Kirby (KEX) 10-Q 9 May 22 2022 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	May 06, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KIRBY CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000056047
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2022
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7615
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Tax Identification Number	74-1884980
Entity Address, Address Line One	55 Waugh Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 1000
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77007
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	435-1000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	KEX
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		60.3

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,398	$ 34,813
Accounts receivable:
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	420,823	417,958
Other	125,757	149,964
Inventories - net	360,457	331,350
Prepaid expense and other current assets	75,896	69,780
Total current assets	1,015,331	1,003,865
Property and equipment	5,391,988	5,392,851
Accumulated depreciation	(1,731,674)	(1,714,336)
Property and equipment - net	3,660,314	3,678,515
Operating lease right-of-use assets	164,986	167,730
Goodwill	438,748	438,748
Other intangibles, net	57,934	60,070
Other assets	45,479	50,135
Total assets	5,382,792	5,399,063
Current liabilities:
Bank notes payable	3,097	1,934
Income taxes payable	93	0
Accounts payable	218,907	199,088
Accrued liabilities	188,302	236,078
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	34,454	33,902
Deferred revenues	68,982	72,770
Total current liabilities	513,835	543,772
Long-term debt, net - less current portion	1,151,638	1,161,433
Deferred income taxes	580,014	574,152
Operating lease liabilities - less current portion	156,271	159,672
Other long-term liabilities	69,169	71,252
Total long-term liabilities	1,957,092	1,966,509
Contingencies and commitments
Kirby stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value per share. Authorized 120 million shares, issued 65.5 million shares	6,547	6,547
Additional Paid in Capital	853,610	854,512
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	(25,477)	(25,966)
Retained earnings	2,363,873	2,346,439
Treasury stock - at cost, 5.2 million shares at March 31, 2022 and 5.4 million at December 31, 2021	(289,098)	(295,208)
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	2,909,455	2,886,324
Noncontrolling interests	2,410	2,458
Total equity	2,911,865	2,888,782
Total liabilities and equity	$ 5,382,792	$ 5,399,063

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Paren

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Kirby stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	120	120
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	65.5	65.5
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5.2	5.4

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNING

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 610,782	$ 496,850
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales and operating expenses	450,618	363,040
Selling, general and administrative	75,765	69,629
Taxes, other than on income	9,590	8,260
Depreciation and amortization	49,964	54,890
Gain on disposition of assets	(4,849)	(2,133)
Total costs and expenses	581,088	493,686
Operating income	29,694	3,164
Other income	4,308	3,791
Interest expense	(10,203)	(10,966)
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	23,799	(4,011)
(Provision) benefit for taxes on income	(6,213)	891
Net earnings (loss)	17,586	(3,120)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(152)	(255)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby	$ 17,434	$ (3,375)
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
Basic	$ 0.29	$ (0.06)
Diluted	$ 0.29	$ (0.06)
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 355,536	$ 300,951
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 255,246	$ 195,899

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREH

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 17,586	$ (3,120)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefits	13	745
Foreign currency translation adjustments	476	(497)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	489	248
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	18,075	(2,872)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(152)	(255)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kirby	$ 17,923	$ (3,127)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FL

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 17,586	$ (3,120)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	49,964	54,890
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	5,856	(533)
Amortization of share-based compensation	5,965	5,722
Amortization of major maintenance costs	7,113	8,360
Other	(3,480)	(1,138)
Increase (decrease) in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	(50,782)	38,377
Net cash provided by operating activities	32,222	102,558
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(35,075)	(14,052)
Acquisitions of businesses	(3,900)	0
Proceeds from disposition of assets	14,280	4,754
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,695)	(9,298)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) on bank credit facilities, net	1,163	(119,606)
Payments on long-term debt	(10,000)	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,336	411
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation	(3,093)	(2,045)
Return of investment to noncontrolling interest and other	(348)	(25)
Net cash used in financing activities	(9,942)	(121,265)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(2,415)	(28,005)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	34,813	80,338
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	32,398	52,333
Cash paid (received) during the period:
Interest paid	18,022	18,732
Income taxes refunded, net	(24)	(117,659)
Operating cash outflow from operating leases	11,040	10,688
Non-cash investing activity:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	(487)	(7,207)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$ 6,464	$ 6,219

