Kirby (KEX) 10-Q5 Nov 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 04, 2014
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	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	57,059,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'

CONDENSED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaud

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,684	$4,022
Accounts receivable:	'	'
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	395,868	311,549
Other	93,692	43,053
Inventories - net	164,843	135,887
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	48,214	40,037
Deferred income taxes	8,409	9,458
Total current assets	714,710	544,006
Property and equipment	3,584,634	3,375,893
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,099,203	-1,005,090
Property and equipment - net	2,485,431	2,370,803
Goodwill	591,405	591,405
Other assets	160,588	176,303
Total assets	3,952,134	3,682,517
Current liabilities:	'	'
Income taxes payable	3,082	2,915
Accounts payable	210,448	177,375
Accrued liabilities	176,733	129,001
Deferred revenues	68,873	36,698
Total current liabilities	459,136	345,989
Long-term debt - less current portion	649,350	749,150
Deferred income taxes	574,145	544,110
Other long-term liabilities	15,052	21,115
Total long-term liabilities	1,238,547	1,314,375
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	425,606	410,615
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	-16,254	-16,793
Retained earnings	1,906,095	1,692,140
Treasury stock at cost, 2,718,000 at September 30, 2014 and 2,930,000 at December 31, 2013	-78,188	-81,254
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	2,243,237	2,010,686
Noncontrolling interests	11,214	11,467
Total equity	2,254,451	2,022,153
Total liabilities and equity	$3,952,134	$3,682,517

CONDENSED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaud1

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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)	2,718,000	2,930,000

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Marine transportation	$448,744	$436,181	$1,341,260	$1,278,567
Diesel engine services	231,977	114,924	556,761	395,231
Total revenues	680,721	551,105	1,898,021	1,673,798
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Costs of sales and operating expenses	457,177	344,396	1,243,866	1,083,257
Selling, general and administrative	49,331	43,241	154,994	128,335
Taxes, other than on income	3,701	3,714	12,905	12,589
Depreciation and amortization	42,433	41,640	124,876	122,907
Gain on disposition of assets	-47	-223	-625	-728
Total costs and expenses	552,595	432,768	1,536,016	1,346,360
Operating income	128,126	118,337	362,005	327,438
Other income (expense)	27	60	-86	236
Interest expense	-5,225	-6,694	-16,312	-21,901
Earnings before taxes on income	122,928	111,703	345,607	305,773
Provision for taxes on income	-45,715	-42,007	-129,472	-114,733
Net earnings	77,213	69,696	216,135	191,040
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-496	-573	-2,180	-2,246
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$76,717	$69,123	$213,955	$188,794
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.34	$1.22	$3.75	$3.33
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.34	$1.21	$3.74	$3.32

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_COMPRE

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$77,213	$69,696	$216,135	$191,040
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:	'	'	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefits	11	1,185	479	2,856
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-16	-124	-24	125
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	0	-12	84	958
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-5	1,049	539	3,939
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	77,208	70,745	216,674	194,979
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-496	-573	-2,180	-2,246
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	$76,712	$70,172	$214,494	$192,733

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_F

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings	$216,135	$191,040
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	124,876	122,907
Provision for deferred income taxes	30,727	68,523
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	8,824	8,921
Other	11,338	5,656
Increase (decrease) in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	-66,335	53,668
Net cash provided by operating activities	325,565	450,715
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-234,098	-207,047
Acquisition of businesses and marine equipment	-6,500	-3,643
Proceeds from disposition of assets	8,139	30,390
Net cash used in investing activities	-232,459	-180,300
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings on bank credit facilities, net	8,200	-143,180
Borrowings on long-term debt	0	225,000
Payments on long-term debt	-108,000	-356,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	7,410	4,328
Payment of contingent liability	-4,756	-5,000
Excess tax benefit from equity compensation plans	6,136	2,824
Other	-2,434	-2,964
Net cash used in financing activities	-93,444	-274,992
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-338	-4,577
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	4,022	11,059
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,684	6,482
Cash paid during the period:	'	'
Interest	18,375	19,921
Income taxes	$84,983	$23,000

BASIS_FOR_PREPARATION_OF_THE_C

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2013.

