Kirby (KEX) 10-Q 3 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 02, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KIRBY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	56,047
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		53,855,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaud

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,381	$ 5,885
Accounts receivable:
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	250,362	290,931
Other	76,728	102,443
Inventories - net	179,110	184,511
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	55,902	45,283
Deferred income taxes	11,263	11,723
Total current assets	578,746	640,776
Property and equipment	4,304,269	4,059,763
Less accumulated depreciation	(1,385,354)	(1,280,783)
Property and equipment - net	2,918,915	2,778,980
Goodwill	587,703	586,718
Other assets	138,463	145,807
Total assets	4,223,827	4,152,281
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Income taxes payable	126	3,564
Accounts payable	117,942	132,799
Accrued liabilities	164,277	184,254
Deferred revenues	35,220	41,300
Total current liabilities	317,565	361,917
Long-term debt - less current portion	726,004	774,849
Deferred income taxes	714,515	669,808
Other long-term liabilities	78,994	66,511
Total long-term liabilities	1,519,513	1,511,168
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	430,479	434,783
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	(46,451)	(44,686)
Retained earnings	2,309,881	2,200,830
Treasury stock - at cost, 5,921,000 at September 30, 2016 and 6,056,000 at December 31, 2015	(320,364)	(328,094)
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	2,379,523	2,268,811
Noncontrolling interests	7,226	10,385
Total equity	2,386,749	2,279,196
Total liabilities and equity	$ 4,223,827	$ 4,152,281

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unau3

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Kirby stockholders' equity:
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,921,000	6,056,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	59,776,000	59,776,000
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNING

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Marine transportation	$ 359,031	$ 418,343	$ 1,115,677	$ 1,263,301
Diesel engine services	75,677	114,222	219,346	400,093
Total revenues	434,708	532,565	1,335,023	1,663,394
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales and operating expenses	282,168	333,115	847,975	1,061,641
Selling, general and administrative	40,645	48,759	133,948	148,968
Taxes, other than on income	5,445	5,482	16,317	15,405
Depreciation and amortization	50,142	49,759	148,427	142,350
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	122	400	(39)	(1,246)
Total costs and expenses	378,522	437,515	1,146,628	1,367,118
Operating income	56,186	95,050	188,395	296,276
Other income (expense)	(120)	22	194	(221)
Interest expense	(4,507)	(4,449)	(13,213)	(14,458)
Earnings before taxes on income	51,559	90,623	175,376	281,597
Provision for taxes on income	(19,206)	(33,512)	(65,430)	(104,699)
Net earnings	32,353	57,111	109,946	176,898
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(343)	(268)	(895)	(902)
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$ 32,010	$ 56,843	$ 109,051	$ 175,996
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 1.04	$ 2.03	$ 3.18
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 1.04	$ 2.02	$ 3.17

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREH

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 32,353	$ 57,111	$ 109,946	$ 176,898
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefits	735	1,074	(1,765)	4,640
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	49	0	81
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	735	1,123	(1,765)	4,721
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	33,088	58,234	108,181	181,619
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(343)	(268)	(895)	(902)
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	$ 32,745	$ 57,966	$ 107,286	$ 180,717

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FL

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 109,946	$ 176,898
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	148,427	142,350
Provision for deferred income taxes	46,264	19,722
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	8,841	8,378
Amortization of major maintenance costs	14,210	17,160
Amortization of debt issuance costs	600	1,176
Other	(1,090)	844
Increase in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	9,295	10,941
Net cash provided by operating activities	336,493	377,469
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(169,305)	(265,202)
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment	(125,632)	(41,250)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	15,136	13,102
Net cash used in investing activities	(279,801)	(293,350)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) on bank credit facilities, net	(49,445)	192,398
Payments on long-term debt	0	(100,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	321	3,712
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,827)	(202,155)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(4,160)	0
Excess tax benefit from equity compensation plans	0	1,015
Other	(2,085)	(873)
Net cash used in financing activities	(57,196)	(105,903)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(504)	(21,784)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	5,885	24,299
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5,381	2,515
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	18,930	19,476
Income taxes paid	14,901	68,952
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	(2,296)	0
Fair value of property transferred in acquisition	$ 3,681	$ 0

