Kirby (KEX) 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'KIRBY CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000056047	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	56,819,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'

CONDENSED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaud

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$6,482	$11,059
Accounts receivable:	'	'
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	308,495	313,182
Other	32,265	43,074
Inventories - net	138,439	177,397
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	39,511	39,248
Deferred income taxes	9,991	12,296
Total current assets	535,183	596,256
Property and equipment	3,340,165	3,219,113
Less accumulated depreciation	-973,117	-903,948
Property and equipment - net	2,367,048	2,315,165
Goodwill	591,362	596,030
Other assets	167,719	145,677
Total assets	3,661,312	3,653,128
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	65,000
Income taxes payable	11,391	2,369
Accounts payable	156,260	156,763
Accrued liabilities	121,728	114,031
Deferred revenues	35,872	16,857
Total current liabilities	325,251	355,020
Long-term debt - less current portion	860,930	1,070,110
Deferred income taxes	485,018	426,096
Other long-term liabilities	77,858	94,848
Total long-term liabilities	1,423,806	1,591,054
Contingencies and commitments	'	'
Kirby stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.10 par value per share. Authorized 120,000,000 shares, issued 59,776,000 shares	5,978	5,978
Additional paid-in capital	406,427	397,785
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	-57,188	-61,127
Retained earnings	1,627,873	1,439,079
Treasury stock - at cost, 2,965,000 at September 30, 2013 and 3,191,000 at December 31, 2012	-82,203	-86,747
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	1,900,887	1,694,968
Noncontrolling interests	11,368	12,086
Total equity	1,912,255	1,707,054
Total liabilities and equity	$3,661,312	$3,653,128

CONDENSED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaud1

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	59,776,000	59,776,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	2,965,000	3,191,000

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_EARNIN

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Marine transportation	$436,181	$349,771	$1,278,567	$1,027,923
Diesel engine services	114,924	171,553	395,231	572,184
Total revenues	551,105	521,324	1,673,798	1,600,107
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Costs of sales and operating expenses	344,396	344,990	1,083,257	1,075,265
Selling, general and administrative	43,241	44,473	128,335	140,772
Taxes, other than on income	3,714	3,455	12,589	11,276
Depreciation and amortization	41,640	35,729	122,907	107,400
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	-223	40	-728	-1
Total costs and expenses	432,768	428,687	1,346,360	1,334,712
Operating income	118,337	92,637	327,438	265,395
Other income (expense)	60	-56	236	123
Interest expense	-6,694	-6,056	-21,901	-17,797
Earnings before taxes on income	111,703	86,525	305,773	247,721
Provision for taxes on income	-42,007	-32,794	-114,733	-93,676
Net earnings	69,696	53,731	191,040	154,045
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-573	-676	-2,246	-2,495
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$69,123	$53,055	$188,794	$151,550
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.22	$0.95	$3.33	$2.71
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.21	$0.95	$3.32	$2.70

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_COMPRE

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net earnings	$69,696		$53,731		$191,040		$154,045
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:	'		'		'		'
Pension and postretirement benefits	1,185		1,048		2,856		769
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-124	[1]	-257	[1]	125	[1]	190	[1]
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	-12		1,331		958		3,831
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	1,049	[2]	2,122	[2]	3,939	[2]	4,790	[2]
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	70,745		55,853		194,979		158,835
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-573		-676		-2,246		-2,495
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	$70,172		$55,177		$192,733		$156,340
[1]	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate.B B (See Note 12 b Retirement Plans)
[2]	Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in interest expense or costs of sales and operating expenses as appropriate.B B (See Note 6 b Derivative Instruments)

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_F

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings	$191,040,000	$154,045,000
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	122,907,000	107,400,000
Provision for deferred income taxes	68,523,000	59,665,000
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	8,921,000	7,331,000
Other	5,656,000	2,784,000
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	53,668,000	-84,997,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	450,715,000	246,228,000
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-207,047,000	-255,887,000
Acquisition of businesses and marine equipment	-3,643,000	0
Proceeds from disposition of assets	30,390,000	15,165,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-180,300,000	-240,722,000
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payments on bank credit facilities, net	-143,180,000	5,970,000
Borrowings on long-term debt	225,000,000	0
Payments on long-term debt	-356,000,000	-26,005,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,328,000	3,173,000
Payment of contingent liability	-5,000,000	0
Excess tax benefit from equity compensation plans	2,824,000	2,342,000
Other	-2,964,000	-2,092,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-274,992,000	-16,612,000
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-4,577,000	-11,106,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	11,059,000	16,249,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	6,482,000	5,143,000
Cash paid during the period:	'	'
Interest	19,921,000	15,928,000
Income taxes	$23,000,000	$29,353,000

MANAGEMENT_OPINION

MANAGEMENT OPINION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
MANAGEMENT OPINION [Abstract]	'
MANAGEMENT OPINION	'
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements of Kirby Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

BASIS_FOR_PREPARATION_OF_THE_C

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CONDENSED 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 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, 2012.

ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS_ADOPTIONS

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	'
	-2	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTION
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 established the effective date for the requirement to present components of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) on the face of the financial statements. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 in the first quarter of 2013 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements except the Company has applied these provisions to its presentation of consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	-3	ACQUISITIONS
	On December 28, 2012, the Company purchased the assets of Flag Service & Maintenance, Inc. (“Flag”) for $6,864,000 in cash. Flag was an East Coast high-speed diesel engine service provider, operating factory-authorized full service marine dealerships for Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU and John Deere diesel engines.
	On December 14, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Penn Maritime Inc. and Maritime Investments LLC (“Penn”), an operator of tank barges and tugboats participating in the coastal transportation of primarily refinery feedstocks, asphalt and crude oil in the United States. The total value of the transaction was $300,538,000, consisting of $146,750,000 of cash, $29,080,000 through the issuance of 500,000 shares of Company common stock valued at $58.16 per share, and $124,708,000 of cash for the retirement of Penn’s debt. Penn’s fleet, comprised of 18 double hull tank barges with a capacity of 1.9 million barrels and 16 tugboats, operates along the East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States.
	On November 1, 2012, the Company purchased from Allied Transportation Company (“Allied”) 10 coastal tank barges with a total capacity of 680,000 barrels, three offshore dry-bulk barges with a total capacity of 48,000 deadweight tons and seven coastal tugboats for $108,547,000 in cash plus a provision for up to $10,000,000 that will be paid contingent on developments with the sugar provisions in the United States Farm Bill. The fair value of the contingent liability recorded at the acquisition date was $9,756,000. A payment of $5,000,000 was made in the 2013 first quarter on the contingent liability. Allied provided coastal transportation of petrochemicals as well as dry sugar products in the Northeast, Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions of the United States.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	-4	INVENTORIES
	The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
			September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2012
	Finished goods		$	119,586	$	162,859
	Work in process			18,853		14,538
			$	138,439	$	177,397