ACCOUNTING_STANDARD_ADOPTION

ACCOUNTING STANDARD ADOPTION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACCOUNTING STANDARD ADOPTION [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTING STANDARD ADOPTION	'
	-2	ACCOUNTING STANDARD ADOPTION

	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when it becomes effective. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of ASU 2014-09 on its ongoing financial reporting.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	-3	INVENTORIES

	The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

			September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Finished goods		$	156,243	$	120,751
	Work in process			8,600		15,136
			$	164,843	$	135,887

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	-4	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 December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2013:		Quoted		Significant		Significant		Total
			Prices		Other		Unobservable		Fair Value
			in Active		Observable		Inputs		Measurements
			Markets for		Inputs		(Level 3)
			Identical		(Level 2)
			Assets
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivatives		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Derivatives		$	—	$	59	$	—	$	59
	Contingent liabilities			—		—		4,903		4,903
			$	—	$	59	$	4,903	$	4,962

	In connection with the acquisition of Allied Transportation Company (“Allied”) on November 1, 2012, Allied’s former owners were 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 was based on a valuation of the estimated fair value of the liability after probability weighting and discounting various potential payments. Payments of $5,000,000 were made in the 2014 and 2013 first quarters on the contingent liability. The increase in the fair value of the contingent liability of $97,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was charged to selling, general and administrative expense. As of September 30, 2014, no Allied contingent liability was recorded and no further payments will be made.

	In connection with the acquisition of United Holdings LLC (“United”) on April 15, 2011, United’s former owners were 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 was 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 of $7,900,000 and $18,300,000, respectively, was credited to selling, general and administrative expense. No United earnout liability was recorded as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014.

	The estimated fair value of total debt outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $624,316,000 and $710,377,000, respectively, which differs from the carrying amounts of $649,350,000 and $749,150,000, 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, 2014, 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, 2014
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	'
	-5	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 other comprehensive income 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. During the 2014 first quarter, the Company’s remaining forward contract with a notional amount of $469,000 expired.

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS

STOCK AWARD PLANS	9 Months Ended
STOCK AWARD PLANS	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]	'
STOCK AWARD PLANS	'
	-6	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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Compensation cost		$	3,551			$	3,860			$	8,824			$	8,921
	Income tax benefit		$	1,329			$	1,459			$	3,327			$	3,372

	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 plan. At September 30, 2014, 2,538,874 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, 2014:

			Outstanding				Weighted
			Non-				Average
			Qualified or				Exercise Price
			Nonincentive
			Stock
			Awards
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			379,604			$	55.42
	Granted			75,204			$	98.91
	Exercised			(117,677	)		$	41.72
	Forfeited			(12,576	)		$	68.89
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014			324,555			$	69.94

	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at September 30, 2014:

					Options Outstanding														Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value			Number Exercisable				Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Prices				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value			Number Exercisable				Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	$	31.35 - $ 36.35				16,910				2.4			$	32.82						16,910			$	32.82
	$	46.74				56,629				3.3			$	46.74						56,629			$	46.74
	$	65.28 - $ 70.65				173,845				4.9			$	68.38						84,545			$	67.57
	$	86.96 - $ 96.85				37,730				6.3			$	93.89						655			$	86.96
	$	101.46 -$114.11				39,441				6.4			$	103.12				─					$	─
	$	31.35 -$114.11				324,555				4.8			$	69.94		$15,549,000				158,739			$	56.52	$9,736,000

	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
			Unvested				Weighted
			Restricted				Average
			Stock Award				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
							Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2013			399,278			$	54.92
	Granted			97,706			$	97.46
	Vested			(141,700	)		$	45.62
	Forfeited			(31,589	)		$	62.69
	Nonvested balance at September 30, 2014			323,695			$	71.07

	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, 2014, 559,881 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, 2014:

			Outstanding				Weighted
			Non-				Average
			Qualified or				Exercise
			Nonincentive				Price
			Stock
			Options
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			320,322			$	50.64
	Granted			42,000			$	99.52
	Exercised			(63,988	)		$	39.08
Outstanding at September 30, 2014			298,334			$	60.01

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at September 30, 2014:

				Options Outstanding													Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate		Number Exercisable			Weighted Average Exercise		Aggregate
Prices				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Intrinsic Value		Number Exercisable			Price		Intrinsic Value
$	20.28 - $29.60				30,000				2.2			$	25.87					30,000		$	25.87
$	35.17 - $36.82				32,048				1.5			$	36.09					32,048		$	36.09
$	41.24 - $56.45				91,022				4.5			$	51.87					91,022		$	51.87
$	61.89 - $62.48				54,306				6			$	62.37					54,306		$	62.37
$	75.17 - $99.52				90,958				7.4			$	86.41					48,958		$	75.17
$	20.28 - $99.52				298,334				5.1			$	60.01		$17,257,000			256,334		$	53.53	$16,487,000

The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

		Unvested				Weighted
		Restricted				Average
		Stock Award				Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value
						Per Share
Nonvested balance at December 31, 2013			384			$	75.65
Granted			8,160			$	99.52
Vested			(960	)		$	89.97
Nonvested balance at September 30, 2014			7,584			$	99.52