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHO

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 3,087,553	$ 6,547	$ 844,979	$ (61,452)	$ 2,593,393	$ (299,161)	$ 3,247
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		65,472,000				(5,434,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	411		19	0	0	$ 392	0
Stock option exercises (in shares)						8,000
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures	0		(4,461)	0	0	$ 4,461	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures (in shares)						81,000
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	(2,045)					$ (2,045)	0
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)						(39,000)
Amortization of share-based compensation	5,722		5,722	0	0	$ 0	0
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	(2,872)			248	(3,375)	0	255
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	(25)						(25)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021	3,088,744	$ 6,547	846,259	(61,204)	2,590,018	$ (296,353)	3,477
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021		65,472,000				(5,384)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2021	2,888,782	$ 6,547	854,512	(25,966)	2,346,439	$ (295,208)	2,458
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021		65,472,000				(5,361,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	2,336		438	0	0	$ 1,898	0
Stock option exercises (in shares)						34,000
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures	0		(7,305)	0	0	$ 7,305	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures (in shares)						133,000
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	(3,093)					$ (3,093)	0
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)						(49,000)
Amortization of share-based compensation	5,965		5,965	0	0	$ 0	0
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	18,075			489	17,434	0	152
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	(200)						(200)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2022	$ 2,911,865	$ 6,547	$ 853,610	$ (25,477)	$ 2,363,873	$ (289,098)	$ 2,410
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2022		65,472,000				(5,243,000)

Basis for Preparation of the Co

Basis for Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis for Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements	(1) Basis for Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements The condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared by Kirby Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures, including significant accounting policies normally included in annual financial statements, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 . Certain reclassifications have been made to reflect the current presentation of financial information.

Acquisition

Acquisition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	(2) Acquisition On March 31, 2022, the Company paid $ 3.9 million in cash to purchase assets of a gearbox repair company in the distribution and services segment. Assets acquired consisted primarily of property and equipment.

Revenues

Revenues	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues	(3) Revenues The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 277,910 $ 224,451 Coastal transportation 77,626 76,500 $ 355,536 $ 300,951 Distribution and services segment: Commercial and industrial $ 147,533 $ 132,908 Oil and gas 107,713 62,991 $ 255,246 $ 195,899 Contract liabilities represent advance consideration received from customers, and are recognized as revenue over time as the related performance obligation is satisfied. Revenues recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 that were included in the opening contract liability balances were $ 28.6 million and $ 30.8 million , respectively. The Company presents all contract liabilities within the deferred revenues financial statement caption on the balance sheets. The Company did no t have any contract assets at March 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021 . The Company applies the practical expedient that allows non-disclosure of information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less.

Segment Data

Segment Data	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Data	(4) Segment Data The Company’s operations are aggregated into two reportable business segments as follows: Marine Transportation Segment ("KMT") — Provides marine transportation by United States flagged vessels principally of liquid cargoes throughout the United States inland waterway system, along all three United States coasts, and, to a lesser extent, in United States coastal transportation of dry-bulk cargoes. The principal products transported include petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals. Distribution and Services Segment ("KDS") — Provides after-market services and genuine replacement parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, and related equipment used in oilfield services, marine, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications. The Company also rents equipment including generators, industrial compressors, high capacity lift trucks, and refrigeration trailers for use in a variety of industrial markets, and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, electric power generation equipment, specialized electrical distribution and control equipment, and high capacity energy storage/battery systems for oilfield service and railroad customers. The Company’s two reportable business segments are managed separately based on fundamental differences in their operations. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on the contributions to operating income of the respective segments, before income taxes, interest, gains or losses on disposition of assets, other nonoperating income, noncontrolling interests, accounting changes, and nonrecurring items. Intersegment revenues, based on market-based pricing, of KDS from KMT of $ 7.6 million and $ 4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as well as the related intersegment profit of $ 0.8 million and $ 0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, have been eliminated from the tables below. The following tables set forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment and total assets (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 355,536 $ 300,951 Distribution and services 255,246 195,899 $ 610,782 $ 496,850 Segment profit: Marine transportation $ 16,935 $ 1,940 Distribution and services 10,971 2,911 Other ( 4,107 ) ( 8,862 ) $ 23,799 $ ( 4,011 ) March 31, December 31, Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,280,135 $ 4,319,080 Distribution and services 922,905 892,603 Other 179,752 187,380 $ 5,382,792 $ 5,399,063 The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 General corporate expenses $ ( 3,061 ) $ ( 3,820 ) Gain on disposition of assets 4,849 2,133 Interest expense ( 10,203 ) ( 10,966 ) Other income 4,308 3,791 $ ( 4,107 ) $ ( 8,862 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets (in thousands): March 31, December 31, General corporate assets $ 178,199 $ 185,246 Investment in affiliates 1,553 2,134 $ 179,752 $ 187,380

