit Enhancement Plan that further leveraged our streamlined management structure and substantially completed ERP and Shared Services platforms to achieve cost reductions and other earnings enhancements. During the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, we incurred $1,509,000 and $9,018,000, respectively, of costs (primarily project design, outside advisory and severance) related to the implementation of this plan. We do not anticipate any future material charges related to this Profit Enhancement Plan.
EXCHANGE OFFER COSTS	'
	EXCHANGE OFFER COSTS
	In December 2011, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (Martin Marietta) commenced an unsolicited exchange offer for all outstanding shares of our common stock and indicated its intention to nominate a slate of directors to our Board. After careful consideration, including a thorough review of the offer with its financial and legal advisors, our Board unanimously determined that Martin Marietta’s offer was inadequate, substantially undervalued Vulcan, was not in the best interests of Vulcan and its shareholders and had substantial risk.
	In May 2012, the Delaware Chancery Court ruled and the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed that Martin Marietta had breached two confidentiality agreements between the companies, and enjoined Martin Marietta through September 15, 2012 from pursuing its exchange offer for our shares, prosecuting its proxy contest, or otherwise taking steps to acquire control of our shares or assets and from any further violations of the two confidentiality agreements between the parties. As a result of the court ruling, Martin Marietta withdrew its exchange offer and its board nominees.
	In response to Martin Marietta’s actions, we have incurred legal, professional and other costs of $45,607,000 to date, of which $43,331,000 was incurred during the first nine months of 2012. As of September 30, 2013, $43,107,000 of the incurred costs was paid. We do not anticipate any future material charges related to this exchange offer.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
	We report two earnings per share numbers: basic and diluted. These are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic EPS) or weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (diluted EPS), as set forth below:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012		2013	2012
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	130,266	129,753		130,234	129,674
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	405	120		449	0
	Other stock compensation plans	649	342		685	0
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	131,320	130,215		131,368	129,674
	All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in our earnings per share calculations. Antidilutive common stock equivalents are not included in our earnings per share calculations. In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation are excluded. These excluded shares are as follows: nine months ended September 30, 2012 — 471,000.
	The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price is as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012		2013	2012
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,899	5,046		2,899	5,046

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012		2013	2012
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	130,266	129,753		130,234	129,674
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	405	120		449	0
	Other stock compensation plans	649	342		685	0
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	131,320	130,215		131,368	129,674
Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012		2013	2012
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,899	5,046		2,899	5,046

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'
Results from Discontinued Operations	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Discontinued Operations
	Pretax loss	$       (1,302)	$       (2,283)	$       (4,063)	$       (6,360)
	Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	30	11,728	10,232
	Income tax (provision) benefit	515	892	-3,025	-1,534
	Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,
	net of income taxes	$          (787)	$       (1,361)	$        4,640	$        2,338

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Tables

DEFERRED REVENUE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Recognized Deferred Revenue	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Revenue amortized from deferred revenue	$           300	$               0	$           876	$               0
	Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-1,014	0	-2,911	0
	Decrease to net sales and gross margin	$          (714)	$               0	$       (2,035)	$               0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis	'
		Level 1
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2012
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Mutual funds	$       14,371	$       13,349	$       13,144
	Equities	11,688	9,843	8,427
	Total	$       26,059	$       23,192	$       21,571
		Level 2
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2012
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Common/collective trust funds	$        1,365	$        2,265	$        2,229
	Total	$        1,365	$        2,265	$        2,229
Assets Subject to Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis	'
		As of December 31, 2012
			Impairment
	in thousands	Level 3	Charges
	Fair Value Nonrecurring
	Assets held for sale (Note 16)	$       10,559	$         1,738
	Totals	$       10,559	$         1,738

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
Effects of Changes in Fair Values of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	'
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		Location on	30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	Statement	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Loss reclassified from AOCI	Interest
	(effective portion)	expense	$       (1,127)	$       (1,615)	$       (3,928)	$       (4,755)
Amortization Table	'
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Deferred Gain on Settlement
	Amortized to earnings as a reduction
	to interest expense		$        1,093	$        1,021	$        3,223	$        3,014