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	-5	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The accounting guidance for using fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities establishes a three tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little, if any, market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	September 30, 2013:		Quoted		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
			Prices in		Other		Unobservable		Value
			Active		Observable		Inputs		Measurements
			Markets for		Inputs		(Level 3)
			Identical		(Level 2)
			Assets
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivatives		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives		$	—	$	49	$	—	$	49
	Contingent liabilities			—		—		4,894		4,894
			$	—	$	49	$	4,894	$	4,943
	December 31, 2012:		Quoted		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
			Prices in		Other		Unobservable		Value
			Active		Observable		Inputs		Measurements
			Markets for		Inputs		(Level 3)
			Identical		(Level 2)
			Assets
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivatives		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives		$	—	$	1,525	$	—	$	1,525
	Contingent liabilities			—		—		28,067		28,067
			$	—	$	1,525	$	28,067	$	29,592
	The fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments is more fully described below in Note 6, Derivative Instruments.
	In connection with the acquisition of Allied on November 1, 2012, Allied’s former owners are eligible to receive up to an additional $10,000,000 payable in 2013 through 2015, contingent on developments with the sugar provisions in the United States Farm Bill. The fair value of the contingent liability recorded at the acquisition date was $9,756,000. The fair value of the contingent liability is based on a valuation of the estimated fair value of the liability after probability weighting and discounting various potential payments. A payment of $5,000,000 was made in the 2013 first quarter on the contingent liability. The increase in the fair value of the contingent liability for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $14,000 and $127,000, respectively, was charged to selling, general and administrative expense. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had recorded a contingent liability of $4,894,000.
	In connection with the acquisition of United Holdings LLC (“United”) on April 15, 2011, United’s former owners are eligible to receive a three-year earnout provision for up to an additional $50,000,000 payable in 2014, dependent on achieving certain financial targets. The fair value of the contingent earnout liability recorded at the acquisition date was $16,300,000. The fair value of the earnout is based on a valuation of the estimated fair value of the liability after probability weighting and discounting various potential payments. The decrease in the fair value of the earnout liability for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $7,900,000 and $18,300,000, respectively, was credited to selling, general and administrative expense. No United earnout liability was recorded as of September 30, 2013.
	The estimated fair value of total debt outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $829,056,000 and $1,130,967,000, respectively, which differs from the carrying amounts of $860,930,000 and $1,135,110,000, respectively, included in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value was determined using an income approach that relies on inputs such as yield curves. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities have carrying values that approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments.
	Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and therefore are not included in the table above. These assets are adjusted to fair value when there is evidence of impairment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there was no indication that the Company’s long-lived assets were impaired, and accordingly, measurement at fair value was not required.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	'
	-6	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	The Company recognizes all derivative instruments at fair value in the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation, which is established at the inception date of a derivative. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value, to the extent the hedge is effective, are recognized in OCI until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Hedge effectiveness is measured at least quarterly based on the cumulative difference between the fair value of the derivative contract and the hedged item over time. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.
	Interest Rate Risk Management
	From time to time, the Company has utilized derivative financial instruments with respect to a portion of its interest rate risks to achieve a more predictable cash flow by reducing its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. These transactions generally are interest rate swap agreements and are entered into with large multinational banks. On February 28, 2013, all of the Company’s outstanding interest rate swaps expired. These interest rate swaps, with a total notional amount of $200,000,000, were designated as cash flow hedges.
	Foreign Currency Risk Management
	From time to time, the Company has utilized derivative financial instruments with respect to its forecasted foreign currency transactions to attempt to reduce the risk of its exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations in its transactions denominated in foreign currency. These transactions, which relate to foreign currency obligations for the purchase of equipment from foreign suppliers or foreign currency receipts from foreign customers, generally are forward contracts or purchased call options and are entered into with large multinational banks.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had a forward contract with a notional amount of $469,000 to hedge its exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations in expected foreign currency transactions. This contract expires in the first quarter of 2014. This forward contract is designated as a cash flow hedge, therefore, the change in fair value, to the extent the forward contract is effective, is recognized in OCI until the forward contract expires and is recognized in cost of sales and operating expenses.
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
	The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments recorded as liabilities located on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Liability Derivatives		Balance Sheet Location	September 30,			December 31,
				2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
	Foreign currency contracts		Other accrued liabilities	$	49		$	−
	Foreign currency contracts		Other long-term liabilities		−			39
	Interest rate contracts		Other accrued liabilities		−			1,486
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815			$	49		$	1,525
	Total liability derivatives			$	49		$	1,525
	Fair value amounts were derived as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 utilizing fair value models of the Company and its counterparties on the Company’s portfolio of derivative instruments. These fair value models use the income approach that relies on inputs such as yield curves, currency exchange rates and forward prices. The fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments is described above in Note 5, Fair Value Measurements.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. Any ineffectiveness related to the Company’s hedges was not material for any of the periods presented.
	The following table sets forth the location and amount of gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of Gain (Loss)					Amount of Gain (Loss)
				Recognized in OCI on					Reclassified from
				Derivatives (Effective					Accumulated OCI into
				Portion)					Income (Effective Portion)
			Reclassified from	Three months ended					Three months ended
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash		Accumulated OCI into Income	September 30,					September 30,
	Flow Hedging Relationships:		(Effective Portion)	2013			2012		2013			2012
	Interest rate contracts		Interest expense	$	─		$	1,950	$	─		$	(2,092	)
	Foreign exchange contracts		Cost and sales of operating expenses		(20	)		110	─				21
	Total			$	(20	)	$	2,060	$	─		$	(2,071	)
			Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of Gain (Loss)					Amount of Gain (Loss)
				Recognized in OCI on					Reclassified from
				Derivatives (Effective					Accumulated OCI into
				Portion)					Income (Effective Portion)
			Reclassified from	Nine months ended					Nine months ended
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash		Accumulated OCI into Income	September 30,					September 30,
	Flow Hedging Relationships:		(Effective Portion)	2013			2012		2013			2012
	Interest rate contracts		Interest expense	$	1,486		$	5,573	$	(1,389	)	$	(6,192	)
	Foreign exchange contracts		Cost and sales of operating expenses		(13	)		359	─				19
	Total			$	1,473		$	5,932	$	(1,389	)	$	(6,173	)
	The Company expects $49,000 of net losses on foreign currency contracts included in accumulated OCI will be transferred into earnings over the next year based on current spot rates.