The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised under all of the Company’s plans was $11,624,000 and $5,622,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock option exercises was $4,382,000 and $2,125,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of all the restricted stock vestings under all of the Company’s plans was $14,021,000 and $9,969,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from restricted stock vestings was $5,286,000 and $3,768,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of September 30, 2014, there was $3,528,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and $18,370,000 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 $2,103,000 and $1,829,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock vested was $14,021,000 and $9,969,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The weighted average per share fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $36.05 and $25.14, respectively. The fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $4,226,000 and $4,185,000, 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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2014				2013
Dividend yield		None				None
Average risk-free interest rate			2	%			1.1	%
Stock price volatility			33	%			34	%
Estimated option term		Six or seven years				Six or seven years

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	Sep. 30, 2014
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	-7	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Three months ended September 30,
		2014												2013
		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		$	17			$	(6	)		$	11			$	1,922			$	(735	)		$	1,187
	Actuarial gains (losses)			1				(1	)			—				(3	)			1				(2	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(16	)			—				(16	)			(124	)			—				(124	)
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			—				—				—				(20	)			8				(12	)
	Reclassified to net earnings			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total		$	2			$	(7	)		$	(5	)		$	1,775			$	(726	)		$	1,049

		Nine months ended September 30,
		2014												2013
		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		$	52			$	(19	)		$	33			$	5,762			$	(2,204	)		$	3,558
	Actuarial gains (losses)			722				(276	)			446				(1,137	)			435				(702	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(24	)			—				(24	)			125				—				125
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			—				—				—				2,862				(1,001	)			1,861
	Reclassified to net earnings			146				(62	)			84				(1,389	)			486				(903	)
	Total		$	896			$	(357	)		$	539			$	6,223			$	(2,284	)		$	3,939

	(a)	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 11 – 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 5 – Derivative Instruments)

SEGMENT_DATA

SEGMENT DATA	9 Months Ended
SEGMENT DATA	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT DATA	'
	-8	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, along all three United States coasts, 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, and 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, and 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, 2014 and 2013 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, 2014 and 2013 and total assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

			Three months ended								Nine months ended
			September 30,								September 30,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Revenues:
	Marine transportation		$	448,744			$	436,181			$	1,341,260			$	1,278,567
	Diesel engine services			231,977				114,924				556,761				395,231
			$	680,721			$	551,105			$	1,898,021			$	1,673,798
	Segment profit (loss):
	Marine transportation		$	112,141			$	113,647			$	325,660			$	300,463
	Diesel engine services			20,027				9,077				47,136				38,031
	Other			(9,240	)			(11,021	)			(27,189	)			(32,721	)
			$	122,928			$	111,703			$	345,607			$	305,773

			September 30,				December 31,
			2014				2013
	Total assets:
	Marine transportation		$	3,220,965			$	3,046,692
	Diesel engine services			676,862				576,472
	Other			54,307				59,353
			$	3,952,134			$	3,682,517

	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013

	General corporate expenses		$	(4,089	)		$	(4,610	)		$	(11,416	)		$	(11,784	)
	Gain on disposition of assets			47				223				625				728
	Interest expense			(5,225	)			(6,694	)			(16,312	)			(21,901	)
	Other income (expense)			27				60				(86	)			236
			$	(9,240	)		$	(11,021	)		$	(27,189	)		$	(32,721	)

	The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

			September 30,				December 31,
			2014				2013
	General corporate assets		$	51,885			$	57,197
	Investment in affiliates			2,422				2,156
			$	54,307			$	59,353

TAXES_ON_INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	9 Months Ended
TAXES ON INCOME	Sep. 30, 2014
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]	'
TAXES ON INCOME	'
	(9) 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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013

	Earnings before taxes on income – United States	$	122,928	$	111,703	$	345,607	$	305,773
	Provision for taxes on income:
	Federal:
	Current	$	25,558	$	17,144	$	86,725	$	34,676
	Deferred		16,314		20,640		30,727		68,523
	State and local		3,843		4,223		12,020		11,534
		$	45,715	$	42,007	$	129,472	$	114,733

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE	Sep. 30, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	-10	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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013

	Net earnings attributable to Kirby		$	76,717		$	69,123		$	213,955		$	188,794
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares			(449	)		(504	)		(1,255	)		(1,363	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic			76,268			68,619			212,700			187,431
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares			449			504			1,255			1,363
	Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares			(447	)		(502	)		(1,250	)		(1,358	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted		$	76,270		$	68,621		$	212,705		$	187,436

	Shares outstanding:
	Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding			57,059			56,789			56,992			56,738
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock			(334	)		(414	)		(334	)		(409	)
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic			56,725			56,375			56,658			56,329
	Dilutive effect of stock options			194			197			200			191
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted			56,919			56,572			56,858			56,520

	Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
	Basic		$	1.34		$	1.22		$	3.75		$	3.33
	Diluted		$	1.34		$	1.21		$	3.74		$	3.32

	Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 46,000 and 112,000 shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive.