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DEBT [Abstract]	'
Summary of Debt	'
			30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2012
	Long-term Debt
	5.60% notes due 2012 1		$                  0	$                0	$     134,548
	6.30% notes due 2013 2		0	140,413	140,398
	10.125% notes due 2015 3		152,110	152,718	152,911
	6.50% notes due 2016 4		512,505	515,060	515,887
	6.40% notes due 2017 5		349,902	349,888	349,883
	7.00% notes due 2018 6		399,761	399,731	399,721
	10.375% notes due 2018 7		248,799	248,676	248,637
	7.50% notes due 2021 8		600,000	600,000	600,000
	7.15% notes due 2037 9		239,559	239,553	239,551
	Medium-term notes		6,000	16,000	16,000
	Industrial revenue bonds		14,000	14,000	14,000
	Other notes		916	964	1,067
	Total long-term debt including current maturities		$    2,523,552	$  2,677,003	$  2,812,603
	Less current maturities		163	150,602	285,153
	Total long-term debt		$    2,523,389	$  2,526,401	$  2,527,450
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt		$    2,795,661	$  2,766,835	$  2,796,358
	1	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2012 — $9 thousand.
	2	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: December 31, 2012 — $30 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $46 thousand.
	3	Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $2,315 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $2,983 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $3,195 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $206 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $265 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $284 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.59%.
	4	Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $12,505 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $15,060 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $15,887 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.02%.
	5	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $98 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $112 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $117 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
	6	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $239 thousand, December 31, 2012  — $269 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $279 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
	7	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $1,201 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $1,324 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $1,363 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.62%.
	8	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
	9	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 — $629 thousand, December 31, 2012 — $635 thousand and September 30, 2012 — $637 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
Summary of Standby Letters of Credit	'
	in thousands
	Standby Letters of Credit
	Risk management insurance	$       34,478
	Industrial revenue bond	14,230
	Reclamation/restoration requirements	6,324
	Total	$       55,032

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_T

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	ARO Operating Costs
	Accretion	$        2,908	$        1,973	$        7,731	$        5,990
	Depreciation	886	1,110	2,495	4,837
	Total	$        3,794	$        3,083	$      10,226	$      10,827
Reconciliations of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Balance at beginning of period	$     222,851	$     150,413	$     150,072	$     153,979
	Liabilities incurred	3,524	82	69,111	127
	Liabilities settled	-2,328	-822	-8,839	-2,241
	Accretion expense	2,908	1,973	7,731	5,990
	Revisions up (down), net	6,606	-2,923	15,486	-9,132
	Balance at end of period	$     233,561	$     148,723	$     233,561	$     148,723

BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	PENSION BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$        4,958	$        5,587	$      16,852	$      16,762
	Interest cost	10,179	10,798	30,816	32,395
	Expected return on plan assets	-11,926	-12,195	-35,500	-36,585
	Curtailment loss	0	0	855	0
	Amortization of prior service cost	79	69	259	206
	Amortization of actuarial loss	4,264	4,882	16,259	14,645
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$        7,554	$        9,141	$      29,541	$      27,423
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic pension benefit cost	$        4,343	$        4,951	$      17,373	$      14,851
	OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$           708	$        1,166	$        2,123	$        3,499
	Interest cost	815	1,563	2,445	4,687
	Amortization of prior service credit	-1,215	-169	-3,647	-506
	Amortization of actuarial loss	343	287	1,029	862
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$           651	$        2,847	$        1,950	$        8,542
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$          (872)	$           118	$       (2,618)	$           356

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax	'
			30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2012
	AOCI
	Cash flow hedges		$       (25,802)	$       (28,170)	$       (29,118)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		-128,074	-197,347	-175,605
	Total		$     (153,876)	$     (225,517)	$     (204,723)
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
				Pension and
			Cash Flow	Postretirement
	in thousands		Hedges	Benefit Plans	Total
	AOCI
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$       (28,170)	$     (197,347)	$     (225,517)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	before reclassifications  1		0	60,299	60,299
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		2,368	8,974	11,342
	Net current period OCI changes		2,368	69,273	71,641
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		$       (25,802)	$     (128,074)	$     (153,876)
	1	Remeasurement of the pension plan funded status resulting from the plan change as described in Note 10.
Reclassification of Amounts from Other Comprehensive Income Loss to Earnings	'
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow
	Hedges Losses
	Interest expense		$          1,127	$          1,615	$          3,928	$          4,755
	Benefit from income taxes		-448	-640	-1,560	-1,887
	Total		$             679	$             975	$          2,368	$          2,868
	Amortization of Pension and Postretirement
	Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost 1
	Cost of goods sold		$          2,827	$          4,092	$        11,837	$        12,066
	Selling, administrative and general expenses		644	977	2,918	3,141
	Benefit from income taxes		-1,360	-1,985	-5,781	-5,955
	Total		$          2,111	$          3,084	$          8,974	$          9,252
	Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings		$          2,790	$          4,059	$        11,342	$        12,120
	1	See Note 10 for a breakdown of the reclassifications among the curtailment loss and amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost.

