Vulcan Materials 10-Q 6 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2
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	130,910,161

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$227,684	$193,738	$86,979
Restricted cash	62,087	0	0
Accounts and notes receivable	'	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable, gross	439,938	344,475	410,021
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-5,606	-4,854	-5,339
Accounts and notes receivable, net	434,332	339,621	404,682
Inventories	'	'	'
Finished products	260,111	270,603	266,489
Raw materials	20,458	29,996	29,863
Products in process	1,104	6,613	5,415
Operating supplies and other	28,041	37,394	38,720
Inventories	309,714	344,606	340,487
Current deferred income taxes	40,858	40,423	39,275
Prepaid expenses	27,309	22,549	27,300
Assets held for sale	0	10,559	12,926
Total current assets	1,101,984	951,496	911,649
Investments and long-term receivables	42,128	42,387	43,194
Property, plant & equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant & equipment, cost	6,396,658	6,933,602	6,735,203
Reserve for depreciation, depletion & amortization	-3,494,896	-3,621,585	-3,519,862
Property, plant & equipment, net	2,901,762	3,312,017	3,215,341
Goodwill	3,081,521	3,081,521	3,081,521
Other intangible assets, net	633,442	697,578	698,471
Other noncurrent assets	173,061	174,144	170,048
Total assets	7,933,898	8,259,143	8,120,224
Liabilities	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	158	170	161
Short-term debt	0	0	100,000
Trade payables and accruals	178,239	139,345	128,142
Other current liabilities	171,008	159,620	163,466
Total current liabilities	349,405	299,135	391,769
Long-term debt	2,006,379	2,522,243	2,524,420
Noncurrent deferred income taxes	704,544	701,075	664,967
Deferred revenue	217,589	219,743	73,068
Other noncurrent liabilities	569,794	578,841	652,480
Total liabilities	3,847,711	4,321,037	4,306,704
Other commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'	'
Equity	'	'	'
Common stock, $1 par value, Authorized 480,000 shares, Issued 130,910, 130,200 and 129,963 shares, respectively	130,910	130,200	129,963
Capital in excess of par value	2,665,793	2,611,703	2,592,239
Retained earnings	1,382,711	1,295,834	1,247,984
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-93,227	-99,631	-156,666
Total equity	4,086,187	3,938,106	3,813,520
Total liabilities and equity	$7,933,898	$8,259,143	$8,120,224

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED 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	130,910,000	130,200,000	129,963,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$756,289	$696,078	$1,304,785	$1,200,632
Delivery revenues	34,854	42,655	60,778	76,263
Total revenues	791,143	738,733	1,365,563	1,276,895
Cost of goods sold	581,501	563,183	1,095,904	1,050,082
Delivery costs	34,854	42,655	60,778	76,263
Cost of revenues	616,355	605,838	1,156,682	1,126,345
Gross profit	174,788	132,895	208,881	150,550
Selling, administrative and general expenses	67,615	64,902	133,733	129,557
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses, net	1,162	23,410	237,526	27,520
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	-1,509
Other operating expense, net	-5,089	-4,537	-14,758	-10,196
Operating earnings	103,246	86,866	297,916	36,808
Other nonoperating income, net	1,798	286	4,622	2,658
Interest expense, net	40,551	50,873	160,639	103,623
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	64,493	36,279	141,899	-64,157
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	17,982	6,151	40,882	-32,666
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	46,511	30,128	101,017	-31,491
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax	-544	-1,356	-1,054	5,427
Net earnings (loss)	45,967	28,772	99,963	-26,064
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges	584	835	3,569	1,689
Adjustment for funded status of benefit plans	0	60,299	2,943	60,299
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost for benefit plans	1,115	3,431	-108	6,863
Other comprehensive income	1,699	64,565	6,404	68,851
Comprehensive income	47,666	93,337	106,367	42,787
Basic earnings (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.35	$0.23	$0.77	($0.24)
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.04
Net earnings (loss)	$0.35	$0.22	$0.76	($0.20)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.35	$0.23	$0.76	($0.24)
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.04
Net earnings (loss)	$0.35	$0.22	$0.75	($0.20)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic	131,149	130,250	130,980	130,219
Assuming dilution	132,876	131,332	132,468	130,219
Cash dividends per share of common stock	$0.05	$0.01	$0.10	$0.02
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	$68,323	$76,961	$137,702	$152,557
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	27.90%	17.00%	28.80%	50.90%

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	$99,963,000	($26,064,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	137,702,000	152,557,000
Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	-237,526,000	-40,550,000
Contributions to pension plans	-2,791,000	-2,308,000
Share-based compensation	11,928,000	11,102,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-3,242,000	-888,000
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	24,000	-31,581,000
Cost of debt purchase	72,949,000	0
Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions	-59,893,000	-108,295,000
Other, net	3,786,000	682,000
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	22,900,000	-45,345,000
Investing Activities	'	'
Purchases of property, plant & equipment	-116,312,000	-60,041,000
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	20,454,000	2,517,000
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	719,089,000	52,908,000
Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash	-207,000	-89,951,000
Increase in restricted cash	-62,087,000	0
Other, net	0	2,000
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	560,937,000	-94,565,000
Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from line of credit	0	111,000,000
Payment of current maturities, long-term debt and line of credit	-579,694,000	-161,477,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	27,539,000	0
Dividends paid	-13,074,000	-2,598,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	12,095,000	3,598,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	3,242,000	888,000
Other, net	1,000	0
Net cash used for financing activities	-549,891,000	-48,589,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	33,946,000	-188,499,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	193,738,000	275,478,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$227,684,000	$86,979,000

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	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 and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete.
	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, 2013 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2014. 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 2014 presentation.
	RESTRICTED CASH
	Restricted cash consists of cash proceeds from the sale of property held in escrow for the acquisition of replacement property under like-kind exchange agreements. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Pursuant to the like-kind exchange agreements, the cash remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Changes in restricted cash balances are reflected as an investment activity in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	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 half of 2013, we incurred $1,509,000 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.
	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		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	131,149	130,250		130,980	130,219
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	663	442		677	0
	Other stock compensation plans	1,064	640		811	0
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	132,876	131,332		132,468	130,219
	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: six months ended June 30, 2013 — 1,113,000.
	The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price is as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,356	2,899		2,356	2,899

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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. In March 2013, we received the final earn-out payment in the amount of $13,031,000. We were liable for a cash transaction bonus payable annually to certain former key Chemicals employees based on the prior years’ earn-out results. As of June 30, 2013, we had accrued $1,303,000 for the 2013 transaction bonus which was subsequently paid in 2013.
	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		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Discontinued Operations
	Pretax loss	$          (897)	$       (2,221)	$       (1,739)	$       (2,761)
	Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	0	0	11,728
	Income tax (provision) benefit	353	865	685	-3,540
	Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,
	net of income taxes	$          (544)	$       (1,356)	$       (1,054)	$        5,427
	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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 between book and tax accounting 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 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 for the full year are 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 using the year-to-date effective tax rate. This method results in an income tax provision based solely on the year-to-date pretax book earnings as adjusted for permanent differences on a pro rata basis. In the second quarter of 2014, income taxes were calculated based on the EAETR. In the second quarter of 2013, income taxes were calculated based on the year-to-date effective tax rate.
	We recorded an income tax provision from continuing operations of $17,982,000 in the second quarter of 2014 compared to $6,151,000 in the second quarter of 2013.  The change in our income tax provision for the year resulted largely from applying the statutory rate to the increase in our pretax book earnings.
	We recorded an income tax provision from continuing operations of $40,882,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $32,666,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The change in our income tax provision for the year resulted largely from applying the statutory rate to the increase in our pretax book earnings.
	We recognize a tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position when, in our judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based upon the technical merits of the position. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we initially and subsequently measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. 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 tax benefits.
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement’s carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the amounts used for income tax purposes. 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, 2013.
	On an annual basis, we perform a comprehensive 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 second quarter 2014 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 has been recorded. For year-end 2014, we project a valuation allowance of $54,855,000 against our state net operating loss deferred tax asset carryforwards; an increase of $8,575,000 from the prior year-end. Of the $54,855,000 valuation allowance, $53,433,000 relates to our Alabama net operating loss carryforward. The remaining valuation allowance of $1,422,000 relates to other state net operating loss carryforwards. This change in the valuation allowance is reflected as a component of our income tax provision.

