Vulcan Materials 10-Q 5 Nov 21 2021 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 22, 2021
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Entity File Number	001-33841
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY
Entity Central Index Key	0001396009
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NJ
Entity Tax Identification Number	20-8579133
Entity Address, Address Line One	1200 Urban Center Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Birmingham
Entity Address, State or Province	AL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	35242
City Area Code	205
Local Phone Number	298-3000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1 par value
Trading Symbol	New York Stock Exchange
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		132,705,028

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 135,683	$ 1,197,068	$ 1,084,100
Restricted cash	747	945	630
Accounts and notes receivable
Accounts and notes receivable, gross	948,347	558,848	647,362
Allowance for credit losses	(10,158)	(2,551)	(3,155)
Accounts and notes receivable, net	938,189	556,297	644,207
Inventories
Finished products	411,872	378,389	384,575
Raw materials	58,223	33,780	34,562
Products in process	3,815	4,555	5,098
Operating supplies and other	38,320	31,861	31,226
Inventories	512,230	448,585	455,461
Other current assets	131,567	74,270	80,935
Total current assets	1,718,416	2,277,165	2,265,333
Investments and long-term receivables	34,108	34,301	41,778
Property, plant & equipment
Property, plant & equipment, cost	10,362,862	9,102,086	8,958,342
Allowances for depreciation, depletion & amortization	(4,815,913)	(4,676,087)	(4,614,543)
Property, plant & equipment, net	5,546,949	4,425,999	4,343,799
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	656,881	423,128	431,227
Goodwill	3,674,763	3,172,112	3,172,112
Other intangible assets, net	1,819,778	1,123,544	1,107,091
Other noncurrent assets	237,107	230,656	229,193
Total assets	13,688,002	11,686,905	11,590,533
Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,228	515,435	509,435
Trade payables and accruals	410,340	273,080	263,296
Other current liabilities	454,125	259,368	297,162
Total current liabilities	876,693	1,047,883	1,069,893
Long-term debt	3,874,116	2,772,240	2,777,072
Deferred income taxes, net	1,053,415	706,050	685,520
Deferred revenue	168,138	174,045	174,488
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	622,275	399,582	407,336
Other noncurrent liabilities	644,226	559,775	547,872
Total liabilities	7,238,863	5,659,575	5,662,181
Other commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Equity
Common stock, $1 par value, Authorized 480,000 shares, Outstanding 132,704, 132,516 and 132,454 shares, respectively	132,704	132,516	132,454
Capital in excess of par value	2,810,257	2,802,012	2,797,222
Retained earnings	3,659,657	3,274,107	3,204,671
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(176,520)	(181,305)	(205,995)
Total shareholders' equity	6,426,098	6,027,330	5,928,352
Noncontrolling interest	23,041	0	0
Total equity	6,449,139	6,027,330	5,928,352
Total liabilities and equity	$ 13,688,002	$ 11,686,905	$ 11,590,533

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
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 outstanding	132,704,000	132,516,000	132,454,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Total revenues	[1]	$ 1,516,506	$ 1,309,890	$ 3,945,897	$ 3,681,707
Cost of revenues		1,122,445	929,392	2,924,206	2,702,967
Gross profit		394,061	380,498	1,021,691	978,740
Selling, administrative and general expenses		103,792	83,511	293,052	261,146
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses		2,940	1,576	120,316	2,317
Other operating expense, net		(30,843)	(10,459)	(49,541)	(20,610)
Operating earnings		262,366	288,104	799,414	699,301
Other nonoperating income, net		3,152	5,787	17,288	3,818
Interest expense, net		36,776	35,782	111,589	100,509
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes		228,742	258,109	705,113	602,610
Income tax expense		51,770	56,984	169,692	130,530
Earnings from continuing operations		176,972	201,125	535,421	472,080
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax		(212)	(1,337)	(2,702)	(2,118)
Net earnings		176,760	199,788	532,719	469,962
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		146	0	146	0
Net earnings attributable to Vulcan		176,906	199,788	532,865	469,962
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Deferred loss on interest rate derivative		0	0	0	(14,679)
Amortization of prior interest rate derivative loss		364	350	1,080	1,338
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost for benefit plans		1,235	1,695	3,705	5,085
Other comprehensive income (loss)		1,599	2,045	4,785	(8,256)
Comprehensive income		178,359	201,833	537,504	461,706
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		146	0	146	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Vulcan		$ 178,505	$ 201,833	$ 537,650	$ 461,706
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vulcan
Continuing operations		$ 1.33	$ 1.52	$ 4.03	$ 3.56
Discontinued operations		0	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.01)
Net earnings		1.33	1.51	4.01	3.55
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vulcan
Continuing operations		1.33	1.51	4.01	3.54
Discontinued operations		(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.01)
Net earnings		$ 1.32	$ 1.50	$ 3.99	$ 3.53
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic		132,810	132,573	132,780	132,564
Assuming dilution		133,544	133,268	133,480	133,192
Effective tax rate from continuing operations		22.60%	22.10%	24.10%	21.70%
[1]	1 The geographic markets are defined by states/countries as follows: East market — Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Marylan d, N orth Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Gulf Coast market — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Quintana Roo (Mexico), South Carolina and Texas West market — Arizon a, C alifornia and New Mexico U.S. Concrete — British Columbia (Canada), California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 532,719	$ 469,962
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	320,992	295,912
Noncash operating lease expense	32,697	27,820
Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	(120,316)	(2,317)
Contributions to pension plans	(6,032)	(6,540)
Share-based compensation expense	25,200	23,239
Deferred tax expense	71,449	50,346
Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions	(144,635)	(76,545)
Other, net	12,742	(3,951)
Net cash provided by operating activities	724,816	777,926
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant & equipment	(318,620)	(268,989)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	192,367	9,440
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	651
Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash	(1,634,492)	(5,668)
Other, net	161	10,819
Net cash used for investing activities	(1,760,584)	(253,747)
Financing Activities
Payment of current maturities and long-term debt	(1,444,024)	(250,018)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,600,000	750,000
Debt issuance and exchange costs	(13,286)	(15,394)
Settlements of interest rate derivatives	0	(19,863)
Purchases of common stock	0	(26,132)
Dividends paid	(147,267)	(135,161)
Share-based compensation, shares withheld for taxes	(15,776)	(16,303)
Other, net	(5,462)	(1,084)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	(25,815)	286,045
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(1,061,583)	810,224
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	1,198,013	274,506
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 136,430	$ 1,084,730

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 one of the nation’s largest suppliers of construction aggregates (primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel) and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We operate primarily in the United States and our principal product — aggregates — is used in virtually all types of public and private construction projects and in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We serve markets in twenty-three states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington D.C., and the local markets surrounding our operations in Quintana Roo, Mexico and British Columbia, Canada. Our primary focus is serving metropolitan markets in the United States that are expected to experience the most significant growth in population, households and employment. These three demographic factors are significant drivers of demand for aggregates. While aggregates is our focus and primary business, we produce and sell asphalt mix and/or ready-mixed concrete in our Alabama, Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C. markets. 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 (GAAP) for complete financial statements. We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual financial statements, except for the adoption of new accounting standards as described in Note 17. Our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from the audited financial statement, but it does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. 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. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021, particularly in light of 1) our acquisition of U.S. Concrete in August 2021, and 2) the uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as construction activity continues to be impacted by capacity constraints (supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages and transportation availability) and cost inflation. Additionally, period-over-period comparisons are significantly impacted by our acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16). Our condensed consolidated financial statements reflect estimates and assumptions made by management that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The most significant estimates and assumptions included in the preparation of these financial statements are related to goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, business combinations and purchase price allocation (see Note 16 for our 2021 acquisition of U.S. Concrete), pension and other postretirement benefits, environmental compliance, claims and litigation including self-insurance, and income taxes. Events and changes in circumstances arising after September 30, 2021, will be reflected in management’s estimates for future periods. Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as described within this Note under the caption Discontinued Operations, the results of the Chemicals business are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. RESTRICTED CASH Restricted cash primarily consists of cash proceeds from the sale of property held in escrow for the acquisition of replacement property under like-kind exchange agreements. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Cash restricted pursuant to like-kind exchange agreements remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Restricted cash may also include cash reserved by other contractual agreements (such as asset purchase agreements) for a specified purpose and therefore is not available for use for other purposes. Restricted cash is included with cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In 2005, we sold substantially all the assets of our Chemicals business to Basic Chemicals, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation. 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. Results from discontinued operations are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Discontinued Operations Pretax loss$          (292) $       (1,810) $       (3,650) $       (2,868) Income tax benefit 80  473  948  750  Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax$          (212) $       (1,337) $       (2,702) $       (2,118) Our discontinued operations include charges/credits related to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business (including certain matters as discussed in Note 8). There were no revenues from discontinued operations for the periods presented. EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) Earnings per share 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 September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 132,810  132,573  132,780  132,564  Dilutive effect of Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights 303  314  308  307  Other stock compensation plans 431  381  392  321  Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution 133,544  133,268  133,480  133,192  All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in our earnings per share calculations. In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation would be excluded. 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 September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Antidilutive common stock equivalents 65  146  65  269

LEASES

LEASES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
LEASES [Abstract]
LEASES	Note 2: Leases Our portfolio of nonmineral leases is composed of leases for real estate (including office buildings, aggregates sales yards and terminals, and concrete and asphalt sites) and equipment (including railcars and rail track, barges, and office, plant and mobile equipment). Lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and liabilities and the weighted-average lease terms and discount rates are as follows: September 30 December 31 September 30 dollars in thousandsClassification on the Balance Sheet2021 2020 2020 Assets Operating lease ROU assets $     728,763  $     482,513  $     483,659  Accumulated amortization (71,882) (59,385) (52,432) Operating leases, netOperating lease right-of-use assets, net 656,881  423,128  431,227  Finance lease assets 125,624  7,796  7,003  Accumulated amortization (4,975) (1,640) (1,148) Finance leases, netProperty, plant & equipment, net 120,649  6,156  5,855  Total lease assets $     777,530  $     429,284  $     437,082  Liabilities Current OperatingOther current liabilities$       48,727  $       36,969  $       36,434  FinanceOther current liabilities 38,395  2,047  1,875  Noncurrent Operating Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 622,275  399,582  407,336  FinanceOther noncurrent liabilities 63,172  4,139  4,000  Total lease liabilities $     772,569  $     442,737  $     449,645  Lease Term and Discount Rate Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 21.0  9.5  10.1  Finance leases 3.4  4.2  4.2  Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases3.9% 3.6% 3.9% Finance leases1.2% 1.4% 1.5% The increases in ROU assets and liabilities presented above primarily relate to the acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16 for additional information). Our lease agreements do not contain residual value guarantees, restrictive covenants or early termination options that we deem material. We have not sought or been granted any material lease concessions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The components of lease expense are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Lease Cost Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use assets$           828  $           449  $        2,158  $        1,122  Interest on lease liabilities 172  27  231  75  Operating lease cost 18,390  14,837  49,199  43,177  Short-term lease cost 1 7,717  7,787  17,878  24,507  Variable lease cost 2,225  3,236  7,696  10,141  Sublease income (668) (677) (2,325) (2,133) Total lease cost$      28,664  $      25,659  $      74,837  $      76,889  1Our short-term lease cost includes the cost of leases with an initial term of one month or less. Cash paid for operating leases was $44,592,000 and $40,456,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash paid for finance leases was $4,767,000 and $1,104,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	Note 3: Income Taxes Our estimated annual effective tax rate (EAETR) is based on full-year expectations of pretax 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, 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 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. In the third quarter of 2021, we recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $51,770,000 compared to $56,984,000 in the third quarter of 2020. The decrease in tax expense was primarily related to a decrease in pretax earnings. For the first nine months of 2021, we recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $169,692,000 compared to $130,530,000 for the first nine months of 2020. The increase in tax expense was primarily related to an increase in pretax earnings and an increase in the Alabama net operating loss (NOL) valuation allowance as discussed below. In February 2021, the Alabama Business Competitiveness Act (Act) was signed into law. This Act contained a provision requiring most taxpayers to change from a three-factor, double-weighted sales method to a single-sales factor method to apportion income to Alabama. This provision had the effect of significantly reducing our apportionment of income to Alabama, thereby further inhibiting our ability to utilize our Alabama NOL carryforward. As a result, we recorded a charge in the first quarter to increase the valuation allowance by $13,695,000. No other material tax impacts resulted from the enactment of this Act. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities (which reflect our best assessment of the future taxes we will pay) based on the differences between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in future tax returns while deferred tax liabilities represent items that will result in additional tax in future tax returns. A summary of our deferred tax assets and liabilities is included in Note 9 “Income Taxes” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Each quarter we analyze the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. 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. 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. We project Alabama NOL carryforward deferred tax assets at December 31, 2021 of $63,221,000 against which we have a valuation allowance of $42,931,000 (after considering the Act). Almost all of the Alabama NOL carryforward would expire between 2023 and 2029 if not utilized. We recognize a tax benefit associated with a 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 measure the income tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. A liability is established for the unrecognized portion of any tax benefit. Our liability for 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. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is appropriate.