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	(5) Long-Term Debt The following table presents the carrying value and fair value (determined using inputs characteristic of a Level 2 fair value measurement) of debt outstanding (in thousands): March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Revolving Credit Facility due March 27, 2024 (a) $ — $ — $ — $ — Term Loan due March 27, 2024 (a) 305,000 305,000 315,000 315,000 3.29 % senior notes due February 27, 2023 350,000 351,078 350,000 358,390 4.2 % senior notes due March 1, 2028 500,000 512,724 500,000 549,239 Credit line due June 30, 2022 — — — — Bank notes payable 3,097 3,097 1,934 1,934 1,158,097 1,171,899 1,166,934 1,224,563 Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs (b) ( 3,362 ) — ( 3,567 ) — $ 1,154,735 $ 1,171,899 $ 1,163,367 $ 1,224,563 (a) Variable interest rate of 1.8 % and 1.5 % at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. (b) Excludes $ 1.2 million and $ 1.4 million attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility included in other assets at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 , respectively. The following table presents borrowings and payments under the bank credit facilities (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Borrowings on bank credit facilities $ 89,740 $ 1,107 Payments on bank credit facilities ( 88,577 ) ( 120,713 ) $ 1,163 $ ( 119,606 ) The Company has an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a group of commercial banks, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the administrative agent bank, allowing for an $ 850 million unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and an unsecured term loan (“Term Loan”) with a maturity date of March 27, 2024 . The Term Loan is prepayable, in whole or in part, without penalty . During the three months ended March 31, 2022 , the Company repaid $ 10.0 million under the Term Loan. During April 2022 , the Company repaid $ 5.0 million under the Term Loan. Outstanding letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility were $ 5.1 million and available borrowing capacity was $ 844.9 million as of March 31, 2022. Outstanding letters of credit under the $ 10 million credit line were $ 1.3 million and available borrowing capacity was $ 8.7 million as of March 31, 2022. On February 3, 2022, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement for the issuance of $ 300 million of unsecured senior notes with a group of institutional investors, consisting of $ 60 million of 3.46 % series A notes ("Series A Notes") and $ 240 million of 3.51 % series B notes ("Series B Notes"), each due January 19, 2033 (collectively, the "2033 Notes"). The Series A Notes are scheduled to be issued on October 20, 2022, and the Series B Notes are scheduled to be issued on January 19, 2023. No principal payments will be required until maturity. Beginning in 2023, interest payments of $ 5.3 million will be due semi-annually on January 19 and July 19 of each year, with the exception of the first payment on January 19, 2023, which will be $ 0.5 million. The 2033 Notes will be unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with the Company's other unsecured senior indebtedness. The 2033 Notes contain certain covenants on the part of the Company, including an interest coverage covenant, a debt-to-capitalization covenant, and covenants relating to liens, asset sales and mergers, among others. The 2033 Notes also specify certain events of default, upon the occurrence of which the maturity of the notes may be accelerated, including failure to pay principal and interest, violation of covenants or default on other indebtedness, among others. The 3.29 % unsecured senior notes due February 27, 2023 (the "2023 Notes") are excluded from short term liabilities because the Company intends to use the proceeds from the issuance of the 2033 Notes and availability under the Revolving Credit Facility to repay the 2023 Notes upon maturity.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	(6) Leases The Company currently leases various facilities and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable operating leases. The accounting for the Company’s leases may require judgments, which include determining whether a contract contains a lease, allocating the consideration between lease and non-lease components, and determining the incremental borrowing rates. Leases with an initial noncancelable term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has also elected to combine lease and non-lease components on all classes of leased assets, except for leased towing vessels, for which the Company estimates approximately 70 % of the costs relate to service costs and other non-lease components. Variable lease costs relate primarily to real estate executory costs (i.e. taxes, insurance and maintenance). Future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2022 $ 31,063 $ 41,685 2023 36,235 35,833 2024 29,270 28,837 2025 24,265 23,794 2026 18,888 18,361 Thereafter 91,621 91,237 Total lease payments 231,342 239,747 Less: imputed interest ( 40,617 ) ( 46,173 ) Operating lease liabilities $ 190,725 $ 193,574 The following table summarizes lease costs (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Operating lease cost $ 10,850 $ 10,392 Variable lease cost 419 709 Short-term lease cost 5,481 3,053 Sublease income ( 69 ) ( 274 ) $ 16,681 $ 13,880 The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases: March 31, December 31, Weighted average discount rate 3.8 % 3.8 % Weighted average remaining lease term 9 years 9 years