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS

STOCK AWARD PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]	'
STOCK AWARD PLANS	'
	-7	STOCK AWARD PLANS
	The Company has share-based compensation plans which are described below. 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 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended								Nine months ended
			September 30,								September 30,
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Compensation cost		$	3,860			$	2,842			$	8,921			$	7,331
	Income tax benefit		$	1,459			$	1,086			$	3,372			$	2,801
	The Company has an employee stock award plan for selected officers and other key employees which provides for the issuance of stock options, restricted stock and performance awards. The exercise price for each option equals the fair market value per share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The terms of the options granted prior to January 25, 2010 are five years and vest ratably over three years. Options granted on or after January 25, 2010 have terms of seven years and vest ratably over three years. No performance awards payable in stock have been awarded under the employee plan. At September 30, 2013, 2,666,815 shares were available for future grants under the employee plan and no outstanding stock options under the employee plan were issued with stock appreciation rights.
	The following is a summary of the stock option activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Outstanding				Weighted
			Non-				Average
			Qualified or				Exercise
			Nonincentive				Price
			Stock
			Awards
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			351,173			$	45.54
	Granted			111,527			$	70.94
	Exercised			(72,932	)		$	30.2
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			389,768			$	55.68
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at September 30, 2013:
									Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of				Number				Weighted				Weighted				Aggregate		Number		Weighted			Aggregate
	Exercise Prices				Outstanding				Average				Average				Intrinsic		Exercisable		Average			Intrinsic
									Remaining				Exercise				Value				Exercise			Value
									Contractual				Price								Price
									Life in Years
	$	31.35 -  36.35				79,199				3.4			$	32.62						79,199	$	32.62
	$	46.74				99,136				4.3			$	46.74						65,606	$	46.74
	$	65.28 -  66.72				99,906				5.2			$	65.8						35,393	$	65.77
	$	70.65				109,560				6.1			$	70.65						5,136	$	70.65
	$	86.96				1,967				6.8			$	86.96						0	$	N/	A
	$	31.35 - 86.96				389,768				4.9			$	55.68			$	12,032,000		185,334	$	45		$	7,700,000
	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Unvested				Weighted
			Restricted				Average
			Stock Award				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
							Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2012			418,128			$	45.39
	Granted			139,613			$	69.79
	Vested			(147,192	)		$	44.48
	Forfeited			(8,497	)		$	60.26
	Nonvested balance at September 30, 2013			402,052			$	54.81
	The Company has a director stock award plan for nonemployee directors of the Company which provides for the issuance of stock options and restricted stock. The director plan provides for the automatic grants of stock options and restricted stock to nonemployee directors on the date of first election as a director and after each annual meeting of stockholders. In addition, the director plan allows for the issuance of stock options or restricted stock in lieu of cash for all or part of the annual director fee at the option of the director. The exercise prices for all options granted under the plan are equal to the fair market value per share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The terms of the options are ten years. The options granted to a director when first elected vest immediately. The options granted and restricted stock issued after each annual meeting of stockholders vest six months after the date of grant. Options granted and restricted stock issued in lieu of cash director fees vest in equal quarterly increments during the year to which they relate. At September 30, 2013, 610,041 shares were available for future grants under the director plan. The director stock award plan is intended as an incentive to attract and retain qualified independent directors.
	The following is a summary of the stock option activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Outstanding				Weighted
			Non-				Average
			Qualified or				Exercise
			Nonincentive				Price
			Stock
			Options
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			345,938			$	45.84
	Granted			54,958			$	75.17
	Exercised			(54,000	)		$	39.36
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			346,896			$	51.5
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at September 30, 2013:
									Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of				Number				Weighted				Weighted				Aggregate		Number		Weighted			Aggregate
	Exercise Prices				Outstanding				Average				Average				Intrinsic		Exercisable		Average			Intrinsic
									Remaining				Exercise				Value				Exercise			Value
									Contractual				Price								Price
									Life in Years
	$	17.88				12,000				0.6			$	17.88						12,000	$	17.88
$	20.28-29.60				36,000				4.2			$	26.49						36,000	$	26.49
$	35.17-36.82				50,036				2.9			$	35.8						50,036	$	35.8
$	41.24-56.45				133,596				6.3			$	52.48						133,596	$	52.48
$	61.89-62.48				60,306				8.7			$	62.38						60,306	$	62.38
$	75.17				54,958				9.6			$	75.17						478	$	75.17
$	17.88-75.17				346,896				6.3			$	51.5			$	12,160,000		292,416	$	47.09		$	11,540,000
The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Unvested				Weighted
		Restricted				Average
		Stock Award				Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value
						Per Share
Nonvested balance at December 31, 2012			348			$	62.99
Granted			10,536			$	75.65
Vested			(1,116	)		$	71.7
Nonvested balance at September 30, 2013			9,768			$	75.65
The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised under all of the Company’s plans was $5,622,000 and $1,985,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock option exercises was $2,125,000 and $758,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of all the restricted stock vestings under all of the Company’s plans was $9,969,000 and $11,214,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from restricted stock vestings was $3,768,000 and $4,284,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of September 30, 2013, there was $3,357,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and $17,820,000 related to restricted stock. The stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.2 years and restricted stock over approximately 2.8 years. The total fair value of options vested was $1,829,000 and $1,339,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock vested was $9,969,000 and $11,214,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The weighted average per share fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $25.14 and $22.15, respectively. The fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $4,185,000 and $3,461,000, respectively. The Company currently uses treasury stock shares for restricted stock grants and stock option exercises. The fair value of each stock option was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The key input variables used in valuing the options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	Nine months ended
	September 30,
	2013				2012
Dividend yield	None				None
Average risk-free interest rate			1.1	%			1.1	%
Stock price volatility			34	%			33	%
Estimated option term	Six years or seven years				Six years or seven years

