Vulcan Materials (VMC) 10-Q 5 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Trading Symbol	'VMC
Entity Registrant Name	'Vulcan Materials CO
Entity Central Index Key	'0001396009
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	131,703,076

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$91,868		$193,738		$245,813
Accounts and notes receivable	'		'		'
Accounts and notes receivable, gross	485,176		344,475		450,642
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-5,428		-4,854		-5,412
Accounts and notes receivable, net	479,748		339,621		445,230
Inventories	'		'		'
Finished products	254,931		270,603		255,047
Raw materials	22,987		29,996		29,480
Products in process	1,331		6,613		6,385
Operating supplies and other	27,335		37,394		37,267
Inventories	306,584		344,606		328,179
Current deferred income taxes	41,745		40,423		39,326
Prepaid expenses	34,673		22,549		31,854
Assets held for sale	0		10,559		10,559
Total current assets	954,618		951,496		1,100,961
Investments and long-term receivables	42,117		42,387		43,275
Property, plant & equipment	'		'		'
Property, plant & equipment, cost	6,608,342		6,933,602		6,792,470
Reserve for depreciation, depletion & amortization	-3,539,772		-3,621,585		-3,578,010
Property, plant & equipment, net	3,068,570		3,312,017		3,214,460
Goodwill	3,095,317		3,081,521		3,081,521
Other intangible assets, net	758,863		697,578		697,655
Other noncurrent assets	172,053		174,144		172,184
Total assets	8,091,538		8,259,143		8,310,056
Liabilities	'		'		'
Current maturities of long-term debt	145	[1]	170	[1]	163	[1]
Trade payables and accruals	167,837		139,345		154,451
Other current liabilities	196,830		159,620		204,029
Total current liabilities	364,812		299,135		358,643
Long-term debt	2,005,968		2,522,243		2,523,389
Noncurrent deferred income taxes	733,613		701,075		673,135
Deferred revenue	216,205		219,743		225,863
Other noncurrent liabilities	569,841		578,841		666,115
Total liabilities	3,890,439		4,321,037		4,447,145
Other commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'		'		'
Equity	'		'		'
Common stock, $1 par value, Authorized 480,000 shares, Issued 131,703, 130,200 and 129,989 shares, respectively	131,703		130,200		129,989
Capital in excess of par value	2,719,169		2,611,703		2,598,744
Retained earnings	1,441,742		1,295,834		1,288,054
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-91,515		-99,631		-153,876
Total equity	4,201,099		3,938,106		3,862,911
Total liabilities and equity	$8,091,538		$8,259,143		$8,310,056
[1]	This variable-rate tax-exempt bond matures in November 2022 and is backed by a standby letter of credit.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 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	131,703,000	130,200,000	129,989,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Product sales	$795,096	$746,392	$2,034,521	$1,915,032
Freight and delivery revenues	78,483	67,176	204,621	175,431
Total revenues	873,579	813,568	2,239,142	2,090,463
Cost of revenues	664,537	654,585	1,821,220	1,780,930
Gross profit	209,042	158,983	417,922	309,533
Selling, administrative and general expenses	66,074	65,854	199,808	195,411
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses, net	1,002	9,350	238,527	36,869
Restructuring charges	-750	0	-750	-1,509
Other operating expense, net	-2,889	-2,712	-17,645	-12,907
Operating earnings	140,331	99,767	438,246	136,575
Other nonoperating income (expense), net	-593	2,310	4,030	4,968
Interest expense, net	40,891	49,134	201,531	152,757
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	98,847	52,943	240,745	-11,214
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	31,066	10,793	71,947	-21,874
Earnings from continuing operations	67,781	42,150	168,798	10,660
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax	-842	-787	-1,896	4,640
Net earnings	66,939	41,363	166,902	15,300
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges	598	679	4,167	2,368
Adjustment for funded status of benefit plans	0	0	2,943	60,299
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost for benefit plans	1,114	2,111	1,006	8,974
Other comprehensive income	1,712	2,790	8,116	71,641
Comprehensive income	68,651	44,153	175,018	86,941
Basic earnings (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.51	$0.32	$1.29	$0.08
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	($0.02)	$0.04
Net earnings	$0.51	$0.32	$1.27	$0.12
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.51	$0.32	$1.27	$0.08
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.04
Net earnings	$0.50	$0.31	$1.26	$0.12
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic	131,797	130,266	131,256	130,234
Assuming dilution	133,369	131,320	132,759	131,368
Cash dividends per share of common stock	$0.06	$0.01	$0.16	$0.03
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	$71,157	$78,320	$208,858	$230,877
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	31.40%	20.40%	29.90%	195.10%

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net earnings	$166,902,000	$15,300,000
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	208,858,000	230,877,000
Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	-238,527,000	-48,597,000
Proceeds from sale of future production, net of transactions costs (Note 16)	0	153,095,000
Contributions to pension plans	-4,115,000	-3,535,000
Share-based compensation	18,425,000	16,789,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-3,375,000	-896,000
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	13,158,000	-25,862,000
Cost of debt purchase	72,949,000	0
Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions	-89,888,000	-78,947,000
Other, net	5,339,000	1,788,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	149,726,000	260,012,000
Investing Activities	'	'
Purchases of property, plant & equipment	-169,220,000	-117,310,000
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	21,320,000	14,974,000
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	719,089,000	51,604,000
Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash	-268,604,000	-89,951,000
Other, net	0	2,000
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	302,585,000	-140,681,000
Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from line of credit	70,000,000	156,000,000
Payment of current maturities, long-term debt and line of credit	-649,711,000	-306,493,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	30,620,000	0
Dividends paid	-20,973,000	-3,890,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	12,513,000	4,491,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	3,375,000	896,000
Other, net	-5,000	0
Net cash used for financing activities	-554,181,000	-148,996,000
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-101,870,000	-29,665,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	193,738,000	275,478,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$91,868,000	$245,813,000

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine month periods ended September 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.
	REVENUE
	Total revenues include sales of products to customers, net of any discounts and taxes, and freight and delivery revenues billed to customers. Related freight and delivery costs are included in cost of revenues. Freight and delivery revenues included in total revenues are as follows:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Product sales	$     795,096	$     746,392		$  2,034,521	$  1,915,032
	Freight and delivery revenues	78,483	67,176		204,621	175,431
	Total revenues	$     873,579	$     813,568		$  2,239,142	$  2,090,463
	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	In 2014, we announced changes to our executive management team, and a new divisional organization structure that will be effective January 1, 2015. This new structure enables us to pursue growth and profitability while further leveraging the actions we undertook in 2012 as noted below. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we incurred $750,000 of severance costs related to these initiatives. We are currently unable to estimate the amount of future related charges.
	In 2012, our Board approved a Profit Enhancement Plan that further leveraged our streamlined management structure and substantially completed ERP and Shared Services platforms to achieve cost reductions and other earnings enhancements. During the first nine months of 2013, we incurred $1,509,000 of costs (primarily project design, outside advisory and severance) related to the implementation of this plan. We did not incur any additional charges in 2014 and 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		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	131,797	130,266		131,256	130,234
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	661	405		671	449
	Other stock compensation plans	911	649		832	685
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	133,369	131,320		132,759	131,368
	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. The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price is as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,355	2,899		2,355	2,899

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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. During the first nine months of 2013, the transaction bonus payment totaled $1,303,000.
	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 revenues from discontinued operations for the periods presented. Results from discontinued operations are as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Discontinued Operations
	Pretax loss	$       (1,393)	$       (1,302)	$       (3,132)	$       (4,063)
	Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	0	0	11,728
	Income tax (provision) benefit	551	515	1,236	-3,025
	Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,
	net of income taxes	$          (842)	$          (787)	$       (1,896)	$        4,640
	The pretax losses from discontinued operations noted above were due primarily to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 third quarter of 2014, income taxes were calculated based on the EAETR. In the third 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 $31,066,000 in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $10,793,000 in the third 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 $71,947,000 for the first nine months of 2014 compared to an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $21,874,000 for the first nine months 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 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 third 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 2014, we project a valuation allowance of $55,051,000 against our state net operating loss deferred tax asset carryforwards; an increase of $8,771,000 from the prior year-end. Of the $55,051,000 valuation allowance, $53,680,000 relates to our Alabama net operating loss carryforward. This change in the valuation allowance is reflected as a component of our income tax provision.