RETIREMENT_PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS	9 Months Ended
RETIREMENT PLANS	Sep. 30, 2014
RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]	'
RETIREMENT PLANS	'
	(11) 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, 2014 to fund its 2014 pension plan obligations. As of September 30, 2014, no 2014 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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Pension Benefits
		Pension Plan								SERP
		Three months ended								Three months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014		2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	2,660			$	3,207		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost			3,208				2,851			18		18
	Expected return on plan assets			(4,712	)			(4,033	)		—		—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			175				2,070			4		5
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	1,331			$	4,095		$	22	$	23

		Pension Benefits
		Pension Plan								SERP
		Nine months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014		2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	7,983			$	9,621		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost			9,629				8,553			55		53
	Expected return on plan assets			(14,143	)			(12,099	)		—		—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			526				6,209			12		14
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	3,995			$	12,284		$	67	$	67

	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 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,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Interest cost			27				27				82				83
	Amortization of actuarial gain			(162	)			(153	)			(486	)			(461	)
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	(135	)		$	(126	)		$	(404	)		$	(378	)

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
CONTINGENCIES	'
	-12	CONTINGENCIES

	On March 22, 2014, a tank barge and towboat (the M/V Miss Susan), both owned by Kirby Inland Marine, LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, were involved in a collision with the M/S Summer Wind on the Houston Ship Channel near Texas City, Texas. The tank barge was damaged in the collision resulting in a discharge of intermediate fuel oil from one of its cargo tanks. The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board have named the Company and the Captain of the M/V Miss Susan, as well as the owner and the pilot of the M/S Summer Wind, as parties of interest in their investigation as to the cause of the incident. Sea Galaxy Ltd is the owner of the M/S Summer Wind. The Company is participating in the natural resource damage assessment and restoration process with federal and state government natural resource trustees.

	The Company and the owner of the M/S Summer Wind have filed actions in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas seeking exoneration from or limitation of liability relating to the foregoing incident as provided for in the federal rules of procedure for maritime claims. The two actions have been consolidated for procedural purposes since they both arise out of the same occurrence. There is a separate process for making a claim under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA 90"). The Company is processing claims properly presented, documented and recoverable under OPA 90. The Company is named as a party in other lawsuits filed in connection with this incident which are currently stayed by orders entered into by the court in the limitation proceedings some of which may also have been presented as claims in the limitation proceeding. The actions include allegation of business interruption, loss of profit, loss of use of natural resources and seek unspecified economic and compensatory damages. In addition, the Company has received claims from numerous parties claiming property damage and various economic damages. The Company has also been named as a defendant in a civil action by two crewmembers of the M/V Miss Susan, alleging damages under the general maritime law and the Jones Act. The Company expects that additional lawsuits may be filed and claims submitted. The litigation and claims process is ongoing and many of the claims and lawsuits filed have not specified the amount of damages sought, but the Company believes it has adequate insurance coverage for pollution, marine and other potential liabilities arising from the incident. The Company believes it has accrued adequate reserves for the incident and does not expect the incident to have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition.

	The Company is also 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 other claims and contingencies.

	The Company has issued guaranties or obtained standby letters of credit and performance bonds supporting performance by the Company and its subsidiaries of contractual or contingent legal obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business. The aggregate notional value of these instruments is $43,071,000 at September 30, 2014, including $7,778,000 in letters of credit and $35,293,000 in performance bonds. All of these instruments have an expiration date within five 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.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of details of inventories	'
	The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Finished goods	$	156,243	$	120,751
	Work in process		8,600		15,136
		$	164,843	$	135,887

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2013:	Quoted		Significant		Significant		Total
		Prices		Other		Unobservable		Fair Value
		in Active		Observable		Inputs		Measurements
		Markets for		Inputs		(Level 3)
		Identical		(Level 2)
		Assets
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Derivatives	$	—	$	59	$	—	$	59
	Contingent liabilities		—		—		4,903		4,903
		$	—	$	59	$	4,903	$	4,962

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS_Tables

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Compensation cost		$	3,551			$	3,860			$	8,824			$	8,921
	Income tax benefit		$	1,329			$	1,459			$	3,327			$	3,372
Summary of Stock option valuation assumptions	'
	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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