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CO

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 Kirby Corporation (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, 2015.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	(2) ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”) to create consistency in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”) which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, forfeitures, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements, classification as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”) which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by this guidance. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 but early application is permitted and the guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company does not anticipate a material impact on its consolidated financial statements at the time of adoption of this new standard. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”) which applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost. Under the guidance, an entity should measure inventory that is within the scope of this update at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance. In April 2015, the FASB issued 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. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 and prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The December 31, 2015 net debt issuance costs of $3,985,000 have been reclassified in the consolidated balance sheet from other assets to long-term debt, less current portion. 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. In July 2015, the FASB voted to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, making it effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date. 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.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	(3) ACQUISITIONS On April 15, 2016, the Company purchased the inland tank barge fleet of SEACOR Holdings Inc. (“Seacor”) from subsidiaries of Seacor for a total value of $91,681,000. The assets purchased consisted of 27 inland 30,000 barrel tank barges and 13 inland towboats, as well as one 30,000 barrel inland tank barge and one towboat under construction. The purchase price was comprised of a $79,200,000 cash payment on April 15, 2016 and holdbacks of $7,000,000 for new construction and $1,800,000 for inland tank barge maintenance and repairs and the Company transferred ownership to Seacor of a Florida-based ship docking tugboat with a value of $3,681,000. The $1,800,000 holdback for maintenance and repairs was paid in May 2016 and $4,500,000 of the $7,000,000 holdback for new construction was paid in July 2016 with the remaining $2,500,000 expected to be paid by December 31, 2016. The average age of the 27 inland tank barges was ten years. Seacor, through its subsidiary, SCF Waxler Marine LLC, transported refined petroleum products, petrochemicals and black oil on the Mississippi River System and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded $985,000 of goodwill and expects all of the goodwill to be deductible for tax purposes. No intangibles other than goodwill were identified in the acquisition. On June 2, 2016, the Company purchased four coastal tugboats from Crosby Marine Transportation LLC (“Crosby Marine”) for $26,450,000 in cash. The four coastal tugboats have an average age of 13 years. On June 30, 2016, the Company purchased an 80,000 barrel coastal tank barge from TD Equipment Finance, Inc. (“TD Equipment”) for $13,682,000 in cash. The Company had been leasing the barge from TD Equipment prior to its purchase. Pro forma results of the acquisitions made in the 2016 first nine months have not been presented as the pro forma revenues, earnings before taxes on income, net earnings and net earnings per share would not be materially different from the Company’s actual results.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	(4) INVENTORIES The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Finished goods $ 173,942 $ 163,501 Work in process 5,168 21,010 $ 179,110 $ 184,511

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	(5) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The estimated fair value of total debt outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $732,124,000 and $764,781,000, respectively, which differs from the carrying amounts of $726,004,000 and $774,849,000, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Compensation cost $ 3,296 $ 3,127 $ 8,841 $ 8,378 Income tax benefit $ 1,236 $ 1,161 $ 3,315 $ 3,125 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. Substantially all stock options outstanding under the plan 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, 2016, 1,987,792 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, 2016: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2015 430,432 $ 71.01 Granted 186,706 $ 53.50 Forfeited (16,017 ) $ 80.17 Outstanding at September 30, 2016 601,121 $ 65.33 The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at September 30, 2016: 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 0.4 $ 32.82 16,910 $ 32.82 $ 46.74 - $51.23 212,335 5.0 $ 50.03 56,629 $ 46.74 $ 64.89 - $74.99 302,735 4.3 $ 70.29 202,309 $ 69.51 $ 93.64 - $96.85 33,987 4.3 $ 94.31 22,658 $ 94.31 $ 101.46 -$104.37 35,154 4.4 $ 102.60 23,436 $ 102.60 $ 31.35 -$104.37 601,121 4.5 $ 65.33 $ 3,071,000 321,942 $ 67.73 $ 1,369,000 The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2016: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 311,727 $ 75.73 Granted 190,150 $ 53.55 Vested (104,939 ) $ 69.95 Forfeited (19,393 ) $ 76.04 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2016 377,545 $ 66.15 The Company has a 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 September 30, 2016, 522,457 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, 2016: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2015 220,429 $ 64.37 Exercised (9,000 ) $ 35.72 Forfeited (6,000 ) $ 99.52 Outstanding at September 30, 2016 205,429 $ 64.60 The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at September 30, 2016: 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 $ 29.60 - $36.82 21,000 1.1 $ 32.69 21,000 $ 32.69 $ 41.24 - $56.45 71,276 2.9 $ 52.34 71,276 $ 52.34 $ 61.89 - $62.48 41,153 5.0 $ 62.34 41,153 $ 62.34 $ 75.17 - $99.52 72,000 6.0 $ 87.35 72,000 $ 87.35 $ 29.60 - $99.52 205,429 4.2 $ 64.60 $ 1,321,000 205,429 $ 64.60 $ 1,321,000 The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2016: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 1,791 $ 68.73 Granted 23,074 $ 64.89 Vested (2,485 ) $ 67.66 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2016 22,380 $ 64.89 The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised under all of the Company’s plans was $266,000 and $2,555,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock option exercises was $100,000 and $953,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total intrinsic value of all the restricted stock vestings under all of the Company’s plans was $5,587,000 and $9,055,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from restricted stock vestings was $2,095,000 and $3,378,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, there was $4,080,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and $20,218,000 related to restricted stock. The stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years and restricted stock over approximately 3.4 years. The total fair value of options vested was $2,495,000 and $2,194,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock vested was $5,587,000 and $9,055,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The weighted average per share fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $17.30 and $25.18, respectively. The fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $3,231,000 and $2,893,000, 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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Dividend yield None None Average risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.3% Stock price volatility 30% 33% Estimated option term Six years Six years