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Change In Total Equity	'
		Total
	in thousands	Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$    3,761,062
	Net earnings	15,300
	Common stock issued
	Share-based compensation plans	1,115
	Share-based compensation expense	16,789
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	896
	Cash dividends on common stock ($0.03 per share)	-3,890
	Other comprehensive income	71,641
	Other	-2
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$    3,862,911

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Tables

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]	'
Segment Financial Disclosure	'
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep		30-Sep
	in millions		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Total Revenues
	Aggregates 1
	Segment revenues		$        561.2	$        491.1	$     1,428.6	$     1,317.9
	Intersegment sales		-56.5	-42.5	-134.5	-112.9
	Net sales		504.7	448.6	1,294.1	1,205.0
	Concrete 2
	Segment revenues		129.7	108.7	349.9	303.3
	Net sales		129.7	108.7	349.9	303.3
	Asphalt Mix
	Segment revenues		127.9	118.2	295.1	293.3
	Net sales		127.9	118.2	295.1	293.3
	Cement 3
	Segment revenues		25.1	22.7	71.6	63.6
	Intersegment sales		-12.2	-10.6	-34.9	-28.8
	Net sales		12.9	12.1	36.7	34.8
	Totals
	Net sales		775.2	687.6	1,975.8	1,836.4
	Delivery revenues		38.4	41.3	114.7	122.5
	Total revenues		$        813.6	$        728.9	$     2,090.5	$     1,958.9
	Gross Profit
	Aggregates		$        149.8	$        124.9	$        301.7	$        270.8
	Concrete		-3.9	-8.5	-19.8	-29.9
	Asphalt Mix		13.6	10.9	24.8	15.5
	Cement		-0.5	-0.4	2.8	-1.6
	Total		$        159.0	$        126.9	$        309.5	$        254.8
	Depreciation, Depletion,
	Accretion and Amortization 4
	Aggregates		$          56.7	$          59.6	$        169.2	$        183.7
	Concrete		8.4	10.5	24.5	32.1
	Asphalt Mix		2.2	2.1	6.4	6.6
	Cement		5.4	5.8	13.8	13.5
	Other		5.6	6.1	17.0	17.5
	Total		$          78.3	$          84.1	$        230.9	$        253.4
	1	Includes crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, other aggregates, as well as transportation and service revenues associated with the aggregates business.
	2	Includes ready-mixed concrete, concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale.
	3	Includes cement and calcium products.
	4	The allocation of indirect depreciation to our operating segments was changed in the fourth quarter of 2012 to better align the presentation with how management views information internally. The 2012 DDA&A amounts presented above have been revised to conform to the 2013 presentation.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information Referable to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	'
		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012
	Cash Payments
	Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$     102,137	$     104,440
	Income taxes	29,909	19,219
	Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Amounts referable to business acquisition (Note 16)
	Liabilities assumed	$            232	$                0
	Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant
	& equipment	9,197	4,316

GOODWILL_Tables

GOODWILL (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
GOODWILL [Abstract]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	'
	in thousands		Aggregates	Concrete	Asphalt Mix	Cement	Total
	Gross Carrying Amount
	Total as of December 31, 2012		$    2,995,083	$             0	$    91,633	$     252,664	$    3,339,380
	Goodwill of divested businesses 1		-5,195	0	0	0	-5,195
	Total as of September 30, 2013		$    2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$     252,664	$    3,334,185
	Accumulated Impairment Losses
	Total as of December 31, 2012		$                  0	$             0	$             0	$   (252,664)	$      (252,664)
	Total as of September 30, 2013		$                  0	$             0	$             0	$   (252,664)	$      (252,664)
	Goodwill, net of Accumulated
	Impairment Losses
	Total as of December 31, 2012		$    2,995,083	$             0	$    91,633	$                0	$    3,086,716
	Total as of September 30, 2013		$    2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$                0	$    3,081,521
	1	The goodwill of divested businesses relates to the 2013 divestitures discussed in Note 16.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'
Classification of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	'
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2013	2012	2012
	Held for Sale
	Current assets	$              0	$          809	$              0
	Property, plant & equipment, net	10,559	14,274	0
	Total assets held for sale	$     10,559	$     15,083	$              0
	Noncurrent liabilities	$              0	$          801	$              0
	Total liabilities of assets held for sale	$              0	$          801	$              0