			Nine months ended
			September 30,
			2014				2013
	Dividend yield		None				None
	Average risk-free interest rate			2	%			1.1	%
	Stock price volatility			33	%			34	%
	Estimated option term		Six or seven years				Six or seven years
Employee Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary of stock option 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, 2014:
			Unvested				Weighted
			Restricted				Average
			Stock Award				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
							Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2013			399,278			$	54.92
	Granted			97,706			$	97.46
	Vested			(141,700	)		$	45.62
	Forfeited			(31,589	)		$	62.69
	Nonvested balance at September 30, 2014			323,695			$	71.07
Summary of outstanding and exercisable stock options	'
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at September 30, 2014:

					Options Outstanding												Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate	Number Exercisable				Weighted Average Exercise		Aggregate
	Prices				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Intrinsic Value	Number Exercisable				Price		Intrinsic Value
	$	20.28 - $29.60				30,000				2.2			$	25.87				30,000			$	25.87
	$	35.17 - $36.82				32,048				1.5			$	36.09				32,048			$	36.09
	$	41.24 - $56.45				91,022				4.5			$	51.87				91,022			$	51.87
	$	61.89 - $62.48				54,306				6			$	62.37				54,306			$	62.37
	$	75.17 - $99.52				90,958				7.4			$	86.41				48,958			$	75.17
	$	20.28 - $99.52				298,334				5.1			$	60.01		$17,257,000		256,334			$	53.53	$16,487,000
Summary of restricted stock award activity	'
	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

			Unvested				Weighted
			Restricted				Average
			Stock Award				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
							Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2013			384			$	75.65
	Granted			8,160			$	99.52
	Vested			(960	)		$	89.97
	Nonvested balance at September 30, 2014			7,584			$	99.52
Director Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
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, 2014:

			Outstanding				Weighted
			Non-				Average
			Qualified or				Exercise Price
			Nonincentive
			Stock
			Awards
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			379,604			$	55.42
	Granted			75,204			$	98.91
	Exercised			(117,677	)		$	41.72
	Forfeited			(12,576	)		$	68.89
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014			324,555			$	69.94
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, 2014:

					Options Outstanding														Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value			Number Exercisable					Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Prices				Number Outstanding				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years				Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value			Number Exercisable					Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	$	31.35 - $ 36.35				16,910				2.4			$	32.82						16,910				$	32.82
	$	46.74				56,629				3.3			$	46.74						56,629				$	46.74
	$	65.28 - $ 70.65				173,845				4.9			$	68.38						84,545				$	67.57
	$	86.96 - $ 96.85				37,730				6.3			$	93.89						655				$	86.96
	$	101.46 -$114.11				39,441				6.4			$	103.12			─							$	─
	$	31.35 -$114.11				324,555				4.8			$	69.94		$15,549,000				158,739				$	56.52	$9,736,000
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, 2014:
			Unvested				Weighted
			Restricted				Average
			Stock Award				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
							Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2013			399,278			$	54.92
	Granted			97,706			$	97.46
	Vested			(141,700	)		$	45.62
	Forfeited			(31,589	)		$	62.69
	Nonvested balance at September 30, 2014			323,695			$	71.07

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Three months ended September 30,
		2014												2013
		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		$	17			$	(6	)		$	11			$	1,922			$	(735	)		$	1,187
	Actuarial gains (losses)			1				(1	)			—				(3	)			1				(2	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(16	)			—				(16	)			(124	)			—				(124	)
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			—				—				—				(20	)			8				(12	)
	Reclassified to net earnings			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Total		$	2			$	(7	)		$	(5	)		$	1,775			$	(726	)		$	1,049

		Nine months ended September 30,
		2014												2013
		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		$	52			$	(19	)		$	33			$	5,762			$	(2,204	)		$	3,558
	Actuarial gains (losses)			722				(276	)			446				(1,137	)			435				(702	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(24	)			—				(24	)			125				—				125
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Unrealized gains (losses)			—				—				—				2,862				(1,001	)			1,861
	Reclassified to net earnings			146				(62	)			84				(1,389	)			486				(903	)
	Total		$	896			$	(357	)		$	539			$	6,223			$	(2,284	)		$	3,939

	(a)	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 11 – 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 5 – Derivative Instruments)

SEGMENT_DATA_Tables

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 and total assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

			Three months ended								Nine months ended
			September 30,								September 30,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Revenues:
	Marine transportation		$	448,744			$	436,181			$	1,341,260			$	1,278,567
	Diesel engine services			231,977				114,924				556,761				395,231
			$	680,721			$	551,105			$	1,898,021			$	1,673,798
	Segment profit (loss):
	Marine transportation		$	112,141			$	113,647			$	325,660			$	300,463
	Diesel engine services			20,027				9,077				47,136				38,031
	Other			(9,240	)			(11,021	)			(27,189	)			(32,721	)
			$	122,928			$	111,703			$	345,607			$	305,773