REVENUES

REVENUES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
REVENUES [Abstract]
REVENUES	Note 4: revenueS Revenues are measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales and other taxes we collect are recorded as liabilities until remitted and thus are excluded from revenues. Costs to obtain and fulfill contracts (primarily asphalt construction paving contracts) are immaterial and are expensed as incurred when the expected amortization period is one year or less. Our segment total revenues by geographic market (excluding the U.S. Concrete acquisition which is only presented by segment) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are disaggregated as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2021in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     362,913  $     44,019  $     63,137  $              0  $      470,069  Gulf Coast 616,832  52,601  19,688  1,474  690,595  West 159,334  124,032  14,696  0  298,062  U.S. Concrete 33,330  0  121,704  0  155,034  Segment sales$  1,172,409  $   220,652  $   219,225  $       1,474  $   1,613,760  Intersegment sales (97,254) (97,254) Total revenues$  1,075,155  $   220,652  $   219,225  $       1,474  $   1,516,506  Three Months Ended September 30, 2020in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     360,985  $     46,212  $     73,181  $              0  $      480,378  Gulf Coast 535,215  55,894  18,889  1,354  611,352  West 152,762  133,095  10,737  0  296,594  Segment sales$  1,048,962  $   235,201  $   102,807  $       1,354  $   1,388,324  Intersegment sales (78,434) 0  0  0  (78,434) Total revenues$     970,528  $   235,201  $   102,807  $       1,354  $   1,309,890  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     960,679  $    104,216  $    184,492  $               0  $    1,249,387  Gulf Coast 1,743,200  140,088  55,714  5,494  1,944,496  West 455,476  336,092  34,874  0  826,442  U.S. Concrete 33,330  0  121,705  0  155,035  Segment sales$  3,192,685  $    580,396  $    396,785  $        5,494  $    4,175,360  Intersegment sales (229,463) (229,463) Total revenues$  2,963,222  $    580,396  $    396,785  $        5,494  $    3,945,897  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     951,090  $    102,053  $    206,954  $               0  $    1,260,097  Gulf Coast 1,596,321  140,253  53,801  5,269  1,795,644  West 440,373  355,634  37,500  0  833,507  Segment sales$  2,987,784  $    597,940  $    298,255  $        5,269  $    3,889,248  Intersegment sales (207,541) 0  0  0  (207,541) Total revenues$  2,780,243  $    597,940  $    298,255  $        5,269  $    3,681,707  1The geographic markets are defined by states/countries as follows: East market — Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C.Gulf Coast market — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Quintana Roo (Mexico), South Carolina and TexasWest market — Arizona, California and New Mexico U.S. Concrete — British Columbia (Canada), California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. Total revenues are primarily derived from our product sales of aggregates (crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand and other aggregates), asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete, and include freight & delivery costs that we pass along to our customers to deliver these products. We also generate service revenues from our asphalt construction paving business and service revenues related to our aggregates business, such as landfill tipping fees. Our total service revenues were $66,183,000 (4.4% of total revenues) and $63,347,000 (4.8% of total revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $168,201,000 (4.3% of total revenues) and $160,285,000 (4.4% of total revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our products typically are sold to private industry and not directly to governmental entities. Although approximately 45% to 55% of our aggregates shipments have historically been used in publicly-funded construction, such as highways, airports and government buildings, relatively insignificant sales are made directly to federal, state, county or municipal governments/agencies. Therefore, although reductions in state and federal funding can curtail publicly-funded construction, the vast majority of our aggregates business is not directly subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts with state or federal governments. PRODUCT REVENUES Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs at a point in time when our aggregates, asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete are shipped/delivered and control passes to the customer. Revenue for our products is recorded at the fixed invoice amount and payment is due by the 15th day of the following month — we do not offer discounts for early payment. Freight & delivery generally represents pass-through transportation we incur (including our administrative costs) and pay to third-party carriers to deliver our products to customers and are accounted for as a fulfillment activity. Likewise, the costs related to freight & delivery are included in cost of revenues. Freight & delivery revenues are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Freight & Delivery Revenues Total revenues$  1,516,506  $  1,309,890  $  3,945,897  $  3,681,707  Freight & delivery revenues 1 (206,127) (187,562) (564,595) (566,785) Total revenues excluding freight & delivery$  1,310,379  $  1,122,328  $  3,381,302  $  3,114,922  1Includes freight & delivery to remote distribution sites. CONSTRUCTION PAVING SERVICE REVENUES Revenue from our asphalt construction paving business is recognized over time using the percentage-of-completion method under the cost approach. The percentage of completion is determined by costs incurred to date as a percentage of total costs estimated for the project. Under this approach, recognized contract revenue equals the total estimated contract revenue multiplied by the percentage of completion. Our construction contracts are unit priced, and an account receivable is recorded for amounts invoiced based on actual units produced. Contract assets for estimated earnings in excess of billings, contract assets related to retainage provisions and contract liabilities for billings in excess of costs are immaterial. Variable consideration in our construction paving contracts is immaterial and consists of incentives and penalties based on the quality of work performed. Our construction paving contracts may contain warranty provisions covering defects in equipment, materials, design or workmanship that generally run from nine months to one year after project completion. Due to the nature of our construction paving projects, including contract owner inspections of the work during construction and prior to acceptance, we have not experienced material warranty costs for these short-term warranties. VOLUMETRIC PRODUCTION PAYMENT DEFERRED REVENUES In 2013 and 2012, we sold a percentage interest in certain future aggregates production for net cash proceeds of $226,926,000. These transactions, structured as volumetric production payments (VPPs): relate to eight quarries in Georgia and South Carolinaprovide the purchaser solely with a nonoperating percentage interest in the subject quarries’ future aggregates productioncontain no minimum annual or cumulative guarantees by us for production or sales volume, nor minimum sales priceare both volume and time limited (we expect the transactions will last approximately 20 years, limited by volume rather than time) We are the exclusive sales agent for, and transmit quarterly to the purchaser the proceeds from the sale of, the purchaser’s share of aggregates production. Our consolidated total revenues exclude the revenue from the sale of the purchaser’s share of aggregates. The proceeds we received from the sale of the percentage interest were recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet. We recognize revenue on a unit-of-sales basis (as we sell the purchaser’s share of production) relative to the volume limitations of the transactions. Given the nature of the risks and potential rewards assumed by the buyer, the transactions do not reflect financing activities. Reconciliation of the VPP deferred revenue balances (current and noncurrent) is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Deferred Revenue Balance at beginning of period$     174,076  $     181,963  $     177,962  $     185,339  Revenue recognized from deferred revenue (2,022) (2,046) (5,908) (5,422) Balance at end of period$     172,054  $     179,917  $     172,054  $     179,917  Based on expected sales from the specified quarries, we expect to recognize $7,500,000 of VPP deferred revenue as income during the 12-month period ending September 30, 2022 (reflected in other current liabilities in our September 30, 2021 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet).

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 liabilitiesLevel 2: Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market dataLevel 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 Fair Value September 30 December 31 September 30 in thousands2021 2020 2020 Fair Value Recurring Rabbi Trust Mutual funds$       30,489  $       28,058  $       24,447  Total$       30,489  $       28,058  $       24,447  Level 2 Fair Value September 30 December 31 September 30 in thousands2021 2020 2020 Fair Value Recurring Rabbi Trust Money market mutual fund$        1,303  $           837  $        1,581  Total$        1,303  $           837  $        1,581  We have 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 for which quoted prices in active markets are available. Level 2 investments are stated at estimated fair value based on the underlying investments in the fund (high-quality, short-term, U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments). Net gains of the Rabbi Trusts’ investments were $2,374,000 and $1,352,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The portions of the net gains related to investments still held by the Rabbi Trusts at September 30, 2021 and 2020 were $2,020,000 and $1,360,000, respectively. Interest rate swaps are measured at fair value using quoted market prices or pricing models that use prevailing market interest rates as of the measurement date. These interest rate swaps are more fully described in Note 6. The carrying values of our cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and notes receivable, short-term debt, trade payables and accruals, and all 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.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	Note 6: Derivative Instruments During the normal course of operations, we are exposed to market risks including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. From time to time, we use derivative instruments to balance the cost and risk of such exposures. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. In 2007, 2018 and 2020, we entered into interest rate locks of future debt issuances to hedge the risk of higher interest rates. These interest rate locks were designated as cash flow hedges. The gain/loss upon settlement of these interest rate hedges is deferred (recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)) and 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 September 30 September 30in thousandsStatement 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest Rate Hedges Interest Loss reclassified from AOCIexpense $          (493) $          (473) $       (1,461) $       (1,810) For the 12-month period ending September 30, 2022, we estimate that $2,028,000 of the $22,863,000 net of tax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to interest expense.

DEBT

DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
DEBT [Abstract]
DEBT	Note 7: Debt Debt is detailed as follows: Effective September 30 December 31 September 30 in thousandsInterest Rates 2021 2020 2020 Short-term Debt Bank line of credit expires 2025 1 $                  0  $                0  $                0  Total short-term debt $                  0  $                0  $                0  Long-term Debt Bank line of credit expires 2025 1 $                  0  $                0  $                0  Delayed draw term loan expires 20241.21% 1,100,000  0  0  Floating-rate notes due 2021 0  500,000  500,000  8.85% notes due 20218.88% 6,000  6,000  6,000  4.50% notes due 20254.65% 400,000  400,000  400,000  3.90% notes due 20274.00% 400,000  400,000  400,000  3.50% notes due 20303.94% 750,000  750,000  750,000  7.15% notes due 20378.05% 129,239  129,239  129,239  4.50% notes due 20474.59% 700,000  700,000  700,000  4.70% notes due 20485.42% 460,949  460,949  460,949  Other notes2.45% 11,020  11,711  11,718  Total long-term debt - face value $    3,957,208  $  3,357,899  $  3,357,906  Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs (70,864) (70,224) (71,399) Total long-term debt - book value $    3,886,344  $  3,287,675  $  3,286,507  Less current maturities 12,228  515,435  509,435  Total long-term debt - reported value $    3,874,116  $  2,772,240  $  2,777,072  Estimated fair value of long-term debt $    4,442,119  $  3,443,225  $  3,341,097  1Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term if we have the intent and ability to extend payment beyond twelve months. Discounts and debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the terms of the respective notes resulting in $12,647,000 and $6,028,000 of net interest expense for these items for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. BRIDGE FACILITY, DELAYED DRAW TERM LOAN AND LINE OF CREDIT In June 2021, concurrent with the announcement of the pending acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16 for additional information), we obtained a $2,200,000,000 bridge facility commitment from Truist Bank. Later, in June 2021, we entered into a $1,600,000,000 delayed draw term loan facility with a subset of the banks that provide our line of credit. The bridge facility commitment was terminated as a condition to the execution of the delayed draw term loan facility. The delayed draw term loan was drawn in August 2021 for $1,600,000,000 in connection with the acquisition of U.S. Concrete and was subsequently paid down to $1,100,000,000 prior to September 30, 2021. Any amounts repaid are no longer available for borrowing and outstanding borrowings are due August 2024. The delayed draw term loan contains covenants customary for an unsecured investment-grade facility and mirror those in our line of credit. As of September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with the delayed draw term loan covenants. Financing costs for the bridge facility commitment and the delayed draw term loan facility totaled $13,316,000, $9,384,000 of which was recognized as interest expense in the second quarter of 2021. Borrowings on the delayed draw term loan bear interest, at our option, at either LIBOR plus a credit margin ranging from 0.875% to 1.375%, or Truist Bank’s base rate (generally, its prime rate) plus a credit margin ranging from 0.000% to 0.375%. The credit margins and commitment fee are determined by our credit ratings. As of September 30, 2021, the credit margin for LIBOR borrowings was 1.000% and the credit margin for base rate borrowings was 0.000%. In September 2020, we executed a new five-year unsecured line of credit of $1,000,000,000, incurring $4,632,000 of deferred transaction costs. The line of credit contains covenants customary for an unsecured investment-grade facility. As of September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with the line of credit covenants. Borrowings on the line of credit bear interest, at our option, at either LIBOR plus a credit margin ranging from 1.000% to 1.625%, or Truist Bank’s base rate (generally, its prime rate) plus a credit margin ranging from 0.000% to 0.625%. The credit margin for both LIBOR and base rate borrowings is determined by our credit ratings. Standby letters of credit, which are issued under the line of credit and reduce availability, are charged a fee equal to the credit margin for LIBOR borrowings plus 0.175%. We also pay a commitment fee on the daily average unused amount of the line of credit that ranges from 0.090% to 0.225% determined by our credit ratings. As of September 30, 2021, the credit margin for LIBOR borrowings was 1.125%, the credit margin for base rate borrowings was 0.125%, and the commitment fee for the unused amount was 0.100%. As of September 30, 2021, our available borrowing capacity under the line of credit was $941,665,000. Utilization of the borrowing capacity was as follows: none was borrowed$58,335,000 was used to provide support for outstanding standby letters of credit TERM DEBT Essentially all of our $3,957,208,000 (face value) of term debt is unsecured. $2,846,188,000 of such debt is governed by three essentially identical indentures that contain customary investment-grade type covenants. As of September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with all term debt covenants. In August 2021, we assumed $434,463,000 (fair value) of senior notes due 2029 in connection with the acquisition of U.S. Concrete and subsequently retired these notes in September 2021. In May 2020, we issued $750,000,000 of 3.50% senior notes due 2030. Total proceeds were $741,417,000 (net of discounts and transaction costs). $250,000,000 of the proceeds were used to retire the $250,000,000 floating rate notes due June 2020. The remainder of the proceeds, together with cash on hand, was used to retire the $500,000,000 floating rate notes due March 2021. STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT We provide, in the normal course of business, certain third-party beneficiaries with 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 canceled with the approval of the beneficiary. Except for $24,850,000 of risk management letters of credit that expire in July 2022, our standby letters of credit are issued by banks that participate in our $1,000,000,000 line of credit, and reduce the borrowing capacity thereunder. Our standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2021 are summarized by purpose in the table below: in thousands Standby Letters of Credit Risk management insurance$       74,794  Reclamation/restoration requirements 8,391  Total$       83,185