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		13 Months Ended	22 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$0	$3,056,000	$1,509,000	$9,018,000	'	'
Legal, professional and other costs incurred in response to unsolicited tender offer	0	1,206,000	0	43,331,000	45,607,000	'
Legal, professional and other costs paid	'	'	'	'	'	$43,107,000
Antidilutive common stock equivalents	'	'	'	471,000	'	'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	130,266	129,753	130,234	129,674
Dilutive effect of	'	'	'	'
Stock options/SOSARs	405	120	449	0
Other stock compensation plans	649	342	685	0
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	131,320	130,215	131,368	129,674

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,899	5,046	2,899	5,046

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Narrat

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	99 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2007	Sep. 30, 2013
						agreement
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of earn-out agreements	'	'	'	'	'	2	'
Cumulative cash receipts received under ECU earn-out	'	'	'	'	'	$150,000,000	'
Payments received under 5CP earn-out	13,031,000	33,000	11,336,000	'	'	'	79,391,000
Excess cash received under 5CP earn-out	'	'	'	'	'	'	46,290,000
Cash transaction bonus payable	'	'	'	$1,303,000	$1,137,000	'	'

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Result

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Results from Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'
Pretax loss	($1,302)	($2,283)	($4,063)	($6,360)
Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	30	11,728	10,232
Income tax (provision) benefit	515	892	-3,025	-1,534
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of income taxes	($787)	($1,361)	$4,640	$2,338

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefits from continuing operations	($10,793,000)	$10,992,000	$21,874,000	$67,138,000
Income tax benefit recognition threshold more likely than not	'	'	50.00%	'
Estimated increase to the net operating loss carryforward	$7,567,000	'	$7,567,000	'

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Narrative_Det

DEFERRED REVENUE (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
		T		T
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of future production	$73,644,000	$153,095,000	$0	'
Volumetric production payment termination date	'	30-Sep-51	'	31-Dec-52
Volumetric production payment estimated percentage sold	'	11.50%	'	10.50%
Volumetric production payment estimated tons to be delivered	'	29,000,000	'	15,000,000
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated deferred revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months	'	4,000,000	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated deferred revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months	'	$5,000,000	'	'
Tons subject to volumetric production payment	'	250,800,000	'	143,200,000

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Summary_Of_Re

DEFERRED REVENUE (Summary Of Recognized Deferred Revenue) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue amortized from deferred revenue	$300	$0	$876	$0
Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-1,014	0	-2,911	0
Decrease to net sales and gross margin	($714)	$0	($2,035)	$0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value Measurement of Assets on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets fair value, recurring	$26,059	$23,192	$21,571
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets fair value, recurring	14,371	13,349	13,144
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets fair value, recurring	11,688	9,843	8,427
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets fair value, recurring	1,365	2,265	2,229
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Common/Collective Trust Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets fair value, recurring	$1,365	$2,265	$2,229

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Assets

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets Subject to Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Nonrecurring	'
Assets held for sale (Note 16), Impairment Charges	$1,738
Total, Impairment Charges	1,738
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'
Fair Value Nonrecurring	'
Assets held for sale (Note 16)	10,559
Total	$10,559