Stock Award Plans

Stock Award Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock Award Plans	(7) Stock Award Plans The compensation cost that has been charged against earnings for the Company’s stock award plans and the income tax benefit recognized in the statement of earnings for stock awards were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Compensation cost $ 5,965 $ 5,722 Income tax benefit $ 1,557 $ 1,272 During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company grante d 197,850 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to selected officers and other key employees under the employee stock award plan which vest ratably over five years . During May 2022 , the Company granted 27,696 shares of restricted stock to nonemployee directors of the Company under the director stock plan, the majority of which vest six months after the date of grant.

Taxes on Income

Taxes on Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes on Income	(8) Taxes on Income At both March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had a federal income tax receivable of $ 71.0 million included in Accounts Receivable – Other on the balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company received a tax refund of $ 119.5 million, including accrued interest, for its 2019 federal tax return related to net operating losses being carried back to offset taxable income generated between 2014 and 2017. Earnings (loss) before taxes on income and details of the provision (benefit) for taxes on income were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Earnings (loss) before taxes on income: United States $ 23,654 $ ( 3,619 ) Foreign 145 ( 392 ) $ 23,799 $ ( 4,011 ) Provision (benefit) for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ — $ — Deferred 5,257 ( 603 ) State and local: Current 263 ( 358 ) Deferred 599 70 Foreign - current 94 — $ 6,213 $ ( 891 )

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(9) Earnings Per Share The following table presents the components of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby $ 17,434 $ ( 3,375 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares ( 3 ) — Earnings (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders – basic 17,431 ( 3,375 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 3 — Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares ( 3 ) — Earnings (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders – diluted $ 17,431 $ ( 3,375 ) Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 60,182 60,074 Weighted average unvested restricted stock ( 9 ) ( 58 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic 60,173 60,016 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 290 — Weighted average common stock outstanding – diluted 60,463 60,016 Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.29 $ ( 0.06 ) Diluted $ 0.29 $ ( 0.06 ) Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 0.4 million and 0.6 million shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive. Certain outstanding RSUs to convert to 7,000 shares of common stock were also excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of March 31, 2021 as such RSUs would have been antidilutive. There were no antidilutive RSUs as of March 31, 2022.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	(10) Inventories The following table presents the details of inventories – net (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Finished goods $ 271,519 $ 260,707 Work in process 88,938 70,643 $ 360,457 $ 331,350

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	(11) Retirement Plans The Company sponsors a defined benefit plan for certain of its inland vessel personnel and shore based tankermen. The plan benefits are based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. The plan assets consist primarily of equity and fixed income securities. On April 12, 2017, the Company amended its pension plan to cease all benefit accruals for periods after May 31, 2017 for certain participants. Participants grandfathered and not impacted were those, as of the close of business on May 31, 2017, who either (a) had completed 15 years of pension service or (b) had attained age 50 and completed 10 years of pension service. Participants non-grandfathered are eligible to receive discretionary 401(k) plan contributions. The Company’s pension plan funding strategy is to make annual contributions in amounts equal to or greater than amounts necessary to meet minimum government funding requirements. The plan’s benefit obligations are based on a variety of demographic and economic assumptions, and the pension plan assets’ returns are subject to various risks, including market and interest rate risk, making an accurate prediction of the pension plan contribution difficult. Based on current pension plan assets and market conditions, the Company does not expect to make a contribution to the Kirby pension plan during 2022. On February 14, 2018, with the acquisition of Higman Marine, Inc. and its affiliated companies (“Higman”), the Company assumed Higman’s pension plan for its inland vessel personnel and office staff. On March 27, 2018, the Company amended the Higman pension plan to close it to all new entrants and cease all benefit accruals for periods after May 15, 2018 for all participants. The Company made a contribution of $ 0.3 million to the Higman pension plan during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and a contribution of $ 0.2 million during April 2022. The Company expects to make additional contributions of $ 0.4 million during the remainder of 2022. The Company sponsors an unfunded defined benefit health care plan that provides limited postretirement medical benefits to employees who meet minimum age and service requirements, and to eligible dependents. The plan limits cost increases in the Company’s contribution to 4 % per year. The plan is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually. The plan eliminated coverage for future retirees as of December 31, 2011. The Company also has an unfunded defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) that was assumed in an acquisition in 1999. That plan ceased to accrue additional benefits effective January 1, 2000. The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plans SERP Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 1,611 $ 1,927 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,722 3,584 7 8 Expected return on plan assets ( 7,142 ) ( 6,574 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 110 1,098 7 10 Net periodic benefit cost $ ( 1,699 ) $ 35 $ 14 $ 18 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost 4 4 Amortization of actuarial gain ( 98 ) ( 113 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ ( 94 ) $ ( 109 )