DEFERRED_REVENUE

DEFERRED REVENUE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'
DEFERRED REVENUE	'
	Note 4: deferred revenue
	We have entered into two transactions (September 2013 and December 2012) through which we sold a percentage of the future production from aggregates reserves at eight quarries (seven owned and one leased). These sales were structured as volumetric production payments (VPPs). We received net cash proceeds of $153,282,000 and $73,644,000 for the 2013 and 2012 transactions, respectively. These proceeds were recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet and are amortized on a unit-of-sales basis to revenue over the terms of the VPPs. Concurrently, we entered into marketing agreements with the purchaser through which we are designated the exclusive sales agent for the purchaser’s percentage of future production. Acting as the purchaser’s agent, our consolidated total revenues exclude these sales proceeds.
	The common key terms of both VPP transactions are:
		§	the purchaser has a nonoperating interest in future production entitling them to a percentage of future production
		§	there is no minimum annual or cumulative production or sales volume, nor any minimum sales price guarantee
		§	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; 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; 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
	The impact to our net sales and gross margin related to the VPPs is outlined as follows:
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
				30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014		2013	2014	2013
	Amortization of deferred revenue	$        1,357		$           324	$        2,341	$           576
	Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-4,137		-1,069	-7,081	-1,898
	Decrease to net sales and gross margin	$       (2,780)		$          (745)	$       (4,740)	$       (1,322)
	Based on expected aggregates sales from the specified quarries, we anticipate recognizing a range of $4,800,000 to $5,800,000 of deferred revenue during the 12-month period ending June 30, 2015.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Mutual funds	$       14,365	$       15,255	$       13,689
	Equities	14,052	12,828	10,638
	Total	$       28,417	$       28,083	$       24,327
		Level 2
		30-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Common/collective trust funds	$        1,349	$        1,244	$        1,507
	Total	$        1,349	$        1,244	$        1,507
	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).
	Net gains of the Rabbi Trust investments were $3,428,000 and $1,093,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The portions of the net gains related to investments still held by the Rabbi Trusts at June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $1,480,000 and $941,000,  respectively.
	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.
	There were no assets or liabilities subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis in 2013. Assets that were subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis in 2014 are summarized below:
		As of June 30, 2014
			Impairment
	in thousands	Level 2	Charges
	Fair Value Nonrecurring
	Property, plant & equipment	$        2,280	$        2,987
	Total	$        2,280	$        2,987
	We recorded a $2,987,000 loss on impairment of long-lived assets in the first quarter of 2014 reducing the carrying value of these assets to their estimated fair value of $2,280,000. Fair value was estimated using a market approach (observed transactions involving comparable assets in similar locations).

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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		Six Months Ended
		Location on	30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	Statement	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Loss reclassified from AOCI	Interest
	(effective portion)	expense	$          (969)	$       (1,386)	$       (5,903)	$       (2,801)
	The 2014 loss reclassified from AOCI includes the acceleration of a proportional amount of the deferred loss in the amount of $3,762,000 referable to the debt purchase as disclosed in Note 7.
	For the 12-month period ending June 30, 2015, we estimate that $4,073,000 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 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		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Deferred Gain on Settlement
	Amortized to earnings as a reduction
	to interest expense		$           484	$        1,074	$        9,678	$        2,131
	The amortized deferred gain for the six months ended June 30, 2014 includes the acceleration of a proportional amount of the deferred gain in the amount of $8,032,000 referable to the debt purchase as disclosed in Note 7.

DEBT

DEBT	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	Note 7: Debt
	Debt is summarized as follows:
			30-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	Short-term Debt
	Bank line of credit		$                  0	$                0	$     100,000
	Total short-term debt		$                  0	$                0	$     100,000
	Long-term Debt
	10.125% notes due 2015 1		$       151,446	$     151,897	$     152,317
	6.50% notes due 2016 2		127,445	511,627	513,369
	6.40% notes due 2017 3		218,582	349,907	349,897
	7.00% notes due 2018 4		399,794	399,772	399,751
	10.375% notes due 2018 5		248,934	248,843	248,757
	7.50% notes due 2021 6		600,000	600,000	600,000
	7.15% notes due 2037 7		239,566	239,561	239,557
	Medium-term notes		6,000	6,000	6,000
	Industrial revenue bonds		14,000	14,000	14,000
	Other notes		770	806	933
	Total long-term debt including current maturities		$    2,006,537	$  2,522,413	$  2,524,581
	Less current maturities		158	170	161
	Total long-term debt		$    2,006,379	$  2,522,243	$  2,524,420
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt		$    2,312,178	$  2,820,399	$  2,756,202
	1	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $1,587 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $2,082 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $2,543 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $141 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $185 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $226 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.58%.
	2	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $2,444 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $11,627 thousand and June  30, 2013 — $13,369 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.00%.
	3	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $51 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $93 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $103 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
	4	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 — $206 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $228 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $249 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
	5	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 — $1,066 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $1,157 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $1,243 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.63%.
	6	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
	7	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 — $622 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $627 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $631 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 their 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 comprehensively revalued since those dates.
	There were no material scheduled debt payments during the first six months of 2014. However, as described below, we purchased $506,366,000 principal amount of outstanding debt through a tender offer in the first quarter of 2014. Scheduled debt payments during 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.
	In March 2014, we purchased $506,366,000 principal amount of outstanding debt through a tender offer as follows: $374,999,000 of 6.50% notes due in 2016 and $131,367,000 of 6.40% notes due in 2017. This debt purchase was funded by the sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area as described in Note 16. The March 2014 debt purchases cost $579,659,000, including a $71,829,000 premium above the principal amount of the notes and transaction costs of $1,464,000.  The premium primarily reflects the trading prices of the notes relative to par prior to the tender offer commencement. Additionally, we recognized a net benefit of $344,000 associated with the acceleration of a proportional amount of unamortized discounts, deferred gains, deferred financing costs and amounts accumulated in OCI. The combined charge of $72,949,000 is presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as a component of interest expense for the six month period ended June 30, 2014.
	Additionally, in  March 2014, we amended our $500,000,000 line of credit to, among other things, extend the term from March 2018 to March 2019, eliminate the borrowing capacity governor of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory, and provide for the line of credit to become unsecured upon achievement of certain credit metrics and/or credit ratings. Until such metrics/ratings are achieved, the line of credit is secured by accounts receivable and inventory. As of June 30, 2014, our available borrowing capacity was $446,732,000.
	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 2.25%, or an alternative rate derived from the lender’s prime rate, based on our total debt to EBITDA ratio. Borrowings on our line of credit are classified as short-term due to our intent to repay any borrowings within twelve months. As of June 30, 2014, the applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing was 2.00%.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 margin (ranges from 1.50% to 2.25%) applicable to LIBOR based borrowings under the line of credit, plus 0.175%. Our standby letters of credit as of June 30, 2014 are summarized by purpose in the table below:
	in thousands
	Standby Letters of Credit
	Risk management insurance	$       32,839
	Industrial revenue bond	14,230
	Reclamation/restoration requirements	6,199
	Total	$       53,268
	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.
	lower passaic river matter
		§	Lower Passaic River Study Area (Superfund Site) — The Lower Passaic River Study Area is part of the Diamond Shamrock Superfund Site in New Jersey. 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 Passaic River (River).  As an interim step related to the 2007 AOC, on June 18, 2012 Vulcan and 69 other companies voluntarily entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with the EPA for remediation actions focused at River Mile 10.9. 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 the remediation action at River Mile 10.9.  This remedial action is now complete, and we will not report on it further.
	Separately, on April 11, 2014, the EPA issued a proposed Focused Feasibility Study (FFS) that calls for  a  bank-to-bank dredging  remedy for the lower 8 miles of the River. The EPA estimates that the cost of implementing this proposal is approximately $950 million to $1.73 billion. The period for public comment on the proposed FFS remains open. After the comments are received, the EPA will issue its final record of decision, probably sometime in 2015.
	At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate our ultimate liability related to this matter because the RI/FS and FFS are not final. Furthermore, the AOC does not obligate us to fund or perform the remedial action contemplated by either the RI/FS or the FFS. Vulcan formerly owned a chemicals operation near River Mile 0.1, which was sold in 1974. The Company has found no evidence that its former chemicals operation contributed any of the primary contaminants of concern to the River. Therefore, neither the ultimate remedial approach and associated costs (or range of costs), nor the parties who will participate in funding the remediation and their respective allocations, have been determined.
	Based on the facts available at this time, we believe our liability related to any remedial actions will be immaterial.
	OTHER LITIGATION
		§	TEXAS BRINE MATTER — During the operation of its former Chemicals Division, Vulcan was the lessee under a salt lease from 1976 – 2005 in an underground salt dome formation in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. The Texas Brine Company operated this salt mine for the account of Vulcan. Vulcan sold its Chemicals Division in 2005 and assigned the lease to the purchaser, and Vulcan has had no association with the leased premises or Texas Brine Company since that time. In August 2012, a sinkhole developed near the salt dome and numerous lawsuits were filed in state court in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. Other lawsuits, including class action litigation, were also filed in August 2012 in federal court in the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. The plaintiffs in the Federal court class action and Texas Brine have recently announced a proposed settlement for $48.1 million. This proposed settlement is still subject to certain court procedures, including notice to the class, before it can be approved and finalized. We understand that Vulcan will be named as a released party in the settlement agreement, although Texas Brine and its insurers are not themselves releasing Vulcan from their claims for contribution and indemnity against Vulcan.
	There are numerous defendants to the litigation in state and federal court. Vulcan was first brought into the litigation as a third-party defendant in August 2013 by the Texas Brine Company. Vulcan has since been added as a direct and third-party defendant by other parties, including a direct claim by the State of Louisiana. The damages alleged in the litigation range from individual plaintiffs’ claims for property damage, to the State of Louisiana’s claim for response costs, to claims for alleged physical damages to oil pipelines, to various alleged business interruption claims, and to claims for indemnity and contribution from Texas Brine. It is alleged that the sinkhole was caused, in whole or in part, by Vulcan’s negligent actions or failure to act. It is also alleged that Vulcan breached the salt lease, as well as an operating agreement with Texas Brine. Vulcan denies any liability in this matter and will vigorously defend the litigation. We cannot reasonably estimate any liability related to this matter.
	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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 six month periods ended June 30, we recognized ARO operating costs related to accretion of the liabilities and depreciation of the assets as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	ARO Operating Costs
	Accretion	$        2,913	$        2,817	$        5,852	$        4,823
	Depreciation	983	830	1,980	1,609
	Total	$        3,896	$        3,647	$        7,832	$        6,432
	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		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Balance at beginning of period	$     225,831	$     156,458	$     228,234	$     150,072
	Liabilities incurred	0	65,587	0	65,587
	Liabilities settled	-7,593	-5,219	-12,843	-6,511
	Accretion expense	2,913	2,817	5,852	4,823
	Revisions up (down), net	3,966	3,208	3,874	8,880
	Balance at end of period	$     225,117	$     222,851	$     225,117	$     222,851
	The liabilities incurred during the second quarter of 2013 relate primarily to reclamation activities required under a development agreement and a conditional use permit at an aggregates facility on owned property in Southern California.