DEFERRED_REVENUE

DEFERRED REVENUE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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.
	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 the aforementioned marketing agreement
		§	the purchaser's percentage of future production is conveyed free and clear of all future costs
		§	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 total revenues and gross profit related to the VPPs is as follows:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014		2013	2014	2013
	Amortization of deferred revenue	$        1,384		$           300	$        3,725	$           876
	Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-4,322		-1,014	-11,404	-2,911
	Decrease to total revenues and gross profit	$       (2,938)		$          (714)	$       (7,679)	$       (2,035)
	The balance of deferred revenue related to these VPP transactions is $221,205,000 at September 30, 2014. Based on expected aggregates sales from the specified quarries, we anticipate recognizing a range of $5,100,000 to $6,100,000 of deferred revenue during the 12-month period ending September 30, 2015.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Mutual funds	$       14,986	$       15,255	$       14,371
	Equities	12,838	12,828	11,688
	Total	$       27,824	$       28,083	$       26,059
		Level 2
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Common/collective trust funds	$        1,367	$        1,244	$        1,365
	Total	$        1,367	$        1,244	$        1,365
	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 $2,571,000 and $2,620,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The portions of the net gains related to investments still held by the Rabbi Trusts at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $369,000 and $2,468,000,  respectively.
	The carrying values of our cash equivalents, restricted cash, 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 September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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		Nine Months Ended
		Location on	30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	Statement	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Loss reclassified from AOCI	Interest
	(effective portion)	expense	$          (989)	$       (1,127)	$       (6,892)	$       (3,928)
	The loss reclassified from AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 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 September 30, 2015, we estimate that $4,153,000 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 London Interbank Offered Rate (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		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Deferred Gain on Settlement
	Amortized to earnings as a reduction
	to interest expense		$           493	$        1,093	$      10,171	$        3,223
	The amortized deferred gain for the nine months ended September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	Note 7: Debt
	Debt is summarized as follows:
			30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	Long-term Debt
	10.125% notes due 2015 1		$        151,212	$      151,897	$      152,110
	6.50% notes due 2016 2		127,209	511,627	512,505
	6.40% notes due 2017 3		218,585	349,907	349,902
	7.00% notes due 2018 4		399,805	399,772	399,761
	10.375% notes due 2018 5		248,981	248,843	248,799
	7.50% notes due 2021 6		600,000	600,000	600,000
	7.15% notes due 2037 7		239,568	239,561	239,559
	Medium-term note 8		6,000	6,000	6,000
	Industrial revenue bond 9		14,000	14,000	14,000
	Other notes		753	806	916
	Total long-term debt including current maturities		$     2,006,113	$   2,522,413	$   2,523,552
	Less current maturities		145	170	163
	Total long-term debt		$     2,005,968	$   2,522,243	$   2,523,389
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt		$     2,259,218	$   2,820,399	$   2,795,661
	1	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September  30, 2014 — $1,330 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $2,082 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $2,315 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September  30, 2014 — $118 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $185 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $206 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: September  30, 2014 — $2,208 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $11,627 thousand and September  30, 2013 — $12,505 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.00%.
	3	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $48 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $93 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $98 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
	4	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $195 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $228 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $239 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
	5	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $1,019 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $1,157 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $1,201 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.625%.
	6	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
	7	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $620 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $627 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $629 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.
	8	This note matures in 2021, has a stated interest rate of 8.85% and an effective interest rate of 8.88%.
	9	This variable-rate tax-exempt bond matures in November 2022 and is backed by a standby letter of credit.
	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.
	Our long-term debt is unsecured and essentially all such debt agreements contain customary investment-grade type covenants that primarily limit the amount of secured debt we may incur without ratably securing the outstanding debt.  Our debt may be redeemed prior to maturity at the greater of par value and the make-whole value plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	There were no material scheduled debt payments during the first nine 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 nine month period ended September 30, 2014.
	Additionally, in  March 2014, we amended our $500,000,000 line of credit to, among other items, extend the term from March 12, 2018 to March 25, 2019. The line of credit is secured by accounts receivable and inventory, but will become unsecured upon the achievement of certain credit metrics and/or credit ratings. The line of credit also contains customary negative and financial covenants for a secured facility.
	The negative covenants primarily limit our ability to: (1) incur secured debt, (2) make investments, (3) execute acquisitions and divestitures, and (4) make restricted payments, including dividends. Such limitations currently do not impact our ability to execute our strategic, operating and financial plans, and become less restrictive when the line of credit becomes unsecured as described above.
	The line of credit contains two financial covenants: (1) a maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA that declines over time to 3.5:1 and (2) a minimum ratio of EBITDA to net cash interest expense that increases over time to 3.0:1.
	As of September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our long-term debt and line of credit covenants.
	Borrowings on our line of credit are classified as short-term due to our intent to repay any borrowings within twelve months. As of September 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 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 ratio of debt to EBITDA.  As of September 30, 2014, the applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing was 1.75%.
	Standby letters of credit issued under the line of credit reduce availability and are charged a fee equal to the margin for LIBOR based borrowings plus 0.175%. We also pay a commitment fee on the daily average unused amount of the line of credit. This commitment fee ranges from 0.25% to 0.40% based on our ratio of debt to EBITDA. Once the line of credit becomes unsecured, both the LIBOR margin range for borrowings and the commitment fee range will decline.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies
	STANDBY 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 standby letters of credit are issued by banks that participate in our $500,000,000 line of credit, and reduce the borrowing capacity thereunder. Our standby letters of credit as of September 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). 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 is closed.  It is anticipated that the EPA will issue its final record of decision 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. Certain of the plaintiffs and Texas Brine settled the Federal Court class action for approximately $48.1 million. This settlement has been approved by the court, and the settlement process is now subject to the terms of the court’s order and settlement agreement. Vulcan is named as a released party in the settlement agreement along with the other released parties, including Texas Brine, and its insurers. Texas Brine and its insurers did not, however, release Vulcan from any alleged claims, including claims for contribution and indemnity.
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine month periods ended September 30, we recognized ARO operating costs related to accretion of the liabilities and depreciation of the assets as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	ARO Operating Costs
	Accretion	$        2,892	$        2,908	$        8,745	$        7,731
	Depreciation	1,080	886	3,060	2,495
	Total	$        3,972	$        3,794	$      11,805	$      10,226
	ARO operating costs are reported in cost of revenues. AROs are reported within Other noncurrent liabilities in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of our AROs are as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Balance at beginning of period	$     225,117	$     222,851	$     228,234	$     150,072
	Liabilities incurred	3,604	3,524	3,604	69,111
	Liabilities settled	-7,684	-2,328	-20,527	-8,839
	Accretion expense	2,892	2,908	8,745	7,731
	Revisions up (down), net	4,539	6,606	8,412	15,486
	Balance at end of period	$     228,468	$     233,561	$     228,468	$     233,561
	The liabilities incurred during the first nine months 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 and the Chemicals Hourly Plan are generally based on salaries or wages and years of service; the Construction Materials Hourly Plan provides 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		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$        1,039	$        4,958	$        3,118	$      16,852
	Interest cost	11,098	10,179	33,294	30,816
	Expected return on plan assets	-12,701	-11,926	-38,102	-35,500
	Curtailment loss	0	0	0	855
	Amortization of prior service cost	47	79	141	259
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,806	4,264	8,416	16,259
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,289	$        7,554	$        6,867	$      29,541
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,853	$        4,343	$        8,557	$      17,373
	Prior contributions, along with the existing funding credits, are sufficient to cover required contributions to the qualified plans through 2015.
	In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees. In 2012, we amended our postretirement healthcare plan to cap our portion of the medical coverage cost at the 2015 level. Substantially all our salaried employees and where applicable, hourly employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach a qualifying age and meet certain service requirements. Generally, company-provided healthcare benefits terminate when covered individuals become eligible for Medicare benefits, become eligible for other group insurance coverage or reach age 65, whichever occurs first.
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
	OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$           536	$           708	$        1,609	$        2,123
	Interest cost	824	815	2,473	2,445
	Curtailment gain	0	0	-3,832	0
	Amortization of prior service credit	-1,081	-1,215	-3,245	-3,647
	Amortization of actuarial loss	57	343	170	1,029
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$           336	$           651	$       (2,825)	$        1,950
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$       (1,024)	$          (872)	$       (6,907)	$       (2,618)
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	AOCI
	Cash flow hedges		$       (21,011)	$       (25,178)	$       (25,802)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		-70,504	-74,453	-128,074
	Total		$       (91,515)	$       (99,631)	$     (153,876)
	Changes in AOCI, net of tax, for the nine months ended September  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
	before reclassifications  1		0	2,943	2,943
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		4,167	1,006	5,173
	Net current period OCI changes		4,167	3,949	8,116
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		$       (21,011)	$       (70,504)	$       (91,515)
	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		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow
	Hedge Losses
	Interest expense		$            989	$         1,127	$         6,892	$         3,928
	Benefit from income taxes		-391	-448	-2,725	-1,560
	Total		$            598	$            679	$         4,167	$         2,368
	Amortization of Pension and Postretirement
	Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost
	Cost of revenues		$         1,465	$         2,827	$         1,324	$       11,837
	Selling, administrative and general expenses		362	644	326	2,918
	Benefit from income taxes		-713	-1,360	-644	-5,781
	Total		$         1,114	$         2,111	$         1,006	$         8,974
	Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings		$         1,712	$         2,790	$         5,173	$       11,342