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 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 $ 1,193 $ (455 ) $ 738 $ 1,740 $ (668 ) $ 1,072 Actuarial gains (losses) (2 ) (1 ) (3 ) 2 — 2 Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — 49 — 49 Total $ 1,191 $ (456 ) $ 735 $ 1,791 $ (668 ) $ 1,123 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 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 $ 3,575 $ (1,367 ) $ 2,208 $ 5,226 $ (2,000 ) $ 3,226 Actuarial gains (losses) (6,437 ) 2,464 (3,973 ) 2,295 (881 ) 1,414 Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — 81 — 81 Total $ (2,862 ) $ 1,097 $ (1,765 ) $ 7,602 $ (2,881 ) $ 4,721 (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)

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
SEGMENT DATA	(8) SEGMENT DATA The Company’s operations are aggregated into two reportable business segments as follows: Marine Transportation Diesel Engine Services The Company’s two reportable business segments are managed separately based on fundamental differences in their operations. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on the contributions to operating income of the respective segments, before income taxes, interest, gains or losses on disposition of assets, other nonoperating income, noncontrolling interests, accounting changes, and nonrecurring items. Intersegment revenues, based on market-based pricing, of the diesel engine services segment from the marine transportation segment of $7,171,000 and $17,722,000 for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2016, respectively, and $7,032,000 and $20,322,000 for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2015, respectively, have been eliminated from the tables below. The related intersegment profit of $717,000 and $1,772,000 for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2016, respectively, and $703,000 and $2,032,000 for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2015, respectively, have also been eliminated from the tables below. 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, 2016 and 2015 and total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 359,031 $ 418,343 $ 1,115,677 $ 1,263,301 Diesel engine services 75,677 114,222 219,346 400,093 $ 434,708 $ 532,565 $ 1,335,023 $ 1,663,394 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 55,460 $ 93,650 $ 197,981 $ 286,930 Diesel engine services 4,634 5,611 1,860 19,385 Other (8,535 ) (8,638 ) (24,465 ) (24,718 ) $ 51,559 $ 90,623 $ 175,376 $ 281,597 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 3,571,510 $ 3,451,553 Diesel engine services 592,354 637,549 Other 59,963 63,179 $ 4,223,827 $ 4,152,281 The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 General corporate expenses $ (3,786 ) $ (3,811 ) $ (11,485 ) $ (11,285 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of assets (122 ) (400 ) 39 1,246 Interest expense (4,507 ) (4,449 ) (13,213 ) (14,458 ) Other income (expense) (120 ) 22 194 (221 ) $ (8,535 ) $ (8,638 ) $ (24,465 ) $ (24,718 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 General corporate assets $ 57,453 $ 61,089 Investment in affiliates 2,510 2,090 $ 59.963 $ 63,179