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	(12) Other Comprehensive Income The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Gross Income Tax Provision Net Amount Gross Income Tax Provision Net Pension and postretirement benefits (a): Amortization of net actuarial loss $ 19 $ ( 6 ) $ 13 $ 995 $ ( 250 ) $ 745 Foreign currency translation 476 — 476 ( 497 ) — ( 497 ) Total $ 495 $ ( 6 ) $ 489 $ 498 $ ( 250 ) $ 248 (a) Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into other income (expense). ( See Note 11, Retirement Plans)

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	(13) Contingencies and Commitments On October 13, 2016, the tug Nathan E. Stewart and barge DBL 55, an articulated tank barge and tugboat unit (“ATB”) owned and operated by Kirby Offshore Marine, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, ran aground at the entrance to Seaforth Channel on Atholone Island, British Columbia. The grounding resulted in a breach of a portion of the Nathan E. Stewart’s fuel tanks causing a discharge of diesel fuel into the water. The USCG and the NTSB designated the Company as a party of interest in their investigation as to the cause of the incident. The Canadian authorities including Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Safety Board investigated the cause of the incident. On October 10, 2018, the Heiltsuk First Nation filed a civil action in the British Columbia Supreme Court against a subsidiary of the Company, the master and pilot of the tug, the vessels and the Canadian government seeking unquantified damages as a result of the incident. On May 1, 2019, the Company filed a limitation action in the Federal Court of Canada seeking limitation of liability relating to the incident as provided under admiralty law. The Heiltsuk First Nation’s civil claim has been consolidated into the Federal Court limitation action as of July 26, 2019 and it is expected that the Federal Court of Canada will decide all claims against the Company. The Company is unable to estimate the potential exposure in the civil proceeding. The Company has various insurance policies covering liabilities including pollution, property, marine and general liability and believes that it has satisfactory insurance coverage for the cost of cleanup and salvage operations as well as other potential liabilities arising from the incident. The Company believes its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate for the incident and does not expect the incident to have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition. In addition, the Company is involved in various legal and other proceedings which are incidental to the conduct of its business, none of which in the opinion of management will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Management believes its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate and believes that it has adequate insurance coverage or has meritorious defenses for these other claims and contingencies. The Company has issued guaranties or obtained standby letters of credit and performance bonds supporting performance by the Company and its subsidiaries of contractual or contingent legal obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business. The aggregate notional value of these instruments is $ 19.7 million at March 31, 2022, including $ 12.1 million in letters of credit and $ 7.6 million in performance bonds. All of these instruments have an expiration date within two years . The Company does not believe demand for payment under these instruments is likely and expects no material cash outlays to occur regarding these instruments.

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues by Major Source	The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 277,910 $ 224,451 Coastal transportation 77,626 76,500 $ 355,536 $ 300,951 Distribution and services segment: Commercial and industrial $ 147,533 $ 132,908 Oil and gas 107,713 62,991 $ 255,246 $ 195,899

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables set forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment and total assets (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 355,536 $ 300,951 Distribution and services 255,246 195,899 $ 610,782 $ 496,850 Segment profit: Marine transportation $ 16,935 $ 1,940 Distribution and services 10,971 2,911 Other ( 4,107 ) ( 8,862 ) $ 23,799 $ ( 4,011 ) March 31, December 31, Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,280,135 $ 4,319,080 Distribution and services 922,905 892,603 Other 179,752 187,380 $ 5,382,792 $ 5,399,063
Other Segment Reporting Information	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 General corporate expenses $ ( 3,061 ) $ ( 3,820 ) Gain on disposition of assets 4,849 2,133 Interest expense ( 10,203 ) ( 10,966 ) Other income 4,308 3,791 $ ( 4,107 ) $ ( 8,862 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets (in thousands): March 31, December 31, General corporate assets $ 178,199 $ 185,246 Investment in affiliates 1,553 2,134 $ 179,752 $ 187,380