BENEFIT_PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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. Normal retirement age is 65, but the plans contain provisions for earlier retirement. 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 December 2013, we amended our defined benefit pension plans so that future service accruals for salaried pension participants ceased effective December 31, 2013. This change included a special transition provision which will allow covered compensation through December 31, 2015 to be considered in the participants’ benefit calculations. The amendment resulted in a curtailment and remeasurement of the salaried and nonqualified pension plans as of May 31, 2013 that reduced our 2013 pension expense by approximately $7,600,000 (net of the one-time curtailment loss) of which $800,000 was related to discontinued operations.
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension benefit cost:
	PENSION BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$        1,040	$        5,821	$        2,079	$      11,894
	Interest cost	11,098	10,291	22,196	20,637
	Expected return on plan assets	-12,700	-11,815	-25,401	-23,574
	Curtailment loss	0	855	0	855
	Amortization of prior service cost	47	85	94	180
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,805	5,575	5,610	11,995
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,290	$      10,812	$        4,578	$      21,987
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,852	$        6,515	$        5,704	$      13,030
	Prior contributions, along with the existing funding credits, are sufficient to cover required contributions to the qualified plans through 2014. However, we anticipate making an approximate $2,000,000 discretionary pension contribution in 2014.
	In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for 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. In the third quarter of 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		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$           537	$           707	$        1,073	$        1,415
	Interest cost	825	815	1,649	1,630
	Curtailment gain	0	0	-3,832	0
	Amortization of prior service credit	-1,082	-1,216	-2,164	-2,432
	Amortization of actuarial loss	56	343	113	686
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$           336	$           649	$       (3,161)	$        1,299
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$       (1,026)	$          (873)	$       (5,883)	$       (1,746)
	The reclassifications from AOCI noted in the tables above are related to curtailment gains, amortization of prior service costs or credits and actuarial losses as shown in Note 11.
	The March 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area (see Note 16) significantly reduced total expected future service of our postretirement plans resulting in a one-time curtailment gain of $3,832,000. This gain was reflected within gain on sale of property, plant & equipment, net in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	AOCI
	Cash flow hedges		$       (21,609)	$       (25,178)	$       (26,481)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		-71,618	-74,453	-130,185
	Total		$       (93,227)	$       (99,631)	$     (156,666)
	Changes in AOCI, net of tax, for the six months ended June  30, 2014 are as follows:
				Pension and
			Cash Flow	Postretirement
	in thousands		Hedges	Benefit Plans	Total
	AOCI
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$       (25,178)	$       (74,453)	$       (99,631)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	before reclassifications  1		0	2,943	2,943
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		3,569	-108	3,461
	Net current period OCI changes		3,569	2,835	6,404
	Balance as of June 30, 2014		$       (21,609)	$       (71,618)	$       (93,227)
	1	Remeasurement of the postretirement obligation was a result of the March 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area (see Note 16).
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings, are as follows:
			Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
				30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow
	Hedges Losses
	Interest expense		$            969	$         1,386	$         5,903	$         2,801
	Benefit from income taxes		-385	-551	-2,334	-1,112
	Total		$            584	$            835	$         3,569	$         1,689
	Amortization of Pension and Postretirement
	Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost
	Cost of goods sold		$         1,445	$         4,553	$           (141)	$         9,010
	Selling, administrative and general expenses		382	1,089	-36	2,274
	(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		-712	-2,211	69	-4,421
	Total		$         1,115	$         3,431	$           (108)	$         6,863
	Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings		$         1,699	$         4,266	$         3,461	$         8,552

EQUITY

EQUITY	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
EQUITY	'
	Note 12: Equity
	Our capital stock consists solely of common stock, par value $1.00 per share. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Our Certificate of Incorporation also authorizes preferred stock of which no shares have been issued. The terms and provisions of such shares will be determined by our Board of Directors upon any issuance of preferred shares in accordance with our Certificate of Incorporation.
	In June 2014, we issued 16,896 shares of common stock in connection with the purchase of a permitted quarry.
	We occasionally sell shares of common stock to the trustee of our 401(k) retirement plans to satisfy the plan participants’ elections to invest in our common stock. The resulting cash proceeds provide a means of improving cash flow, increasing equity and reducing leverage. Under this arrangement, the stock issuances and resulting cash proceeds were as follows:
		§	six months ended June 30, 2014 —  issued 435,655 shares for cash proceeds of $27,539,000
		§	twelve months ended December 31, 2013 —  issued 71,208 shares for cash proceeds of $3,821,000
		§	six months ended June 30, 2013 —  no shares issued
	Changes in total equity for the six months ended June  30, 2014 are summarized below:
				Total
	in thousands			Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013			$    3,938,106
	Net earnings			99,963
	Common stock issued
	Acquisition			1,094
	401(k) Trustee			27,539
	Share-based compensation plans			10,985
	Share-based compensation expense			11,928
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation			3,242
	Cash dividends on common stock ($0.10 per share)			-13,074
	Other comprehensive income			6,404
	Balance at June 30, 2014			$    4,086,187
	There were no shares held in treasury as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2014,  3,411,416 shares may be repurchased under the current purchase authorization of our Board of Directors.