TAXES ON INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Earnings before taxes on income – United States $ 51,559 $ 90,623 $ 175,376 $ 281,597 Provision for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ 1,190 $ 24,671 $ 14,281 $ 75,937 Deferred 16,582 6,221 46,264 20,622 State and local 1,434 2,620 4,885 8,140 $ 19,206 $ 33,512 $ 65,430 $ 104,699

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	(10) EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table presents the components of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 32,010 $ 56,843 $ 109,051 $ 175,996 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares (239 ) (347 ) (766 ) (1,044 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic 31,771 56,496 108,285 174,952 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 239 347 766 1,044 Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares (238 ) (347 ) (765 ) (1,042 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted $ 31,772 $ 56,496 $ 108,286 $ 174,954 Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 53,856 54,721 53,827 55,414 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (401 ) (335 ) (378 ) (329 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic 53,455 54,386 53,449 55,085 Dilutive effect of stock options 46 86 54 108 Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted 53,501 54,472 53,503 55,193 Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.59 $ 1.04 $ 2.03 $ 3.18 Diluted $ 0.59 $ 1.04 $ 2.02 $ 3.17 Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 520,000 and 227,000 shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive.

RETIREMENT PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 expects to make a contribution of up to $25,000,000 to its pension plan prior to December 31, 2016 to fund its 2016 pension plan obligations. As of September 30, 2016, no 2016 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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Three months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 3,351 $ 3,673 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,531 3,327 16 16 Expected return on plan assets (4,202 ) (4,481 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 1,372 1,932 7 7 Net periodic benefit cost $ 4,052 $ 4,451 $ 23 $ 23 Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Nine months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 10,053 $ 11,020 $ — $ — Interest cost 10,594 9,983 49 48 Expected return on plan assets (12,606 ) (13,449 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 4,115 5,799 20 21 Net periodic benefit cost $ 12,156 $ 13,353 $ 69 $ 69 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Postretirement Welfare Plan Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 7 9 22 27 Amortization of actuarial gain (186 ) (199 ) (560 ) (594 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (179 ) $ (190 ) $ (538 ) $ (567 )

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	(12) CONTINGENCIES On October 13, 2016, the tug Nathan E. Stewart and barge DBL 55, an articulated tank barge and tugboat unit, ran aground at the entrance to Seaforth Channel on Atholone Island, British Columbia. The grounding resulted in a breach of a portion of the Nathan E. Stewart’s fuel tanks causing a discharge of diesel fuel into the water. The Company has undertaken its responsibilities to salvage and cleanup. The United States Coast Guard (“USCG”) and the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) designated the Company as a party of interest in their investigation as to the cause of the incident. The Canadian authorities including Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Safety Board are also investigating the cause of the incident. The Company has various insurance policies covering liabilities including pollution, property, marine and general liability. The Company believes that it has satisfactory insurance coverage for the cost of cleanup and salvage operations as well as other potential liabilities arising from the incident. On March 22, 2014, two tank barges and a towboat (the M/V Miss Susan), 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 lead tank barge was damaged in the collision resulting in a discharge of intermediate fuel oil from one of its cargo tanks. The USCG and the NTSB 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 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 were consolidated for procedural purposes since they both arise out of the same occurrence. Multiple parties filed claims in limitation seeking various damages under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA”), including claims for business interruption, loss of profit and loss of use of natural resources (OPA claimants). On November 2, 2016, the Company, the M/S Summer Wind and its owners and the OPA claimants entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which the parties have resolved their respective claims against one another. The Company has adequate insurance for its share of the settlement payment. 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 is processing claims that have not been filed in the limitation matter that are properly presented, documented and recoverable under OPA. On September 13, 2016, the Company entered into a Consent Decree with the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to settle civil penalty provisions under Section 311(b) of the Clean Water Act involving the discharge of intermediate fuel oil as a result of the collision between the tank barge and the M/S Summer Wind. Under the Consent Decree, the Company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $4,900,000 and undertake certain actions relating to navigation procedures. On September 27, 2016, the DOJ filed the proposed Consent Decree with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas along with an Original Complaint setting out the allegations that the Company is civilly liable for violation of Section 311(b) of the Clean Water Act. The proposed Consent Decree will become final after a thirty day comment period and judicial approval. 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 business or financial condition. 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 $14,162,000 at September 30, 2016, including $4,057,000 in letters of credit and $10,105,000 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
SUBSEQUENT EVENT [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENT On October 11, 2016, the Company purchased certain assets of Valley Power Systems, Inc. and Valley Power Systems Northwest, Inc. (collectively “VPS”) for $11,440,000 in cash. The assets purchased are mainly related to the Electro-Motive Diesel (“EMD”) engine supply and repair business of VPS and include an EMD distributor agreement to sell engines in nine western states. The Company has not completed the final purchase price allocation at this time.