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the carrying value and fair value (determined using inputs characteristic of a Level 2 fair value measurement) of debt outstanding (in thousands): March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Revolving Credit Facility due March 27, 2024 (a) $ — $ — $ — $ — Term Loan due March 27, 2024 (a) 305,000 305,000 315,000 315,000 3.29 % senior notes due February 27, 2023 350,000 351,078 350,000 358,390 4.2 % senior notes due March 1, 2028 500,000 512,724 500,000 549,239 Credit line due June 30, 2022 — — — — Bank notes payable 3,097 3,097 1,934 1,934 1,158,097 1,171,899 1,166,934 1,224,563 Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs (b) ( 3,362 ) — ( 3,567 ) — $ 1,154,735 $ 1,171,899 $ 1,163,367 $ 1,224,563 (a) Variable interest rate of 1.8 % and 1.5 % at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. (b) Excludes $ 1.2 million and $ 1.4 million attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility included in other assets at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 , respectively.
Borrowings and Payments Under the Bank Credit Facilities	The following table presents borrowings and payments under the bank credit facilities (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Borrowings on bank credit facilities $ 89,740 $ 1,107 Payments on bank credit facilities ( 88,577 ) ( 120,713 ) $ 1,163 $ ( 119,606 )

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2022 $ 31,063 $ 41,685 2023 36,235 35,833 2024 29,270 28,837 2025 24,265 23,794 2026 18,888 18,361 Thereafter 91,621 91,237 Total lease payments 231,342 239,747 Less: imputed interest ( 40,617 ) ( 46,173 ) Operating lease liabilities $ 190,725 $ 193,574
Lease Cost	The following table summarizes lease costs (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Operating lease cost $ 10,850 $ 10,392 Variable lease cost 419 709 Short-term lease cost 5,481 3,053 Sublease income ( 69 ) ( 274 ) $ 16,681 $ 13,880
Operating Leases, Weighted Average Discount Rate and Remaining Lease Term	The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases: March 31, December 31, Weighted average discount rate 3.8 % 3.8 % Weighted average remaining lease term 9 years 9 years

Stock Award Plans (Tables)

Stock Award Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block]	The compensation cost that has been charged against earnings for the Company’s stock award plans and the income tax benefit recognized in the statement of earnings for stock awards were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Compensation cost $ 5,965 $ 5,722 Income tax benefit $ 1,557 $ 1,272

Taxes on Income (Tables)

Taxes on Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes on Income, Earnings (Loss) Before Taxes	Earnings (loss) before taxes on income and details of the provision (benefit) for taxes on income were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Earnings (loss) before taxes on income: United States $ 23,654 $ ( 3,619 ) Foreign 145 ( 392 ) $ 23,799 $ ( 4,011 ) Provision (benefit) for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ — $ — Deferred 5,257 ( 603 ) State and local: Current 263 ( 358 ) Deferred 599 70 Foreign - current 94 — $ 6,213 $ ( 891 )

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the components of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby $ 17,434 $ ( 3,375 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares ( 3 ) — Earnings (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders – basic 17,431 ( 3,375 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 3 — Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares ( 3 ) — Earnings (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders – diluted $ 17,431 $ ( 3,375 ) Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 60,182 60,074 Weighted average unvested restricted stock ( 9 ) ( 58 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic 60,173 60,016 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 290 — Weighted average common stock outstanding – diluted 60,463 60,016 Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.29 $ ( 0.06 ) Diluted $ 0.29 $ ( 0.06 )

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the details of inventories – net (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Finished goods $ 271,519 $ 260,707 Work in process 88,938 70,643 $ 360,457 $ 331,350

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plans SERP Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 1,611 $ 1,927 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,722 3,584 7 8 Expected return on plan assets ( 7,142 ) ( 6,574 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 110 1,098 7 10 Net periodic benefit cost $ ( 1,699 ) $ 35 $ 14 $ 18
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost 4 4 Amortization of actuarial gain ( 98 ) ( 113 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ ( 94 ) $ ( 109 )

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax [Abstract]
Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Gross Income Tax Provision Net Amount Gross Income Tax Provision Net Pension and postretirement benefits (a): Amortization of net actuarial loss $ 19 $ ( 6 ) $ 13 $ 995 $ ( 250 ) $ 745 Foreign currency translation 476 — 476 ( 497 ) — ( 497 ) Total $ 495 $ ( 6 ) $ 489 $ 498 $ ( 250 ) $ 248 (a) Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into other income (expense). ( See Note 11, Retirement Plans)