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies Certain of our aggregates reserves are burdened by volumetric production payments (nonoperating interest) as described in Note 4. As the holder of the working interest, we have responsibility to bear the cost of mining and producing the reserves attributable to this nonoperating interest. As stated in Note 2, our lease liabilities totaled $772,569,000 as of September 30, 2021. As summarized by purpose in Note 7, our standby letters of credit totaled $83,185,000 as of September 30, 2021. As described in Note 9, our asset retirement obligations totaled $298,332,000 as of September 30, 2021. LITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS We are subject to occasional governmental proceedings and orders pertaining to occupational safety and health or to protection of the environment, such as proceedings or orders relating to noise abatement, air emissions or water discharges. As part of our continuing program of stewardship in safety, health and environmental matters, we have been able to resolve such proceedings and to comply with such orders without any material adverse effects on our business. We have received notices from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar state or local agencies that we are considered a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a limited number of sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) or similar state and local environmental laws. Generally, we share the cost of remediation at these sites with other PRPs or alleged PRPs in accordance with negotiated or prescribed allocations. There is inherent uncertainty in determining the potential cost of remediating a given site and in determining any individual party's share in that cost. As a result, estimates can change substantially as additional information becomes available regarding the nature or extent of site contamination, remediation methods, other PRPs and their probable level of involvement, and actions by or against governmental agencies or private parties. We have reviewed the nature and extent of our involvement at each Superfund site, as well as potential obligations arising under other federal, state and local environmental laws. While ultimate resolution and financial liability is uncertain at a number of the sites, in our opinion based on information currently available, the ultimate resolution of claims and assessments related to these sites will not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows, although amounts recorded in a given period could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for that period. Amounts accrued for environmental matters (measured on an undiscounted basis) are presented below: September 30 December 31 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2020Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs Continuing operations$        25,414  $        25,544  $        26,094  Retained from former Chemicals business 10,696  10,971  10,900  Total$        36,110  $        36,515  $        36,994  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 Study Area (DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS and 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 (collectively the Cooperating Parties Group, CPG) to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the EPA to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (draft RI/FS) of the lower 17 miles of the Passaic River (River). The draft RI/FS was submitted recommending a targeted hot spot remedy; however, the EPA issued a record of decision (ROD) in March 2016 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 $1.38 billion. In September 2016, the EPA entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with Occidental Chemical Corporation (Occidental) in which Occidental agreed to undertake the remedial design for this bank-to-bank dredging remedy and to reimburse the United States for certain response costs. Efforts to investigate and remediate the River have been underway for many years and have involved hundreds of entities that have had operations on or near the River at some point during the past several decades. We formerly owned a chemicals operation near the mouth of the River, which was sold in 1974. The major risk drivers in the River have been identified to include dioxins, PCBs, DDx and mercury. We did not manufacture any of these risk drivers and have no evidence that any of these were discharged into the River by Vulcan. In August 2017, the EPA informed certain members of the CPG, including Vulcan, that it planned to use the services of a third-party allocator with the expectation of offering cash-out settlements to some parties in connection with the bank-to-bank remedy identified in the ROD. This voluntary allocation process is intended to establish an impartial third-party expert recommendation that may be considered by the government and the participants as the basis of possible settlements, including settlements related to future remediation actions. The final allocation recommendations, which are subject to confidentiality provisions, were submitted to the EPA for its review and consideration in late December 2020. Certain PRPs, including Vulcan, have since received a joint confidential settlement demand from the EPA/DOJ. The demand will be subject to further negotiation. If the PRPs who received the joint confidential settlement demand use the allocator’s recommendation as the basis to allocate the demand amongst themselves, Vulcan’s portion would be within the immaterial loss recorded for this matter in 2015. In July 2018, Vulcan, along with more than one hundred other defendants, was sued by Occidental in United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Newark Vicinage. Occidental is seeking cost recovery and contribution under CERCLA. It is unknown at this time how the proposed settlement with the EPA/DOJ would affect the Occidental lawsuit. ■ TEXAS BRINE MATTER (DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS) — During the operation of its former Chemicals Division, Vulcan secured the right to mine salt out of an underground salt dome formation in Assumption Parish, Louisiana from 1976 - 2005. Throughout that period, the Texas Brine Company (Texas Brine) was the operator contracted by Vulcan (and later Occidental Chemical Company (Occidental)) to mine and deliver the salt. We sold our Chemicals Division in 2005 and transferred our rights and interests related to the salt and mining operations to the purchaser, a subsidiary of Occidental, and we have had no association with the leased premises or Texas Brine since that time. In August 2012, a sinkhole developed in the vicinity of the Texas Brine mining operations, and numerous lawsuits were filed in state court in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. Other lawsuits, including class action litigation, were also filed in federal court before the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. There have been numerous defendants, including Texas Brine and Occidental, to the litigation in state and federal court. Vulcan was first brought into the litigation as a third-party defendant in August 2013 by Texas Brine. We have since been added as a direct and third-party defendant by other parties, including a direct claim by the state of Louisiana. Damage categories encompassed within the litigation include, but are not limited to, individual plaintiffs’ claims for property damage; a claim by the state of Louisiana for response costs and civil penalties; claims by Texas Brine for past and future response costs, lost profits and investment costs, indemnity payments, attorneys’ fees, other litigation costs and judicial interests; claims for physical damages to nearby oil and gas pipelines and storage facilities (pipelines); and business interruption claims. In addition to the plaintiffs’ claims, we were also sued for contractual indemnity and comparative fault by both Texas Brine and Occidental. It is alleged that the sinkhole was caused, in whole or in part, by our negligent or fraudulent actions or failure to act. It is also alleged that we breached the salt lease with Occidental, as well as an operating agreement and related contracts with Texas Brine; that we are strictly liable for certain property damages in our capacity as a former lessee of the salt lease; and that we violated certain covenants and conditions in the agreement under which we sold our Chemicals Division to Occidental. We likewise made claims for contractual indemnity and on a basis of comparative fault against Texas Brine and Occidental. Vulcan and Occidental have since dismissed all of their claims against one another. Texas Brine has claims that remain pending against Vulcan and against Occidental. A joint bench trial (judge only) began in September 2017 and ended in October 2017 in the pipeline cases. The trial was limited in scope to the allocation of comparative fault or liability for causing the sinkhole, with a second trial phase addressed to contract and damages to be held at a later date. In December 2017, the judge issued a ruling on the allocation of fault among the three defendants as follows: Occidental 50%, Texas Brine 35% (and its wholly-owned subsidiary) and Vulcan 15%. This ruling was appealed by the parties in each of the pipeline cases. In December 2020, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit issued its Notice of Judgment and Disposition in one of the pipeline cases reversing in part and amending the trial court judgment to reallocate 20% of the fault from Occidental to Texas Brine, with the result that 30% of the fault is now allocated to Occidental and 55% of the fault is now allocated to Texas Brine (and its wholly-owned subsidiary). The Court of Appeal affirmed the 15% fault allocation to Vulcan. The Court of Appeal made various other findings, including findings related to the arbitrability of certain claims between Occidental and Texas Brine. In March 2021, Texas Brine and Vulcan each filed a writ application with the Louisiana Supreme Court seeking review of various portions of the lower court decision, including fault allocations. In May 2021, the Court of Appeal issued a ruling in one of the other two pipeline cases, assigning the same allocation of fault between the parties. The Louisiana Supreme Court denied the parties’ March 2021 writ applications in one of the three pipeline cases; however, related appeal and writ proceedings remain pending. We have settled claims by all plaintiffs except in two outstanding cases, and our insurers to date have funded these settlements in excess of our self-insured retention amount. The remaining claims involve Texas Brine and the State of Louisiana. Discovery remains ongoing and we cannot reasonably estimate a range of liability pertaining to these open cases at this time. ■ NEW YORK WATER DISTRICT CASES (DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS) — During the operation of our former Chemicals Division, which was divested to Occidental in 2005, Vulcan manufactured a chlorinated solvent known as 1,1,1-trichloroethane. We are a defendant in 27 cases allegedly involving 1,1,1-trichloroethane. All of the cases are filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. According to the various complaints, the plaintiffs are public drinking water providers who serve customers in seven New York counties (Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington and Westchester). It is alleged that our 1,1,1-trichloroethane was stabilized with 1,4-dioxane and that various water wells of the plaintiffs are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. We will vigorously defend the cases. At this time we cannot determine the likelihood or reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any, pertaining to the cases. ■ HEWITT LANDFILL MATTER (SUPERFUND SITE) — In September 2015, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order directing Vulcan to assess, monitor, cleanup and abate wastes that have been discharged to soil, soil vapor, and/or groundwater at the former Hewitt Landfill in Los Angeles. Following an onsite and offsite investigation and pilot scale testing, the RWQCB approved a corrective action that includes leachate recovery, storm water capture and conveyance improvements, and a groundwater pump, treat and reinjection system. Certain on-site source control measures have been implemented and the new treatment system is fully operational. Currently-anticipated costs of these on-site source control activities have been fully accrued. We are also engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the EPA, Honeywell, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) regarding the potential contribution of the Hewitt Landfill to groundwater contamination in the North Hollywood Operable Unit (NHOU) of the San Fernando Valley Superfund Site. The EPA and Vulcan entered into an AOC and Statement of Work having an effective date of September 2017 for the design of two extraction wells south of the Hewitt Landfill to protect the North Hollywood West (NHW) well field located within the NHOU. In November 2017, we submitted a Pre-Design Investigation (PDI) Work Plan to the EPA, which sets forth the activities and schedule for collection of data in support of our evaluation of the need for an offsite remedy. In addition, this evaluation was expanded as part of the PDI to include the evaluation of a remedy in light of a new project by LADWP at the Rinaldi-Toluca (RT) wellfield. PDI investigative activities were completed between the first and third quarters of 2018, and in December 2018 we submitted a Draft PDI Evaluation Report to the EPA. The PDI Evaluation Report summarizes data collection activities conducted pursuant to the Draft PDI Work Plan and provides model updates and evaluation of remediation alternatives for offsite areas. The EPA provided an initial set of comments on the Draft PDI Evaluation Report in May 2019 and a final set of comments in October 2020. The final set of comments includes a request for Vulcan to revise and develop a final PDI Evaluation Report. The final comments further provide, if Vulcan agrees, a proposal for an alternative approach for offsite remediation (as opposed to installation of offsite extraction wells) and development of a Supplemental PDI Evaluation Report that would require the EPA to modify the remedy in the 2009 ROD as it relates to the Hewitt Landfill. In December 2020, Vulcan submitted the Final PDI Evaluation Report, which includes edits to the Draft PDI Evaluation Report and responses to the EPA’s comments. Until the EPA’s review and approval of the Final PDI Evaluation Report and any Supplemental PDI Evaluation Report on remedial alternative(s) is complete and an effective remedy has been selected by the EPA or agreed upon, we cannot identify an appropriate remedial action that will be required under the AOC. Given the various stakeholders involved and the uncertainties relating to remediation alternatives, we cannot reasonably estimate a loss pertaining to Vulcan’s responsibility for future remedial action required by the EPA. In December 2019, Honeywell agreed with LADWP to build a water treatment system (often referred to as the Cooperative Containment Concept or CCC or the second interim remedy) that will provide treated groundwater in the NHOU to LADWP for public water supply purposes. Honeywell contends that some of the contamination to be remediated by the system it will build originated from the Hewitt Landfill, and that Vulcan should fund some portion of the costs that Honeywell has incurred and will incur in developing the second interim remedy. During the third quarter 2020, Vulcan recorded an immaterial accrual related to Honeywell’s contribution claim for certain types of cost incurred. We are also gathering and analyzing data and developing technical information to determine the extent of possible contribution by the Hewitt Landfill to the groundwater contamination in the area. This work is also intended to assist in identification of other PRPs that may have contributed to groundwater contamination in the area. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of an additional loss to Vulcan pertaining to this contribution claim. Further, LADWP has announced plans to install new treatment capabilities at two city wellfields located near the Hewitt Landfill — the NHW wellfield and the RT wellfield. LADWP has alleged that the Hewitt Landfill is one of the primary PRPs for the contamination at the NHW wellfield and is one of many PRPs for the contamination at the RT wellfield. We are gathering and analyzing data and developing technical information to determine the extent of possible contribution by the Hewitt Landfill to the groundwater contamination in the area, consistent with the parallel request by the EPA. This work is also intended to assist in identification of other PRPs that may have contributed to groundwater contamination in the area. Vulcan is also seeking access to LADWP’s list of PRPs. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of a loss to Vulcan pertaining to this contribution claim. ■ NAFTA ARBITRATION — In September 2018, our subsidiary Legacy Vulcan, LLC (Legacy Vulcan), on its own behalf, and on behalf of our Mexican subsidiary Calizas Industriales del Carmen, S.A. de C.V. (Calica), served the United Mexican States (Mexico) a Notice of Intent to Submit a Claim to Arbitration under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Our NAFTA claim relates to the treatment of a portion of our quarrying operations in Playa del Carmen (Cancun), Mexico, arising from, among other measures, Mexico’s failure to comply with a legally binding zoning agreement and relates to other unfair, arbitrary and capricious actions by Mexico’s environmental enforcement agency. We assert that these actions are in breach of Mexico’s international obligations under NAFTA and international law. As required by Article 1118 of NAFTA, we sought to settle this dispute with Mexico through consultations. Notwithstanding our good faith efforts to resolve the dispute amicably, we were unable to do so and filed a Request for Arbitration, which we filed with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in December 2018. In January 2019, ICSID registered our Request for Arbitration. We expect that the NAFTA arbitration will be concluded in the second half of 2022. At this time, there can be no assurance whether we will be successful in our NAFTA claim, and we cannot quantify the amount we may recover, if any, under this arbitration proceeding if we were successful. 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, 2021
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, including legal obligations for land reclamation at both owned properties and mineral leases. 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. ARO operating costs related to accretion of the liabilities and depreciation of the assets are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 ARO Operating Costs Accretion$        3,341  $        3,115  $        9,796  $        9,270  Depreciation 2,916  2,123  8,241  6,022  Total$        6,257  $        5,238  $      18,037  $      15,292  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 September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Asset Retirement Obligations Balance at beginning of period$     286,435  $     263,748  $     283,163  $     210,323  Liabilities incurred 10,712  353  11,650  353  Liabilities settled (5,321) (2,459) (10,274) (11,047) Accretion expense 3,341  3,115  9,796  9,270  Revisions, net 3,165  (5,809) 3,997  50,049  Balance at end of period$     298,332  $     258,948  $     298,332  $     258,948  ARO liabilities incurred during 2021 primarily relate to those assumed in the acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16). ARO revisions during the first nine months of 2020 primarily include increases in estimated costs at two aggregates locations, including reclamation activities required under a development agreement at an aggregates site on owned property in Southern California. The reclamation required under the development agreement will result in the restoration of previously mined property to conditions suitable for retail and commercial development.

