Kirby (KEX) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	6-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KIRBY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	56047
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
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		55,790,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15

CONDENSED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaud

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,491	$24,299
Accounts receivable:
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	373,916	417,325
Other	98,496	115,598
Inventories - net	195,729	192,354
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	39,097	43,016
Deferred income taxes	11,831	10,562
Total current assets	723,560	803,154
Property and equipment	3,853,292	3,717,398
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,170,260	-1,127,900
Property and equipment - net	2,683,032	2,589,498
Goodwill	591,405	591,405
Other assets	153,897	157,852
Total assets	4,151,894	4,141,909
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0	116,700
Income taxes payable	14,894	3,470
Accounts payable	166,629	222,020
Accrued liabilities	181,019	201,033
Deferred revenues	47,540	50,804
Total current liabilities	410,082	594,027
Long-term debt - less current portion	818,900	600,000
Other long-term liabilities	88,084	87,200
Total long-term liabilities	1,511,891	1,282,969
Contingencies and commitments
Deferred income taxes	604,907	595,769
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	426,648	428,475
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	-60,026	-61,037
Retained earnings	2,035,224	1,974,146
Treasury stock - at cost, 4,067,000 shares at March 31, 2015 and 2,906,000 at December 31, 2014	-188,704	-93,526
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	2,219,120	2,254,036
Noncontrolling interests	10,801	10,877
Total equity	2,229,921	2,264,913
Total liabilities and equity	$4,151,894	$4,141,909

CONDENSED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaud1

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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)	4,067,000	2,906,000

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_EARNIN

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Marine transportation	$419,905	$435,771
Diesel engine services	167,768	153,475
Total revenues	587,673	589,246
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales and operating expenses	384,781	383,229
Selling, general and administrative	51,044	53,598
Taxes, other than on income	4,545	4,580
Depreciation and amortization	45,766	41,036
Gain on disposition of assets	-1,555	-51
Total costs and expenses	484,581	482,392
Operating income	103,092	106,854
Other income (expense)	60	-236
Interest expense	-5,250	-5,618
Earnings before taxes on income	97,902	101,000
Provision for taxes on income	-36,491	-37,989
Net earnings	61,411	63,011
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-333	-765
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$61,078	$62,246
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.09	$1.09
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.09	$1.09

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_COMPRE

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net earnings	$61,411	$63,011
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefits	1,108	24
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-97	-17
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	0	84
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	1,011	91
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	62,422	63,102
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-333	-765
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	$62,089	$62,337

CONDENSED_STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_F

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$61,411	$63,011
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	45,766	41,036
Provision for deferred income taxes	7,182	8,784
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	2,538	2,153
Amortization of major maintenance costs	4,932	3,684
Other	-1,124	-79
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	-18,140	-3,378
Net cash provided by operating activities	102,565	115,211
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-96,533	-62,257
Acquisition of marine equipment	-41,250	0
Proceeds from disposition of assets	10,240	363
Net cash used in investing activities	-127,543	-61,894
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) on bank credit facilities, net	102,200	-41,150
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	375	4,331
Purchase of treasury stock	-98,011	0
Payment of contingent liability	0	-4,756
Excess tax benefit from equity compensation plans	1,015	4,653
Other	-409	-1,173
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,170	-38,095
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-19,808	15,222
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	24,299	4,022
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4,491	19,244
Cash paid during the period:
Interest	9,190	8,957
Income taxes	$140	$565

BASIS_FOR_PREPARATION_OF_THE_C

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014.

ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS_ADOPTIONS

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	-2	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company will adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2016 and does not expect the effect of ASU 2015-03 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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. The FASB has tentatively deferred ASU 2014-09 for one year and, with that deferral, the standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, which would be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	-3	INVENTORIES
	The following table presents the details of inventories as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Finished goods		$	182,677	$	179,760
	Work in process			13,052		12,594
			$	195,729	$	192,354

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	-4	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The estimated fair value of total debt outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $812,667,000 and $705,215,000, respectively, which differs from the carrying amounts of $818,900,000 and $716,700,000, 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. These assets are adjusted to fair value when there is evidence of impairment. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, there was no indication that the Company’s long-lived assets were impaired, and accordingly, measurement at fair value was not required.