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Gearbox Repair [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 3.9

Revenues (Details)

Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 610,782	$ 496,850
Revenue recognized	28,600	30,800
Marine Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	355,536	300,951
Marine Transportation [Member] | Inland Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	277,910	224,451
Marine Transportation [Member] | Coastal Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	77,626	76,500
Distribution and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	255,246	195,899
Distribution and Services [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	147,533	132,908
Distribution and Services [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 107,713	$ 62,991

Revenues, Remaining Performance

Revenues, Remaining Performance Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 0	$ 0
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-03-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year

Segment Data (Details)

Segment Data (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)Segment	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	2
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 610,782,000	$ 496,850,000
Segment profit (loss)	23,799,000	(4,011,000)
Total assets	5,382,792,000		$ 5,399,063,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	4,849,000	2,133,000
Interest expense	(10,203,000)	(10,966,000)
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	23,799,000	(4,011,000)
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	355,536,000	300,951,000
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	255,246,000	195,899,000
Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	(4,107,000)	(8,862,000)
Total assets	179,752,000		187,380,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
General corporate expenses	3,061,000	3,820,000
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	4,849,000	2,133,000
Interest expense	10,203,000	10,966,000
Other income	4,308,000	3,791,000
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	(4,107,000)	(8,862,000)
Details of Other total assets [Abstract]
General corporate assets	178,199,000		185,246,000
Investment in affiliates	1,553,000		2,134,000
Total other assets	179,752,000		187,380,000
Reporting Segments [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)		1,940,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income		1,940,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	355,536,000	300,951,000
Segment profit (loss)	16,935,000
Total assets	4,280,135,000		4,319,080,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	16,935,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	255,246,000	195,899,000
Segment profit (loss)	10,971,000	2,911,000
Total assets	922,905,000		$ 892,603,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	10,971,000	2,911,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	7,600	4,900
Segment profit (loss)	800,000	500
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	$ 800,000	$ 500

Long-Term Debt, Carrying Value

Long-Term Debt, Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	$ 1,158,097	$ 1,166,934
Fair value	1,171,899	1,224,563
Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs	(3,362)	(3,567)
Long-term Debt	1,154,735	1,163,367
Amount excluded on unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs	1,200	1,400
3.29% Senior Notes Due February, 27 2023 [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	350,000	350,000
Fair value	$ 351,078	358,390
Interest rate	3.29%
Maturity Date	Feb. 27, 2023
4.2% Senior Notes Due March 1, 2028 [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	$ 500,000	500,000
Fair value	$ 512,724	549,239
Interest rate	4.20%
Maturity Date	Mar. 1, 2028
Credit line due September 30, 2021 [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	$ 0	0
Fair value	0	0
Bank Note Payable [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	3,097	1,934
Fair value	3,097	1,934
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	0	0
Fair value	$ 0	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.80%	1.50%
Maturity Date	Mar. 27, 2024
Term Loan [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	$ 305,000	$ 315,000
Fair value	$ 305,000	$ 315,000
Maturity Date	Mar. 27, 2024

Long-Term Debt, Borrowings and

Long-Term Debt, Borrowings and Payments under Bank Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt [Abstract]
Borrowings (Payments) on bank credit facilities	$ 1,163	$ (119,606)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt [Abstract]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	89,740	1,107
Payments on bank credit facilities	(88,577)	(120,713)
Borrowings (Payments) on bank credit facilities	$ (1,163)	$ 119,606

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 19, 2023	Jan. 19, 2023	Feb. 03, 2022	Apr. 30, 2022	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Payments on long-term debt					$ (10,000)	$ 0
Term loan					1,154,735		$ 1,163,367
Periodic payment, interest	$ 5,300	$ 500
Credit line due September 30, 2021 [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity					8,700
Credit facility, amount outstanding					10,000
Available borrowing capacity					$ 1,300
Senior Notes Series B Due February Twenty Seven Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate					3.29%
Maturity Date					Feb. 27, 2023
Three point Four Six Series A Notes Due January Nineteen Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long term debt, face amount			$ 60,000
Interest rate			3.46%
Three point Five One Series B Notes Due January Nineteen Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long term debt, face amount			$ 240,000
Interest rate			3.51%
Maturity Date			Jan. 19, 2033
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long term debt, face amount			$ 300,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 850,000
Credit facility, amount outstanding					5,100
Available borrowing capacity					$ 844,900
Maturity Date					Mar. 27, 2024
Term Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Credit facility, expiration date					Mar. 27, 2024
Payments on long-term debt					$ (10,000)
Maturity Date					Mar. 27, 2024
Term Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Payments on long-term debt				$ (5,000)