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	-8	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended September 30,
			2013									2012
			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount
			Amount			(Provision)						Amount			(Provision)
						Benefit									Benefit
	Pension and postretirement benefits (a):
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		$	1,922		$	(735	)	$	1,187		$	1,696		$	(623	)	$	1,073
	Actuarial gains (losses)			(3	)		1			(2	)		2			(27	)		(25	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(124	)		—			(124	)		(257	)		—			(257	)
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			(20	)		8			(12	)		4,131			(1,461	)		2,670
	Reclassified to net earnings			−			−			−			(2,071	)		732			(1,339	)
	Total		$	1,775		$	(726	)	$	1,049		$	3,501		$	(1,379	)	$	2,122
			Nine months ended September 30,
			2013									2012
			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount
			Amount			(Provision)						Amount			(Provision)
						Benefit									Benefit
	Pension and postretirement benefits (a):
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		$	5,762		$	(2,204	)	$	3,558		$	5,091		$	(1,939	)	$	3,152
	Actuarial gains (losses)			(1,137	)		435			(702	)		(3,849	)		1,466			(2,383	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			125			—			125			190			—			190
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			2,862			(1,001	)		1,861			12,105			(4,287	)		7,818
	Reclassified to net earnings			(1,389	)		486			(903	)		(6,173	)		2,186			(3,987	)
	Total		$	6,223		$	(2,284	)	$	3,939		$	7,364		$	(2,574	)	$	4,790
	(a)	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 12 – Retirement Plans)
	(b)	Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in interest expense or costs of sales and operating expenses as appropriate. (See Note 6 – Derivative Instruments)

SEGMENT_DATA

SEGMENT DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT DATA	'
	-9	SEGMENT DATA
	The Company’s operations are classified into two reportable business segments as follows:
	Marine Transportation — Marine transportation principally by United States flag vessels of liquid cargoes throughout the United States inland waterway system, coastwise along all three United States coasts and in Alaska and Hawaii and, to a lesser extent, United States coastal transportation of dry-bulk cargoes. The principal products transported include petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals.
	Diesel Engine Services — Provides after-market services for medium-speed and high-speed diesel engines, reduction gears and ancillary products for marine and power generation applications, distributes and services high-speed diesel engines, transmissions, pumps and compression products, and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, for the land-based pressure pumping and oilfield service markets.
	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 sales for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were not significant.
	The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and total assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Marine transportation		$	436,181		$	349,771		$	1,278,567		$	1,027,923
	Diesel engine services			114,924			171,553			395,231			572,184
			$	551,105		$	521,324		$	1,673,798		$	1,600,107
	Segment profit (loss):
	Marine transportation		$	113,647		$	81,695		$	300,463		$	221,915
	Diesel engine services			9,077			14,603			38,031			53,275
	Other			(11,021	)		(9,773	)		(32,721	)		(27,469	)
			$	111,703		$	86,525		$	305,773		$	247,721
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Total assets:
	Marine transportation		$	3,028,919		$	2,951,723
	Diesel engine services			582,843			647,986
	Other			49,550			53,419
			$	3,661,312		$	3,653,128
	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	General corporate expenses		$	(4,610	)	$	(3,621	)	$	(11,784	)	$	(9,796	)
	Gain (loss) on disposition of assets			223			(40	)		728			1
	Interest expense			(6,694	)		(6,056	)		(21,901	)		(17,797	)
	Other income (expense)			60			(56	)		236			123
			$	(11,021	)	$	(9,773	)	$	(32,721	)	$	(27,469	)
	The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	General corporate assets		$	47,463		$	51,611
	Investment in affiliates			2,087			1,808
			$	49,550		$	53,419

TAXES_ON_INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]	'
TAXES ON INCOME	'
	-10	TAXES ON INCOME
	Earnings before taxes on income and details of the provision for taxes on income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended				Nine months ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Earnings before taxes on income – United States		$	111,703	$	86,525	$	305,773	$	247,721
	Provision for taxes on income:
	Federal:
	Current		$	17,144	$	3,125	$	34,676	$	23,221
	Deferred			20,640		25,891		68,523		59,665
	State and local			4,223		3,778		11,534		10,790
			$	42,007	$	32,794	$	114,733	$	93,676

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	-11	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table presents the components of basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net earnings attributable to Kirby		$	69,123		$	53,055		$	188,794		$	151,550
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares			(504	)		(409	)		(1,363	)		(1,180	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic			68,619			52,646			187,431			150,370
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares			504			409			1,363			1,180
	Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares			(502	)		(407	)		(1,358	)		(1,175	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted		$	68,621		$	52,648		$	187,436		$	150,375
	Shares outstanding:
	Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding			56,789			55,875			56,738			55,851
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock			(414	)		(430	)		(409	)		(435	)
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic			56,375			55,445			56,329			55,416
	Dilutive effect of stock options			197			182			191			218
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted			56,572			55,627			56,520			55,634
	Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
	Basic		$	1.22		$	0.95		$	3.33		$	2.71
	Diluted		$	1.21		$	0.95		$	3.32		$	2.7
	Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 112,000 and 156,000 shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive.

RETIREMENT_PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]	'
RETIREMENT PLANS	'
	-12	RETIREMENT PLANS
	The Company sponsors a defined benefit plan for 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.
	The Company’s pension plan funding strategy has historically been to contribute an amount equal to the greater of the minimum required contribution under ERISA or the amount necessary to fully fund the plan on an accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) basis at the end of the fiscal year. The ABO is 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 its pension plan prior to December 31, 2013 to fund its 2013 pension plan obligations. As of September 30, 2013, no 2013 year contributions have been made.
	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 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			Pension Benefits
			Pension Plan						SERP
			Three months ended						Three months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	3,207		$	2,552		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost			2,851			2,627			18			18
	Expected return on plan assets			(4,033	)		(3,219	)		—			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			2,070			1,850			5			4
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	4,095		$	3,810		$	23		$	22
			Pension Benefits
			Pension Plan						SERP
			Nine months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	9,621		$	7,657		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost			8,553			7,881			53			55
	Expected return on plan assets			(12,099	)		(9,657	)		—			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			6,209			5,548			14			11
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	12,284		$	11,429		$	67		$	66
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			Other Postretirement						Other Postretirement
			Benefits						Benefits
			Postretirement Welfare Plan						Postretirement Welfare Plan
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost			27			34			83			101
	Amortization of actuarial gain			(153	)		(158	)		(461	)		(468	)
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	(126	)	$	(124	)	$	(378	)	$	(367	)

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
CONTINGENCIES	'
	-13	CONTINGENCIES
	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 that it has recorded adequate reserves and believes that it has adequate insurance coverage or has meritorious defenses for these 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 was $46,623,000 at September 30, 2013, including $6,220,000 in letters of credit and $40,403,000 in performance bonds. All of these instruments have an expiration date within four years. The Company does not believe demand for payment under these instruments is likely and expects no material cash outlays to occur in connection with these instruments.

ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS_ADOPTIONS1

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	'
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 established the effective date for the requirement to present components of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) on the face of the financial statements. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 in the first quarter of 2013 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements except the Company has applied these provisions to its presentation of consolidated financial statements.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of details of inventories	'
	The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Finished goods	$	119,586	$	162,859
	Work in process		18,853		14,538
		$	138,439	$	177,397

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis	'
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	September 30, 2013:	Quoted		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
		Prices in		Other		Unobservable		Value
		Active		Observable		Inputs		Measurements
		Markets for		Inputs		(Level 3)
		Identical		(Level 2)
		Assets
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	—	$	49	$	—	$	49
	Contingent liabilities		—		—		4,894		4,894
		$	—	$	49	$	4,894	$	4,943
	December 31, 2012:	Quoted		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
		Prices in		Other		Unobservable		Value
		Active		Observable		Inputs		Measurements
		Markets for		Inputs		(Level 3)
		Identical		(Level 2)
		Assets
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	—	$	1,525	$	—	$	1,525
	Contingent liabilities		—		—		28,067		28,067
		$	—	$	1,525	$	28,067	$	29,592

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Liabilities	'
	The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments recorded as liabilities located on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Liability Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location	September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
	Foreign currency contracts	Other accrued liabilities	$	49		$	−
	Foreign currency contracts	Other long-term liabilities		−			39
	Interest rate contracts	Other accrued liabilities		−			1,486
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815		$	49		$	1,525
	Total liability derivatives		$	49		$	1,525
Cash Flow Hedges	'
	The following table sets forth the location and amount of gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of Gain (Loss)					Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in OCI on					Reclassified from
			Derivatives (Effective					Accumulated OCI into
			Portion)					Income (Effective Portion)
		Reclassified from	Three months ended					Three months ended
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash	Accumulated OCI into Income	September 30,					September 30,
	Flow Hedging Relationships:	(Effective Portion)	2013			2012		2013			2012
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense	$	─		$	1,950	$	─		$	(2,092	)
	Foreign exchange contracts	Cost and sales of operating expenses		(20	)		110	─				21
	Total		$	(20	)	$	2,060	$	─		$	(2,071	)
		Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of Gain (Loss)					Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in OCI on					Reclassified from
			Derivatives (Effective					Accumulated OCI into
			Portion)					Income (Effective Portion)
		Reclassified from	Nine months ended					Nine months ended
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash	Accumulated OCI into Income	September 30,					September 30,
	Flow Hedging Relationships:	(Effective Portion)	2013			2012		2013			2012
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense	$	1,486		$	5,573	$	(1,389	)	$	(6,192	)
	Foreign exchange contracts	Cost and sales of operating expenses		(13	)		359	─				19
	Total		$	1,473		$	5,932	$	(1,389	)	$	(6,173	)

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS_Tables

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]	'
Compensation cost breakdown in statement of earnings	'
	The Company has share-based compensation plans which are described below. 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 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended								Nine months ended
			September 30,								September 30,
			2013				2012				2013				2012
	Compensation cost		$	3,860			$	2,842			$	8,921			$	7,331
	Income tax benefit		$	1,459			$	1,086			$	3,372			$	2,801
Summary of stock option activity	'
	The following is a summary of the stock option activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Outstanding				Weighted
			Non-				Average
			Qualified or				Exercise
			Nonincentive				Price
			Stock
			Awards
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			351,173			$	45.54
	Granted			111,527			$	70.94
	Exercised			(72,932	)		$	30.2
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			389,768			$	55.68
	The following is a summary of the stock option activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Outstanding				Weighted
			Non-				Average
			Qualified or				Exercise
			Nonincentive				Price
			Stock
			Options
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			345,938			$	45.84
	Granted			54,958			$	75.17
	Exercised			(54,000	)		$	39.36
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			346,896			$	51.5
Summary of outstanding and exercisable stock options	'
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at September 30, 2013:
									Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of				Number				Weighted				Weighted				Aggregate		Number		Weighted			Aggregate
	Exercise Prices				Outstanding				Average				Average				Intrinsic		Exercisable		Average			Intrinsic
									Remaining				Exercise				Value				Exercise			Value
									Contractual				Price								Price
									Life in Years
	$	31.35 -  36.35				79,199				3.4			$	32.62						79,199	$	32.62
	$	46.74				99,136				4.3			$	46.74						65,606	$	46.74
	$	65.28 -  66.72				99,906				5.2			$	65.8						35,393	$	65.77
	$	70.65				109,560				6.1			$	70.65						5,136	$	70.65
	$	86.96				1,967				6.8			$	86.96						0	$	N/	A
	$	31.35 - 86.96				389,768				4.9			$	55.68			$	12,032,000		185,334	$	45		$	7,700,000
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at September 30, 2013:
									Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of				Number				Weighted				Weighted				Aggregate		Number		Weighted			Aggregate
	Exercise Prices				Outstanding				Average				Average				Intrinsic		Exercisable		Average			Intrinsic
									Remaining				Exercise				Value				Exercise			Value
									Contractual				Price								Price
									Life in Years
	$	17.88				12,000				0.6			$	17.88						12,000	$	17.88
	$	20.28-29.60				36,000				4.2			$	26.49						36,000	$	26.49
	$	35.17-36.82				50,036				2.9			$	35.8						50,036	$	35.8
	$	41.24-56.45				133,596				6.3			$	52.48						133,596	$	52.48
	$	61.89-62.48				60,306				8.7			$	62.38						60,306	$	62.38
	$	75.17				54,958				9.6			$	75.17						478	$	75.17
	$	17.88-75.17				346,896				6.3			$	51.5			$	12,160,000		292,416	$	47.09		$	11,540,000
Summary of restricted stock award activity	'
	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Unvested				Weighted
			Restricted				Average
			Stock Award				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
							Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2012			418,128			$	45.39
	Granted			139,613			$	69.79
	Vested			(147,192	)		$	44.48
	Forfeited			(8,497	)		$	60.26
	Nonvested balance at September 30, 2013			402,052			$	54.81
	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Unvested				Weighted
			Restricted				Average
			Stock Award				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
							Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2012			348			$	62.99
	Granted			10,536			$	75.65
	Vested			(1,116	)		$	71.7
	Nonvested balance at September 30, 2013			9,768			$	75.65
Summary of Stock option valuation assumptions	'
	The weighted average per share fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $25.14 and $22.15, respectively. The fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $4,185,000 and $3,461,000, respectively. The Company currently uses treasury stock shares for restricted stock grants and stock option exercises. The fair value of each stock option was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The key input variables used in valuing the options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2013				2012
	Dividend yield	None				None
	Average risk-free interest rate			1.1	%			1.1	%
	Stock price volatility			34	%			33	%
	Estimated option term	Six years or seven years				Six years or seven years