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Narrati

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2007	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2011
		agreement			Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]	Interest Rate Swap Agreement One	Interest Rate Swap Agreement Two	Year 2014	Notes Issued One
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments for (Proceeds from) settlement of interest rate swap agreements	($25,382,000)	$89,777,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of forward starting interest rate swap agreements	'	15	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated amount of pretax loss in AOCI related to interest rate swap that would be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,734,000	'
Long-term notes issued	'	'	'	500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Coupon rate of notes	'	'	5.60%	6.50%	'	'	'	'	10.13%
Variable rate basis	'	'	'	'	'	'6-month LIBOR	'6-month LIBOR	'	'
Interest rate spread above London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	'	'	'	'	'	4.05%	8.03%	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	'	'	'	1,500,000,000	500,000,000	150,000,000	'	'
Fixed interest rate under swap agreement	'	'	'	'	'	6.50%	10.13%	'	'
Forward component of the settlement	23,387,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrued interest income	$1,995,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Effects

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Effects Of Changes In Fair Values Of Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], Interest Expense [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss reclassified from AOCI (effective portion)	($1,127)	($1,615)	($3,928)	($4,755)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Reflect

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Reflection of Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense amortized	$1,093	$1,021	$3,223	$3,014

DEBT_Narrative_Details

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
						Amended Line Of Credit	Medium-term Notes	Medium-term Notes	Line of Credit	Line of Credit	Line of Credit
										Minimum	Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of final principal payment	$10,000,000	'	'	$134,557,000	'	'	$140,444,000	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	'	'	'	5.60%	6.50%	'	6.30%	8.70%	'	'	'
Amount of bank credit facility	'	600,000,000	'	'	'	500,000,000	'	'	500,000,000	'	'
Facility Expiration date	'	15-Dec-16	'	'	'	12-Mar-18	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowing capacity description	'	'	'Borrowing capacity fluctuates with the level of eligible accounts receivable and inventory and may be less than $500,000,000 at any point in time.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.75%	1.50%	2.00%
Borrowing capacity	'	'	380,289,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letter of credit outstanding	'	'	$55,032,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

DEBT_Summary_of_Debt_Details

DEBT (Summary of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$2,523,552		$2,677,003		$2,812,603
Less current maturities	163		150,602		285,153
Total long-term debt	2,523,389		2,526,401		2,527,450
Estimated fair value of long-term debt	2,795,661		2,766,835		2,796,358
5.60% notes due 2012	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	0	[1]	0	[1]	134,548	[1]
6.30% notes due 2013	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	0	[2]	140,413	[2]	140,398	[2]
10.125% notes due 2015	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	152,110	[3]	152,718	[3]	152,911	[3]
6.50% notes due 2016	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	512,505	[4]	515,060	[4]	515,887	[4]
6.40% notes due 2017	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	349,902	[5]	349,888	[5]	349,883	[5]
7.00% notes due 2018	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	399,761	[6]	399,731	[6]	399,721	[6]
10.375% notes due 2018	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	248,799	[7]	248,676	[7]	248,637	[7]
7.50% notes due 2021	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	600,000	[8]	600,000	[8]	600,000	[8]
7.15% notes due 2037	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	239,559	[9]	239,553	[9]	239,551	[9]
Medium-term Notes	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	6,000		16,000		16,000
Industrial revenue bonds	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	14,000		14,000		14,000
Other Notes	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$916		$964		$1,067
[1]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2012 b $9 thousand.
[2]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: December 31, 2012 b $30 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $46 thousand.
[3]	Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2013 b $2,315 thousand, December 31, 2012 b $2,983 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $3,195 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 b $206 thousand, December 31, 2012 b $265 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $284 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.59%.
[4]	Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2013 b $12,505 thousand, December 31, 2012 b $15,060 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $15,887 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.02%.
[5]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 b $98 thousand, December 31, 2012 b $112 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $117 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
[6]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 b $239 thousand, December 31, 2012 b $269 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $279 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
[7]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 b $1,201 thousand, December 31, 2012 b $1,324 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $1,363 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.62%.
[8]	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
[9]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2013 b $629 thousand, December 31, 2012 b $635 thousand and September 30, 2012 b $637 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.