EQUITY

EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 the second quarter of 2014, we issued 16,896 shares of common stock in connection with the purchase of a permitted quarry in Alabama.  In the third quarter of 2014, we issued a total of 698,108 shares in connection with the California acquisition, as described in Note 16.
	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. Under this arrangement, the stock issuances and resulting cash proceeds were as follows:
		§	nine months ended September 30, 2014 —  issued 485,306 shares for cash proceeds of $30,620,000
		§	twelve months ended December 31, 2013 —  issued 71,208 shares for cash proceeds of $3,821,000
		§	nine months ended September  30, 2013 —  no shares issued
	Changes in total equity for the nine months ended September  30, 2014 are summarized below:
				Total
	in thousands			Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013			$    3,938,106
	Net earnings			166,902
	Common stock issued
	Acquisition			45,185
	401(k) Trustee			30,620
	Share-based compensation plans			11,349
	Share-based compensation expense			18,425
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation			3,375
	Cash dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)			-20,973
	Other comprehensive income			8,116
	Other			-6
	Balance at September 30, 2014			$    4,201,099
	There were no shares held in treasury as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013. As of September 30, 2014,  3,411,416 shares may be repurchased under the current purchase authorization of our Board of Directors.

SEGMENT_REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT REPORTING	'
	Note 13: Segment Reporting
	We have four operating (and reportable) segments organized around our principal product lines: aggregates, asphalt mix, concrete 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.
	The changes to our executive management team and organization structure (described in Note 1) have not affected our segment reporting structure as the financial information reviewed by our Chief Executive Officer to assess performance and allocate resources remains unchanged.
	segment financial disclosure
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in millions		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Total Revenues
	Aggregates 1		$        688.9	$        596.8	$     1,752.6	$     1,528.8
	Asphalt Mix		136.4	130.2	330.0	308.3
	Concrete 2		99.0	129.8	288.8	349.9
	Cement 3		2.3	25.6	22.6	72.9
	Segment sales		926.6	882.4	2,394.0	2,259.9
	Aggregates intersegment sales		-53	-56.5	-145.7	-134.5
	Cement intersegment sales		0.0	-12.3	-9.2	-34.9
	Total revenues		$        873.6	$        813.6	$     2,239.1	$     2,090.5
	Gross Profit
	Aggregates		$        188.0	$        149.8	$        388.1	$        301.7
	Asphalt Mix		14.5	13.6	28.3	24.8
	Concrete 2		5.5	-3.9	-0.5	-19.8
	Cement 3		1.0	-0.5	2.0	2.8
	Total		$        209.0	$        159.0	$        417.9	$        309.5
	Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion
	and Amortization (DDA&A)
	Aggregates		$          58.5	$          56.7	$        169.2	$        169.2
	Asphalt Mix		2.6	2.2	7.5	6.4
	Concrete 2		5.0	8.4	15.7	24.5
	Cement 3		0.2	5.4	1.4	13.8
	Other		4.9	5.6	15.1	17.0
	Total		$          71.2	$          78.3	$        208.9	$        230.9
	Identifiable Assets 4
	Aggregates				$     7,409.1	$     6,936.5
	Asphalt Mix				238.2	251.6
	Concrete 2				235.6	384.2
	Cement 3				5.9	411.9
	Total identifiable assets				$     7,888.8	$     7,984.2
	General corporate assets				110.8	80.1
	Cash items				91.9	245.8
	Total				$     8,091.5	$     8,310.1
	1	Includes crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, other aggregates, as well as freight and delivery revenues (see Note 1) associated with the aggregates business.
	2	Includes ready-mixed concrete. On March 7, 2014, we sold our concrete business in the Florida area (see Note 16) which in addition to ready-mixed concrete, included concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale.
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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:
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013
	Cash Payments
	Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$     163,593	$     102,137
	Income taxes	64,539	29,909
	Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant
	& equipment	$         5,777	$         9,197
	Amounts referable to business acquisitions
	Liabilities assumed	24,881	232
	Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged	4,914	0
	Fair value of equity consideration	45,185	0