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in other comprehensive income	'
	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended September 30,
			2013									2012
			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount
			Amount			(Provision)						Amount			(Provision)
						Benefit									Benefit
	Pension and postretirement benefits (a):
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		$	1,922		$	(735	)	$	1,187		$	1,696		$	(623	)	$	1,073
	Actuarial gains (losses)			(3	)		1			(2	)		2			(27	)		(25	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(124	)		—			(124	)		(257	)		—			(257	)
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			(20	)		8			(12	)		4,131			(1,461	)		2,670
	Reclassified to net earnings			−			−			−			(2,071	)		732			(1,339	)
	Total		$	1,775		$	(726	)	$	1,049		$	3,501		$	(1,379	)	$	2,122
			Nine months ended September 30,
			2013									2012
			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount			Gross			Income Tax			Net Amount
			Amount			(Provision)						Amount			(Provision)
						Benefit									Benefit
	Pension and postretirement benefits (a):
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		$	5,762		$	(2,204	)	$	3,558		$	5,091		$	(1,939	)	$	3,152
	Actuarial gains (losses)			(1,137	)		435			(702	)		(3,849	)		1,466			(2,383	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			125			—			125			190			—			190
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			2,862			(1,001	)		1,861			12,105			(4,287	)		7,818
	Reclassified to net earnings			(1,389	)		486			(903	)		(6,173	)		2,186			(3,987	)
	Total		$	6,223		$	(2,284	)	$	3,939		$	7,364		$	(2,574	)	$	4,790
	(a)	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 12 – Retirement Plans)
	(b)	Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in interest expense or costs of sales and operating expenses as appropriate. (See Note 6 – Derivative Instruments)

SEGMENT_DATA_Tables

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment	'
	The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and total assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Marine transportation	$	436,181		$	349,771		$	1,278,567		$	1,027,923
	Diesel engine services		114,924			171,553			395,231			572,184
		$	551,105		$	521,324		$	1,673,798		$	1,600,107
	Segment profit (loss):
	Marine transportation	$	113,647		$	81,695		$	300,463		$	221,915
	Diesel engine services		9,077			14,603			38,031			53,275
	Other		(11,021	)		(9,773	)		(32,721	)		(27,469	)
		$	111,703		$	86,525		$	305,773		$	247,721
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Total assets:
	Marine transportation	$	3,028,919		$	2,951,723
	Diesel engine services		582,843			647,986
	Other		49,550			53,419
		$	3,661,312		$	3,653,128
Schedule of other segment reporting information	'
	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	General corporate expenses	$	(4,610	)	$	(3,621	)	$	(11,784	)	$	(9,796	)
	Gain (loss) on disposition of assets		223			(40	)		728			1
	Interest expense		(6,694	)		(6,056	)		(21,901	)		(17,797	)
	Other income (expense)		60			(56	)		236			123
		$	(11,021	)	$	(9,773	)	$	(32,721	)	$	(27,469	)
	The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	General corporate assets	$	47,463		$	51,611
	Investment in affiliates		2,087			1,808
		$	49,550		$	53,419

TAXES_ON_INCOME_Tables

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]	'
Earnings before taxes	'
	Earnings before taxes on income and details of the provision for taxes on income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Earnings before taxes on income – United States	$	111,703	$	86,525	$	305,773	$	247,721
	Provision for taxes on income:
	Federal:
	Current	$	17,144	$	3,125	$	34,676	$	23,221
	Deferred		20,640		25,891		68,523		59,665
	State and local		4,223		3,778		11,534		10,790
		$	42,007	$	32,794	$	114,733	$	93,676

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
Components of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table presents the components of basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$	69,123		$	53,055		$	188,794		$	151,550
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares		(504	)		(409	)		(1,363	)		(1,180	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic		68,619			52,646			187,431			150,370
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares		504			409			1,363			1,180
	Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares		(502	)		(407	)		(1,358	)		(1,175	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$	68,621		$	52,648		$	187,436		$	150,375
	Shares outstanding:
	Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding		56,789			55,875			56,738			55,851
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock		(414	)		(430	)		(409	)		(435	)
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic		56,375			55,445			56,329			55,416
	Dilutive effect of stock options		197			182			191			218
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted		56,572			55,627			56,520			55,634
	Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
	Basic	$	1.22		$	0.95		$	3.33		$	2.71
	Diluted	$	1.21		$	0.95		$	3.32		$	2.7

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tables

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		Pension Benefits
		Pension Plan						SERP
		Three months ended						Three months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	3,207		$	2,552		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		2,851			2,627			18			18
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,033	)		(3,219	)		—			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss		2,070			1,850			5			4
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,095		$	3,810		$	23		$	22
		Pension Benefits
		Pension Plan						SERP
		Nine months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	9,621		$	7,657		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		8,553			7,881			53			55
	Expected return on plan assets		(12,099	)		(9,657	)		—			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss		6,209			5,548			14			11
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	12,284		$	11,429		$	67		$	66
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		Other Postretirement						Other Postretirement
		Benefits						Benefits
		Postretirement Welfare Plan						Postretirement Welfare Plan
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		27			34			83			101
	Amortization of actuarial gain		(153	)		(158	)		(461	)		(468	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(126	)	$	(124	)	$	(378	)	$	(367	)

ACQUISITIONS_Details

ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 14, 2012	Dec. 14, 2012	Nov. 01, 2012	Nov. 01, 2012	Nov. 01, 2012	Nov. 01, 2012
					Flag Service & Maintenance, Inc. [Member]	Penn Maritime Inc. and Maritime Investments LLC [Member]	Penn Maritime Inc. and Maritime Investments LLC [Member]	Allied Transportation Company [Member]	Allied Transportation Company [Member]	Allied Transportation Company [Member]	Allied Transportation Company [Member]
						bbl	Tugboats [Member]	bbl	Tank Barges [Member]	Offshore Dry Bulk Barges [Member]	Coastal Tugboats [Member]
						Barge	ProductiveAsset		ProductiveAsset	T	ProductiveAsset
										ProductiveAsset
Business acquisition, consideration transferred [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash consideration paid	'	'	'	'	$6,864,000	$146,750,000	'	$108,547,000	'	'	'
Total value of transaction	'	'	'	'	'	300,538,000	'	'	'	'	'
Stock consideration through issuance of Company common stock	'	'	'	'	'	29,080,000	'	'	'	'	'
Issue of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$58.16	'	'	'	'	'
Number of doubled hulled tank barges	'	'	'	'	'	18	'	'	'	'	'
Capacity, in barrels, of purchased productive assets (in barrels)	'	'	'	'	'	1,900,000	'	680,000	'	'	'
Number of productive assets purchased	'	'	'	'	'	'	16	'	10	3	7
Cash to retire outstanding debt	'	'	'	'	'	124,708,000	'	'	'	'	'
Capacity, in deadweight tons of purchased productive assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	48,000	'
Acquisition and integration related costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,000,000	'	'	'
Fair value of contingent earnout provision payable in 2014	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,756,000	'	'	'
Payment Of Contingent Liability	$5,000,000	$5,000,000	$5,000,000	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Details of inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$119,586	$162,859
Work in process	18,853	14,538
Inventory, Net, Total	$138,439	$177,397