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS

STOCK AWARD PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]
STOCK AWARD PLANS	-5	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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Compensation cost		$	2,538			$	2,153
	Income tax benefit		$	949			$	816
	The Company has an employee stock award plan for selected officers and other key employees which provides for the issuance of stock options and restricted stock. 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 options have seven year terms and vest ratably over three years. No performance awards payable in stock have been awarded under the plan. At March 31, 2015, 2,304,182 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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards				Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			322,956			$	69.95
	Granted			114,894			$	74.99
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015			437,850			$	71.27
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at March 31, 2015:
					Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise 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				1.9	$	32.82				16,910	$	32.82
	$	46.74				56,629				2.8	$	46.74				56,629	$	46.74
	$	65.28 - $74.99				287,140				3.8	$	71.03				141,669	$	67.9
	$	86.96 - $96.85				37,730				5.8	$	93.89				12,576	$	93.89
	$	101.46 - $114.11				39,441				5.9	$	103.12				12,476	$	102.53
	$	31.35 - $114.11				437,850				4	$	71.27	$	3,472,000		240,260	$	63.6	$	3,330,000
	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2014			321,453			$	71.04
	Granted			121,870			$	75.01
	Vested			(113,383	)		$	60.72
	Nonvested balance at March 31, 2015			329,940			$	76.05
	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 automatic grants of restricted stock to nonemployee directors 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 restricted stock issued after each annual meeting of stockholders vests 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 March 31, 2015, 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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards				Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			298,334			$	60.01
	Exercised			(6,000	)		$	62.48
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015			292,334			$	59.95
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at March 31, 2015:
					Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise 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
	$	20.28 — $29.60				30,000				1.7	$	25.87				30,000	$	25.87
	$	35.17 — $36.82				32,048				1	$	36.09				32,048	$	36.09
	$	41.24 — $56.45				91,022				4	$	51.87				91,022	$	51.87
	$	61.89 — $62.48				48,306				6.2	$	62.36				48,306	$	62.36
	$	75.17 — $99.52				90,958				6.9	$	86.41				90,958	$	86.41
	$	20.28 — $99.52				292,334				4.7	$	59.95	$	5,446,000		292,334	$	59.95	$	5,446,000
	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2014			292			$	99.52
	Vested			(292	)		$	99.52
	Nonvested balance at March 31, 2015		─				$	─
	The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised under all of the Company’s plans was $68,000 and $6,102,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock option exercises was $26,000 and $2,313,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of all the restricted stock vestings under all of the Company’s plans was $8,986,000 and $13,916,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from restricted stock vestings was $3,361,000 and $5,274,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2015, there was $4,981,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and $23,486,000 related to restricted stock. The stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years and restricted stock over approximately 3.5 years. The total fair value of options vested was $2,167,000 and $2,076,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock vested was $8,986,000 and $13,916,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The weighted average per share fair value of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $25.18 and $34.20, respectively. The fair value of the stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2,893,000 and $2,503,000, 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Dividend yield		None				None
	Average risk-free interest rate			1.3	%			1.8	%
	Stock price volatility			33	%			33	%
	Estimated option term		Six years				Six years

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	-6	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015									2014
			Gross Amount			Income Tax (Provision) Benefit			Net Amount			Gross Amount			Income Tax (Provision) Benefit			Net Amount
	Pension and postretirement benefits (a):
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		$	1,798		$	(690	)	$	1,108		$	37		$	(13	)	$	24
	Actuarial gains			—			—			—			—			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(97	)		—			(97	)		(17	)		—			(17	)
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Reclassified to net earnings			—			—			—			146			(62	)		84
	Total		$	1,701		$	(690	)	$	1,011		$	166		$	(75	)	$	91
		(a)	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 10 – Retirement Plans)
		(b)	Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in costs of sales and operating expenses.