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
GOODWILL [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL	'
	Note 15: Goodwill
	Goodwill is recognized when the consideration paid for a business 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. The changes to our executive management team and organization structure (described in Note 1) have not affected our reporting units as the financial information reviewed by segment management to review operating performance remains unchanged. There were no charges for goodwill impairment in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	We have four reportable segments organized around our principal product lines: aggregates, concrete, asphalt mix and cement. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment from December 31, 2013 to September 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
	Goodwill of acquired businesses 1		13,796	0	0	0	13,796
	Total as of September 30, 2014		$  3,003,684	$             0	$    91,633	$  252,664	$    3,347,981
	Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment Losses 2
	Total as of December 31, 2013		$                0	$             0	$             0	$	$      (252,664)
						-252,664
	Total as of September 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 September 30, 2014		$  3,003,684	$             0	$    91,633	$             0	$    3,095,317
	1	The goodwill of acquired businesses relates to the 2014 acquisitions as outlined in Note 16.
	2	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	'
	Note 16: Acquisitions and Divestitures
	In the third quarter of 2014, we completed six acquisitions for total consideration of $318,001,000 (as detailed in the Fair Value of Purchase Consideration table below). Assets acquired include:
		§	five aggregates facilities and associated downstream assets in Arizona and New Mexico
		§	two aggregates facilities in Delaware, serving northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
		§	four aggregates facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area
		§	an aggregates operation and distribution yards that serve the greater Dallas/Fort Worth market
	The 2014 acquisitions listed above are reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements as of their respective acquisition dates. The amounts of total revenues, net earnings and acquisition related costs for these acquisitions (collectively) are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep				30-Sep
	in thousands			2014				2014
	Actual Results
	Total revenues			$       13,090				$       13,090
	Net earnings			91				91
	Acquisition Related Costs
	Selling, administrative and general expenses			$            734				$         1,156
	None of the 2014 acquisitions listed above are material to our results of operations or financial position either individually or collectively. The fair value of consideration transferred for these acquisitions and the preliminary amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (based on estimated fair values at their acquisition dates), are summarized below:
	in thousands, except for share data
	Fair Value of Purchase Consideration
	Cash							$     268,396
	Real property							2,414
	Payable to seller							2,500
	Vulcan Materials Company, common stock (698,108 shares)							44,691
	Total fair value of purchase consideration							$     318,001
	Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	Accounts and notes receivable, net							$         9,676
	Inventories							13,767
	Other current assets							25
	Property, plant & equipment, net							178,784
	Other intangible assets
	Contractual rights in place							125,478
	Deferred income taxes, net							-13,796
	Liabilities assumed							-10,329
	Remaining minority interest in a consolidated entity							600
	Net identifiable assets acquired							$     304,205
	Goodwill							$       13,796
	Estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary pending appraisals of contractual rights in place and property, plant & equipment.
	The contractual rights in place noted above will be amortized against earnings using the unit-of-production method over an estimated weighted-average period in excess of 20 years and all but $41,576,000 will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years.  The goodwill noted above (none of which will be deductible for income tax purposes) represents the balance of deferred tax liabilities generated from carrying over the seller’s tax basis in the assets acquired.
	In 2014, we sold:
		§	March 2014 — our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area for total consideration of $721,359,000  (as of September 30, 2014, $719,089,000 has been received in cash) resulting in a pretax gain of $227,910,000. 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
		§	March 2014 — a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land in Maryland (Aggregates segment) for net pretax cash proceeds of $10,727,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $168,000
		§	January 2014 — unimproved land in Tennessee previously containing a sales yard (Aggregates segment) for net pretax cash proceeds of $5,820,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $5,790,000
	The structure of these 2014 transactions — along with the fourth quarter 2013 acquisition noted below — enabled us to defer income taxes on approximately $145,000,000 in capital gains.
	In 2013, we acquired:
		§	Fourth quarter — land containing 136 million tons of aggregates reserves at an existing quarry in southern California 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 in Texas for $29,983,000.  As a result, we recognized $5,425,000 of contractual rights in place. The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings using the unit-of-production method over an estimated weighted-average period in excess of 50 years and will be deductive for income tax purposes over 15 years
		§	First quarter — two aggregates production facilities in Georgia for $59,968,000.  After finalizing the purchase price allocation, we recognized $3,620,000 of amortizable intangible assets (contractual rights in place). The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings using the unit-of-production method over an estimated weighted-average period in excess of 20 years and will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years
	In 2013, we sold:
		§	Third quarter — reclaimed land associated with a former site of a ready-mixed concrete facility in Virginia 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 in Wisconsin for net pretax cash proceeds of $34,743,000 resulting in 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 in Wisconsin and its related replacement reserve land for net pretax cash proceeds of $5,133,000 resulting in 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 September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2013 and September  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. Assets classified as held for sale are as follows:
					31-Dec		30-Sep
	in thousands					2013		2013
	Held for Sale
	Property, plant & equipment, net					$       10,559		$       10,559
	Total assets held for sale					$       10,559		$       10,559

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
	GOING CONCERN In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” which requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern (meet its obligations as they become due) within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, certain disclosures are required. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim reporting periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We will adopt this standard as of and for the annual period ending December 31, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	SHARE-BASED AWARDS  In June 2014, the 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.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine month periods ended September 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.
REVENUE	'
	REVENUE
	Total revenues include sales of products to customers, net of any discounts and taxes, and freight and delivery revenues billed to customers. Related freight and delivery costs are included in cost of revenues. Freight and delivery revenues included in total revenues are as follows:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Product sales	$     795,096	$     746,392		$  2,034,521	$  1,915,032
	Freight and delivery revenues	78,483	67,176		204,621	175,431
	Total revenues	$     873,579	$     813,568		$  2,239,142	$  2,090,463
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	'
	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	In 2014, we announced changes to our executive management team, and a new divisional organization structure that will be effective January 1, 2015. This new structure enables us to pursue growth and profitability while further leveraging the actions we undertook in 2012 as noted below. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we incurred $750,000 of severance costs related to these initiatives. We are currently unable to estimate the amount of future related charges.
	In 2012, our Board approved a Profit Enhancement Plan that further leveraged our streamlined management structure and substantially completed ERP and Shared Services platforms to achieve cost reductions and other earnings enhancements. During the first nine months of 2013, we incurred $1,509,000 of costs (primarily project design, outside advisory and severance) related to the implementation of this plan. We did not incur any additional charges in 2014 and 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		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	131,797	130,266		131,256	130,234
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	661	405		671	449
	Other stock compensation plans	911	649		832	685
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	133,369	131,320		132,759	131,368
	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. The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price is as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,355	2,899		2,355	2,899

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Revenue	'
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Product sales	$     795,096	$     746,392		$  2,034,521	$  1,915,032
	Freight and delivery revenues	78,483	67,176		204,621	175,431
	Total revenues	$     873,579	$     813,568		$  2,239,142	$  2,090,463
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding	131,797	130,266		131,256	130,234
	Dilutive effect of
	Stock options/SOSARs	661	405		671	449
	Other stock compensation plans	911	649		832	685
	Weighted-average common shares
	outstanding, assuming dilution	133,369	131,320		132,759	131,368
Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013		2014	2013
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,355	2,899		2,355	2,899