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 01, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 15, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Allied Transportation Company [Member]

Allied Transportation Company [Member]

Allied Transportation Company [Member]

United Holdings LLC [Member]

United Holdings LLC [Member]

United Holdings LLC [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

Liabilities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,000

1,525,000

0

0

49,000

1,525,000

0

0

Contingent liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,894,000

28,067,000

0

0

0

0

4,894,000

28,067,000

Liabilities fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,943,000

29,592,000

0

0

49,000

1,525,000

4,894,000

28,067,000

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnout Provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value contingent earn out liability

'

'

'

'

'

4,894,000

4,894,000

9,756,000

0

0

16,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of contingent liability

5,000,000

5,000,000

5,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent liability

'

'

'

'

'

14,000

127,000

'

-7,900,000

-18,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated fair value of outstanding debt

829,056,000

'

829,056,000

'

1,130,967,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying amount of debt

860,930,000

'

860,930,000

'

1,135,110,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impaired long-lived assets

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Fair_Va

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
			Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Interest rate contract [Member]	Interest rate contract [Member]	Foreign currency contracts [Member]	Foreign currency contracts [Member]	Foreign currency contracts [Member]	Foreign currency contracts [Member]	Forward Contracts [Member]
					Other accrued liabilities [Member]	Other accrued liabilities [Member]	Other accrued liabilities [Member]	Other accrued liabilities [Member]	Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivative instruments - risk management [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Termination date	'	'	28-Feb-13	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31-Mar-14
Notional amount	'	'	'	$200,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	$469,000
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value, liability derivatives	'	'	'	'	0	1,486,000	49,000	0	0	39,000	'
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815	49,000	1,525,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total liability derivatives	$49,000	$1,525,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Cash_Fl

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	($20,000)	$2,060,000	$1,473,000	$5,932,000
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	0	-2,071,000	-1,389,000	-6,173,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange contract [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss expected to be reclassified from accumulated OCI into income effective portion over the next year	'	'	49,000	'
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange contract [Member] | Cost and sales of operating expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	-20,000	110,000	-13,000	359,000
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	0	21,000	0	19,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate contract [Member] | Interest expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	0	1,950,000	1,486,000	5,573,000
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$0	($2,092,000)	($1,389,000)	($6,192,000)

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS_Details

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost	$3,860,000	$2,842,000	$8,921,000	$7,331,000
Income tax benefit	1,459,000	1,086,000	3,372,000	2,801,000
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	5,622,000	1,985,000	'	'
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	2,125,000	758,000	'	'
Intrinsic value of restricted stock vestings	9,969,000	11,214,000	'	'
Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting	3,768,000	4,284,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	3,357,000	'	3,357,000	'
Fair value of options vested	1,829,000	1,339,000	'	'
Fair value of restricted stock vested	9,969,000	11,214,000	'	'
Fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$25	$22	'	'
Fair value of stock options granted	4,185,000	3,461,000	'	'
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	'	'	0.00%	0.00%
Average risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	1.10%	1.10%
Stock price volatility (in hundredths)	'	'	34.00%	33.00%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Estimated option term	'	'	'6 years	'6 years
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Estimated option term	'	'	'7 years	'7 years
Sixth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$75.17	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	2,666,815	'	2,666,815	'
Elected director first grant vesting period	'The options granted to a director when first elected vest immediately	'	'	'
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	351,173	'
Granted, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	111,527	'
Exercised, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	-72,932	'
Outstanding at Period End, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	389,768	'	389,768	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$45.54	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$70.94	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$30.20	'
Outstanding at Period End, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$55.68	'	$55.68	'
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	418,128	'
Granted, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	139,613	'
Vested, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	-147,192	'
Forfeited, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	-8,497	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	402,052	'	402,052	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$45.39	'
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$69.79	'
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$44.48	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$60.26	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$54.81	'	$54.81	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | First Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$36.35	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$31.35	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	79,199	'	79,199	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'3 years 4 months 24 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$32.62	'	$32.62	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	79,199	'	79,199	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$32.62	'	$32.62	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Second Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$46.74	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	99,136	'	99,136	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'4 years 3 months 18 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$46.74	'	$46.74	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	65,606	'	65,606	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$46.74	'	$46.74	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Third Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$66.72	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$65.28	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	99,906	'	99,906	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'5 years 2 months 12 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$65.80	'	$65.80	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	35,393	'	35,393	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$65.77	'	$65.77	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Fourth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$70.65	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	109,560	'	109,560	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'6 years 1 month 6 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$70.65	'	$70.65	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	5,136	'	5,136	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$70.65	'	$70.65	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Fifth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$86.96	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,967	'	1,967	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'6 years 9 months 18 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$86.96	'	$86.96	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	0	'	0	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Full Exercise Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$86.96	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$31.35	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	389,768	'	389,768	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'4 years 10 months 24 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$55.68	'	$55.68	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	12,032,000	'	12,032,000	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	185,334	'	185,334	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$45	'	$45	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	7,700,000	'	7,700,000	'
2000 Director Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Term of grant	'10 years	'	'	'
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	610,041	'	610,041	'
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	345,938	'
Granted, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	54,958	'
Exercised, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	-54,000	'
Outstanding at Period End, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	346,896	'	346,896	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$45.84	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$75.17	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$39.36	'
Outstanding at Period End, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$51.50	'	$51.50	'
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	348	'
Granted, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	10,536	'
Vested, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	-1,116	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	9,768	'	9,768	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$62.99	'
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$75.65	'
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$71.70	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$75.65	'	$75.65	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] | First Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$17.88	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	12,000	'	12,000	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'7 months 6 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$17.88	'	$17.88	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	12,000	'	12,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$17.88	'	$17.88	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Second Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$29.60	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.28	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	36,000	'	36,000	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'4 years 2 months 12 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$26.49	'	$26.49	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	36,000	'	36,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$26.49	'	$26.49	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Third Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$36.82	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$35.17	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	50,036	'	50,036	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$35.80	'	$35.80	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	50,036	'	50,036	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$35.80	'	$35.80	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Fourth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$56.45	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$41.24	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	133,596	'	133,596	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'6 years 3 months 18 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$52.48	'	$52.48	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	133,596	'	133,596	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$52.48	'	$52.48	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Fifth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$62.48	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$61.89	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	60,306	'	60,306	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'8 years 8 months 12 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$62.38	'	$62.38	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	60,306	'	60,306	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$62.38	'	$62.38	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Sixth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	54,958	'	54,958	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'9 years 7 months 6 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$75.17	'	$75.17	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	478	'	478	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$75.17	'	$75.17	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Full Exercise Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$75.17	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$17.88	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	346,896	'	346,896	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'6 years 3 months 18 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$51.50	'	$51.50	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	12,160,000	'	12,160,000	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	292,416	'	292,416	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$47.09	'	$47.09	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	11,540,000	'	11,540,000	'
Employee Stock Award Plan - Options Granted After to January 25, 2010 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Term of grant	'7 years	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'
Employee Stock Award Plan - Options Granted Prior to January 25, 2010 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Term of grant	'5 years	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average period of recognition in years	'	'	'1 year 2 months 12 days	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	'	$17,820,000	'	$17,820,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years	'	'	'2 years 9 months 18 days	'