Leases, Future Minimum Lease Pa

Leases, Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Percentage of costs relate to service costs for leased towing vessels	70.00%
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases [Abstract]
2021	$ 31,063	$ 41,685
2022	36,235	35,833
2023	29,270	28,837
2024	24,265	23,794
2025	18,888	18,361
Thereafter	91,621	91,237
Total lease payments	231,342	239,747
Less: imputed interest	(40,617)	(46,173)
Operating lease liabilities	$ 190,725	$ 193,574

Leases, Lease Cost (Details)

Leases, Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 10,850	$ 10,392
Variable Lease, Cost	419	709
Short-term Lease, Cost	5,481	3,053
Sublease income	(69)	(274)
Total lease cost	$ 16,681	$ 13,880

Leases, Other Supplemental Info

Leases, Other Supplemental Information (Details)	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Other Supplemental Information about Operating Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	3.80%	3.80%
Weighted average remaining lease term	9 years	9 years

Impairments and Other Charges -

Impairments and Other Charges - Summary of Changes in Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 438,748	$ 438,748

Impairments and Other Charges (

Impairments and Other Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Goodwill [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of assets	$ 14,280	$ 4,754

Stock Award Plans, Compensation

Stock Award Plans, Compensation Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Compensation cost	$ 5,965	$ 5,722
Income tax benefit	$ 1,557	$ 1,272

Stock Award Plans (Details)

Stock Award Plans (Details) - shares	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	May 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2022
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		197,850
Vesting period		5 years
Director Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	27,696

Taxes on Income (Details)

Taxes on Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax receivable	$ 71,000		$ 71,000
Tax refund amount		$ 119,500
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	23,799	(4,011)
U.S. Federal [Abstract]
Current	0	0
Deferred	5,257	(603)
Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Current	263	(358)
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	599	70
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	94	0
Total provision (benefit) for taxes on income	6,213	(891)
United States [Member]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	23,654	(3,619)
Foreign [Member]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	$ 145	$ (392)

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby	$ 17,434	$ (3,375)
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	(3)	0
Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders, basic, total	17,431	(3,375)
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	3	0
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares	(3)	0
Earnings (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$ 17,431	$ (3,375)
Shares outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	60,182	60,074
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	(9)	(58)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in Shares)	60,173	60,016
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)	290	0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in Shares)	60,463	60,016
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.29	$ (0.06)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.29	$ (0.06)
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	400,000	600,000
RSUs [Member]
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	0	7,000

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Details of inventories [Abstract]
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross	$ 271,519	$ 260,707
Inventory, Work in Process, Gross	88,938	70,643
Inventories - net	$ 360,457	$ 331,350

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2022	Apr. 30, 2022	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Service period of participants not impacted by pension plan amendment			15 years
Age of plan participants not impacted by pension plan amendment			50 years
Service period of participants who are age fifty not impacted by pension plan amendment			10 years
Higman [Member]
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Pension contributions			$ 300
Higman [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Pension contributions	$ 400	$ 200
Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost			1,611	$ 1,927
Interest cost			3,722	3,584
Expected return on plan assets			(7,142)	(6,574)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)			110	1,098
Net periodic benefit cost			1,699	35
SERP [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost			0	0
Interest cost			7	8
Expected return on plan assets			0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)			7	10
Net periodic benefit cost			$ 14	18
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage			4.00%
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Interest cost			$ 4	4
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)			98	113
Net periodic benefit cost			$ (94)	$ (109)

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, gross amount	$ 19	$ 995
Amortization of net actuarial loss, income tax provision	(6)	(250)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net amount	13	745
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax	476	(497)
Foreign currency translation, income tax provision	0	0
Foreign currency translation, net amount	476	(497)
Total other comprehensive income, gross amount	495	498
Total other comprehensive income, income tax provision	(6)	(250)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	$ 489	$ 248

Contingencies and Commitments (

Contingencies and Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 19.7
Maximum [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Guarantor obligations, expiration period	2 years
Performance Bonds [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 7.6
Letters of Credit [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 12.1