			September 30,				December 31,
			2014				2013
	Total assets:
	Marine transportation		$	3,220,965			$	3,046,692
	Diesel engine services			676,862				576,472
	Other			54,307				59,353
			$	3,952,134			$	3,682,517
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013

	General corporate expenses		$	(4,089	)		$	(4,610	)		$	(11,416	)		$	(11,784	)
	Gain on disposition of assets			47				223				625				728
	Interest expense			(5,225	)			(6,694	)			(16,312	)			(21,901	)
	Other income (expense)			27				60				(86	)			236
			$	(9,240	)		$	(11,021	)		$	(27,189	)		$	(32,721	)

	The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

			September 30,				December 31,
			2014				2013
	General corporate assets		$	51,885			$	57,197
	Investment in affiliates			2,422				2,156
			$	54,307			$	59,353

TAXES_ON_INCOME_Tables

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013

	Earnings before taxes on income – United States	$	122,928	$	111,703	$	345,607	$	305,773
	Provision for taxes on income:
	Federal:
	Current	$	25,558	$	17,144	$	86,725	$	34,676
	Deferred		16,314		20,640		30,727		68,523
	State and local		3,843		4,223		12,020		11,534
		$	45,715	$	42,007	$	129,472	$	114,733

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013

	Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$	76,717		$	69,123		$	213,955		$	188,794
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares		(449	)		(504	)		(1,255	)		(1,363	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic		76,268			68,619			212,700			187,431
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares		449			504			1,255			1,363
	Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares		(447	)		(502	)		(1,250	)		(1,358	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$	76,270		$	68,621		$	212,705		$	187,436

	Shares outstanding:
	Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding		57,059			56,789			56,992			56,738
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock		(334	)		(414	)		(334	)		(409	)
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic		56,725			56,375			56,658			56,329
	Dilutive effect of stock options		194			197			200			191
	Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted		56,919			56,572			56,858			56,520

	Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
	Basic	$	1.34		$	1.22		$	3.75		$	3.33
	Diluted	$	1.34		$	1.21		$	3.74		$	3.32

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tables

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
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 postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 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,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Interest cost			27				27				82				83
	Amortization of actuarial gain			(162	)			(153	)			(486	)			(461	)
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	(135	)		$	(126	)		$	(404	)		$	(378	)
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 defined benefit plans for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

		Pension Benefits
		Pension Plan								SERP
		Three months ended								Three months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014		2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	2,660			$	3,207		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost			3,208				2,851			18		18
	Expected return on plan assets			(4,712	)			(4,033	)		—		—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			175				2,070			4		5
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	1,331			$	4,095		$	22	$	23

		Pension Benefits
		Pension Plan								SERP
		Nine months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2014				2013				2014		2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	7,983			$	9,621		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost			9,629				8,553			55		53
	Expected return on plan assets			(14,143	)			(12,099	)		—		—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			526				6,209			12		14
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	3,995			$	12,284		$	67	$	67

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Details of inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$156,243	$120,751
Work in process	8,600	15,136
Inventory, Net, Total	$164,843	$135,887

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Nov. 01, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 15, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Allied Transportation Company [Member]

United Holdings LLC [Member]

Recurring [Member]

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

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Recurring [Member]

Assets [Abstract]

Derivatives

Liabilities [Abstract]

Derivatives

59,000

Contingent liabilities

4,903,000

Liabilities fair value

4,962,000

59,000

4,903,000

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Earnout Provision

10,000,000

50,000,000

Fair value contingent earn out liability

9,756,000

16,300,000

Payment of contingent liability

4,756,000

5,000,000

Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent liability

97,000

-7,900,000

-18,300,000

Estimated fair value of outstanding debt

624,316,000

710,377,000

Carrying amount of debt

$649,350,000

$749,150,000

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Fair_Va

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'
Derivative instruments - risk management [Abstract]	'
Termination date	28-Feb-13
Notional amount	$200,000,000
Forward Contracts [Member]	'
Derivative instruments - risk management [Abstract]	'
Termination date	31-Mar-14
Notional amount	$469,000