SEGMENT_DATA

SEGMENT DATA	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
SEGMENT DATA	-7	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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were not significant.
	The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and total assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Marine transportation		$	419,905		$	435,771
	Diesel engine services			167,768			153,475
			$	587,673		$	589,246
	Segment profit (loss):
	Marine transportation		$	96,269		$	97,551
	Diesel engine services			8,843			12,772
	Other			(7,210	)		(9,323	)
			$	97,902		$	101,000
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
	Total assets:
	Marine transportation		$	3,386,629		$	3,317,696
	Diesel engine services			713,903			736,129
	Other			51,362			88,084
			$	4,151,894		$	4,141,909
	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	General corporate expenses		$	(3,575	)	$	(3,520	)
	Gain on disposition of assets			1,555			51
	Interest expense			(5,250	)		(5,618	)
	Other income (expense)			60			(236	)
			$	(7,210	)	$	(9,323	)
	The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
	General corporate assets		$	48,687		$	85,545
	Investment in affiliates			2,675			2,539
			$	51,362		$	88,084

TAXES_ON_INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]
TAXES ON INCOME	-8	TAXES ON INCOME
	Earnings before taxes on income and details of the provision for taxes on income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Earnings before taxes on income – United States		$	97,902	$	101,000
	Provision for taxes on income:
	Federal:
	Current		$	26,180	$	25,496
	Deferred			7,482		8,784
	State and local			2,829		3,709
			$	36,491	$	37,989

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	-9	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table presents the components of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Net earnings attributable to Kirby		$	61,078		$	62,246
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares			(345	)		(370	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders – basic			60,733			61,876
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares			345			370
	Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares			(345	)		(368	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders – diluted		$	60,733		$	61,878
	Shares outstanding:
	Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding			55,897			56,903
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock			(316	)		(338	)
	Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic			55,581			56,565
	Dilutive effect of stock options			122			216
	Weighted average common stock outstanding – diluted			55,703			56,781
	Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
	Basic		$	1.09		$	1.09
	Diluted		$	1.09		$	1.09
	Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 234,000 and 75,000 shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive.

RETIREMENT_PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]
RETIREMENT PLANS	-10	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 expects to contribute between $15,000,000 and $20,000,000 to its pension plan prior to December 31, 2015 to fund its 2015 pension plan obligations. As of March 31, 2015, no 2015 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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Pension Benefits
			Pension Plan						SERP
			Three months ended						Three months ended
			March 31,						March 31,
			2015			2014			2015		2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	3,830		$	2,767		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost			3,354			3,223			16		18
	Expected return on plan assets			(4,483	)		(4,713	)		—		—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			1,964			196			7		4
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	4,665		$	1,473		$	23	$	22
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Other Postretirement Benefits
			Postretirement Welfare Plan
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost			13			28
	Amortization of actuarial gain			(173	)		(163	)
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	(160	)	$	(135	)

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	-11	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 United States 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”). The Company is processing claims properly presented, documented and recoverable under OPA. 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 litigation and claims process is ongoing. 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.
	In June 2011, the Company as well as three other companies received correspondence from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) concerning ongoing cleanup and restoration activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) with respect to a Superfund site, the Gulfco Marine Maintenance Site (“Gulfco”), located in Freeport, Texas. In prior years, various subsidiaries of the Company utilized a successor to Gulfco to perform tank barge cleaning services, sand blasting and repair on certain Company vessels. Since 2005, four named Potentially Responsible Parties (“PRPs”) have participated in the investigation, cleanup and restoration of the site under an administrative order from EPA. Information received to date indicates that approximately $9,943,000 was incurred in connection with the cleanup effort in addition to EPA’s oversight costs of approximately $2,258,000. The named PRPs filed suit against the Company and approximately 21 other defendants seeking contribution and indemnity under CERCLA for costs incurred in connection with its activities in cleaning up the Gulfco Site. The Company has filed responsive pleadings in this matter and believes it has accrued an adequate reserve based on the information provided by the plaintiffs to date. The EPA has issued notice letters under Section 107(a) of CERCLA the Company and other nonparticipating PRPs to initiate settlement negotiations of EPA’s claim for its past costs for the Site.
	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 $32,552,000 at March 31, 2015, including $6,648,000 in letters of credit and $25,904,000 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.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SUBSEQUENT EVENT [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENT [Text Block]	-12	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On April 30, 2015, the Company entered into an unsecured credit agreement with a group of commercial banks that increases the borrowing limit under the Company’s previous revolving credit facility from $325,000,000 to $550,000,000. The credit agreement, which has a maturity date of April 30, 2020, provides for a variable interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or an alternate base rate calculated with reference to the agent bank’s prime rate, among other factors ("Alternate Base Rate”). The interest rate spread varies with the Company’s credit rating and is currently 1.125% over LIBOR or 0.125% over the Alternate Base Rate. In addition, the credit agreement allows for a $300,000,000 increase in the aggregate commitments of the banks in the form of revolving credit loans or term loans, subject to the consent of each bank that elects to participate in the increased commitment. Borrowings under the facility were used to refinance the outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s previous revolving credit agreement and the $100,000,000 outstanding under its term loan agreement and may also be used for general corporate purposes, purchases of existing or new equipment, purchases of the Company’s common stock or for business acquisitions. The Company will recognize a loss on debt retirement of $283,000 in the 2015 second quarter related to the new credit agreement.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Schedule of details of inventories	The following table presents the details of inventories as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Finished goods	$	182,677	$	179,760
	Work in process		13,052		12,594
		$	195,729	$	192,354