SEGMENT_REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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		Six Months Ended
				30-Jun		30-Jun
	in millions		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Total Revenues
	Aggregates 1
	Segment revenues		$        595.6	$        508.4	$        999.9	$        867.4
	Intersegment sales		-43.1	-44.4	-86.5	-78
	Net sales		552.5	464.0	913.4	789.4
	Concrete 2
	Segment revenues		93.8	120.3	189.8	220.2
	Net sales		93.8	120.3	189.8	220.2
	Asphalt Mix
	Segment revenues		107.8	99.9	190.8	167.2
	Net sales		107.8	99.9	190.8	167.2
	Cement 3
	Segment revenues		2.2	23.8	20.0	46.5
	Intersegment sales		0.0	-11.9	-9.2	-22.7
	Net sales		2.2	11.9	10.8	23.8
	Totals
	Net sales		756.3	696.1	1,304.8	1,200.6
	Delivery revenues		34.8	42.6	60.8	76.3
	Total revenues		$        791.1	$        738.7	$     1,365.6	$     1,276.9
	Gross Profit
	Aggregates		$        161.7	$        127.1	$        200.2	$        151.9
	Concrete 2		3.2	-5.8	-6	-15.9
	Asphalt Mix		9.0	9.2	13.7	11.2
	Cement 3		0.9	2.4	1.0	3.4
	Total		$        174.8	$        132.9	$        208.9	$        150.6
	Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion
	and Amortization (DDA&A)
	Aggregates		$          56.3	$          56.6	$        111.0	$        112.5
	Concrete 2		4.8	8.2	10.8	16.2
	Asphalt Mix		2.4	2.1	4.8	4.2
	Cement 3		0.2	4.4	1.2	8.3
	Other		4.6	5.7	9.9	11.4
	Total		$          68.3	$          77.0	$        137.7	$        152.6
	Identifiable Assets 4
	Aggregates				$     7,126.4	$     6,851.9
	Concrete 2				238.7	390.3
	Asphalt Mix				224.9	293.3
	Cement 3				6.0	408.2
	Total identifiable assets				$     7,596.0	$     7,943.7
	General corporate assets				110.2	89.5
	Cash items				227.7	87.0
	Total				$     7,933.9	$     8,120.2
	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. On March 7, 2014, we sold our concrete business in the Florida area (see Note 16).
	3	Includes cement and calcium products. On March 7, 2014, we sold our cement business (see Note 16).
	4	Certain temporarily idled assets are included within a segment's Identifiable Assets but the associated DDA&A is shown within Other in the DDA&A section above as the related DDA&A is excluded from segment gross profit.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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:
		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013
	Cash Payments
	Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$     162,110	$     100,598
	Income taxes	13,867	9,087
	Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant
	& equipment	$       12,482	$         4,212
	Amounts referable to business acquisition
	Liabilities assumed	755	232
	Fair value of equity consideration	1,094	0

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	We have four reportable segments organized around our principal product lines: aggregates, concrete, asphalt mix and cement. There were no  changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment from December 31, 2013 to June 30, 2014 as summarized below:
	GOODWILL
	in thousands		Aggregates	Concrete	Asphalt Mix	Cement	Total
	Goodwill, Gross Carrying Amount
	Total as of December 31, 2013		$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$  252,664	$    3,334,185
	Total as of June 30, 2014		$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$  252,664	$    3,334,185
	Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment Losses 1
	Total as of December 31, 2013		$                0	$             0	$             0	$	$      (252,664)
						-252,664
	Total as of June 30, 2014		$                0	$             0	$             0	$	$      (252,664)
						-252,664
	Goodwill, net of Accumulated Impairment Losses
	Total as of December 31, 2013		$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$             0	$    3,081,521
	Total as of June 30, 2014		$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$             0	$    3,081,521
	1	The goodwill for the Cement segment was fully impaired in 2008.
	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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	'
	Note 16: Acquisitions and Divestitures
	In the first quarter of 2014, we sold our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area for net pretax cash proceeds of $719,089,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $229,094,000. We retained all of our Florida aggregates operations, our Cement segment’s calcium operation in Brooksville, Florida and real estate associated with certain former ready-mixed concrete facilities. Under a separate supply agreement, we will continue to provide aggregates to the divested concrete facilities, at market prices, for a period of 20 years. As a result of the continuing cash flows (generated via the supply agreement and the retained operation and assets), the disposition is not reported as discontinued operations.
	Additionally, in the first quarter of 2014, we sold the following Aggregates segment properties:
		§	a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land for net pretax cash proceeds of $10,727,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $168,000
		§	unimproved land previously containing a sales yard for net pretax cash proceeds of $5,820,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $5,790,000
	In 2013, we acquired:
		§	Fourth quarter — land containing 136 million tons of aggregates reserves at an existing quarry for $117,000,000. We previously mined these reserves under a lease which was scheduled to expire in 2017
		§	Second quarter — an aggregates production facility and four ready-mixed concrete facilities for $29,983,000
		§	First quarter — two aggregates production facilities for $59,968,000. The initial accounting for the business combination was not finalized until the third quarter as 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 subsequently adjusted in the second and third quarters of 2013 to the appraised values. 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2013 has been retrospectively adjusted. The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income has not been retrospectively adjusted as the impact was immaterial
	In 2013, we sold:
		§	Third quarter — reclaimed land associated with a former site of a ready-mixed concrete facility for net pretax cash proceeds of $11,261,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $9,027,000
		§	Third quarter —  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
		§	Second quarter —  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
		§	First quarter —  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
	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.
	No assets meet the criteria for held for sale at June 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2013 and June  30, 2013, a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land within our Aggregates segment is presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets held for sale. This land tract sold in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, as of June 30, 2013, reclaimed land associated with a former site of a ready-mixed concrete facility within our Concrete segment is presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as assets held for sale. This land subsequently sold in the third quarter of 2013. The major classes of assets and liabilities of assets classified as held for sale are as follows:
				31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands			2013	2013
	Held for Sale
	Property, plant & equipment, net			$       10,559	$       12,926
	Total assets held for sale			$       10,559	$       12,926

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS [Abstract]	'
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
	Note 17: New Accounting Standards
	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED
	GUIDANCE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFIT  As of and for the interim period ended March 31, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." 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. Our adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	GUIDANCE FOR OBLIGATIONS RESULTING FROM JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY ARRANGEMENTS  As of and for the interim period ended March 31, 2014, we adopted 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."  This ASU 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. Our adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	TANGIBLE PROPERTY REGULATIONS  As of January 1, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service’s new tangible property regulations became effective. These regulations apply to amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property, as well as dispose of such property. The effect of this tax law change had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS PENDING ADOPTION
	SHARE-BASED AWARDS  In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period,” which clarifies the proper method of accounting for share-based awards when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. Under current guidance, there is a lack of consistency in the measurement of the grant-date fair values of awards with these types of performance targets. Under ASU 2014-12, a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after completion of the service period should be treated as a performance condition and, as a result, should not be included in the estimation of the grant-date fair value. Rather, an entity should recognize compensation cost for the award when it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. We currently account for share-based awards with these types of performance targets in accordance with ASU 2014-12; therefore, we do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	REVENUE RECOGNITION  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers,” which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This ASU provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues and expands required revenue recognition disclosures. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS REPORTING  In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which changes the definition of and expands the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations. Under the new definition, discontinued operations reporting is limited to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The expanded disclosures for discontinued operations are meant to provide users of financial statements with more information about the assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of discontinued operations. Additionally, this ASU requires an entity to disclose the pretax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This ASU is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	Note 18:  Subsequent event
	On July 18, 2014, we acquired four quarries in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California for 705,205 shares of our common stock and assumed $4,102,000 of the seller’s debt (total consideration of approximately $49,270,000). We issued 689,592 shares to the seller at closing and retained the remaining shares to true-up working capital balances.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete.
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, 2013 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2014. 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 2014 presentation.
RESTRICTED CASH	'
	RESTRICTED CASH
	Restricted cash consists of cash proceeds from the sale of property held in escrow for the acquisition of replacement property under like-kind exchange agreements. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Pursuant to the like-kind exchange agreements, the cash remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Changes in restricted cash balances are reflected as an investment activity in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
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 half of 2013, we incurred $1,509,000 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.
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		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	131,149	130,250		130,980	130,219
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	663	442		677	0
	Other stock compensation plans	1,064	640		811	0
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	132,876	131,332		132,468	130,219
	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: six months ended June 30, 2013 — 1,113,000.
	The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price is as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,356	2,899		2,356	2,899