BENEFIT PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
BENEFIT PLANS	Note 10: Benefit Plans PENSION PLANS We sponsor two qualified, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, the Vulcan Materials Company Pension Plan (VMC Pension Plan) and the CMG Hourly Pension Plan (CMG Pension Plan). The VMC Pension Plan has been closed to new entrants since 2007 and benefit accruals, based on salaries or wages and years of service, ceased in 2005 for hourly participants and 2013 for salaried participants. The CMG Pension Plan is closed to new entrants other than through one small union and benefits continue to accrue equal to a flat dollar amount for each year of service. In addition to these qualified plans, we sponsor three unfunded, nonqualified pension plans. The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension benefit cost: PENSION BENEFITSThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost$        1,193  $        1,331  $        3,580  $        3,993  Interest cost 4,879  7,531  14,638  22,593  Expected return on plan assets (11,375) (12,485) (34,125) (37,454) Amortization of prior service cost 337  335  1,010  1,005  Amortization of actuarial loss 2,178  3,140  6,535  9,419  Net periodic pension benefit credit$       (2,788) $          (148) $       (8,362) $          (444) Pretax reclassifications from AOCI included in net periodic pension benefit cost$        2,515  $        3,475  $        7,545  $      10,424  The contributions to pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, as reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, pertain to benefit payments under nonqualified plans for both periods. Subsequent to September 30, 2021, we purchased (using pension plan assets) an irrevocable group annuity contract from an insurance company to transfer $87,660,000 of our outstanding defined pension benefit obligations (PBO), representing approximately 10% of the total PBO as of the purchase date. As a result of this transaction, we were relieved of all responsibility for these pension obligations and the insurance company is now required to pay and administer the retirement benefits owed to 2,764 U.S. retirees and beneficiaries (representing approximately 50% of retirees currently in payment status), with no change to the amount, timing or form of monthly retirement benefit payments. POSTRETIREMENT PLANS In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for some retired employees. In 2012, we amended our postretirement healthcare plan to cap our portion of the medical coverage cost at the 2015 level. Substantially all our salaried employees and, where applicable, certain of our hourly employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach a qualifying age and meet certain service requirements. Generally, Company-provided healthcare benefits end when covered individuals become eligible for Medicare benefits, become eligible for other group insurance coverage or reach age 65, whichever occurs first. The following table sets forth the components of net periodic other postretirement benefit cost: OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITSThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost$           265  $           380  $           795  $        1,140  Interest cost 107  242  319  727  Amortization of prior service credit (476) (980) (1,429) (2,939) Amortization of actuarial gain (367) (201) (1,101) (604) Net periodic postretirement benefit credit$          (471) $          (559) $       (1,416) $       (1,676) Pretax reclassifications from AOCI included in net periodic postretirement benefit credit$          (843) $       (1,181) $       (2,530) $       (3,543) DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS In addition to our pension and postretirement plans, we sponsor five defined contribution plans including three plans related to the U.S. Concrete acquisition. Substantially all salaried and nonunion hourly employees are eligible to be covered by one of these plans. Under these plans, we match employees’ eligible contributions at established rates. Expense recognized in connection with these matching obligations totaled $14,877,000 and $13,707,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and totaled $49,899,000 and $37,574,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	Note 11: other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income comprises two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (OCI). The components of OCI 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: September 30 December 31 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2020AOCI Interest rate hedges$       (22,863) $       (23,943) $       (24,294) Pension and postretirement plans (153,657) (157,362) (181,701) Total$     (176,520) $     (181,305) $     (205,995) Changes in AOCI, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 are as follows: Pension and Interest Rate Postretirement in thousandsHedges Benefit Plans TotalAOCI Balances as of December 31, 2020$       (23,943) $     (157,362) $     (181,305) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,080  3,705  4,785  Net current period OCI changes 1,080  3,705  4,785  Balances as of September 30, 2021$       (22,863) $     (153,657) $     (176,520) Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings, are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Amortization of Interest Rate Hedge Losses Interest expense$            493  $            473  $         1,461  $         1,810  Benefit from income taxes (129) (123) (381) (472) Total$            364  $            350  $         1,080  $         1,338  Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost Other nonoperating expense$         1,671  $         2,294  $         5,014  $         6,881  Benefit from income taxes (436) (599) (1,309) (1,796) Total$         1,235  $         1,695  $         3,705  $         5,085  Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings$         1,599  $         2,045  $         4,785  $         6,423

EQUITY

EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
EQUITY [Abstract]
EQUITY	Note 12: Equity Our capital stock consists solely of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which 480,000,000 shares may be issued. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. We may also issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, but no shares have been issued. The terms and provisions of such shares will be determined by our Board of Directors upon any issuance of preferred shares in accordance with our Certificate of Incorporation. There were no shares held in treasury as of September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Our common stock purchases (all of which were open market purchases) and subsequent retirements for the year-to-date periods ended are as follows: September 30 December 31 September 30in thousands, except average cost2021 2020 2020Shares Purchased and Retired Number 0  214  214  Total purchase price$                0  $       26,132  $       26,132  Average cost per share$           0.00  $       121.92  $       121.92  As of September 30, 2021, 8,064,851 shares may be purchased under the current authorization of our Board of Directors. Changes in total shareholders’ equity are summarized below: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands, except per share data 2021 2020 2021 2020 Total Shareholders' Equity Balance at beginning of period $    6,293,113  $    5,764,151  $    6,027,330  $    5,621,857  Net earnings attributable to Vulcan 176,906  199,788  532,865  469,962  Common stock issued Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes (3,938) (617) (16,815) (17,157) Purchase and retirement of common stock 0  0  0  (26,132) Share-based compensation expense 7,512  8,019  25,200  23,239  Cash dividends on common stock ($0.37/$0.34/$1.11/$1.02 per share, respectively) (49,094) (45,034) (147,267) (135,161) Other comprehensive income (expense) 1,599  2,045  4,785  (8,256) Balance at end of period $    6,426,098  $    5,928,352  $    6,426,098  $    5,928,352  Total equity as presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for the period ending September 30, 2021 includes a noncontrolling interest of $23,041,000 representing the unowned portion of subsidiaries. In August 2021, we obtained (via the U.S. Concrete acquisition, see Note 16) the controlling interest in a subsidiary. Through our ownership of Polaris Materials Corp. (Polaris), we hold an 88% interest in the Orca Sand and Gravel Limited Partnership (Orca). Orca was formed to develop the Orca quarry in British Columbia, Canada, with the remaining 12% noncontrolling interest held by the Namgis First Nation (Namgis). Noncontrolling interest consists of the Namgis’s share of the fair value equity in the partnership offset by capital contributions loaned to the Namgis by Polaris. Our condensed consolidated financial statements recognize the full fair value of all of the subsidiary’s assets and liabilities offset by the noncontrolling interest in total equity.

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	Note 13: Segment Reporting We have four operating (and reportable) segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. The vast majority of our activities are domestic. We sell a relatively small amount of construction aggregates outside the United States. Our Asphalt and Concrete segments are primarily supplied with their aggregates requirements from our Aggregates segment. These intersegment sales are made at local market prices for the particular grade and quality of product used in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete and are excluded from total revenues. Management reviews earnings from the product line reporting segments principally at the gross profit level. segment financial disclosure Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Total Revenues Aggregates 1$      1,172,409  $    1,048,962  $      3,192,685  $    2,987,784  Asphalt 2 220,652  235,201  580,396  597,940  Concrete 219,225  102,807  396,785  298,255  Calcium 1,474  1,354  5,494  5,269  Segment sales$      1,613,760  $    1,388,324  $      4,175,360  $    3,889,248  Aggregates intersegment sales (97,254) (78,434) (229,463) (207,541) Total revenues$      1,516,506  $    1,309,890  $      3,945,897  $    3,681,707  Gross Profit Aggregates$         372,346  $       337,891  $         969,817  $       883,184  Asphalt 7,075  30,217  17,616  58,246  Concrete 14,301  12,157  32,362  35,597  Calcium 339  233  1,896  1,713  Total $         394,061  $       380,498  $      1,021,691  $       978,740  Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization (DDA&A) Aggregates$           93,344  $         82,487  $         258,480  $       240,370  Asphalt 8,956  8,644  27,111  26,046  Concrete 8,655  3,987  16,633  12,070  Calcium 38  49  116  146  Other 6,524  5,795  18,652  17,280  Total$         117,517  $       100,962  $         320,992  $       295,912  Identifiable Assets 3 Aggregates $    10,940,545  $    9,497,041  Asphalt 617,794  559,416  Concrete 1,720,748  315,349  Calcium 3,896  3,611  Total identifiable assets $    13,282,983  $  10,375,417  General corporate assets 268,589  130,386  Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 136,430  1,084,730  Total assets $    13,688,002  $  11,590,533  1Includes product sales (crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates), as well as freight & delivery costs that we pass along to our customers, and service revenues (see Note 4) related to aggregates.2Includes product sales, as well as service revenues (see Note 4) from our asphalt construction paving business. 3Certain 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 INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 September 30in thousands2021 2020 Cash Payments Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)$       81,474  $       75,058  Income taxes 122,069  72,544  Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment$       27,486  $       16,765  Recognition of new and revised asset retirement obligations (AROs) 15,647  50,402  Recognition of new and revised right-of-use (ROU) assets for 1 Operating lease liabilities 272,566  46,979  Finance lease liabilities 117,841  5,817  Amounts referable to business acquisitions (excluding AROs and ROU assets) Liabilities assumed (excluding lease liabilities) 687,561  5,637  Consideration payable to seller 0  8,980  Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged 0  21,214  Debt issued for purchases of property, plant & equipment 0  2,571  1The 2021 amounts include leases assumed in the acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16).