DEBT_Summary_of_Debt_Additiona

DEBT (Summary of Debt Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

5.60% notes due 2012

5.60% notes due 2012

5.60% notes due 2012

6.30% notes due 2013

6.30% notes due 2013

6.30% notes due 2013

10.125% notes due 2015

10.125% notes due 2015

10.125% notes due 2015

6.50% notes due 2016

6.50% notes due 2016

6.50% notes due 2016

6.40% notes due 2017

6.40% notes due 2017

6.40% notes due 2017

7.00% notes due 2018

7.00% notes due 2018

7.00% notes due 2018

10.375% notes due 2018

10.375% notes due 2018

10.375% notes due 2018

7.50% notes due 2021

7.50% notes due 2021

7.50% notes due 2021

7.15% notes due 2037

7.15% notes due 2037

7.15% notes due 2037

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

5.60%

6.50%

5.60%

5.60%

5.60%

6.30%

6.30%

6.30%

10.13%

10.13%

10.13%

6.50%

6.50%

6.50%

6.40%

6.40%

6.40%

7.00%

7.00%

7.00%

10.38%

10.38%

10.38%

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

7.15%

7.15%

7.15%

Maturity year

'

'

'2012

'2012

'2012

'2013

'2013

'2013

'2015

'2015

'2015

'2016

'2016

'2016

'2017

'2017

'2017

'2018

'2018

'2018

'2018

'2018

'2018

'2021

'2021

'2021

'2037

'2037

'2037

Decrease in unamortized discounts

'

'

'

'

$9

'

$30

$46

$206

$265

$284

'

'

'

$98

$112

$117

$239

$269

$279

$1,201

$1,324

$1,363

'

'

'

$629

$635

$637

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.59%

9.59%

9.59%

6.02%

6.02%

6.02%

7.41%

7.41%

7.41%

7.87%

7.87%

7.87%

10.62%

10.62%

10.62%

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

8.05%

8.05%

8.05%

Increase (decrease) in unamortized deferred gain realized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,315

$2,983

$3,195

$12,505

$15,060

$15,887

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	31-May-07	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009	Jun. 18, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	entity		defendant	entity
	mi
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Period of letters of credit	'	'1 year	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	'	'	'	$600,000,000
Number of other parties sued in the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up	'	'	300	'	'
Number of other companies to perform a Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study related to the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up lawsuit	70	'	'	'	'
Number of miles of the River used in the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study	17	'	'	'	'
Range of estimated cost, minimum	'	900,000,000	'	'	'
Range of estimated cost, maximum	'	3,500,000,000	'	'	'
Number of Other Companies Entered in to Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order	'	'	'	69	'
Line of Credit	'	'	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Line of credit	'	$500,000,000	'	'	'
Applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing	'	1.75%	'	'	'
Line of credit fee	'	0.13%	'	'	'
Line of Credit | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing	'	1.50%	'	'	'
Line of Credit | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing	'	2.00%	'	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Summary Of Standby Letters Of Credit) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Standby Letters of Credit	'
Risk management insurance	$34,478,000
Industrial revenue bond	14,230,000
Reclamation/restoration requirements	6,324,000
Total	$55,032,000

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_N

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
	acre
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]	'
Land suitable for commercial and retail development	90

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_A

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
ARO Operating Costs	'	'	'	'
Accretion	$2,908	$1,973	$7,731	$5,990
Depreciation	886	1,110	2,495	4,837
Total	$3,794	$3,083	$10,226	$10,827

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_R

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Reconciliations Of Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligations	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$222,851	$150,413	$150,072	$153,979
Liabilities incurred	3,524	82	69,111	127
Liabilities settled	-2,328	-822	-8,839	-2,241
Accretion expense	2,908	1,973	7,731	5,990
Revisions up (down), net	6,606	-2,923	15,486	-9,132
Balance at end of period	$233,561	$148,723	$233,561	$148,723

BENEFIT_PLANS_Narrative_Detail

BENEFIT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	entity
	Y
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of funded, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans	3
Number of unfunded, nonqualified pension plans	3
Pension Expense	($7,600,000)
Early retirement age	62
Normal retirement age	65
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Pension Expense	($800,000)

BENEFIT_PLANS_Components_Of_Ne

BENEFIT PLANS (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$4,958	$5,587	$16,852	$16,762
Interest cost	10,179	10,798	30,816	32,395
Expected return on plan assets	-11,926	-12,195	-35,500	-36,585
Curtailment loss	0	0	855	0
Amortization of prior service cost	79	69	259	206
Amortization of actuarial loss	4,264	4,882	16,259	14,645
Net periodic pension benefit cost	7,554	9,141	29,541	27,423
Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in net periodic pension benefit cost	4,343	4,951	17,373	14,851
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	708	1,166	2,123	3,499
Interest cost	815	1,563	2,445	4,687
Amortization of prior service cost	-1,215	-169	-3,647	-506
Amortization of actuarial loss	343	287	1,029	862
Net periodic pension benefit cost	651	2,847	1,950	8,542
Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in net periodic pension benefit cost	($872)	$118	($2,618)	$356