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]	'
Results from Discontinued Operations	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Discontinued Operations
	Pretax loss	$       (1,393)	$       (1,302)	$       (3,132)	$       (4,063)
	Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	0	0	11,728
	Income tax (provision) benefit	551	515	1,236	-3,025
	Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,
	net of income taxes	$          (842)	$          (787)	$       (1,896)	$        4,640

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Tables

DEFERRED REVENUE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Recognized Deferred Revenue	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Amortization of deferred revenue	$        1,384	$           300	$        3,725	$           876
	Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-4,322	-1,014	-11,404	-2,911
	Decrease to total revenues and gross profit	$       (2,938)	$          (714)	$       (7,679)	$       (2,035)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis	'
		Level 1
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Mutual funds	$       14,986	$       15,255	$       14,371
	Equities	12,838	12,828	11,688
	Total	$       27,824	$       28,083	$       26,059
		Level 2
		30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2013
	Fair Value Recurring
	Rabbi Trust
	Common/collective trust funds	$        1,367	$        1,244	$        1,365
	Total	$        1,367	$        1,244	$        1,365
Assets Subject to Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis	'
		As of September 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
Effects of Changes in Fair Values of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	'
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		Location on	30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	Statement	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Loss reclassified from AOCI	Interest
	(effective portion)	expense	$          (989)	$       (1,127)	$       (6,892)	$       (3,928)
Amortization Table	'
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Deferred Gain on Settlement
	Amortized to earnings as a reduction
	to interest expense		$           493	$        1,093	$      10,171	$        3,223

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]	'
Summary of Debt	'
			30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	Long-term Debt
	10.125% notes due 2015 1		$        151,212	$      151,897	$      152,110
	6.50% notes due 2016 2		127,209	511,627	512,505
	6.40% notes due 2017 3		218,585	349,907	349,902
	7.00% notes due 2018 4		399,805	399,772	399,761
	10.375% notes due 2018 5		248,981	248,843	248,799
	7.50% notes due 2021 6		600,000	600,000	600,000
	7.15% notes due 2037 7		239,568	239,561	239,559
	Medium-term note 8		6,000	6,000	6,000
	Industrial revenue bond 9		14,000	14,000	14,000
	Other notes		753	806	916
	Total long-term debt including current maturities		$     2,006,113	$   2,522,413	$   2,523,552
	Less current maturities		145	170	163
	Total long-term debt		$     2,005,968	$   2,522,243	$   2,523,389
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt		$     2,259,218	$   2,820,399	$   2,795,661
	1	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September  30, 2014 — $1,330 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $2,082 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $2,315 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September  30, 2014 — $118 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $185 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $206 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: September  30, 2014 — $2,208 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $11,627 thousand and September  30, 2013 — $12,505 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.00%.
	3	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $48 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $93 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $98 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
	4	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $195 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $228 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $239 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
	5	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $1,019 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $1,157 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $1,201 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.625%.
	6	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
	7	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 — $620 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $627 thousand and September 30, 2013 — $629 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.
	8	This note matures in 2021, has a stated interest rate of 8.85% and an effective interest rate of 8.88%.
	9	This variable-rate tax-exempt bond matures in November 2022 and is backed by a standby letter of credit.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	ARO Operating Costs
	Accretion	$        2,892	$        2,908	$        8,745	$        7,731
	Depreciation	1,080	886	3,060	2,495
	Total	$        3,972	$        3,794	$      11,805	$      10,226
Reconciliations of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Balance at beginning of period	$     225,117	$     222,851	$     228,234	$     150,072
	Liabilities incurred	3,604	3,524	3,604	69,111
	Liabilities settled	-7,684	-2,328	-20,527	-8,839
	Accretion expense	2,892	2,908	8,745	7,731
	Revisions up (down), net	4,539	6,606	8,412	15,486
	Balance at end of period	$     228,468	$     233,561	$     228,468	$     233,561

BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	PENSION BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$        1,039	$        4,958	$        3,118	$      16,852
	Interest cost	11,098	10,179	33,294	30,816
	Expected return on plan assets	-12,701	-11,926	-38,102	-35,500
	Curtailment loss	0	0	0	855
	Amortization of prior service cost	47	79	141	259
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,806	4,264	8,416	16,259
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,289	$        7,554	$        6,867	$      29,541
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic pension benefit cost	$        2,853	$        4,343	$        8,557	$      17,373
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$           536	$           708	$        1,609	$        2,123
	Interest cost	824	815	2,473	2,445
	Curtailment gain	0	0	-3,832	0
	Amortization of prior service credit	-1,081	-1,215	-3,245	-3,647
	Amortization of actuarial loss	57	343	170	1,029
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$           336	$           651	$       (2,825)	$        1,950
	Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in
	net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$       (1,024)	$          (872)	$       (6,907)	$       (2,618)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax	'
			30-Sep	31-Dec	30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2013
	AOCI
	Cash flow hedges		$       (21,011)	$       (25,178)	$       (25,802)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		-70,504	-74,453	-128,074
	Total		$       (91,515)	$       (99,631)	$     (153,876)
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
	before reclassifications  1		0	2,943	2,943
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		4,167	1,006	5,173
	Net current period OCI changes		4,167	3,949	8,116
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		$       (21,011)	$       (70,504)	$       (91,515)
	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		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in thousands		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow
	Hedge Losses
	Interest expense		$            989	$         1,127	$         6,892	$         3,928
	Benefit from income taxes		-391	-448	-2,725	-1,560
	Total		$            598	$            679	$         4,167	$         2,368
	Amortization of Pension and Postretirement
	Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost
	Cost of revenues		$         1,465	$         2,827	$         1,324	$       11,837
	Selling, administrative and general expenses		362	644	326	2,918
	Benefit from income taxes		-713	-1,360	-644	-5,781
	Total		$         1,114	$         2,111	$         1,006	$         8,974
	Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings		$         1,712	$         2,790	$         5,173	$       11,342

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Change In Total Equity	'
		Total
	in thousands	Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$    3,938,106
	Net earnings	166,902
	Common stock issued
	Acquisition	45,185
	401(k) Trustee	30,620
	Share-based compensation plans	11,349
	Share-based compensation expense	18,425
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	3,375
	Cash dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)	-20,973
	Other comprehensive income	8,116
	Other	-6
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$    4,201,099