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS_Tables

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Compensation cost		$	2,538			$	2,153
	Income tax benefit		$	949			$	816
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Dividend yield		None				None
	Average risk-free interest rate			1.3	%			1.8	%
	Stock price volatility			33	%			33	%
	Estimated option term		Six years				Six 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 stock option activity under the employee plan described above for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards				Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			322,956			$	69.95
	Granted			114,894			$	74.99
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015			437,850			$	71.27
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 March 31, 2015:
					Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise 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				1.9	$	32.82				16,910	$	32.82
	$	46.74				56,629				2.8	$	46.74				56,629	$	46.74
	$	65.28 - $74.99				287,140				3.8	$	71.03				141,669	$	67.9
	$	86.96 - $96.85				37,730				5.8	$	93.89				12,576	$	93.89
	$	101.46 - $114.11				39,441				5.9	$	103.12				12,476	$	102.53
	$	31.35 - $114.11				437,850				4	$	71.27	$	3,472,000		240,260	$	63.6	$	3,330,000
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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2014			321,453			$	71.04
	Granted			121,870			$	75.01
	Vested			(113,383	)		$	60.72
	Nonvested balance at March 31, 2015			329,940			$	76.05
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 director plan described above for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards				Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			298,334			$	60.01
	Exercised			(6,000	)		$	62.48
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015			292,334			$	59.95
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 March 31, 2015:
					Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise 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
	$	20.28 — $29.60				30,000				1.7	$	25.87				30,000	$	25.87
	$	35.17 — $36.82				32,048				1	$	36.09				32,048	$	36.09
	$	41.24 — $56.45				91,022				4	$	51.87				91,022	$	51.87
	$	61.89 — $62.48				48,306				6.2	$	62.36				48,306	$	62.36
	$	75.17 — $99.52				90,958				6.9	$	86.41				90,958	$	86.41
	$	20.28 — $99.52				292,334				4.7	$	59.95	$	5,446,000		292,334	$	59.95	$	5,446,000
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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
			Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2014			292			$	99.52
	Vested			(292	)		$	99.52
	Nonvested balance at March 31, 2015		─				$	─

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in other comprehensive income	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015									2014
			Gross Amount			Income Tax (Provision) Benefit			Net Amount			Gross Amount			Income Tax (Provision) Benefit			Net Amount
	Pension and postretirement benefits (a):
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		$	1,798		$	(690	)	$	1,108		$	37		$	(13	)	$	24
	Actuarial gains			—			—			—			—			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(97	)		—			(97	)		(17	)		—			(17	)
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments (b):
	Reclassified to net earnings			—			—			—			146			(62	)		84
	Total		$	1,701		$	(690	)	$	1,011		$	166		$	(75	)	$	91
		(a)	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 10 – Retirement Plans)
		(b)	Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in costs of sales and operating expenses.