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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. There were no charges for goodwill impairment in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. Accumulated goodwill impairment losses amount to $252,664,000 (year 2008) in the Calcium segment. We have four reportable segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021 are shown below: in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Goodwill Totals at December 31, 2020$    3,080,479  $     91,633  $              0  $              0  $    3,172,112  Goodwill of acquired businesses 1 185,981  316,670  502,651  Totals at September 30, 2021$    3,266,460  $     91,633  $   316,670  $              0  $    3,674,763  1See Note 16 for a summary of the current year acquisitions. 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, 2021
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	Note 16: Acquisitions and Divestitures BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS 2021 BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS — On August 26, 2021, we purchased the following operations in connection with the acquisition of U.S. Concrete, Inc. (NASDAQ: USCR) for total consideration of $1,634,492,000, net of cash acquired: British Columbia, Canada — aggregates and aggregates blue-water transportation operationsCalifornia — aggregates distribution terminals and concrete operationsNew Jersey — aggregates and concrete operationsNew York — aggregates and concrete operationsOklahoma — aggregates and concrete operationsPennsylvania — concrete operationsTexas — aggregates and concrete operationsU.S. Virgin Islands — aggregates and concrete operationsWashington, D.C. — concrete operationsThe amounts of total revenues and net earnings attributable to Vulcan from the U.S. Concrete acquisition are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2021Actual Results Total revenues $     141,067  $     141,067  Net loss attributable to Vulcan $        (8,808) $        (8,808) The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the results of operations for Vulcan and U.S. Concrete as if they were combined as of January 1, 2020. The pro forma financial information does not reflect any cost savings, operating efficiencies or synergies as a result of this combination. Consistent with the assumed acquisition date of January 1, 2020, the pro forma information excludes transactions between Vulcan and U.S. Concrete. The following pro forma information also includes 1) charges directly attributable to the acquisition, including acquisition related expenses of $21,092,000, 2) cost of sales related to the sale of acquired inventory marked up to fair value, 3) depreciation, depletion, amortization & accretion expense related to the mark up to fair value of acquired assets and 4) interest expense and debt retirement costs reflecting the new debt structure: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Supplemental Pro Forma Results Total revenues$  1,731,856  $  1,673,603  $  4,755,124  $  4,683,544  Net earnings attributable to Vulcan$     225,458  $     215,061  $     543,676  $     448,286  The unaudited pro forma results above may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had this acquisition occurred at the beginning of 2020, nor does it intend to be a projection of future results. The fair value of consideration transferred for the U.S. Concrete acquisition and the preliminary amounts (pending appraisals of intangible assets and property, plant & equipment and related deferred taxes) of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date are summarized below: August 26 in thousands2021 Fair Value of Purchase Consideration Cash 1$  1,634,492  Total fair value of purchase consideration $  1,634,492  Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Accounts and notes receivable, net$     241,368  Inventories 80,083  Other current assets 11,087  Property, plant & equipment 1,136,617  Intangible assets 729,415  Other noncurrent assets 199,807  Deferred income taxes, net (274,226) Liabilities assumed (970,049) Noncontrolling interest (22,261) Net identifiable assets acquired$  1,131,841  Goodwill$     502,651  1Includes $1,268,507,000 paid to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of U.S. Concrete common stock and $384,402,000 of U.S. Concrete obligations paid on the acquisition date, less $18,417,000 of cash acquired.  As a result of this acquisition, we recognized $729,415,000 of amortizable intangible assets and $502,651,000 of goodwill. The amortizable intangible assets will be amortized against earnings over a weighted-average period in excess of 15 years. The $502,651,000 of goodwill recognized represents deferred tax liabilities generated from carrying over the seller’s tax basis in the assets acquired and synergies expected to be realized from acquiring an established business with assets that have been assembled over a long period of time — the collection of those assets combined with our assets can earn a higher rate of return than either individually. Of the total goodwill recognized, $116,615,000 will be deductible for income tax purposes. 2020 BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS — For the full year 2020, we purchased the following operations, for total consideration of $73,416,000 ($43,223,000 cash and $30,193,000 noncash): business to support our aggregates operations across most of our footprintTexas — asphalt mix and recycle operations The 2020 acquisitions listed above are reported in our consolidated financial statements as of their respective acquisition dates. None of these acquisitions were material to our results of operations or financial position either individually or collectively. As a result of the 2020 acquisitions, we recognized $65,545,000 of amortizable intangible assets and $5,051,000 of goodwill. The amortizable intangible assets will be amortized against earnings ($65,545,000 - straight-line basis over a weighted-average 20.0 years) and $25,712,000 will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years. The goodwill represents the balance of deferred tax liabilities generated from carrying over the seller’s tax basis in the assets acquired and is not deductible for income tax purposes. DIVESTITURES AND PENDING DIVESTITURES In 2021, we sold:First quarter — a reclaimed quarry in Southern California resulting in a pretax gain of $114,695,000 (net of a $12,900,000 contingency and other directly related obligations) In 2020, we sold:Fourth quarter — a Virginia ready-mix concrete business, resulting in an immaterial loss. We retained all real property which is being leased to the buyer and obtained a 20-year aggregates supply agreementSecond quarter — our New Mexico ready-mix concrete business, resulting in an immaterial gain. We retained the concrete plants and mobile fleet and are leasing these assets to the buyer. Additionally, we obtained a 20-year aggregates supply agreement No material assets met the criteria for held for sale at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 or September 30, 2020.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	Note 17: New Accounting Standards ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED InCOME tAXES During the first quarter of 2021, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which added new guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes and changed the accounting for certain income tax transactions. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements. CONVERTIBLE INSTRUMENTS During the first quarter of 2021, we adopted ASU 2020-06, “Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity.” This ASU reduced the number of models used to account for convertible instruments and modified the diluted earnings per share calculations for convertible instruments. This ASU also amended the accounting for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently accounted for as derivatives. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS PENDING ADOPTION None

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 one of the nation’s largest suppliers of construction aggregates (primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel) and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We operate primarily in the United States and our principal product — aggregates — is used in virtually all types of public and private construction projects and in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We serve markets in twenty-three states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington D.C., and the local markets surrounding our operations in Quintana Roo, Mexico and British Columbia, Canada. Our primary focus is serving metropolitan markets in the United States that are expected to experience the most significant growth in population, households and employment. These three demographic factors are significant drivers of demand for aggregates. While aggregates is our focus and primary business, we produce and sell asphalt mix and/or ready-mixed concrete in our Alabama, Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C. markets.
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 (GAAP) for complete financial statements. We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual financial statements, except for the adoption of new accounting standards as described in Note 17. Our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from the audited financial statement, but it does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. 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. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021, particularly in light of 1) our acquisition of U.S. Concrete in August 2021, and 2) the uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as construction activity continues to be impacted by capacity constraints (supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages and transportation availability) and cost inflation. Additionally, period-over-period comparisons are significantly impacted by our acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16). Our condensed consolidated financial statements reflect estimates and assumptions made by management that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The most significant estimates and assumptions included in the preparation of these financial statements are related to goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, business combinations and purchase price allocation (see Note 16 for our 2021 acquisition of U.S. Concrete), pension and other postretirement benefits, environmental compliance, claims and litigation including self-insurance, and income taxes. Events and changes in circumstances arising after September 30, 2021, will be reflected in management’s estimates for future periods. Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as described within this Note under the caption Discontinued Operations, the results of the Chemicals business are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
RESTRICTED CASH	RESTRICTED CASH Restricted cash primarily consists of cash proceeds from the sale of property held in escrow for the acquisition of replacement property under like-kind exchange agreements. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Cash restricted pursuant to like-kind exchange agreements remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Restricted cash may also include cash reserved by other contractual agreements (such as asset purchase agreements) for a specified purpose and therefore is not available for use for other purposes. Restricted cash is included with cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In 2005, we sold substantially all the assets of our Chemicals business to Basic Chemicals, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation. 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. Results from discontinued operations are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Discontinued Operations Pretax loss$          (292) $       (1,810) $       (3,650) $       (2,868) Income tax benefit 80  473  948  750  Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax$          (212) $       (1,337) $       (2,702) $       (2,118) Our discontinued operations include charges/credits related to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business (including certain matters as discussed in Note 8). There were no revenues from discontinued operations for the periods presented.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) Earnings per share 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 September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 132,810  132,573  132,780  132,564  Dilutive effect of Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights 303  314  308  307  Other stock compensation plans 431  381  392  321  Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution 133,544  133,268  133,480  133,192  All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in our earnings per share calculations. In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation would be excluded. 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 September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Antidilutive common stock equivalents 65  146  65  269

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Results from Discontinued Operations	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Discontinued Operations Pretax loss$          (292) $       (1,810) $       (3,650) $       (2,868) Income tax benefit 80  473  948  750  Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax$          (212) $       (1,337) $       (2,702) $       (2,118)
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 132,810  132,573  132,780  132,564  Dilutive effect of Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights 303  314  308  307  Other stock compensation plans 431  381  392  321  Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution 133,544  133,268  133,480  133,192
Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Antidilutive common stock equivalents 65  146  65  269

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
LEASES [Abstract]
Schedule of Lease Assets and Liabilities, Weighted-Average Lease Term and Discount Rate	September 30 December 31 September 30 dollars in thousandsClassification on the Balance Sheet2021 2020 2020 Assets Operating lease ROU assets $     728,763  $     482,513  $     483,659  Accumulated amortization (71,882) (59,385) (52,432) Operating leases, netOperating lease right-of-use assets, net 656,881  423,128  431,227  Finance lease assets 125,624  7,796  7,003  Accumulated amortization (4,975) (1,640) (1,148) Finance leases, netProperty, plant & equipment, net 120,649  6,156  5,855  Total lease assets $     777,530  $     429,284  $     437,082  Liabilities Current OperatingOther current liabilities$       48,727  $       36,969  $       36,434  FinanceOther current liabilities 38,395  2,047  1,875  Noncurrent Operating Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 622,275  399,582  407,336  FinanceOther noncurrent liabilities 63,172  4,139  4,000  Total lease liabilities $     772,569  $     442,737  $     449,645  Lease Term and Discount Rate Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 21.0  9.5  10.1  Finance leases 3.4  4.2  4.2  Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases3.9% 3.6% 3.9% Finance leases1.2% 1.4% 1.5%
Components of Lease Expense	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Lease Cost Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use assets$           828  $           449  $        2,158  $        1,122  Interest on lease liabilities 172  27  231  75  Operating lease cost 18,390  14,837  49,199  43,177  Short-term lease cost 1 7,717  7,787  17,878  24,507  Variable lease cost 2,225  3,236  7,696  10,141  Sublease income (668) (677) (2,325) (2,133) Total lease cost$      28,664  $      25,659  $      74,837  $      76,889  1Our short-term lease cost includes the cost of leases with an initial term of one month or less.

REVENUES (Tables)

REVENUES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
REVENUES [Abstract]
Revenues by Geographic Market	Three Months Ended September 30, 2021in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     362,913  $     44,019  $     63,137  $              0  $      470,069  Gulf Coast 616,832  52,601  19,688  1,474  690,595  West 159,334  124,032  14,696  0  298,062  U.S. Concrete 33,330  0  121,704  0  155,034  Segment sales$  1,172,409  $   220,652  $   219,225  $       1,474  $   1,613,760  Intersegment sales (97,254) (97,254) Total revenues$  1,075,155  $   220,652  $   219,225  $       1,474  $   1,516,506  Three Months Ended September 30, 2020in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     360,985  $     46,212  $     73,181  $              0  $      480,378  Gulf Coast 535,215  55,894  18,889  1,354  611,352  West 152,762  133,095  10,737  0  296,594  Segment sales$  1,048,962  $   235,201  $   102,807  $       1,354  $   1,388,324  Intersegment sales (78,434) 0  0  0  (78,434) Total revenues$     970,528  $   235,201  $   102,807  $       1,354  $   1,309,890  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     960,679  $    104,216  $    184,492  $               0  $    1,249,387  Gulf Coast 1,743,200  140,088  55,714  5,494  1,944,496  West 455,476  336,092  34,874  0  826,442  U.S. Concrete 33,330  0  121,705  0  155,035  Segment sales$  3,192,685  $    580,396  $    396,785  $        5,494  $    4,175,360  Intersegment sales (229,463) (229,463) Total revenues$  2,963,222  $    580,396  $    396,785  $        5,494  $    3,945,897  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Total Revenues by Geographic Market 1 East$     951,090  $    102,053  $    206,954  $               0  $    1,260,097  Gulf Coast 1,596,321  140,253  53,801  5,269  1,795,644  West 440,373  355,634  37,500  0  833,507  Segment sales$  2,987,784  $    597,940  $    298,255  $        5,269  $    3,889,248  Intersegment sales (207,541) 0  0  0  (207,541) Total revenues$  2,780,243  $    597,940  $    298,255  $        5,269  $    3,681,707  1The geographic markets are defined by states/countries as follows: East market — Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C.Gulf Coast market — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Quintana Roo (Mexico), South Carolina and TexasWest market — Arizona, California and New Mexico U.S. Concrete — British Columbia (Canada), California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.
Freight & Delivery Revenues	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Freight & Delivery Revenues Total revenues$  1,516,506  $  1,309,890  $  3,945,897  $  3,681,707  Freight & delivery revenues 1 (206,127) (187,562) (564,595) (566,785) Total revenues excluding freight & delivery$  1,310,379  $  1,122,328  $  3,381,302  $  3,114,922  1Includes freight & delivery to remote distribution sites.
Reconciliation of Deferred Revenue Balances	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Deferred Revenue Balance at beginning of period$     174,076  $     181,963  $     177,962  $     185,339  Revenue recognized from deferred revenue (2,022) (2,046) (5,908) (5,422) Balance at end of period$     172,054  $     179,917  $     172,054  $     179,917