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Det

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Gross Amount	$1,922	[1]	$1,696	[1]	$5,762	[1]	$5,091	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	-735	[1]	-623	[1]	-2,204	[1]	-1,939	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Net Amount	1,187	[1]	1,073	[1]	3,558	[1]	3,152	[1]
Actuarial gains, Gross Amount	-3	[1]	2	[1]	-1,137	[1]	-3,849	[1]
Actuarial gains, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	1	[1]	-27	[1]	435	[1]	1,466	[1]
Actuarial gains, Net Amount	-2	[1]	-25	[1]	-702	[1]	-2,383	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Gross Amount	-124	[1]	-257	[1]	125	[1]	190	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net Amount	-124	[1]	-257	[1]	125	[1]	190	[1]
Change in fair value of derivative instruments [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains (losses), Gross Amount	-20	[2]	4,131	[2]	2,862	[2]	12,105	[2]
Unrealized gains, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	8	[2]	-1,461	[2]	-1,001	[2]	-4,287	[2]
Unrealized gains, Net Amount	-12	[2]	2,670	[2]	1,861	[2]	7,818	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Gross Amount	0	[2]	-2,071	[2]	-1,389	[2]	-6,173	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0	[2]	732	[2]	486	[2]	2,186	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Net Amount	0	[2]	-1,339	[2]	-903	[2]	-3,987	[2]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Gross Amount	1,775	[2]	3,501	[2]	6,223	[2]	7,364	[2]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	-726	[2]	-1,379	[2]	-2,284	[2]	-2,574	[2]
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	$1,049	[2]	$2,122	[2]	$3,939	[2]	$4,790	[2]
[1]	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate.B B (See Note 12 b Retirement Plans)
[2]	Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in interest expense or costs of sales and operating expenses as appropriate.B B (See Note 6 b Derivative Instruments)

SEGMENT_DATA_Details

SEGMENT DATA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
			Segment
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	'	'	2	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Marine transportation	$436,181	$349,771	$1,278,567	$1,027,923	'
Diesel engine services	114,924	171,553	395,231	572,184	'
Total revenues	551,105	521,324	1,673,798	1,600,107	'
Segment profit (loss)	111,703	86,525	305,773	247,721	'
Total assets	3,661,312	'	3,661,312	'	3,653,128
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Loss on disposition of assets	223	-40	728	1	'
Interest expense	-6,694	-6,056	-21,901	-17,797	'
Other income	60	-56	236	123	'
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	3,661,312	'	3,661,312	'	3,653,128
Marine transportation [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Marine transportation	113,647	81,695	300,463	221,915	'
Total assets	3,028,919	'	3,028,919	'	2,951,723
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	3,028,919	'	3,028,919	'	2,951,723
Diesel engine services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Diesel engine services	9,077	14,603	38,031	53,275	'
Total assets	582,843	'	582,843	'	647,986
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	582,843	'	582,843	'	647,986
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment profit (loss)	-11,021	-9,773	-32,721	-27,469	'
Total assets	49,550	'	49,550	'	53,419
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
General corporate expenses	-4,610	-3,621	-11,784	-9,796	'
Loss on disposition of assets	223	-40	728	1	'
Interest expense	-6,694	-6,056	-21,901	-17,797	'
Other income	60	-56	236	123	'
Profit (loss) from other segment	-11,021	-9,773	-32,721	-27,469	'
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
General corporate assets	47,463	'	47,463	'	51,611
Investment in affiliates	2,087	'	2,087	'	1,808
Total assets	$49,550	'	$49,550	'	$53,419

TAXES_ON_INCOME_Details

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings before taxes on income - United States	$111,703	$86,525	$305,773	$247,721
Federal [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Current	17,144	3,125	34,676	23,221
Deferred	20,640	25,891	68,523	59,665
State and local	4,223	3,778	11,534	10,790
Total Provision for taxes on income	$42,007	$32,794	$114,733	$93,676

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$69,123	$53,055	$188,794	$151,550
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	-504	-409	-1,363	-1,180
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic	68,619	52,646	187,431	150,370
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	504	409	1,363	1,180
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares	-502	-407	-1,358	-1,175
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$68,621	$52,648	$187,436	$150,375
Shares outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	56,789,000	55,875,000	56,738,000	55,851,000
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	-414,000	-430,000	-409,000	-435,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic (in shares)	56,375,000	55,445,000	56,329,000	55,416,000
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	197,000	182,000	191,000	218,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted (in shares)	56,572,000	55,627,000	56,520,000	55,634,000
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.22	$0.95	$3.33	$2.71
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.21	$0.95	$3.32	$2.70
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (in shares)	'	'	112,000	156,000

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Details

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$3,207	$2,552	$9,621	$7,657
Interest cost	2,851	2,627	8,553	7,881
Expected return on plan assets	-4,033	-3,219	-12,099	-9,657
Amortization of actuarial gain	2,070	1,850	6,209	5,548
Net periodic benefit cost	4,095	3,810	12,284	11,429
SERP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0	0
Interest cost	18	18	53	55
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial gain	5	4	14	11
Net periodic benefit cost	23	22	67	66
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0	0
Interest cost	27	34	83	101
Amortization of actuarial gain	-153	-158	-461	-468
Net periodic benefit cost	($126)	($124)	($378)	($367)

CONTINGENCIES_Details

CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issued guaranties	$46,623,000
Guarantor obligations, term	'All of these instruments have an expiration date within four years
Expiration period for instruments under contingencies, maximum	'4 years
Performance Bonds [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issued guaranties	40,403,000
Standby Letters Of Credit [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issued guaranties	$6,220,000