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Acc

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
AOCI	'	'	'
Cash flow hedges	($25,802)	($28,170)	($29,118)
Pension and postretirement plans	-128,074	-197,347	-175,605
Total	($153,876)	($225,517)	($204,723)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Cha

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Changes In AOCI Net Of Tax) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'	'	($225,517)		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	60,299	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	11,342		'
Net current period OCI changes	2,790	4,059	71,641		12,120
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	-153,876	-204,723	-153,876		-204,723
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges	'	'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'	'	-28,170		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	0	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	2,368		'
Net current period OCI changes	'	'	2,368		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	-25,802	'	-25,802		'
Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost	'	'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'	'	-197,347		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	60,299	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	8,974		'
Net current period OCI changes	'	'	69,273		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	($128,074)	'	($128,074)		'
[1]	Remeasurement of the pension plan funded status resulting from the plan amendment as described in Note 10.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Rec

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Reclassification Of Amounts From Other Comprehensive Income Loss To Earnings) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Cost of goods sold	($616,200)		($560,693)		($1,666,281)		($1,581,537)
Selling, administrative and general expenses	-65,854		-65,441		-195,411		-192,267
Benefit from income taxes	-10,793		10,992		21,874		67,138
Net earnings (loss)	41,363		14,260		15,300		-56,076
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net earnings (loss)	2,790		4,059		11,342		12,120
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	1,127		1,615		3,928		4,755
Benefit from income taxes	-448		-640		-1,560		-1,887
Net earnings (loss)	679		975		2,368		2,868
Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Cost of goods sold	2,827	[1]	4,092	[1]	11,837	[1]	12,066	[1]
Selling, administrative and general expenses	644	[1]	977	[1]	2,918	[1]	3,141	[1]
Benefit from income taxes	-1,360	[1]	-1,985	[1]	-5,781	[1]	-5,955	[1]
Net earnings (loss)	$2,111	[1]	$3,084	[1]	$8,974	[1]	$9,252	[1]
[1]	See Note 10 for a breakdown of the reclassifications among the curtailment loss and amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost.

EQUITY_Narrative_Details

EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of shares held in treasury	0	0	0
Shares remaining under the current authorization repurchase program	3,411,416	'	'
Cash dividend on common stock, per share	$0.03	'	'

EQUITY_Change_In_Total_Equity_

EQUITY (Change In Total Equity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	$3,761,062	'
Net income (loss)	41,363	14,260	15,300	-56,076
Common stock issued, Share-based compensation plans	'	'	1,115	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	16,789	'
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	'	'	896	'
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.03 per share)	'	'	-3,890	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,790	4,059	71,641	12,120
Other	'	'	-2	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	$3,862,911	$3,767,197	$3,862,911	$3,767,197

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Narrative_De

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	segment
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	4