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding	'
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	131,149	130,250		130,980	130,219
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	663	442		677	0
	Other stock compensation plans	1,064	640		811	0
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	132,876	131,332		132,468	130,219
Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents	'
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,356	2,899		2,356	2,899

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'
Results from Discontinued Operations	'
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Discontinued Operations
	Pretax loss	$          (897)	$       (2,221)	$       (1,739)	$       (2,761)
	Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	0	0	11,728
	Income tax (provision) benefit	353	865	685	-3,540
	Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,
	net of income taxes	$          (544)	$       (1,356)	$       (1,054)	$        5,427

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Tables

DEFERRED REVENUE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Recognized Deferred Revenue	'
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Amortization of deferred revenue	$        1,357	$           324	$        2,341	$           576
	Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-4,137	-1,069	-7,081	-1,898
	Decrease to net sales and gross margin	$       (2,780)	$          (745)	$       (4,740)	$       (1,322)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis	'
		Level 1
		30-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Mutual funds	$       14,365	$       15,255	$       13,689
	Equities	14,052	12,828	10,638
	Total	$       28,417	$       28,083	$       24,327
		Level 2
		30-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Common/collective trust funds	$        1,349	$        1,244	$        1,507
	Total	$        1,349	$        1,244	$        1,507
Assets Subject to Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis	'
		As of June 30, 2014
			Impairment
	in thousands	Level 2	Charges
	Fair Value Nonrecurring
	Property, plant & equipment	$        2,280	$        2,987
	Total	$        2,280	$        2,987

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
Effects of Changes in Fair Values of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	'
			Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
		Location on	30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	Statement	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Loss reclassified from AOCI	Interest
	(effective portion)	expense	$          (969)	$       (1,386)	$       (5,903)	$       (2,801)
Amortization Table	'
			Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Deferred Gain on Settlement
	Amortized to earnings as a reduction
	to interest expense		$           484	$        1,074	$        9,678	$        2,131

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]	'
Summary of Debt	'
			30-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	Short-term Debt
	Bank line of credit		$                  0	$                0	$     100,000
	Total short-term debt		$                  0	$                0	$     100,000
	Long-term Debt
	10.125% notes due 2015 1		$       151,446	$     151,897	$     152,317
	6.50% notes due 2016 2		127,445	511,627	513,369
	6.40% notes due 2017 3		218,582	349,907	349,897
	7.00% notes due 2018 4		399,794	399,772	399,751
	10.375% notes due 2018 5		248,934	248,843	248,757
	7.50% notes due 2021 6		600,000	600,000	600,000
	7.15% notes due 2037 7		239,566	239,561	239,557
	Medium-term notes		6,000	6,000	6,000
	Industrial revenue bonds		14,000	14,000	14,000
	Other notes		770	806	933
	Total long-term debt including current maturities		$    2,006,537	$  2,522,413	$  2,524,581
	Less current maturities		158	170	161
	Total long-term debt		$    2,006,379	$  2,522,243	$  2,524,420
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt		$    2,312,178	$  2,820,399	$  2,756,202
	1	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $1,587 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $2,082 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $2,543 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $141 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $185 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $226 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.58%.
	2	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $2,444 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $11,627 thousand and June  30, 2013 — $13,369 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.00%.
	3	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June  30, 2014 — $51 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $93 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $103 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
	4	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 — $206 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $228 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $249 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
	5	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 — $1,066 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $1,157 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $1,243 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.63%.
	6	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
	7	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 — $622 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $627 thousand and June 30, 2013 — $631 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
Summary of Standby Letters of Credit	'
	in thousands
	Standby Letters of Credit
	Risk management insurance	$       32,839
	Industrial revenue bond	14,230
	Reclamation/restoration requirements	6,199
	Total	$       53,268

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_T

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs	'
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	ARO Operating Costs
	Accretion	$        2,913	$        2,817	$        5,852	$        4,823
	Depreciation	983	830	1,980	1,609
	Total	$        3,896	$        3,647	$        7,832	$        6,432
Reconciliations of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Balance at beginning of period	$     225,831	$     156,458	$     228,234	$     150,072
	Liabilities incurred	0	65,587	0	65,587
	Liabilities settled	-7,593	-5,219	-12,843	-6,511
	Accretion expense	2,913	2,817	5,852	4,823
	Revisions up (down), net	3,966	3,208	3,874	8,880
	Balance at end of period	$     225,117	$     222,851	$     225,117	$     222,851

BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	PENSION BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$        1,040	$        5,821	$        2,079	$      11,894
	Interest cost	11,098	10,291	22,196	20,637
	Expected return on plan assets	-12,700	-11,815	-25,401	-23,574
	Curtailment loss	0	855	0	855
	Amortization of prior service cost	47	85	94	180
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,805	5,575	5,610	11,995
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,290	$      10,812	$        4,578	$      21,987
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,852	$        6,515	$        5,704	$      13,030
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$           537	$           707	$        1,073	$        1,415
	Interest cost	825	815	1,649	1,630
	Curtailment gain	0	0	-3,832	0
	Amortization of prior service credit	-1,082	-1,216	-2,164	-2,432
	Amortization of actuarial loss	56	343	113	686
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$           336	$           649	$       (3,161)	$        1,299
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$       (1,026)	$          (873)	$       (5,883)	$       (1,746)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax	'
			30-Jun	31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	AOCI
	Cash flow hedges		$       (21,609)	$       (25,178)	$       (26,481)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		-71,618	-74,453	-130,185
	Total		$       (93,227)	$       (99,631)	$     (156,666)
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
				Pension and
			Cash Flow	Postretirement
	in thousands		Hedges	Benefit Plans	Total
	AOCI
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$       (25,178)	$       (74,453)	$       (99,631)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	before reclassifications  1		0	2,943	2,943
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		3,569	-108	3,461
	Net current period OCI changes		3,569	2,835	6,404
	Balance as of June 30, 2014		$       (21,609)	$       (71,618)	$       (93,227)
	1	Remeasurement of the postretirement obligation was a result of the March 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area (see Note 16).
Reclassification of Amounts from Other Comprehensive Income Loss to Earnings	'
			Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
				30-Jun		30-Jun
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow
	Hedges Losses
	Interest expense		$            969	$         1,386	$         5,903	$         2,801
	Benefit from income taxes		-385	-551	-2,334	-1,112
	Total		$            584	$            835	$         3,569	$         1,689
	Amortization of Pension and Postretirement
	Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost
	Cost of goods sold		$         1,445	$         4,553	$           (141)	$         9,010
	Selling, administrative and general expenses		382	1,089	-36	2,274
	(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		-712	-2,211	69	-4,421
	Total		$         1,115	$         3,431	$           (108)	$         6,863
	Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings		$         1,699	$         4,266	$         3,461	$         8,552

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Change In Total Equity	'
		Total
	in thousands	Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$    3,938,106
	Net earnings	99,963
	Common stock issued
	Acquisition	1,094
	401(k) Trustee	27,539
	Share-based compensation plans	10,985
	Share-based compensation expense	11,928
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	3,242
	Cash dividends on common stock ($0.10 per share)	-13,074
	Other comprehensive income	6,404
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$    4,086,187