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis	Level 1 Fair Value September 30 December 31 September 30 in thousands2021 2020 2020 Fair Value Recurring Rabbi Trust Mutual funds$       30,489  $       28,058  $       24,447  Total$       30,489  $       28,058  $       24,447  Level 2 Fair Value September 30 December 31 September 30 in thousands2021 2020 2020 Fair Value Recurring Rabbi Trust Money market mutual fund$        1,303  $           837  $        1,581  Total$        1,303  $           837  $        1,581

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]
Effects of Changes in Fair Values of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Location on September 30 September 30in thousandsStatement 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest Rate Hedges Interest Loss reclassified from AOCIexpense $          (493) $          (473) $       (1,461) $       (1,810)

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
DEBT [Abstract]
Debt	Effective September 30 December 31 September 30 in thousandsInterest Rates 2021 2020 2020 Short-term Debt Bank line of credit expires 2025 1 $                  0  $                0  $                0  Total short-term debt $                  0  $                0  $                0  Long-term Debt Bank line of credit expires 2025 1 $                  0  $                0  $                0  Delayed draw term loan expires 20241.21% 1,100,000  0  0  Floating-rate notes due 2021 0  500,000  500,000  8.85% notes due 20218.88% 6,000  6,000  6,000  4.50% notes due 20254.65% 400,000  400,000  400,000  3.90% notes due 20274.00% 400,000  400,000  400,000  3.50% notes due 20303.94% 750,000  750,000  750,000  7.15% notes due 20378.05% 129,239  129,239  129,239  4.50% notes due 20474.59% 700,000  700,000  700,000  4.70% notes due 20485.42% 460,949  460,949  460,949  Other notes2.45% 11,020  11,711  11,718  Total long-term debt - face value $    3,957,208  $  3,357,899  $  3,357,906  Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs (70,864) (70,224) (71,399) Total long-term debt - book value $    3,886,344  $  3,287,675  $  3,286,507  Less current maturities 12,228  515,435  509,435  Total long-term debt - reported value $    3,874,116  $  2,772,240  $  2,777,072  Estimated fair value of long-term debt $    4,442,119  $  3,443,225  $  3,341,097  1Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term if we have the intent and ability to extend payment beyond twelve months.
Standby Letters of Credit	in thousands Standby Letters of Credit Risk management insurance$       74,794  Reclamation/restoration requirements 8,391  Total$       83,185

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	September 30 December 31 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2020Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs Continuing operations$        25,414  $        25,544  $        26,094  Retained from former Chemicals business 10,696  10,971  10,900  Total$        36,110  $        36,515  $        36,994

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (T

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 ARO Operating Costs Accretion$        3,341  $        3,115  $        9,796  $        9,270  Depreciation 2,916  2,123  8,241  6,022  Total$        6,257  $        5,238  $      18,037  $      15,292
Reconciliations of Asset Retirement Obligations	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Asset Retirement Obligations Balance at beginning of period$     286,435  $     263,748  $     283,163  $     210,323  Liabilities incurred 10,712  353  11,650  353  Liabilities settled (5,321) (2,459) (10,274) (11,047) Accretion expense 3,341  3,115  9,796  9,270  Revisions, net 3,165  (5,809) 3,997  50,049  Balance at end of period$     298,332  $     258,948  $     298,332  $     258,948

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	PENSION BENEFITSThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost$        1,193  $        1,331  $        3,580  $        3,993  Interest cost 4,879  7,531  14,638  22,593  Expected return on plan assets (11,375) (12,485) (34,125) (37,454) Amortization of prior service cost 337  335  1,010  1,005  Amortization of actuarial loss 2,178  3,140  6,535  9,419  Net periodic pension benefit credit$       (2,788) $          (148) $       (8,362) $          (444) Pretax reclassifications from AOCI included in net periodic pension benefit cost$        2,515  $        3,475  $        7,545  $      10,424
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITSThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost$           265  $           380  $           795  $        1,140  Interest cost 107  242  319  727  Amortization of prior service credit (476) (980) (1,429) (2,939) Amortization of actuarial gain (367) (201) (1,101) (604) Net periodic postretirement benefit credit$          (471) $          (559) $       (1,416) $       (1,676) Pretax reclassifications from AOCI included in net periodic postretirement benefit credit$          (843) $       (1,181) $       (2,530) $       (3,543)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	September 30 December 31 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2020AOCI Interest rate hedges$       (22,863) $       (23,943) $       (24,294) Pension and postretirement plans (153,657) (157,362) (181,701) Total$     (176,520) $     (181,305) $     (205,995)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	Pension and Interest Rate Postretirement in thousandsHedges Benefit Plans TotalAOCI Balances as of December 31, 2020$       (23,943) $     (157,362) $     (181,305) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,080  3,705  4,785  Net current period OCI changes 1,080  3,705  4,785  Balances as of September 30, 2021$       (22,863) $     (153,657) $     (176,520)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Earnings	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Amortization of Interest Rate Hedge Losses Interest expense$            493  $            473  $         1,461  $         1,810  Benefit from income taxes (129) (123) (381) (472) Total$            364  $            350  $         1,080  $         1,338  Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost Other nonoperating expense$         1,671  $         2,294  $         5,014  $         6,881  Benefit from income taxes (436) (599) (1,309) (1,796) Total$         1,235  $         1,695  $         3,705  $         5,085  Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings$         1,599  $         2,045  $         4,785  $         6,423

EQUITY (Tables)

EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
EQUITY [Abstract]
Shares Purchased and Retired	September 30 December 31 September 30in thousands, except average cost2021 2020 2020Shares Purchased and Retired Number 0  214  214  Total purchase price$                0  $       26,132  $       26,132  Average cost per share$           0.00  $       121.92  $       121.92
Changes in Total Equity	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands, except per share data 2021 2020 2021 2020 Total Shareholders' Equity Balance at beginning of period $    6,293,113  $    5,764,151  $    6,027,330  $    5,621,857  Net earnings attributable to Vulcan 176,906  199,788  532,865  469,962  Common stock issued Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes (3,938) (617) (16,815) (17,157) Purchase and retirement of common stock 0  0  0  (26,132) Share-based compensation expense 7,512  8,019  25,200  23,239  Cash dividends on common stock ($0.37/$0.34/$1.11/$1.02 per share, respectively) (49,094) (45,034) (147,267) (135,161) Other comprehensive income (expense) 1,599  2,045  4,785  (8,256) Balance at end of period $    6,426,098  $    5,928,352  $    6,426,098  $    5,928,352

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
Segment Financial Disclosure	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Total Revenues Aggregates 1$      1,172,409  $    1,048,962  $      3,192,685  $    2,987,784  Asphalt 2 220,652  235,201  580,396  597,940  Concrete 219,225  102,807  396,785  298,255  Calcium 1,474  1,354  5,494  5,269  Segment sales$      1,613,760  $    1,388,324  $      4,175,360  $    3,889,248  Aggregates intersegment sales (97,254) (78,434) (229,463) (207,541) Total revenues$      1,516,506  $    1,309,890  $      3,945,897  $    3,681,707  Gross Profit Aggregates$         372,346  $       337,891  $         969,817  $       883,184  Asphalt 7,075  30,217  17,616  58,246  Concrete 14,301  12,157  32,362  35,597  Calcium 339  233  1,896  1,713  Total $         394,061  $       380,498  $      1,021,691  $       978,740  Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization (DDA&A) Aggregates$           93,344  $         82,487  $         258,480  $       240,370  Asphalt 8,956  8,644  27,111  26,046  Concrete 8,655  3,987  16,633  12,070  Calcium 38  49  116  146  Other 6,524  5,795  18,652  17,280  Total$         117,517  $       100,962  $         320,992  $       295,912  Identifiable Assets 3 Aggregates $    10,940,545  $    9,497,041  Asphalt 617,794  559,416  Concrete 1,720,748  315,349  Calcium 3,896  3,611  Total identifiable assets $    13,282,983  $  10,375,417  General corporate assets 268,589  130,386  Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 136,430  1,084,730  Total assets $    13,688,002  $  11,590,533  1Includes product sales (crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates), as well as freight & delivery costs that we pass along to our customers, and service revenues (see Note 4) related to aggregates.2Includes product sales, as well as service revenues (see Note 4) from our asphalt construction paving business. 3Certain 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 INFORM_2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Supplemental Information Referable to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	Nine Months Ended September 30in thousands2021 2020 Cash Payments Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)$       81,474  $       75,058  Income taxes 122,069  72,544  Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment$       27,486  $       16,765  Recognition of new and revised asset retirement obligations (AROs) 15,647  50,402  Recognition of new and revised right-of-use (ROU) assets for 1 Operating lease liabilities 272,566  46,979  Finance lease liabilities 117,841  5,817  Amounts referable to business acquisitions (excluding AROs and ROU assets) Liabilities assumed (excluding lease liabilities) 687,561  5,637  Consideration payable to seller 0  8,980  Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged 0  21,214  Debt issued for purchases of property, plant & equipment 0  2,571  1The 2021 amounts include leases assumed in the acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16).

GOODWILL (Tables)

GOODWILL (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
GOODWILL [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	in thousandsAggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total Goodwill Totals at December 31, 2020$    3,080,479  $     91,633  $              0  $              0  $    3,172,112  Goodwill of acquired businesses 1 185,981  316,670  502,651  Totals at September 30, 2021$    3,266,460  $     91,633  $   316,670  $              0  $    3,674,763  1See Note 16 for a summary of the current year acquisitions.

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income Actual Results	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2021Actual Results Total revenues $     141,067  $     141,067  Net loss attributable to Vulcan $        (8,808) $        (8,808)
Supplemental Pro Forma Results	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30in thousands2021 2020 2021 2020 Supplemental Pro Forma Results Total revenues$  1,731,856  $  1,673,603  $  4,755,124  $  4,683,544  Net earnings attributable to Vulcan$     225,458  $     215,061  $     543,676  $     448,286
Schedule of Business Acquisitions	August 26 in thousands2021 Fair Value of Purchase Consideration Cash 1$  1,634,492  Total fair value of purchase consideration $  1,634,492  Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Accounts and notes receivable, net$     241,368  Inventories 80,083  Other current assets 11,087  Property, plant & equipment 1,136,617  Intangible assets 729,415  Other noncurrent assets 199,807  Deferred income taxes, net (274,226) Liabilities assumed (970,049) Noncontrolling interest (22,261) Net identifiable assets acquired$  1,131,841  Goodwill$     502,651

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)state	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)statefactor	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
State of incorporation			NJ
Number of states | state	23		23
Number of demographic factors | factor			3
Revenues from discontinued operations | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Results from Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Pretax loss	$ (292)	$ (1,810)	$ (3,650)	$ (2,868)
Income tax benefit	80	473	948	750
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (212)	$ (1,337)	$ (2,702)	$ (2,118)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	132,810	132,573	132,780	132,564
Dilutive effect of Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights	303	314	308	307
Dilutive effect of Other stock compensation plans	431	381	392	321
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	133,544	133,268	133,480	133,192

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Antidilutive common stock equivalents	65	146	65	269

LEASES (Narrative) (Details)

LEASES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
LEASES [Abstract]
Cash paid for operating leases	$ 44,592	$ 40,456
Cash paid for finance leases	$ 4,767	$ 1,104

LEASES (Schedule of Lease Asset

LEASES (Schedule of Lease Assets and Liabilities, Weighted-Average Lease Term and Discount Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
LEASES [Abstract]
Operating lease ROU assets	$ 728,763	$ 482,513	$ 483,659
Accumulated amortization	(71,882)	(59,385)	(52,432)
Operating leases, net	656,881	423,128	431,227
Finance lease assets	125,624	7,796	7,003
Accumulated amortization	(4,975)	(1,640)	(1,148)
Finance leases, net	120,649	6,156	5,855
Total lease assets	777,530	429,284	437,082
Current operating lease liabilities	$ 48,727	36,969	36,434
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other Liabilities Current
Current finance lease liabilities	$ 38,395	2,047	1,875
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other Liabilities Current
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	$ 622,275	399,582	407,336
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities	$ 63,172	4,139	4,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other Liabilities Noncurrent
Total lease liabilities	$ 772,569	$ 442,737	$ 449,645
Weighted-average remaining lease term, Operating leases	21 years	9 years 6 months	10 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average remaining lease term, Finance leases	3 years 4 months 24 days	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average discount rate, Operating leases	3.90%	3.60%	3.90%
Weighted-average discount rate, Finance leases	1.20%	1.40%	1.50%

LEASES (Components of Lease Exp

LEASES (Components of Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
LEASES [Abstract]
Amortization of right-of-use assets		$ 828	$ 449	$ 2,158	$ 1,122
Interest on lease liabilities		172	27	231	75
Operating lease cost		18,390	14,837	49,199	43,177
Short-term lease cost	[1]	7,717	7,787	17,878	24,507
Variable lease cost		2,225	3,236	7,696	10,141
Sublease income		(668)	(677)	(2,325)	(2,133)
Total lease cost		$ 28,664	$ 25,659	$ 74,837	$ 76,889
[1]	Our short-term lease cost includes the cost of leases with an initial term of one month or less.