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Segment_Fina

SEGMENT REPORTING (Segment Financial Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$775,183		$687,616		$1,975,814		$1,836,357
Delivery revenues	38,385		41,245		114,649		122,522
Total revenues	813,568		728,861		2,090,463		1,958,879
Gross profit	158,983		126,923		309,533		254,820
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	78,320		84,108		230,877		253,391
Aggregates	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	504,700	[1]	448,600	[1]	1,294,100	[1]	1,205,000	[1]
Gross profit	149,800		124,900		301,700		270,800
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	56,700	[2]	59,600	[2]	169,200	[2]	183,700	[2]
Aggregates | Segments Revenues[Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	561,200	[1]	491,100	[1]	1,428,600	[1]	1,317,900	[1]
Aggregates | Intersegment Sales [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	-56,500	[1]	-42,500	[1]	-134,500	[1]	-112,900	[1]
Concrete	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	129,700	[3]	108,700	[3]	349,900	[3]	303,300	[3]
Gross profit	-3,900		-8,500		-19,800		-29,900
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	8,400	[2]	10,500	[2]	24,500	[2]	32,100	[2]
Concrete | Segments Revenues[Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	129,700	[3]	108,700	[3]	349,900	[3]	303,300	[3]
Asphalt Mix	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	127,900		118,200		295,100		293,300
Gross profit	13,600		10,900		24,800		15,500
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	2,200	[2]	2,100	[2]	6,400	[2]	6,600	[2]
Asphalt Mix | Segments Revenues[Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	127,900		118,200		295,100		293,300
Cement	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	12,900	[4]	12,100	[4]	36,700	[4]	34,800	[4]
Gross profit	-500		-400		2,800		-1,600
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	5,400	[2]	5,800	[2]	13,800	[2]	13,500	[2]
Cement | Segments Revenues[Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	25,100	[4]	22,700	[4]	71,600	[4]	63,600	[4]
Cement | Intersegment Sales [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	-12,200	[4]	-10,600	[4]	-34,900	[4]	-28,800	[4]
Other unallocated	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	$5,600	[2]	$6,100	[2]	$17,000	[2]	$17,500	[2]
[1]	Includes crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, other aggregates, as well as transportation and service revenues associated with the aggregates business.
[2]	The allocation of indirect depreciation to our operating segments was changed in the fourth quarter of 2012 to better align the presentation with how management views information internally. The 2012 DDA&A amounts presented above have been revised to conform to the 2013 presentation.
[3]	Includes ready-mixed concrete, concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale.
[4]	Includes cement and calcium products.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'
Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$102,137	$104,440
Income taxes	29,909	19,219
Liabilities assumed	232	0
Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment	$9,197	$4,316

GOODWILL_Details

GOODWILL (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

Concrete

Asphalt Mix

Cement

Goodwill [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, gross carrying amount, Beginning balance

$3,339,380,000

'

'

$2,995,083,000

$2,995,083,000

$0

$91,633,000

$252,664,000

Goodwill of acquired businesses

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

Goodwill of divested businesses

-5,195,000

[1]

'

-4,521,000

-674,000

-5,195,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

Goodwill, gross carrying amount, Ending balance

3,334,185,000

[1]

'

'

'

2,989,888,000

[1]

0

[1]

91,633,000

[1]

252,664,000

[1]

Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses, Beginning balance

-252,664,000

'

'

0

0

0

0

-252,664,000

Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses, Ending balance

-252,664,000

'

'

'

0

0

0

-252,664,000

Goodwill, Beginning Balance

3,086,716,000

'

'

2,995,083,000

2,995,083,000

0

91,633,000

0

Goodwill, Ending Balance

3,081,521,000

3,086,716,000

'

'

2,989,888,000

0

91,633,000

0

Goodwill impairment charges

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The goodwill of acquired/divested businesses relates to the 2013 acquisitions/divestitures discussed in Note 16.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_1

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

property

property

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

Contractual Rights

Contractual Rights

Mitigration Credits [Member]

Real Estate

Concrete

Concrete

Concrete

Previous Appraisal Value [Member]

property

property

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of production facilities acquired

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

Transaction costs

'

'

'

'

'

$905,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment for acquisition of businesses

29,983,000

59,968,000

89,951,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill recognized in business acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

9,759,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortizable intangible assets

5,425,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,620,000

'

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax deductible term for intangible assets

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'50 years

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

Cash proceeds from divestiture

'

'

51,604,000

10,690,000

'

154,000,000

34,743,000

5,133,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,261,000

'

'

Property, plant & equipment

'

'

6,792,470,000

6,690,448,000

6,666,617,000

'

'

52,583,000

'

45,888,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill of dispositions

'

'

5,195,000

[1]

'

'

'

4,521,000

674,000

5,195,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Withdrawl liability

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain recognized on divested assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,183,000

2,802,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,027,000

'

'

Number of facilities divested

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment

'

'

14,974,000

28,930,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,469,000

9,691,000

'

'

622,000

Gain recognized on sale of equipment and other personal property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12,342,000

$5,979,000

'

'

$457,000

[1]

The goodwill of acquired/divested businesses relates to the 2013 acquisitions/divestitures discussed in Note 16.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Classification Of Assets And Liabilities Held For Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current assets	$0	$809	$0
Property, plant & equipment, net	10,559	14,274	0
Total assets held for sale	10,559	15,083	0
Noncurrent liabilities	0	801	0
Total liabilities of assets held for sale	$0	$801	$0