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Tables

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]	'
Segment Financial Disclosure	'
			Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
				30-Jun		30-Jun
	in millions		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Total Revenues
	Aggregates 1
	Segment revenues		$        595.6	$        508.4	$        999.9	$        867.4
	Intersegment sales		-43.1	-44.4	-86.5	-78
	Net sales		552.5	464.0	913.4	789.4
	Concrete 2
	Segment revenues		93.8	120.3	189.8	220.2
	Net sales		93.8	120.3	189.8	220.2
	Asphalt Mix
	Segment revenues		107.8	99.9	190.8	167.2
	Net sales		107.8	99.9	190.8	167.2
	Cement 3
	Segment revenues		2.2	23.8	20.0	46.5
	Intersegment sales		0.0	-11.9	-9.2	-22.7
	Net sales		2.2	11.9	10.8	23.8
	Totals
	Net sales		756.3	696.1	1,304.8	1,200.6
	Delivery revenues		34.8	42.6	60.8	76.3
	Total revenues		$        791.1	$        738.7	$     1,365.6	$     1,276.9
	Gross Profit
	Aggregates		$        161.7	$        127.1	$        200.2	$        151.9
	Concrete 2		3.2	-5.8	-6	-15.9
	Asphalt Mix		9.0	9.2	13.7	11.2
	Cement 3		0.9	2.4	1.0	3.4
	Total		$        174.8	$        132.9	$        208.9	$        150.6
	Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion
	and Amortization (DDA&A)
	Aggregates		$          56.3	$          56.6	$        111.0	$        112.5
	Concrete 2		4.8	8.2	10.8	16.2
	Asphalt Mix		2.4	2.1	4.8	4.2
	Cement 3		0.2	4.4	1.2	8.3
	Other		4.6	5.7	9.9	11.4
	Total		$          68.3	$          77.0	$        137.7	$        152.6
	Identifiable Assets 4
	Aggregates				$     7,126.4	$     6,851.9
	Concrete 2				238.7	390.3
	Asphalt Mix				224.9	293.3
	Cement 3				6.0	408.2
	Total identifiable assets				$     7,596.0	$     7,943.7
	General corporate assets				110.2	89.5
	Cash items				227.7	87.0
	Total				$     7,933.9	$     8,120.2
	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. On March 7, 2014, we sold our concrete business in the Florida area (see Note 16).
	3	Includes cement and calcium products. On March 7, 2014, we sold our cement business (see Note 16).
	4	Certain temporarily idled assets are included within a segment's Identifiable Assets but the associated DDA&A is shown within Other in the DDA&A section above as the related DDA&A is excluded from segment gross profit.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information Referable to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	'
		Six Months Ended
			30-Jun
	in thousands	2014	2013
	Cash Payments
	Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$     162,110	$     100,598
	Income taxes	13,867	9,087
	Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant
	& equipment	$       12,482	$         4,212
	Amounts referable to business acquisition
	Liabilities assumed	755	232
	Fair value of equity consideration	1,094	0

GOODWILL_Tables

GOODWILL (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
GOODWILL [Abstract]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	'
	in thousands	Aggregates	Concrete	Asphalt Mix	Cement	Total
	Goodwill, Gross Carrying Amount
	Total as of December 31, 2013	$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$  252,664	$    3,334,185
	Total as of June 30, 2014	$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$  252,664	$    3,334,185
	Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment Losses 1
	Total as of December 31, 2013	$                0	$             0	$             0	$	$      (252,664)
					-252,664
	Total as of June 30, 2014	$                0	$             0	$             0	$	$      (252,664)
					-252,664
	Goodwill, net of Accumulated Impairment Losses
	Total as of December 31, 2013	$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$             0	$    3,081,521
	Total as of June 30, 2014	$  2,989,888	$             0	$    91,633	$             0	$    3,081,521

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'
Classification of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	'
		31-Dec	30-Jun
	in thousands	2013	2013
	Held for Sale
	Property, plant & equipment, net	$       10,559	$       12,926
	Total assets held for sale	$       10,559	$       12,926

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Period cash remains restricted	'	'	'180 days	'
Restructuring charges	$0	$0	$0	$1,509
Antidilutive common stock equivalents	'	'	'	1,113,000

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	131,149	130,250	130,980	130,219
Dilutive effect of	'	'	'	'
Stock options/SOSARs	663	442	677	0
Other stock compensation plans	1,064	640	811	0
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	132,876	131,332	132,468	130,219

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,356	2,899	2,356	2,899

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Narrat

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2007
			agreement
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of earn-out agreements	'	'	2
Payments received under 5CP earn-out	$13,031,000	'	'
Cash transaction bonus payable	'	$1,303,000	'

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Result

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Results from Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'
Pretax loss	($897)	($2,221)	($1,739)	($2,761)
Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	0	0	11,728
Income tax (provision) benefit	353	865	685	-3,540
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of income taxes	($544)	($1,356)	($1,054)	$5,427

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Details

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
					Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Alabama [Member]	Other State [Member]
						Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$17,982,000	$6,151,000	$40,882,000	($32,666,000)	'	'	'
Income tax benefit recognition threshold more likely than not	'	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	54,855,000	53,433,000	1,422,000
Increase in valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	$8,575,000	'	'

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Narrative_Det

DEFERRED REVENUE (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	T	agreement	T	Maximum	Maximum	Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
		property		T	T	Minimum	Maximum
		T
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of volumetric production payment transactions	'	2	'	'	'	'	'
Number of facilities	'	8	'	'	'	'	'
Owned quarries	'	7	'	'	'	'	'
Leased quarries	'	1	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of future production, net of transaction costs (Note 19)	$73,644,000	'	$153,282,000	'	'	'	'
Volumetric production payment termination date	31-Dec-52	'	30-Sep-51	'	'	'	'
Tons subject to volumetric production payment	'	'	'	250,800,000	143,200,000	'	'
Volumetric production payment estimated percentage sold	10.50%	'	11.50%	'	'	'	'
Volumetric production payment estimated tons to be delivered	15,000,000	'	29,000,000	'	'	'	'
Estimated deferred revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months	'	'	'	'	'	$4,800,000	$5,800,000

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Summary_Of_Re

DEFERRED REVENUE (Summary Of Recognized Deferred Revenue) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred revenue	$1,357	$324	$2,341	$576
Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-4,137	-1,069	-7,081	-1,898
Decrease to net sales and gross margin	($2,780)	($745)	($4,740)	($1,322)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Rabbi Trust estabished	2	'	'
Total gain of the Rabbi Trust investment	$3,428,000	$1,093,000	'
Unrealized gains (losses)	1,480,000	941,000	'
Assets subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis	'	'	0
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis	'	'	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets	2,987,000	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis	$2,280,000	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value Measurement of Assets on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
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	$28,417	$28,083	$24,327
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	14,365	15,255	13,689
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	14,052	12,828	10,638
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets fair value, recurring	1,349	1,244	1,507
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	$1,349	$1,244	$1,507

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Assets

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets Subject to Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
		Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
			Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value Nonrecurring	'	'	'
Property, plant & equipment	'	'	$2,280,000
Total	0	'	2,280,000
Property, plant & equipment, Impairment Charges	'	2,987,000	'
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets	'	$2,987,000	'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Narrati

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2007

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2007

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2015

agreement

Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]

Interest Rate Swap Agreement One

Interest Rate Swap Agreement Two

Debt [Member]

Notes Issued One

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of forward starting interest rate swap agreements

'

'

'

'

'

15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derviative, notional amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000,000

$500,000,000

$150,000,000

'

'

'

Payments for (Proceeds from) settlement of interest rate swap agreements

25,382,000

'

'

'

'

-89,777,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss reclassified from AOCI

'

'

'

3,762,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated amount of pretax loss in AOCI related to interest rate swap that would be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,073,000

Long-term notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.50%

'

'

'

'

10.13%

'

Interest rate spread above London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.05%

8.03%

'

'

'

Fixed interest rate under swap agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.50%

10.13%

'

'

'

Forward component of the settlement

23,387,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest income

1,995,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortized deferred gain

'

$484,000

$1,074,000

$9,678,000

$2,131,000

'

'

'

'

'

$8,032,000

'

'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Effects

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Effects Of Changes In Fair Values Of Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss reclassified from AOCI (effective portion)	'	'	$3,762	'
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss reclassified from AOCI (effective portion)	($969)	($1,386)	($5,903)	($2,801)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Reflect

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Reflection of Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortized to earnings as a reduction to interest expense	$484	$1,074	$9,678	$2,131