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Tables

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]	'
Segment Financial Disclosure	'
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep		30-Sep
	in millions		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Total Revenues
	Aggregates 1		$        688.9	$        596.8	$     1,752.6	$     1,528.8
	Asphalt Mix		136.4	130.2	330.0	308.3
	Concrete 2		99.0	129.8	288.8	349.9
	Cement 3		2.3	25.6	22.6	72.9
	Segment sales		926.6	882.4	2,394.0	2,259.9
	Aggregates intersegment sales		-53	-56.5	-145.7	-134.5
	Cement intersegment sales		0.0	-12.3	-9.2	-34.9
	Total revenues		$        873.6	$        813.6	$     2,239.1	$     2,090.5
	Gross Profit
	Aggregates		$        188.0	$        149.8	$        388.1	$        301.7
	Asphalt Mix		14.5	13.6	28.3	24.8
	Concrete 2		5.5	-3.9	-0.5	-19.8
	Cement 3		1.0	-0.5	2.0	2.8
	Total		$        209.0	$        159.0	$        417.9	$        309.5
	Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion
	and Amortization (DDA&A)
	Aggregates		$          58.5	$          56.7	$        169.2	$        169.2
	Asphalt Mix		2.6	2.2	7.5	6.4
	Concrete 2		5.0	8.4	15.7	24.5
	Cement 3		0.2	5.4	1.4	13.8
	Other		4.9	5.6	15.1	17.0
	Total		$          71.2	$          78.3	$        208.9	$        230.9
	Identifiable Assets 4
	Aggregates				$     7,409.1	$     6,936.5
	Asphalt Mix				238.2	251.6
	Concrete 2				235.6	384.2
	Cement 3				5.9	411.9
	Total identifiable assets				$     7,888.8	$     7,984.2
	General corporate assets				110.8	80.1
	Cash items				91.9	245.8
	Total				$     8,091.5	$     8,310.1
	1	Includes crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, other aggregates, as well as freight and delivery revenues (see Note 1) associated with the aggregates business.
	2	Includes ready-mixed concrete. On March 7, 2014, we sold our concrete business in the Florida area (see Note 16) which in addition to ready-mixed concrete, included concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale.
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information Referable to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	'
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep
	in thousands	2014	2013
	Cash Payments
	Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$     163,593	$     102,137
	Income taxes	64,539	29,909
	Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant
	& equipment	$         5,777	$         9,197
	Amounts referable to business acquisitions
	Liabilities assumed	24,881	232
	Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged	4,914	0
	Fair value of equity consideration	45,185	0

GOODWILL_Tables

GOODWILL (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
	Goodwill of acquired businesses 1		13,796	0	0	0	13,796
	Total as of September 30, 2014		$  3,003,684	$             0	$    91,633	$  252,664	$    3,347,981
	Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment Losses 2
	Total as of December 31, 2013		$                0	$             0	$             0	$	$      (252,664)
						-252,664
	Total as of September 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 September 30, 2014		$  3,003,684	$             0	$    91,633	$             0	$    3,095,317
	1	The goodwill of acquired businesses relates to the 2014 acquisitions as outlined in Note 16.
	2	The goodwill for the Cement segment was fully impaired in 2008.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income Actual Results	'
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep			30-Sep
	in thousands		2014				2014
	Actual Results
	Total revenues		$       13,090				$       13,090
	Net earnings		91				91
	Acquisition Related Costs
	Selling, administrative and general expenses		$            734				$         1,156
Schedule Of Business Acquisitions	'
	in thousands, except for share data
	Fair Value of Purchase Consideration
	Cash						$     268,396
	Real property						2,414
	Payable to seller						2,500
	Vulcan Materials Company, common stock (698,108 shares)						44,691
	Total fair value of purchase consideration						$     318,001
	Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	Accounts and notes receivable, net						$         9,676
	Inventories						13,767
	Other current assets						25
	Property, plant & equipment, net						178,784
	Other intangible assets
	Contractual rights in place						125,478
	Deferred income taxes, net						-13,796
	Liabilities assumed						-10,329
	Remaining minority interest in a consolidated entity						600
	Net identifiable assets acquired						$     304,205
	Goodwill						$       13,796
Classification of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	'
				31-Dec		30-Sep
	in thousands				2013		2013
	Held for Sale
	Property, plant & equipment, net				$       10,559		$       10,559
	Total assets held for sale				$       10,559		$       10,559

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$750	$0	$750	$1,509

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Revenue) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Product sales	$795,096	$746,392	$2,034,521	$1,915,032
Freight and delivery revenues	78,483	67,176	204,621	175,431
Total revenues	$873,579	$813,568	$2,239,142	$2,090,463

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	131,797	130,266	131,256	130,234
Dilutive effect of	'	'	'	'
Stock options/SOSARs	661	405	671	449
Other stock compensation plans	911	649	832	685
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	133,369	131,320	132,759	131,368

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive common stock equivalents	2,355	2,899	2,355	2,899

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Narrat

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'
Pretax loss	($1,393)	($1,302)	($3,132)	($4,063)
Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	0	0	0	11,728
Income tax (provision) benefit	551	515	1,236	-3,025
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of income taxes	($842)	($787)	($1,896)	$4,640

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Details

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
					Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Alabama [Member]
						Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$31,066,000	$10,793,000	$71,947,000	($21,874,000)	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	55,051,000	53,680,000
Increase in valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	$8,771,000	'

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Narrative_Det

DEFERRED REVENUE (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	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 transactions costs (Note 16)	$73,644,000	$0	$153,095,000	$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	'	'	'	'
Balance of deferred revenue related to VPP transactions	'	221,205,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated deferred revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,100,000	$6,100,000

DEFERRED_REVENUE_Summary_Of_Re

DEFERRED REVENUE (Summary Of Recognized Deferred Revenue) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
DEFERRED REVENUE [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred revenue	$1,384	$300	$3,725	$876
Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production	-4,322	-1,014	-11,404	-2,911
Decrease to total revenues and gross margin	($2,938)	($714)	($7,679)	($2,035)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	item			Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
						Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
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	$2,571,000	$2,620,000	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	369,000	2,468,000	'	'	'	'
Assets subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis	'	'	0	'	'	2,280,000
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis	'	'	0	'	'	'
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets	'	'	'	$2,987,000	$2,987,000	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value Measurement of Assets on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 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	$27,824	$28,083	$26,059
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	14,986	15,255	14,371
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	12,838	12,828	11,688
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets fair value, recurring	1,367	1,244	1,365
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	$1,367	$1,244	$1,365

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Assets

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets Subject to Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
		Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring	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	$2,987,000	'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Narrati

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

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2007

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2007

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,153,000

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

'

$493,000

$1,093,000

$10,171,000

$3,223,000

'

'

'

'

'

$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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 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)	($989)	($1,127)	($6,892)	($3,928)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Reflect

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Reflection of Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortized to earnings as a reduction to interest expense	$493	$1,093	$10,171	$3,223

DEBT_Narrative_Details

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Standby Letters of Credit [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Medium-term Notes

Medium-term Notes

Medium-term Notes

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

7.15% notes due 2037

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Standby Letters of Credit [Member]

Standby Letters of Credit [Member]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2021

'2016

'2021

'2015

'2018

'2018

'2017

'2037

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

6.50%

'

'

'

6.30%

8.70%

8.85%

6.50%

7.50%

10.13%

10.38%

7.00%

6.40%

7.15%

'

'

'

Amount of bank credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

Facility expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25-Mar-19

'

'

Commitment fee

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

0.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity

'

446,732,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing

'

'

'

'

0.18%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75%

1.50%

2.25%

Total consideration paid for debt

579,659,000

649,711,000

306,493,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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 to EBITDA ratio

'