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Increase in valuation allowance		$ 13,695
Income tax benefit recognition threshold more likely than not				50.00%
Income tax expense	$ 51,770		$ 56,984	$ 169,692	$ 130,530
Alabama [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	$ 42,931			$ 42,931
Alabama [Member] | State [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration year				2023
Alabama [Member] | State [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration year				2029
Alabama [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards						$ 63,221

REVENUES (Narrative) (Details)

REVENUES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	$ 1,516,506	$ 1,309,890	$ 3,945,897	$ 3,681,707
Number of quarries | item				8
Proceeds from sale of future production						$ 226,926
Term of the VPPs				20 years
Estimated deferred revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months		$ 172,054	$ 179,917	$ 172,054	$ 179,917			$ 174,076	$ 177,962	$ 181,963	$ 185,339
Service [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Percent of total revenues		4.40%	4.80%	4.30%	4.40%
Revenues		$ 66,183	$ 63,347	$ 168,201	$ 160,285
Minimum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Coverage of warranty provisions				9 months
Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Coverage of warranty provisions				1 year
Maximum [Member] | Construction Paving [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Costs for paving contracts expense, expected amortization period				1 year
Forecast [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Estimated deferred revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months							$ 7,500
Aggregates [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	$ 1,075,155	$ 970,528	$ 2,963,222	$ 2,780,243
Aggregates [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Percent of shipments used for publicly funded construction				45.00%
Aggregates [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Percent of shipments used for publicly funded construction				55.00%
[1]	1 The geographic markets are defined by states/countries as follows: East market — Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Marylan d, N orth Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Gulf Coast market — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Quintana Roo (Mexico), South Carolina and Texas West market — Arizon a, C alifornia and New Mexico U.S. Concrete — British Columbia (Canada), California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.

REVENUES (Revenues by Geographi

REVENUES (Revenues by Geographic Market) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	$ 1,516,506	$ 1,309,890	$ 3,945,897	$ 3,681,707
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,613,760	1,388,324	4,175,360	3,889,248
Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	(97,254)	(78,434)	(229,463)	(207,541)
U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues		155,034		155,035
East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	470,069	480,378	1,249,387	1,260,097
Gulf Coast [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	690,595	611,352	1,944,496	1,795,644
West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	298,062	296,594	826,442	833,507
Aggregates [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,075,155	970,528	2,963,222	2,780,243
Aggregates [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1],[2]	1,172,409	1,048,962	3,192,685	2,987,784
Aggregates [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	(97,254)	(78,434)	(229,463)	(207,541)
Aggregates [Member] | U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues		33,330		33,330
Aggregates [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	362,913	360,985	960,679	951,090
Aggregates [Member] | Gulf Coast [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	616,832	535,215	1,743,200	1,596,321
Aggregates [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	159,334	152,762	455,476	440,373
Asphalt [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	220,652	235,201	580,396	597,940
Asphalt [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1],[3]	220,652	235,201	580,396	597,940
Asphalt [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]		0		0
Asphalt [Member] | U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues		0		0
Asphalt [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	44,019	46,212	104,216	102,053
Asphalt [Member] | Gulf Coast [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	52,601	55,894	140,088	140,253
Asphalt [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	124,032	133,095	336,092	355,634
Concrete [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	219,225	102,807	396,785	298,255
Concrete [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	219,225	102,807	396,785	298,255
Concrete [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]		0		0
Concrete [Member] | U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues		121,704		121,705
Concrete [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	63,137	73,181	184,492	206,954
Concrete [Member] | Gulf Coast [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	19,688	18,889	55,714	53,801
Concrete [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	14,696	10,737	34,874	37,500
Calcium [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,474	1,354	5,494	5,269
Calcium [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,474	1,354	5,494	5,269
Calcium [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]		0		0
Calcium [Member] | U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues		0		0
Calcium [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	0	0	0	0
Calcium [Member] | Gulf Coast [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,474	1,354	5,494	5,269
Calcium [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	1 The geographic markets are defined by states/countries as follows: East market — Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Marylan d, N orth Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Gulf Coast market — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Quintana Roo (Mexico), South Carolina and Texas West market — Arizon a, C alifornia and New Mexico U.S. Concrete — British Columbia (Canada), California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.
[2]	Includes product sales (crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates), as well as freight & delivery costs that we pass along to our customers, and service revenues (see Note 4) related to aggregates.
[3]	Includes product sales, as well as service revenues (see Note 4) from our asphalt construction paving business.

REVENUES (Freight & Delivery Re

REVENUES (Freight & Delivery Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	$ 1,516,506	$ 1,309,890	$ 3,945,897	$ 3,681,707
Freight & Delivery Revenues [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	[2]	(206,127)	(187,562)	(564,595)	(566,785)
Total Revenues Excluding Freight & Delivery [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues		$ 1,310,379	$ 1,122,328	$ 3,381,302	$ 3,114,922
[1]	1 The geographic markets are defined by states/countries as follows: East market — Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Marylan d, N orth Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Gulf Coast market — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Quintana Roo (Mexico), South Carolina and Texas West market — Arizon a, C alifornia and New Mexico U.S. Concrete — British Columbia (Canada), California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.
[2]	Includes freight & delivery to remote distribution sites

REVENUES (Reconciliation of Def

REVENUES (Reconciliation of Deferred Revenue Balances) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
REVENUES [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 174,076	$ 181,963	$ 177,962	$ 185,339
Revenue recognized from deferred revenue	(2,022)	(2,046)	(5,908)	(5,422)
Balance at end of period	$ 172,054	$ 179,917	$ 172,054	$ 179,917

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of Rabbi Trusts established | item	2
Net gains (losses) of the Rabbi Trust investments	$ 2,374	$ 1,352
Unrealized net gains (losses) of the Rabbi Trusts' investments	$ 2,020	$ 1,360

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis) (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 30,489	$ 28,058	$ 24,447
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	30,489	28,058	24,447
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	1,303	837	1,581
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 1,303	$ 837	$ 1,581

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Narrati

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate hedges	$ (22,863)	$ (23,943)	$ (24,294)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated amount of pretax loss in AOCI reclassified to earnings for the next 12-month period	$ (2,028)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Effects

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Effects of Changes in Fair Values of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss reclassified from AOCI (effective portion)	$ (493)	$ (473)	$ (1,461)	$ (1,810)

DEBT (Narrative) (Details)

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	May 31, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounts and debt issuance costs							$ 12,647	$ 6,028
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 3,357,906				3,957,208	3,357,906	$ 3,357,899
Financing costs			71,399				70,864	71,399	70,224
Net proceeds					$ 741,417
Repayment of long-term debt							1,444,024	250,018
Short-term debt			0				0	0	0
Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 1,600,000
Borrowings							$ 1,100,000
Proceeds from line of credit		$ 1,600,000
Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							1.00%
Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.00%
Letters Of Credit, Expire July 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Self Insurance Reserve							$ 24,850
Supported By Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding standby letters of credit							$ 58,335
Investment-Grade Type Covenants Governed [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of indentures with customary investment-grade type covenants | item							3
Bridge Facility And Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounts and debt issuance costs						9,384
Financing costs							$ 13,316
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Transaction fees			4,632					4,632
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,000,000				$ 1,000,000	1,000,000
Commitment fee							0.10%
Available borrowing capacity							$ 941,665
Debt issued, term			5 years
Short-term debt							$ 0
Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							1.125%
Line of Credit [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.125%
Bridge Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value						$ 2,200,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding standby letters of credit							$ 83,185
Period of standby letters of credit							1 year
Self Insurance Reserve							$ 74,794
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.175%
Maximum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							1.375%
Maximum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.375%
Maximum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee							0.225%
Maximum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							1.625%
Maximum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.625%
Minimum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.875%
Minimum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee							0.09%
Minimum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							1.00%
Minimum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate							0.00%
Term Loan Due [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 0				$ 1,100,000	0	0
Maturity year	[1]						2024
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value							$ 3,957,208
Notes [Member] | Investment-Grade Type Covenants Governed [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value							2,846,188
Notes [Member] | 3.50% notes due 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			750,000		$ 750,000		$ 750,000	750,000	750,000
Maturity year					2030		2030
Interest rate					3.50%		3.50%
Notes [Member] | Floating-Rate Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 250,000
Maturity year							2020
Repayment of long-term debt				$ 250,000
Notes [Member] | Floating-Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 500,000				$ 0	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Maturity year							2021
Face value							$ 500,000
U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt assumed in acquisition		$ 434,463
[1]	Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term if we have the intent and ability to extend payment beyond twelve months.

DEBT (Debt) (Details)

DEBT (Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
		May 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt			$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Total long-term debt - face value			3,957,208		3,357,899	3,357,906
Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs			(70,864)		(70,224)	(71,399)
Total long-term debt - book value			3,886,344		3,287,675	3,286,507
Less current maturities			12,228		515,435	509,435
Total long-term debt - reported value			3,874,116		2,772,240	2,777,072
Estimated fair value of long-term debt			4,442,119		3,443,225	3,341,097
Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 1,600,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Bank Line Of Credit Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	[1]		$ 0		0	0
Maturity year	[1]		2025
Line of Credit [Member] | Bank Line Of Credit Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value	[1]		$ 0		0	0
Maturity year			2025
Term Loan Due [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Expires 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 1,100,000		0	0
Maturity year	[1]		2024
Effective interest rate			1.21%
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 3,957,208
Notes [Member] | Floating-Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 0		500,000	500,000
Maturity year			2021
Notes [Member] | 8.85% notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 6,000		6,000	6,000
Interest rate			8.85%
Maturity year			2021
Effective interest rate			8.88%
Notes [Member] | 4.50% notes due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 400,000		400,000	400,000
Interest rate			4.50%
Maturity year			2025
Effective interest rate			4.65%
Notes [Member] | 3.90% notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 400,000		400,000	400,000
Interest rate			3.90%
Maturity year			2027
Effective interest rate			4.00%
Notes [Member] | 3.50% notes due 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 750,000	$ 750,000		750,000	750,000
Interest rate		3.50%	3.50%
Maturity year		2030	2030
Effective interest rate			3.94%
Notes [Member] | 7.15% notes due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 129,239		129,239	129,239
Interest rate			7.15%
Maturity year			2037
Effective interest rate			8.05%
Notes [Member] | 4.50% notes due 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 700,000		700,000	700,000
Interest rate			4.50%
Maturity year			2047
Effective interest rate			4.59%
Notes [Member] | 4.70% notes due 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 460,949		460,949	460,949
Interest rate			4.70%
Maturity year			2048
Effective interest rate			5.42%
Other Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 11,020		$ 11,711	11,718
Effective interest rate			2.45%
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt			$ 0
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,000,000			$ 1,000,000
[1]	Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term if we have the intent and ability to extend payment beyond twelve months.