DEBT_Narrative_Details

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Medium-term Notes

Medium-term Notes

6.50% notes due 2016

6.50% notes due 2016

7.50% notes due 2021

10.125% notes due 2015

10.375% notes due 2018

7.00% notes due 2018

6.40% notes due 2017

6.40% notes due 2017

7.15% notes due 2037

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Minimum

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Required periodic principal payment

'

$0

'

'

'

$140,444,000

$10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument face amount

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt purchased, amount

'

506,366,000

'

'

'

'

'

374,999,000

'

'

'

'

'

131,367,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2016

'2016

'2021

'2015

'2018

'2018

'2017

'2017

'2037

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

6.50%

6.30%

8.70%

6.50%

6.50%

7.50%

10.13%

10.38%

7.00%

6.40%

6.40%

7.15%

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of bank credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

Facility expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25-Mar-19

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity

'

446,732,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

'

1.50%

2.25%

Total consideration paid for debt

579,659,000

579,694,000

161,477,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term line of credit

'

0

100,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

100,000,000

'

'

Premium paid for purchase of debt

'

71,829,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction cost related to termination of debt

'

1,464,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other benefit related to debt purchase

'

344,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of debt purchase

'

$72,949,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

DEBT_Summary_of_Debt_Details

DEBT (Summary of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short-term Debt [Abstract]	'		'		'
Total short-term debt	$0		$0		$100,000
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	2,006,537		2,522,413		2,524,581
Less current maturities	158		170		161
Total long-term debt	2,006,379		2,522,243		2,524,420
Estimated fair value of long-term debt	2,312,178		2,820,399		2,756,202
Line of Credit	'		'		'
Short-term Debt [Abstract]	'		'		'
Total short-term debt	0		0		100,000
10.125% notes due 2015	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	151,446	[1]	151,897	[1]	152,317	[1]
6.50% notes due 2016	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	127,445	[2]	511,627	[2]	513,369	[2]
6.40% notes due 2017	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	218,582	[3]	349,907	[3]	349,897	[3]
7.00% notes due 2018	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	399,794	[4]	399,772	[4]	399,751	[4]
10.375% notes due 2018	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	248,934	[5]	248,843	[5]	248,757	[5]
7.50% notes due 2021	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	600,000	[6]	600,000	[6]	600,000	[6]
7.15% notes due 2037	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	239,566	[7]	239,561	[7]	239,557	[7]
Medium-term Notes	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	6,000		6,000		6,000
Industrial revenue bonds	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	14,000		14,000		14,000
Other Notes	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	$770		$806		$933
[1]	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: June 30, 2014 b $1,587 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $2,082 thousand and June 30, 2013 b $2,543 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 b $141 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $185 thousand and June 30, 2013 b $226 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.58%.
[2]	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: June 30, 2014 b $2,444 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $11,627 thousand and June 30, 2013 b $13,369 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.00%.
[3]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 b $51 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $93 thousand and June 30, 2013 b $103 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
[4]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 b $206 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $228 thousand and June 30, 2013 b $249 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
[5]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 b $1,066 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $1,157 thousand and June 30, 2013 b $1,243 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.63%.
[6]	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
[7]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: June 30, 2014 b $622 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $627 thousand and June 30, 2013 b $631 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.

DEBT_Summary_of_Debt_Additiona

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

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

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

7.15% notes due 2037

7.15% notes due 2037

7.15% notes due 2037

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

6.50%

10.13%

'

'

6.50%

6.50%

'

6.40%

6.40%

'

7.00%

'

'

10.38%

'

'

7.50%

'

7.15%

'

'

Maturity year

'

'2015

'

'

'2016

'2016

'

'2017

'2017

'

'2018

'

'

'2018

'

'

'2021

'

'2037

'

'

Increase in unamortized deferred gain realized

'

$2,543

$1,587

$2,082

$2,444

$13,369

$11,627

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in unamortized discounts

'

$226

$141

$185

'

'

'

$51

$103

$93

$249

$206

$228

$1,243

$1,066

$1,157

'

'

$631

$622

$627

Effective interest rate

'

'

9.58%

'

6.00%

'

'

7.41%

'

'

'

7.87%

'

'

10.63%

'

'

7.75%

'

8.05%

'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	31-May-07	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 18, 2012
	mi		entity
	entity
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Period of letters of credit	'	'1 year	'
Proposed Settlement	'	$48,100,000	'
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	'	'
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	'	2.00%	'
Line of credit fee	'	0.18%	'
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	'	2.25%	'
EPA Preferred Remedy [Member] | Minimum	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated implementation costs	'	950,000,000	'
EPA Preferred Remedy [Member] | Maximum	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated implementation costs	'	$1,730,000,000	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Summary Of Standby Letters Of Credit) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Standby Letters of Credit	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long term debt	$2,006,537	'	$2,522,413	$2,524,581	'	'
Reclamation/restoration requirements	225,117	225,831	228,234	222,851	156,458	150,072
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Standby Letters of Credit	'	'	'	'	'	'
Risk management insurance	32,839	'	'	'	'	'
Reclamation/restoration requirements	6,199	'	'	'	'	'
Total	53,268	'	'	'	'	'
Industrial revenue bonds | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Standby Letters of Credit	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long term debt	$14,230	'	'	'	'	'

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_A

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
ARO Operating Costs	'	'	'	'
Accretion	$2,913	$2,817	$5,852	$4,823
Depreciation	983	830	1,980	1,609
Total	$3,896	$3,647	$7,832	$6,432

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_R

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Reconciliations Of Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligations	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$225,831	$156,458	$228,234	$150,072
Liabilities incurred	0	65,587	0	65,587
Liabilities settled	-7,593	-5,219	-12,843	-6,511
Accretion expense	2,913	2,817	5,852	4,823
Revisions up (down), net	3,966	3,208	3,874	8,880
Balance at end of period	$225,117	$222,851	$225,117	$222,851

BENEFIT_PLANS_Narrative_Detail

BENEFIT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
	entity		Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Discontinued Operations [Member]	Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
	item
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)	'	($800,000)	'	'	'	'
Early retirement age	62	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Normal retirement age	65	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discretionary contribution	'	'	2,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
One-time curtailment gain	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$3,832,000	$0

BENEFIT_PLANS_Components_of_Ne

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1,040	$5,821	$2,079	$11,894
Interest cost	11,098	10,291	22,196	20,637
Expected return on plan assets	-12,700	-11,815	-25,401	-23,574
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	855	0	855
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	47	85	94	180
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,805	5,575	5,610	11,995
Net periodic pension benefit cost	2,290	10,812	4,578	21,987
Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in net periodic postretirement benefit cost	2,852	6,515	5,704	13,030
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	537	707	1,073	1,415
Interest cost	825	815	1,649	1,630
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	0	-3,832	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-1,082	-1,216	-2,164	-2,432
Amortization of actuarial loss	56	343	113	686
Net periodic pension benefit cost	336	649	-3,161	1,299
Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in net periodic postretirement benefit cost	($1,026)	($873)	($5,883)	($1,746)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Acc

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
AOCI	'	'	'
Cash flow hedges	($21,609)	($25,178)	($26,481)
Pension and postretirement benefit plans	-71,618	-74,453	-130,185
Total	($93,227)	($99,631)	($156,666)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Cha

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Changes In AOCI Net Of Tax) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'	'	($99,631)		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	2,943	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	3,461		'
Other comprehensive income	1,699	64,565	6,404		68,851
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	-93,227	-156,666	-93,227		-156,666
Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow Hedges	'	'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'	'	-25,178		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	0	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	3,569		'
Other comprehensive income	'	'	3,569		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	-21,609	'	-21,609		'
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	'	'	-74,453		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	2,943	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	-108		'
Other comprehensive income	'	'	2,835		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	($71,618)	'	($71,618)		'
[1]	Remeasurement of the postretirement obligation was a result of the March 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area (see Note 16).