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

EBITDA to net cash interest expense ratio

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

DEBT_Summary_of_Debt_Details

DEBT (Summary of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	$2,006,113	[1]	$2,522,413	[1]	$2,523,552	[1]
Less current maturities	145	[2]	170	[2]	163	[2]
Total long-term debt	2,005,968		2,522,243		2,523,389
Estimated fair value of long-term debt	2,259,218		2,820,399		2,795,661
10.125% notes due 2015	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	151,212	[3]	151,897	[3]	152,110	[3]
6.50% notes due 2016	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	127,209	[4]	511,627	[4]	512,505	[4]
6.40% notes due 2017	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	218,585	[5]	349,907	[5]	349,902	[5]
7.00% notes due 2018	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	399,805	[6]	399,772	[6]	399,761	[6]
10.375% notes due 2018	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	248,981	[7]	248,843	[7]	248,799	[7]
7.50% notes due 2021	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	600,000	[8]	600,000	[8]	600,000	[8]
7.15% notes due 2037	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	239,568	[9]	239,561	[9]	239,559	[9]
Medium-term Notes	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	6,000	[1]	6,000	[1]	6,000	[1]
Industrial revenue bonds	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	14,000	[2]	14,000	[2]	14,000	[2]
Other Notes	'		'		'
Long Term Debt	'		'		'
Long-term Debt, Total	$753	[9]	$806	[9]	$916	[9]
[1]	This note matures in 2021, has a stated interest rate of 8.85% and an effective interest rate of 8.88%.
[2]	This variable-rate tax-exempt bond matures in November 2022 and is backed by a standby letter of credit.
[3]	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2014 b $1,330 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $2,082 thousand and September 30, 2013 b $2,315 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 b $118 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $185 thousand and September 30, 2013 b $206 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.58%.
[4]	Includes an increase for the unamortized deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: September 30, 2014 b $2,208 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $11,627 thousand and September 30, 2013 b $12,505 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.00%.
[5]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 b $48 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $93 thousand and September 30, 2013 b $98 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.
[6]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 b $195 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $228 thousand and September 30, 2013 b $239 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.
[7]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 b $1,019 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $1,157 thousand and September 30, 2013 b $1,201 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.625%.
[8]	The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.
[9]	Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: September 30, 2014 b $620 thousand, December 31, 2013 b $627 thousand and September 30, 2013 b $629 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

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

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

7.15% notes due 2037

7.15% notes due 2037

7.15% notes due 2037

Medium-term Notes

Medium-term Notes

Medium-term Notes

Industrial revenue bonds

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

6.50%

10.13%

'

'

6.50%

'

'

6.40%

'

'

7.00%

'

'

10.38%

'

'

7.50%

7.15%

'

'

8.85%

6.30%

8.70%

'

Maturity year

'

'2015

'

'

'2016

'

'

'2017

'

'

'2018

'

'

'2018

'

'

'2021

'2037

'

'

'2021

'

'

'2022

Increase in unamortized deferred gain realized

'

$1,330

$2,082

$2,315

$2,208

$11,627

$12,505

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in unamortized discounts

'

$118

$185

$206

'

'

'

$48

$93

$98

$195

$228

$239

$1,019

$1,157

$1,201

'

$620

$627

$629

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

9.58%

'

'

6.00%

'

'

7.41%

'

'

7.87%

'

'

10.63%

'

'

7.75%

8.05%

'

'

8.88%

'

'

'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	31-May-07	Sep. 30, 2014
	mi
	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	'
Line of Credit	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit	'	500,000,000
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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Standby Letters of Credit	'		'	'		'		'	'
Long term debt	$2,006,113	[1]	'	$2,522,413	[1]	$2,523,552	[1]	'	'
Reclamation/restoration requirements	228,468		225,117	228,234		233,561		222,851	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		'	'		'		'	'
[1]	This note matures in 2021, has a stated interest rate of 8.85% and an effective interest rate of 8.88%.

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_A

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
ARO Operating Costs	'	'	'	'
Accretion	$2,892	$2,908	$8,745	$7,731
Depreciation	1,080	886	3,060	2,495
Total	$3,972	$3,794	$11,805	$10,226

ASSET_RETIREMENT_OBLIGATIONS_R

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Reconciliations Of Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligations	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$225,117	$222,851	$228,234	$150,072
Liabilities incurred	3,604	3,524	3,604	69,111
Liabilities settled	-7,684	-2,328	-20,527	-8,839
Accretion expense	2,892	2,908	8,745	7,731
Revisions up (down), net	4,539	6,606	8,412	15,486
Balance at end of period	$228,468	$233,561	$228,468	$233,561

BENEFIT_PLANS_Narrative_Detail

BENEFIT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	entity		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)	'	'	'	'
Normal retirement age	65	'	'	'	'	'	'
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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1,039	$4,958	$3,118	$16,852
Interest cost	11,098	10,179	33,294	30,816
Expected return on plan assets	-12,701	-11,926	-38,102	-35,500
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	0	0	855
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	47	79	141	259
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,806	4,264	8,416	16,259
Net periodic pension benefit cost	2,289	7,554	6,867	29,541
Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in net periodic postretirement benefit cost	2,853	4,343	8,557	17,373
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	536	708	1,609	2,123
Interest cost	824	815	2,473	2,445
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	0	-3,832	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-1,081	-1,215	-3,245	-3,647
Amortization of actuarial loss	57	343	170	1,029
Net periodic pension benefit cost	336	651	-2,825	1,950
Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in net periodic postretirement benefit cost	($1,024)	($872)	($6,907)	($2,618)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Acc

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
AOCI	'	'	'
Cash flow hedges	($21,011)	($25,178)	($25,802)
Pension and postretirement benefit plans	-70,504	-74,453	-128,074
Total	($91,515)	($99,631)	($153,876)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Cha

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Changes In AOCI Net Of Tax) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'	'	($99,631)		'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	'	2,943	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	5,173		'
Other comprehensive income	1,712	2,790	8,116		71,641
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	-91,515	-153,876	-91,515		-153,876
Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow Hedges	'	'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'	'	-25,178		'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	'	0	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	4,167		'
Other comprehensive income	'	'	4,167		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	-21,011	'	-21,011		'
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 before reclassifications	'	'	2,943	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	'	1,006		'
Other comprehensive income	'	'	3,949		'
AOCI, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	($70,504)	'	($70,504)		'
[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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	($40,891)	($49,134)	($201,531)	($152,757)
Selling, administrative and general expenses	66,074	65,854	199,808	195,411
Benefit from income taxes	31,066	10,793	71,947	-21,874
Net earnings	66,939	41,363	166,902	15,300
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	1,712	2,790	5,173	11,342
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	989	1,127	6,892	3,928
Benefit from income taxes	-391	-448	-2,725	-1,560
Net earnings	598	679	4,167	2,368
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 revenues	1,465	2,827	1,324	11,837
Selling, administrative and general expenses	362	644	326	2,918
Benefit from income taxes	-713	-1,360	-644	-5,781
Net earnings	$1,114	$2,111	$1,006	$8,974

EQUITY_Narrative_Details

EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	'	$1	$1	$1
Preferred stock issued	0	'	0	'	'
Common stock issued in connection with business acquisitions	698,108	16,896	'	'	'
Shares of common stock issued to trustee under 401(k) savings and retirement plan	'	'	485,306	0	71,208
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock to the trustee under 401(k) savings and retirement plan	'	'	$30,620,000	'	$3,821,000
Number of shares held in treasury	0	'	0	0	0
Shares remaining under the current authorization repurchase program	3,411,416	'	3,411,416	'	'
Cash dividend on common stock, per share	'	'	$0.16	'	'

EQUITY_Change_In_Total_Equity_

EQUITY (Change In Total Equity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'	'	$3,938,106	'
Net earnings	66,939	41,363	166,902	15,300
Common stock issued, 401(k) Trustee	'	'	30,620	0
Common stock issued, Acquisitions	'	'	45,185	'
Common stock issued, Share-based compensation plans	'	'	11,349	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	18,425	'
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	'	'	3,375	'
Cash dividends on common stock	'	'	-20,973	'
Other comprehensive income	1,712	2,790	8,116	71,641
Other	'	'	-6	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	$4,201,099	$3,862,911	$4,201,099	$3,862,911