SEGMENT_DATA_Tables

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and total assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Marine transportation	$	419,905		$	435,771
	Diesel engine services		167,768			153,475
		$	587,673		$	589,246
	Segment profit (loss):
	Marine transportation	$	96,269		$	97,551
	Diesel engine services		8,843			12,772
	Other		(7,210	)		(9,323	)
		$	97,902		$	101,000
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Total assets:
	Marine transportation	$	3,386,629		$	3,317,696
	Diesel engine services		713,903			736,129
	Other		51,362			88,084
		$	4,151,894		$	4,141,909
Schedule of other segment reporting information	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	General corporate expenses	$	(3,575	)	$	(3,520	)
	Gain on disposition of assets		1,555			51
	Interest expense		(5,250	)		(5,618	)
	Other income (expense)		60			(236	)
		$	(7,210	)	$	(9,323	)
	The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	General corporate assets	$	48,687		$	85,545
	Investment in affiliates		2,675			2,539
		$	51,362		$	88,084

TAXES_ON_INCOME_Tables

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Earnings before taxes on income – United States	$	97,902	$	101,000
	Provision for taxes on income:
	Federal:
	Current	$	26,180	$	25,496
	Deferred		7,482		8,784
	State and local		2,829		3,709
		$	36,491	$	37,989

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$	61,078		$	62,246
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares		(345	)		(370	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders – basic		60,733			61,876
	Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares		345			370
	Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares		(345	)		(368	)
	Income available to Kirby common stockholders – diluted	$	60,733		$	61,878
	Shares outstanding:
	Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding		55,897			56,903
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock		(316	)		(338	)
	Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic		55,581			56,565
	Dilutive effect of stock options		122			216
	Weighted average common stock outstanding – diluted		55,703			56,781
	Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
	Basic	$	1.09		$	1.09
	Diluted	$	1.09		$	1.09

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tables

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Pension Benefits
		Pension Plan						SERP
		Three months ended						Three months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2015			2014			2015		2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	3,830		$	2,767		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost		3,354			3,223			16		18
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,483	)		(4,713	)		—		—
	Amortization of actuarial loss		1,964			196			7		4
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,665		$	1,473		$	23	$	22
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 ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Other Postretirement Benefits
		Postretirement Welfare Plan
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		13			28
	Amortization of actuarial gain		(173	)		(163	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(160	)	$	(135	)

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Details of inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$182,677	$179,760
Work in process	13,052	12,594
Inventory, Net, Total	$195,729	$192,354

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of outstanding debt	$812,667,000	$705,215,000
Carrying amount of debt	$818,900,000	$716,700,000

STOCK_AWARD_PLANS_Details

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]
Compensation cost	$2,538,000	$2,153,000
Income tax benefit	949,000	816,000
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	68,000	6,102,000
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	26,000	2,313,000
Intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting	8,986,000	13,916,000
Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting	3,361,000	5,274,000
Fair value of options vested	2,167,000	2,076,000
Fair value of restricted stock vested	8,986,000	13,916,000
Fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$25.18	$34.20
Fair value of stock options granted	2,893,000	2,503,000
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
Average risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	1.30%	1.80%
Stock price volatility (in hundredths)	33.00%	33.00%
Estimated option term	6 years	6 years
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	2,304,182
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Period Start, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	322,956
Granted, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	114,894
Outstanding at Period End, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	437,850
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$69.95
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$74.99
Outstanding at Period End, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$71.27
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	321,453
Granted, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	121,870
Vested, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	-113,383
Nonvested balance end of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	329,940
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)	$71.04
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$75.01
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$60.72
Nonvested balance end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$76.05
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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$32.82
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	16,910
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$46.74
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	56,629
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$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)	$74.99
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$65.28
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	287,140
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	3 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$71.03
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	141,669
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$67.90
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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$93.89
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	12,576
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$93.89
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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$103.12
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	12,476
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$102.53
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)	437,850
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$71.27
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	3,472,000
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	240,260
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$63.60
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	3,330,000
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
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Period Start, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	298,334
Exercised, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	-6,000
Outstanding at Period End, Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards (in shares)	292,334
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$60.01
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$62.48
Outstanding at Period End, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$59.95
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	292
Vested, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	-292
Nonvested balance end of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares (in shares)	0
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)	$99.52
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$99.52
Nonvested balance end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0
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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$25.87
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	30,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$36.09
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	32,048
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$51.87
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	91,022
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$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)	48,306
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$62.36
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	48,306
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$62.36
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
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$75.17
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	90,958
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$86.41
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	90,958
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$86.41
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)	292,334
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$59.95
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	5,446,000
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	292,334
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$59.95
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	5,446,000
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
Stock Options [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	4,981,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years	2 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$23,486,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years	3 years 6 months