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Rec

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Reclassification Of Amounts From Other Comprehensive Income Loss To Earnings) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost of goods sold	$581,501	$563,183	$1,095,904	$1,050,082
Interest expense	-40,551	-50,873	-160,639	-103,623
Selling, administrative and general expenses	67,615	64,902	133,733	129,557
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	17,982	6,151	40,882	-32,666
Net earnings (loss)	45,967	28,772	99,963	-26,064
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	1,699	4,266	3,461	8,552
Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	969	1,386	5,903	2,801
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	-385	-551	-2,334	-1,112
Net earnings (loss)	584	835	3,569	1,689
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	1,445	4,553	-141	9,010
Selling, administrative and general expenses	382	1,089	-36	2,274
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	-712	-2,211	69	-4,421
Net earnings (loss)	$1,115	$3,431	($108)	$6,863

EQUITY_Details

EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	$1	$1
Common stock issued in connection with business acquisitions	16,896	'	'	'
Shares of common stock issued to trustee under 401(k) savings and retirement plan	'	435,655	0	71,208
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock to the trustee under 401(k) savings and retirement plan	'	$27,539,000	'	$3,821,000
Number of shares held in treasury	0	0	'	0
Shares remaining under the current authorization repurchase program	3,411,416	3,411,416	'	'
Cash dividend on common stock, per share	'	$0.10	'	'

EQUITY_Change_In_Total_Equity_

EQUITY (Change In Total Equity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'	'	$3,938,106	'
Net earnings	45,967	28,772	99,963	-26,064
Common stock issued, 401(k) Trustee	'	'	27,539	0
Common stock issued, Acquisitions	'	'	1,094	'
Common stock issued, Share-based compensation plans	'	'	10,985	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	11,928	'
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	'	'	3,242	'
Cash dividends on common stock	'	'	-13,074	'
Other comprehensive income	1,699	64,565	6,404	68,851
Balance at June 30, 2014	$4,086,187	$3,813,520	$4,086,187	$3,813,520

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Narrative_De

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	segment
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	4
Number of reportable segments	4

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Segment_Fina

SEGMENT REPORTING (Segment Financial Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	$756,289		$696,078		$1,304,785		$1,200,632		'	'
Delivery revenues	34,854		42,655		60,778		76,263		'	'
Total revenues	791,143		738,733		1,365,563		1,276,895		'	'
Gross profit	174,788		132,895		208,881		150,550		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	68,323		76,961		137,702		152,557		'	'
Cash items	227,684		86,979		227,684		86,979		193,738	275,478
Total assets	7,933,898		8,120,224		7,933,898		8,120,224		8,259,143	'
Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	7,596,000	[1]	7,943,700	[1]	7,596,000	[1]	7,943,700	[1]	'	'
Aggregates	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	552,500	[2]	464,000	[2]	913,400	[2]	789,400	[2]	'	'
Gross profit	161,700		127,100		200,200		151,900		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	56,300		56,600		111,000		112,500		'	'
Aggregates | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	7,126,400	[1]	6,851,900	[1]	7,126,400	[1]	6,851,900	[1]	'	'
Aggregates | Segments revenues	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	595,600	[2]	508,400	[2]	999,900	[2]	867,400	[2]	'	'
Aggregates | Intersegment sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	-43,100	[2]	-44,400	[2]	-86,500	[2]	-78,000	[2]	'	'
Concrete	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	93,800	[3]	120,300	[3]	189,800	[3]	220,200	[3]	'	'
Gross profit	3,200	[3]	-5,800	[3]	-6,000	[3]	-15,900	[3]	'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	4,800	[3]	8,200	[3]	10,800	[3]	16,200	[3]	'	'
Concrete | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	238,700	[1],[3]	390,300	[1],[3]	238,700	[1],[3]	390,300	[1],[3]	'	'
Concrete | Segments revenues	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	93,800	[3]	120,300	[3]	189,800	[3]	220,200	[3]	'	'
Asphalt Mix	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	107,800		99,900		190,800		167,200		'	'
Gross profit	9,000		9,200		13,700		11,200		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	2,400		2,100		4,800		4,200		'	'
Asphalt Mix | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	224,900	[1]	293,300	[1]	224,900	[1]	293,300	[1]	'	'
Asphalt Mix | Segments revenues	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	107,800		99,900		190,800		167,200		'	'
Cement	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	2,200	[4]	11,900	[4]	10,800	[4]	23,800	[4]	'	'
Gross profit	900	[4]	2,400	[4]	1,000	[4]	3,400	[4]	'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	200	[4]	4,400	[4]	1,200	[4]	8,300	[4]	'	'
Cement | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	6,000	[1],[4]	408,200	[1],[4]	6,000	[1],[4]	408,200	[1],[4]	'	'
Cement | Segments revenues	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	2,200	[4]	23,800	[4]	20,000	[4]	46,500	[4]	'	'
Cement | Intersegment sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Net sales	0	[4]	-11,900	[4]	-9,200	[4]	-22,700	[4]	'	'
Other unallocated	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	4,600		5,700		9,900		11,400		'	'
Corporate	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	$110,200		$89,500		$110,200		$89,500		'	'
[1]	Certain temporarily idled assets are included within a segment's Identifiable Assets but the associated DDA&A is shown within Other in the DDA&A section above as the related DDA&A is excluded from segment gross profit.
[2]	Includes crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, other aggregates, as well as transportation and service revenues associated with the aggregates business.
[3]	Includes ready-mixed concrete, concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale. On March 7, 2014, we sold our concrete business in the Florida area (see Note 16).
[4]	Includes cement and calcium products. On March 7, 2014, we sold our cement business (see Note 16).

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'
Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$162,110	$100,598
Income taxes	13,867	9,087
Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment	12,482	4,212
Liabilities assumed	755	232
Fair value of equity consideration	$1,094	$0

GOODWILL_Narrative_Details

GOODWILL (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
	segment
GOODWILL [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill impairment charges	$0	$0
Number of reportable segments	4	'
Changes in carrying amount of goodwill	$0	'

GOODWILL_Changes_in_Carrying_A

GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	$3,334,185		$3,334,185		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	-252,664	[1]	-252,664	[1]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,081,521		3,081,521		3,081,521
Aggregates	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	2,989,888		2,989,888		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	2,989,888		2,989,888		'
Concrete	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	0		0		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Asphalt Mix	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	91,633		91,633		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	91,633		91,633		'
Cement	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	252,664		252,664		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	-252,664	[1]	-252,664	[1]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	$0		$0		'
[1]	The goodwill for the Cement segment was fully impaired in 2008.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_1

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

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

Concrete

Concrete

Cement And Concrete [Member]

Previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land [Member]

Unimproved land previously containing a sales yard [Member]

Land containing 236 million tons of aggregates reserves [Member]

Two aggregates production facilities [Member]

property

Previous Appraisal Value [Member]

property

Aggregates

Aggregates

T

property

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash proceeds from divestiture

'

'

'

$719,089,000

$52,908,000

'

'

$34,743,000

$5,133,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of properties and businesses

'

1,162,000

23,410,000

237,526,000

27,520,000

'

'

21,183,000

2,802,000

'

9,027,000

'

229,094,000

168,000

5,790,000

'

'

Supply agreement period

'

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregates reserves acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

136,000,000

'

Purchases of property, plant & equipment

'

'

'

116,312,000

60,041,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

117,000,000

'

Payment for acquisition of businesses

'

'

'

207,000

89,951,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,983,000

'

'

'

'

59,968,000

Number of facilities acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

2

Amortizable intangible assets recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,620,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant & equipment

6,396,658,000

6,396,658,000

6,735,203,000

6,396,658,000

6,735,203,000

6,933,602,000

'

52,583,000

52,583,000

45,888,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment

'

'

'

20,454,000

2,517,000

'

'

'

'

'

11,261,000

'

'

10,727,000

5,820,000

'

'

Gross proceeds from sale of future production

'

'

'

'

'

'

154,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

905,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of facilities divested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill recognized in business acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

9,759,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock issued in connection with business acquisitions

16,896

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill of dispositions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,521,000

$674,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Classification Of Assets And Liabilities Held For Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant & equipment, net	'	$10,559	$12,926
Total assets held for sale	$0	$10,559	$12,926

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 18, 2014
		Subsequent Event [Member]
		property
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Number of facilities acquired	'	4
Common stock issued in connection with business acquisitions	16,896	705,205
Assumed debt	'	$4,102
Total consideration	'	$49,270
Common stock issued to seller at closing	'	689,592