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS_Details

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
STOCK AWARD PLANS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost	$3,551,000	$3,860,000	$8,824,000	$8,921,000
Income tax benefit	1,329,000	1,459,000	3,327,000	3,372,000
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	'	11,624,000	5,622,000
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	'	'	4,382,000	2,125,000
Intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting	'	'	14,021,000	9,969,000
Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting	'	'	5,286,000	3,768,000
Fair value of options vested	'	'	2,103,000	1,829,000
Fair value of restricted stock vested	'	'	14,021,000	9,969,000
Fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$36.05	$25.14
Fair value of stock options granted	'	'	4,226,000	4,185,000
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	'	'	0.00%	0.00%
Average risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	2.00%	1.10%
Stock price volatility (in hundredths)	'	'	33.00%	34.00%
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
Fifth 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)	2,538,874	'	2,538,874	'
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	379,604	'
Granted, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	75,204	'
Exercised, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	-117,677	'
Forfeited, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	-12,576	'
Outstanding at Period End, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	324,555	'	324,555	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$55.42	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$98.91	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$41.72	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$68.89	'
Outstanding at Period End, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$69.94	'	$69.94	'
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	399,278	'
Granted, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	97,706	'
Vested, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	-141,700	'
Forfeited, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	-31,589	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	323,695	'	323,695	'
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)	'	'	$54.92	'
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$97.46	'
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$45.62	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$62.69	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$71.07	'	$71.07	'
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)	16,910	'	16,910	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'2 years 4 months 24 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$32.82	'	$32.82	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	16,910	'	16,910	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$32.82	'	$32.82	'
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)	56,629	'	56,629	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'3 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)	56,629	'	56,629	'
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)	'	'	$70.65	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$65.28	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	173,845	'	173,845	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'4 years 10 months 24 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$68.38	'	$68.38	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	84,545	'	84,545	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$67.57	'	$67.57	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] \| Fourth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$96.85	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$86.96	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	37,730	'	37,730	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'6 years 3 months 18 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$93.89	'	$93.89	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	655	'	655	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$86.96	'	$86.96	'
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] \| Fifth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$114.11	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$101.46	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	39,441	'	39,441	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'6 years 4 months 24 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$103.12	'	$103.12	'
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)	'	'	$114.11	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$31.35	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	324,555	'	324,555	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'4 years 9 months 18 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$69.94	'	$69.94	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	15,549,000	'	15,549,000	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	158,739	'	158,739	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$56.52	'	$56.52	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	9,736,000	'	9,736,000	'
2000 Director Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Term of grant	'	'	'10 years	'
Vesting period	'	'	'6 months	'
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	559,881	'	559,881	'
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	320,322	'
Granted, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	42,000	'
Exercised, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	'	'	-63,988	'
Outstanding at Period End, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	298,334	'	298,334	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at Period Start, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$50.64	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$99.52	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$39.08	'
Outstanding at Period End, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$60.01	'	$60.01	'
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	384	'
Granted, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	8,160	'
Vested, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	'	'	-960	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	7,584	'	7,584	'
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)	'	'	$75.65	'
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$99.52	'
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$89.97	'
Nonvested balance end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$99.52	'	$99.52	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] \| First 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)	30,000	'	30,000	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'2 years 2 months 12 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$25.87	'	$25.87	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	30,000	'	30,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$25.87	'	$25.87	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] \| Second 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)	32,048	'	32,048	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'1 year 6 months	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$36.09	'	$36.09	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	32,048	'	32,048	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$36.09	'	$36.09	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] \| Third 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)	91,022	'	91,022	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'4 years 6 months	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$51.87	'	$51.87	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	91,022	'	91,022	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$51.87	'	$51.87	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] \| Fourth 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)	54,306	'	54,306	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'6 years	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$62.37	'	$62.37	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	54,306	'	54,306	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$62.37	'	$62.37	'
2000 Director Plan [Member] \| Fifth Price Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$99.52	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	90,958	'	90,958	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'7 years 4 months 24 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$86.41	'	$86.41	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	48,958	'	48,958	'
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)	'	'	$99.52	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.28	'
Options Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	298,334	'	298,334	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'5 years 1 month 6 days	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$60.01	'	$60.01	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	17,257,000	'	17,257,000	'
Options Exercisable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	256,334	'	256,334	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$53.53	'	$53.53	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	16,487,000	'	16,487,000	'
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]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	3,528,000	'	3,528,000	'
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	$18,370,000	'	$18,370,000	'
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, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Gross Amount	$17	[1]	$1,922	[1]	$52	[1]	$5,762	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	-6	[1]	-735	[1]	-19	[1]	-2,204	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Net Amount	11	[1]	1,187	[1]	33	[1]	3,558	[1]
Actuarial gains (losses), Gross Amount	1	[1]	-3	[1]	722	[1]	-1,137	[1]
Actuarial gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	-1	[1]	1	[1]	-276	[1]	435	[1]
Actuarial gains (losses), Net Amount	0	[1]	-2	[1]	446	[1]	-702	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Gross Amount	-16	[1]	-124	[1]	-24	[1]	125	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net Amount	-16		-124		-24		125
Change in fair value of derivative instruments [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains (losses), Gross Amount	0	[2]	-20	[2]	0	[2]	2,862	[2]
Unrealized gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0	[2]	8	[2]	0	[2]	-1,001	[2]
Unrealized gains (losses), Net Amount	0	[2]	-12	[2]	0	[2]	1,861	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Gross Amount	0	[2]	0	[2]	146	[2]	-1,389	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0	[2]	0	[2]	-62	[2]	486	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Net Amount	0	[2]	0	[2]	84	[2]	-903	[2]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Gross Amount	2	[2]	1,775	[2]	896	[2]	6,223	[2]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	-7	[2]	-726	[2]	-357	[2]	-2,284	[2]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	($5)		$1,049		$539		$3,939