DEBT (Standby Letters of Credit

DEBT (Standby Letters of Credit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Reclamation/restoration requirements	$ 298,332	$ 286,435	$ 283,163	$ 258,948	$ 263,748	$ 210,323
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Risk management insurance	74,794
Reclamation/restoration requirements	8,391
Total	$ 83,185

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017item	Mar. 31, 2016mi	May 31, 2007entitymi	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)itemdefendant	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Asset retirement obligations | $					$ 258,948	$ 298,332	$ 283,163	$ 286,435	$ 263,748	$ 210,323
Number of groundwater extraction wells | item		2
Contingency loss | $						0
Lease liabilities | $					$ 449,645	$ 772,569	$ 442,737
Vulcan Material [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judge ruled allocation of fault among defendants, percentage	15.00%						15.00%
Texas Brine [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of pipeline cases | item						3
Number of defendants | defendant						3
New York Water District Cases [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of cases | item						27
Cooperating Parties Group [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of other companies to perform a Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study related to the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up lawsuit | entity				70
Number of miles of the River used in the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study | mi				17
Number of miles for bank-to-bank dredging remedy | mi			8
Texas Brine and Occidental Chemical Co [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judge ruled allocation of fault among defendants, percentage							20.00%
Occidental Chemical Co [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judge ruled allocation of fault among defendants, percentage	50.00%						30.00%
Texas Brine [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judge ruled allocation of fault among defendants, percentage	35.00%						55.00%
Number of cases | item						2
LADWP [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of planned new treatment capabilities | item					2
Maximum [Member] | EPA [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated implementation costs | $						$ 1,380,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding standby letters of credit | $						$ 83,185

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	$ 36,110	$ 36,515	$ 36,994
Continuing Operations [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	25,414	25,544	26,094
Retained From Former Chemicals Business [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	$ 10,696	$ 10,971	$ 10,900

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (N

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021item
California [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Number of aggregates locations	2

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (A

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Accretion	$ 3,341	$ 3,115	$ 9,796	$ 9,270
Depreciation	2,916	2,123	8,241	6,022
Total	$ 6,257	$ 5,238	$ 18,037	$ 15,292

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (R

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Reconciliations of Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 286,435	$ 263,748	$ 283,163	$ 210,323
Liabilities incurred	10,712	353	11,650	353
Liabilities settled	(5,321)	(2,459)	(10,274)	(11,047)
Accretion expense	3,341	3,115	9,796	9,270
Revisions, net	3,165	(5,809)	3,997	50,049
Balance at end of period	$ 298,332	$ 258,948	$ 298,332	$ 258,948

BENEFIT PLANS (Narrative) (Deta

BENEFIT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 04, 2021USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)itementity	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of funded, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans | entity				2
Number of unfunded, nonqualified pension plans | entity				3
Number of defined contribution plans		5		5
Normal retirement age				65 years
Expense recognized related to defined contribution plans | $		$ 14,877	$ 13,707	$ 49,899	$ 37,574
Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Purchase of irrevocable group annuity contract | $	$ 87,660
Percent of outstanding defined benefit pension obligation transferred	10.00%
Number of U.S. retirees and beneficiaries which insurance company is required to pay	2,764
Percent of retirees currently in payment status transferred to insurance company	50.00%
U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of defined contribution plans		3		3

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Ne

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Pension Benefits) (Details) - Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 1,193	$ 1,331	$ 3,580	$ 3,993
Interest cost	4,879	7,531	14,638	22,593
Expected return on plan assets	(11,375)	(12,485)	(34,125)	(37,454)
Amortization of prior service cost	337	335	1,010	1,005
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,178	3,140	6,535	9,419
Net periodic benefit credit	(2,788)	(148)	(8,362)	(444)
Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in net periodic pension benefit cost	$ 2,515	$ 3,475	$ 7,545	$ 10,424

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of _2

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost- Other Postretirement Benefits) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 265	$ 380	$ 795	$ 1,140
Interest cost	107	242	319	727
Amortization of prior service credit	(476)	(980)	(1,429)	(2,939)
Amortization of actuarial gain	(367)	(201)	(1,101)	(604)
Net periodic benefit credit	(471)	(559)	(1,416)	(1,676)
Pretax reclassifications from AOCI included in net periodic postretirement benefit credit	$ (843)	$ (1,181)	$ (2,530)	$ (3,543)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Acc

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Interest rate hedges	$ (22,863)	$ (23,943)	$ (24,294)
Pension and postretirement plans	(153,657)	(157,362)	(181,701)
Total	$ (176,520)	$ (181,305)	$ (205,995)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Cha

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI, Beginning balance			$ (181,305)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			4,785
Net current period OCI changes	$ 1,599	$ 2,045	4,785	$ (8,256)
AOCI, Ending balance	(176,520)	$ (205,995)	(176,520)	$ (205,995)
Amortization of Interest Rate Hedges Losses [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI, Beginning balance			(23,943)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			1,080
Net current period OCI changes			1,080
AOCI, Ending balance	(22,863)		(22,863)
Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI, Beginning balance			(157,362)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			3,705
Net current period OCI changes			3,705
AOCI, Ending balance	$ (153,657)		$ (153,657)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Amo

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ (36,776)	$ (35,782)	$ (111,589)	$ (100,509)
Other nonoperating expense	3,152	5,787	17,288	3,818
Benefit from income taxes	51,770	56,984	169,692	130,530
Total	176,906	199,788	532,865	469,962
Reclassification From AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total	1,599	2,045	4,785	6,423
Amortization of Interest Rate Hedges Losses [Member] | Reclassification From AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	493	473	1,461	1,810
Benefit from income taxes	(129)	(123)	(381)	(472)
Total	364	350	1,080	1,338
Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost [Member] | Reclassification From AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other nonoperating expense	1,671	2,294	5,014	6,881
Benefit from income taxes	(436)	(599)	(1,309)	(1,796)
Total	$ 1,235	$ 1,695	$ 3,705	$ 5,085

EQUITY (Narrative) (Details)

EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)item$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	480,000,000	480,000,000	480,000,000
Number of votes per common stock | item	1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000
Preferred stock issued	0
Number of shares held in treasury	0	0	0
Shares remaining under the current authorization repurchase program	8,064,851
Noncontrolling interest | $	$ 23,041	$ 0	$ 0
Orca [Member] | Polaris [Member]
Ownership percentage by parent	88.00%
Namgis [Member] | Orca [Member]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	12.00%

EQUITY (Shares Purchased and Re

EQUITY (Shares Purchased and Retired) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
EQUITY [Abstract]
Shares Purchased and Retired, Number	0	214	214
Shares Purchased and Retired, Total purchase price	$ 0	$ 26,132	$ 26,132
Shares Purchased and Retired, Average cost per share	$ 0	$ 121.92	$ 121.92

EQUITY (Changes in Total Equity

EQUITY (Changes in Total Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
EQUITY [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 6,293,113	$ 5,764,151	$ 6,027,330	$ 5,621,857
Net earnings attributable to Vulcan	176,906	199,788	532,865	469,962
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	(3,938)	(617)	(16,815)	(17,157)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	0	0	0	(26,132)
Share-based compensation expense	7,512	8,019	25,200	23,239
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.37/$0.34/$1.11/$1.02 per share, respectively)	(49,094)	(45,034)	(147,267)	(135,161)
Other comprehensive income (expense)	1,599	2,045	4,785	(8,256)
Balance at end of period	$ 6,426,098	$ 5,928,352	$ 6,426,098	$ 5,928,352
Cash dividend on common stock, per share	$ 0.37	$ 0.34	$ 1.11	$ 1.02

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021segment
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4
Number of reportable segments	4

SEGMENT REPORTING (Segment Fina

SEGMENT REPORTING (Segment Financial Disclosure) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	$ 1,516,506	$ 1,309,890	$ 3,945,897	$ 3,681,707
Gross profit		394,061	380,498	1,021,691	978,740
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion & Amortization (DDA&A)		117,517	100,962	320,992	295,912
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		136,430	1,084,730	136,430	1,084,730	$ 1,198,013	$ 274,506
Total assets		13,688,002	11,590,533	13,688,002	11,590,533	$ 11,686,905
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,613,760	1,388,324	4,175,360	3,889,248
Total assets	[2]	13,282,983	10,375,417	13,282,983	10,375,417
Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	(97,254)	(78,434)	(229,463)	(207,541)
Aggregates [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,075,155	970,528	2,963,222	2,780,243
Aggregates [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1],[3]	1,172,409	1,048,962	3,192,685	2,987,784
Gross profit		372,346	337,891	969,817	883,184
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion & Amortization (DDA&A)		93,344	82,487	258,480	240,370
Total assets	[2]	10,940,545	9,497,041	10,940,545	9,497,041
Aggregates [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	(97,254)	(78,434)	(229,463)	(207,541)
Asphalt [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	220,652	235,201	580,396	597,940
Asphalt [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1],[4]	220,652	235,201	580,396	597,940
Gross profit		7,075	30,217	17,616	58,246
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion & Amortization (DDA&A)		8,956	8,644	27,111	26,046
Total assets	[2]	617,794	559,416	617,794	559,416
Asphalt [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]		0		0
Concrete [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	219,225	102,807	396,785	298,255
Concrete [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	219,225	102,807	396,785	298,255
Gross profit		14,301	12,157	32,362	35,597
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion & Amortization (DDA&A)		8,655	3,987	16,633	12,070
Total assets	[2]	1,720,748	315,349	1,720,748	315,349
Concrete [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]		0		0
Calcium [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,474	1,354	5,494	5,269
Calcium [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,474	1,354	5,494	5,269
Gross profit		339	233	1,896	1,713
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion & Amortization (DDA&A)		38	49	116	146
Total assets	[2]	3,896	3,611	3,896	3,611
Calcium [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]		0		0
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion & Amortization (DDA&A)		6,524	5,795	18,652	17,280
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets		$ 268,589	$ 130,386	$ 268,589	$ 130,386
[1]	1 The geographic markets are defined by states/countries as follows: East market — Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Marylan d, N orth Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Gulf Coast market — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Quintana Roo (Mexico), South Carolina and Texas West market — Arizon a, C alifornia and New Mexico U.S. Concrete — British Columbia (Canada), California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.
[2]	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.
[3]	Includes product sales (crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates), as well as freight & delivery costs that we pass along to our customers, and service revenues (see Note 4) related to aggregates.
[4]	Includes product sales, as well as service revenues (see Note 4) from our asphalt construction paving business.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM_3

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Supplemental Information Referable to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)		$ 81,474	$ 75,058
Income taxes		122,069	72,544
Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment		27,486	16,765
Recognition of new and revised asset retirement obligations (AROs)		15,647	50,402
Recognition of new and revised right-of-use (ROU) assets for: Operating lease liabilities	[1]	272,566	46,979
Recognition of new and revised right-of-use (ROU) assets for: Finance lease liabilities		117,841	5,817
Amounts referable to business acquisitions (excluding AROs and ROU assets), Liabilities assumed (excluding lease liabilities)		687,561	5,637
Amounts referable to business acquisitions (excluding AROs and ROU assets), Consideration payable to seller		0	8,980
Amounts referable to business acquisitions (excluding AROs and ROU assets), Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged		0	21,214
Debt issued for purchases of property, plant & equipment		$ 0	$ 2,571
[1]	The 2021 amounts include leases assumed in the acquisition of U.S. Concrete (see Note 16).

GOODWILL (Narrative) (Details)

GOODWILL (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0
Number of reportable segments | segment	4
Calcium [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	$ 252,664

GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying A

GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 3,172,112
Goodwill of acquired businesses	502,651
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,674,763
Aggregates [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	3,080,479
Goodwill of acquired businesses	185,981
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,266,460
Asphalt [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	91,633
Goodwill, Ending balance	91,633
Concrete [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	316,670
Goodwill, Ending balance	316,670
Calcium [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	0
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 0

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 26, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Cash						$ 1,634,492,000	$ 5,668,000
Goodwill						502,651,000
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses		$ 2,940,000			$ 1,576,000	120,316,000	2,317,000
Assets held for sale		0		$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Acquisitions 2021 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						729,415,000
Goodwill						502,651,000
Goodwill, deductible for income tax purposes		$ 116,615,000				116,615,000
Acquisitions 2020 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total consideration								73,416,000
Cash								43,223,000
Consideration payable amount								30,193,000
Amortizable intangible assets recognized								$ 65,545,000
Intangible assets amortization period, tax purposes								15 years
Goodwill								$ 5,051,000
Intangible assets, deductible for income tax purposes				$ 25,712,000				25,712,000
U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total consideration	$ 1,634,492,000
Cash	1,268,507,000
Cash	1,634,492,000
Goodwill	502,651,000
Deferred income taxes, net	$ 274,226,000
U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member] | Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Supplemental Pro Forma Results, Net earnings attributable to Vulcan						21,092,000
California [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Consideration transferred, net of assets divested			$ 12,900,000
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses			$ 114,695,000
New Mexico [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Supply agreement period					20 years
Virginia [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Supply agreement period				20 years
Aggregates [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Goodwill						$ 185,981,000
Amortizable Intangible Asset Straight-Line Method [Member] | Acquisitions 2021 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets						15 years
Amortizable Intangible Asset Straight-Line Method [Member] | Acquisitions 2020 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized								$ 65,545,000
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets								20 years

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Comprehensive Income Actual Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 141,067	$ 141,067
Vulcan [Member]
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]
Net loss attributable to Vulcan	$ (8,808)	$ (8,808)

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_4

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Supplemental Pro Forma Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]
Supplemental Pro Forma Results, Total revenues	$ 1,731,856	$ 1,673,603	$ 4,755,124	$ 4,683,544
Vulcan [Member]
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]
Supplemental Pro Forma Results, Net earnings attributable to Vulcan	$ 225,458	$ 215,061	$ 543,676	$ 448,286

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_5

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Schedule of Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 26, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest		$ (23,041)	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill		502,651
Cash		$ 1,634,492	$ 5,668
Acquisitions 2020 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]
Total fair value of purchase consideration				73,416
Goodwill				5,051
Cash				$ 43,223
U.S. Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items]
Cash consideration	$ 1,634,492
Total fair value of purchase consideration	1,634,492
Accounts and notes receivable, net	241,368
Inventories	80,083
Other current assets	11,087
Property, plant & equipment	1,136,617
Intangible assets	729,415
Other noncurrent assets	199,807
Deferred income taxes, net	(274,226)
Liabilities assumed	(970,049)
Noncontrolling interest	(22,261)
Net identifiable assets acquired	1,131,841
Goodwill	502,651
Cash	1,268,507
Obligations paid on acquisition date	384,402
Cash acquired	$ 18,417