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Narrative_De

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Product sales	$795,096		$746,392		$2,034,521		$1,915,032		'	'
Freight and delivery revenues	78,483		67,176		204,621		175,431		'	'
Total revenues	873,579		813,568		2,239,142		2,090,463		'	'
Gross profit	209,042		158,983		417,922		309,533		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	71,157		78,320		208,858		230,877		'	'
Cash items	91,868		245,813		91,868		245,813		193,738	275,478
Total assets	8,091,538		8,310,056		8,091,538		8,310,056		8,259,143	'
Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	7,888,800	[1]	7,984,200	[1]	7,888,800	[1]	7,984,200	[1]	'	'
Segments sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	926,600		882,400		2,394,000		2,259,900		'	'
Aggregates	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Gross profit	188,000		149,800		388,100		301,700		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	58,500		56,700		169,200		169,200		'	'
Aggregates | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	7,409,100	[1]	6,936,500	[1]	7,409,100	[1]	6,936,500	[1]	'	'
Aggregates | Segments sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	688,900	[2]	596,800	[2]	1,752,600	[2]	1,528,800	[2]	'	'
Aggregates | Intersegment sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	-53,000		-56,500		-145,700		-134,500		'	'
Concrete	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Gross profit	5,500		-3,900		-500		-19,800		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	5,000		8,400		15,700		24,500		'	'
Concrete | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	235,600	[1]	384,200	[1]	235,600	[1]	384,200	[1]	'	'
Concrete | Segments sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	99,000		129,800		288,800		349,900		'	'
Asphalt Mix	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Gross profit	14,500	[3]	13,600	[3]	28,300	[3]	24,800	[3]	'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	2,600	[3]	2,200	[3]	7,500	[3]	6,400	[3]	'	'
Asphalt Mix | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	238,200	[1],[3]	251,600	[1],[3]	238,200	[1],[3]	251,600	[1],[3]	'	'
Asphalt Mix | Segments sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	136,400	[3]	130,200	[3]	330,000	[3]	308,300	[3]	'	'
Cement	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Gross profit	1,000	[4]	-500	[4]	2,000	[4]	2,800	[4]	'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	200	[4]	5,400	[4]	1,400	[4]	13,800	[4]	'	'
Cement | Identifiable assets	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	5,900	[1],[4]	411,900	[1],[4]	5,900	[1],[4]	411,900	[1],[4]	'	'
Cement | Segments sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	2,300	[4]	25,600	[4]	22,600	[4]	72,900	[4]	'	'
Cement | Intersegment sales	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	0		-12,300		-9,200		-34,900		'	'
Other unallocated	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	4,900	[3]	5,600	[3]	15,100	[3]	17,000	[3]	'	'
Corporate	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total assets	$110,800	[1]	$80,100	[1]	$110,800	[1]	$80,100	[1]	'	'
[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 freight and delivery revenues (see Note 1) associated with the aggregates business.
[3]	Includes ready-mixed concrete. On March 7, 2014, we sold our concrete business in the Florida area (see Note 16) which in addition to ready-mixed concrete, included concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale.
[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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'
Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$163,593	$102,137
Income taxes	64,539	29,909
Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment	5,777	9,197
Liabilities assumed	24,881	232
Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged	4,914	0
Fair value of equity consideration	$45,185	$0

GOODWILL_Narrative_Details

GOODWILL (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	segment
GOODWILL [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill impairment charges	$0	$0
Number of reportable segments	4	'

GOODWILL_Changes_in_Carrying_A

GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	$3,347,981		$3,334,185		'
Goodwill of acquired businesses	13,796	[1]	'		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	-252,664	[2]	-252,664	[2]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,095,317		3,081,521		3,081,521
Aggregates	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	3,003,684		2,989,888		'
Goodwill of acquired businesses	13,796	[1]	'		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,003,684		2,989,888		'
Concrete	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	0		0		'
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]	'		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Asphalt Mix	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	91,633		91,633		'
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]	'		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	91,633		91,633		'
Cement	'		'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	252,664		252,664		'
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]	'		'
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	-252,664	[2]	-252,664	[2]	'
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	$0		$0		'
[1]	The goodwill of acquired businesses relates to the 2014 acquisitions as outlined in Note 16.
[2]	The goodwill for the Cement segment was fully impaired in 2008.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_1

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

Concrete

Concrete

Cement And Concrete [Member]

Cement And Concrete [Member]

Contractual Rights

Previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land [Member]

Unimproved land previously containing a sales yard [Member]

Unimproved land previously containing a sales yard [Member]

Aggregates production facilities [Member]

Aggregates production facilities [Member]

Aggregates production facilities [Member]

Land containing 136 million tons of aggregates reserves [Member]

Two aggregates production facilities [Member]

property

property

Aggregates

Aggregates

Aggregates

CALIFORNIA

Aggregates

Aggregates

T

property

property

Arizona And New Mexico [Member]

DELAWARE

property

property

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of facilities acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

5

2

'

2

Payment for acquisition of businesses

'

'

'

$268,604,000

$89,951,000

'

'

'

'

'

$29,983,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$59,968,000

Amortizable intangible assets recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,425,000

'

'

41,576,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,620,000

Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'50 years

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

Intangible assets amortization period, tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

Cash proceeds from divestiture

'

'

'

719,089,000

51,604,000

'

'

34,743,000

5,133,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of properties and businesses

1,002,000

'

9,350,000

238,527,000

36,869,000

'

'

21,183,000

2,802,000

9,027,000

'

227,910,000

'

'

168,000

5,790,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Supply agreement period

'

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregates reserves acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

136,000,000

'

Purchases of property, plant & equipment

'

'

'

169,220,000

117,310,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

117,000,000

'

Property, plant & equipment

6,608,342,000

'

6,792,470,000

6,608,342,000

6,792,470,000

6,933,602,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment

'

'

'

21,320,000

14,974,000

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital gains with deferred income taxes

145,000,000

'

'

145,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock issued in connection with business acquisitions

698,108

16,896

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

721,359,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill of dispositions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,521,000

$674,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Comprehensive Income Actual Results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]	'	'
Total revenues	$13,090	$13,090
Net earnings	91	91
Selling, administrative and general expenses	$734	$1,156

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Schedule Of Business Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified				Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$268,396
Real property	'	'	'	2,414
Payable to seller	'	'	'	2,500
Vulcan Materials Company, common stock	'	'	'	44,691
Total fair value of purchase consideration	'	'	'	318,001
Accounts and notes receivable, net	'	'	'	9,676
Inventories	'	'	'	13,767
Other current assets	'	'	'	25
Property, plant & equipment, net	'	'	'	178,784
Contractual rights in place	'	'	'	125,478
Deferred income taxes, net	'	'	'	-13,796
Liabilities assumed	'	'	'	-10,329
Remaining minority interest in a consolidated entity	'	'	'	600
Net identifiable assets acquired	'	'	'	304,205
Goodwill	$3,095,317	$3,081,521	$3,081,521	$13,796
Common stock, shares, issued	131,703,000	130,200,000	129,989,000	698,108

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_4

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