[1]	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 11 - 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. (See Note 5 - Derivative Instruments)

SEGMENT_DATA_Details

SEGMENT DATA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Segment	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	'	'	2	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Marine transportation	$448,744	$436,181	$1,341,260	$1,278,567	'
Diesel engine services	231,977	114,924	556,761	395,231	'
Total revenues	680,721	551,105	1,898,021	1,673,798	'
Segment profit (loss)	122,928	111,703	345,607	305,773	'
Total assets	3,952,134	'	3,952,134	'	3,682,517
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets	47	223	625	728	'
Interest expense	-5,225	-6,694	-16,312	-21,901	'
Other income (expense)	27	60	-86	236	'
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	3,952,134	'	3,952,134	'	3,682,517
Marine transportation [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment profit (loss)	112,141	113,647	325,660	300,463	'
Total assets	3,220,965	'	3,220,965	'	3,046,692
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	3,220,965	'	3,220,965	'	3,046,692
Diesel engine services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment profit (loss)	20,027	9,077	47,136	38,031	'
Total assets	676,862	'	676,862	'	576,472
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	676,862	'	676,862	'	576,472
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment profit (loss)	-9,240	-11,021	-27,189	-32,721	'
Total assets	54,307	'	54,307	'	59,353
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
General corporate expenses	-4,089	-4,610	-11,416	-11,784	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets	47	223	625	728	'
Interest expense	-5,225	-6,694	-16,312	-21,901	'
Other income (expense)	27	60	-86	236	'
Profit (loss) from other segment	-9,240	-11,021	-27,189	-32,721	'
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
General corporate assets	51,885	'	51,885	'	57,197
Investment in affiliates	2,422	'	2,422	'	2,156
Total assets	$54,307	'	$54,307	'	$59,353

TAXES_ON_INCOME_Details

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings before taxes on income - United States	$122,928	$111,703	$345,607	$305,773
Federal [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Current	25,558	17,144	86,725	34,676
Deferred	16,314	20,640	30,727	68,523
State and local	3,843	4,223	12,020	11,534
Total Provision for taxes on income	$45,715	$42,007	$129,472	$114,733

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$76,717	$69,123	$213,955	$188,794
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	-449	-504	-1,255	-1,363
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic	76,268	68,619	212,700	187,431
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	449	504	1,255	1,363
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares	-447	-502	-1,250	-1,358
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$76,270	$68,621	$212,705	$187,436
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	57,059,000	56,789,000	56,992,000	56,738,000
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	-334,000	-414,000	-334,000	-409,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic (in shares)	56,725,000	56,375,000	56,658,000	56,329,000
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	194,000	197,000	200,000	191,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted (in shares)	56,919,000	56,572,000	56,858,000	56,520,000
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.34	$1.22	$3.75	$3.33
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.34	$1.21	$3.74	$3.32
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (in shares)	'	'	46,000	112,000

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Details

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage (in hundredths)	'	'	4.00%	'
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$2,660	$3,207	$7,983	$9,621
Interest cost	3,208	2,851	9,629	8,553
Expected return on plan assets	-4,712	-4,033	-14,143	-12,099
Amortization of actuarial gain	175	2,070	526	6,209
Net periodic benefit cost	1,331	4,095	3,995	12,284
SERP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0	0
Interest cost	18	18	55	53
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial gain	4	5	12	14
Net periodic benefit cost	22	23	67	67
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0	0
Interest cost	27	27	82	83
Amortization of actuarial gain	-162	-153	-486	-461
Net periodic benefit cost	($135)	($126)	($404)	($378)

CONTINGENCIES_Details

CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issued guaranties	$43,071,000
Guarantor obligations, term	'All of these instruments have an expiration date within five years
Performance Bonds [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issued guaranties	35,293,000
Standby Letters Of Credit [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Issued guaranties	$7,778,000