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Det

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Gross Amount	$1,798	[1]	$37	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	-690	[1]	-13	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Net Amount	1,108	[1]	24	[1]
Actuarial gains, Gross Amount	0	[1]	0	[1]
Actuarial gains, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0	[1]	0	[1]
Actuarial gains, Net Amount	0	[1]	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Gross Amount	-97		-17
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net Amount	-97		-17
Change in fair value of derivative instruments [Abstract]
Reclassified to net earnings, Gross Amount	0	[2]	146	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	0	[2]	-62	[2]
Reclassified to net earnings, Net Amount	0	[2]	84	[2]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Gross Amount	1,701		166
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	-690		-75
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	$1,011		$91
[1]	Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into costs of sales and operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses as appropriate. (See Note 10 - Retirement Plans)
[2]	Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in costs of sales and operating expenses.

SEGMENT_DATA_Details

SEGMENT DATA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	2
Revenues [Abstract]
Marine transportation	$419,905	$435,771
Diesel engine services	167,768	153,475
Total revenues	587,673	589,246
Segment profit (loss)	97,902	101,000
Total assets	4,151,894		4,141,909
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Gain on disposition of assets	1,555	51
Interest expense	-5,250	-5,618
Other income (expense)	60	-236
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
Total assets	4,151,894		4,141,909
Marine transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	96,269	97,551
Total assets	3,386,629		3,317,696
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
Total assets	3,386,629		3,317,696
Diesel engine services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	8,843	12,772
Total assets	713,903		736,129
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
Total assets	713,903		736,129
Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	-7,210	-9,323
Total assets	51,362		88,084
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
General corporate expenses	-3,575	-3,520
Gain on disposition of assets	1,555	51
Interest expense	-5,250	-5,618
Other income (expense)	60	-236
Profit (loss) from other segment	-7,210	-9,323
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
General corporate assets	48,687		85,545
Investment in affiliates	2,675		2,539
Total assets	$51,362		$88,084

TAXES_ON_INCOME_Details

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]
Earnings before taxes on income - United States	$97,902	$101,000
Federal [Abstract]
Current	26,180	25,496
Deferred	7,482	8,784
State and local	2,829	3,709
Total Provision for taxes on income	$36,491	$37,989

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$61,078	$62,246
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	-345	-370
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic	60,733	61,876
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	345	370
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares	-345	-368
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$60,733	$61,878
Shares Outstanding: [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	55,897,000	56,903,000
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	-316,000	-338,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic (in shares)	55,581,000	56,565,000
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	122,000	216,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted (in shares)	55,703,000	56,781,000
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.09	$1.09
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.09	$1.09
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (in shares)	234,000	75,000

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Details

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]
Service cost	$3,830,000	$2,767,000
Interest cost	3,354,000	3,223,000
Expected return on plan assets	-4,483,000	-4,713,000
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,964,000	196,000
Net periodic benefit cost	4,665,000	1,473,000
Pension Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan of asset contributions to pension plan obligations	15,000,000
Pension Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan of asset contributions to pension plan obligations	20,000,000
SERP [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	16,000	18,000
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	7,000	4,000
Net periodic benefit cost	23,000	22,000
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage (in hundredths)	4.00%
Components of net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	13,000	28,000
Amortization of actuarial loss	-173,000	-163,000
Net periodic benefit cost	($160,000)	($135,000)

CONTINGENCIES_Details

CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issued guaranties	$32,552,000
Guarantor obligations, term	All of these instruments have an expiration date within four years
Performance Bonds [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issued guaranties	25,904,000
Standby Letters Of Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issued guaranties	6,648,000
Gulfco Marine Superfund Site [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number of other companies also named as Potentially Responsible Parties ("PRPs")	3
Number of companies named as Potentially Responsible Parties ("PRPs")	4
EPA incurred cleanup expense	9,943,000
EPA oversight costs	$2,258,000
Number of defendants seeking contribution and indemnity under CERCLA	21
Collision with M/S Summer Wind [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of vessels damaged in collision resulting in fuel oil discharge	1
Number of actions filed against the Company	2
Number of crewmembers alleging damages	2

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity		325,000,000
Term loan agreement amount		100,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Loss on debt retirement	283,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity			550,000,000
Additional revolving credit facility			300,000,000
Credit facility maturity date		30-Apr-20
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable rate basis			LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)			1.13%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable rate basis			Base Rate
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)			0.13%