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Schedule of Details of Inventories	The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Finished goods $ 173,942 $ 163,501 Work in process 5,168 21,010 $ 179,110 $ 184,511

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Compensation cost $ 3,296 $ 3,127 $ 8,841 $ 8,378 Income tax benefit $ 1,236 $ 1,161 $ 3,315 $ 3,125
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Dividend yield None None Average risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.3% Stock price volatility 30% 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2015 430,432 $ 71.01 Granted 186,706 $ 53.50 Forfeited (16,017 ) $ 80.17 Outstanding at September 30, 2016 601,121 $ 65.33
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, 2016: 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 0.4 $ 32.82 16,910 $ 32.82 $ 46.74 - $51.23 212,335 5.0 $ 50.03 56,629 $ 46.74 $ 64.89 - $74.99 302,735 4.3 $ 70.29 202,309 $ 69.51 $ 93.64 - $96.85 33,987 4.3 $ 94.31 22,658 $ 94.31 $ 101.46 -$104.37 35,154 4.4 $ 102.60 23,436 $ 102.60 $ 31.35 -$104.37 601,121 4.5 $ 65.33 $ 3,071,000 321,942 $ 67.73 $ 1,369,000
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, 2016: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 311,727 $ 75.73 Granted 190,150 $ 53.55 Vested (104,939 ) $ 69.95 Forfeited (19,393 ) $ 76.04 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2016 377,545 $ 66.15
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 nine months ended September 30, 2016: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2015 220,429 $ 64.37 Exercised (9,000 ) $ 35.72 Forfeited (6,000 ) $ 99.52 Outstanding at September 30, 2016 205,429 $ 64.60
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, 2016: 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 $ 29.60 - $36.82 21,000 1.1 $ 32.69 21,000 $ 32.69 $ 41.24 - $56.45 71,276 2.9 $ 52.34 71,276 $ 52.34 $ 61.89 - $62.48 41,153 5.0 $ 62.34 41,153 $ 62.34 $ 75.17 - $99.52 72,000 6.0 $ 87.35 72,000 $ 87.35 $ 29.60 - $99.52 205,429 4.2 $ 64.60 $ 1,321,000 205,429 $ 64.60 $ 1,321,000
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, 2016: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 1,791 $ 68.73 Granted 23,074 $ 64.89 Vested (2,485 ) $ 67.66 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2016 22,380 $ 64.89

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 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 $ 1,193 $ (455 ) $ 738 $ 1,740 $ (668 ) $ 1,072 Actuarial gains (losses) (2 ) (1 ) (3 ) 2 — 2 Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — 49 — 49 Total $ 1,191 $ (456 ) $ 735 $ 1,791 $ (668 ) $ 1,123 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 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 $ 3,575 $ (1,367 ) $ 2,208 $ 5,226 $ (2,000 ) $ 3,226 Actuarial gains (losses) (6,437 ) 2,464 (3,973 ) 2,295 (881 ) 1,414 Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — 81 — 81 Total $ (2,862 ) $ 1,097 $ (1,765 ) $ 7,602 $ (2,881 ) $ 4,721 (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)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 and total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 359,031 $ 418,343 $ 1,115,677 $ 1,263,301 Diesel engine services 75,677 114,222 219,346 400,093 $ 434,708 $ 532,565 $ 1,335,023 $ 1,663,394 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 55,460 $ 93,650 $ 197,981 $ 286,930 Diesel engine services 4,634 5,611 1,860 19,385 Other (8,535 ) (8,638 ) (24,465 ) (24,718 ) $ 51,559 $ 90,623 $ 175,376 $ 281,597 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 3,571,510 $ 3,451,553 Diesel engine services 592,354 637,549 Other 59,963 63,179 $ 4,223,827 $ 4,152,281
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, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 General corporate expenses $ (3,786 ) $ (3,811 ) $ (11,485 ) $ (11,285 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of assets (122 ) (400 ) 39 1,246 Interest expense (4,507 ) (4,449 ) (13,213 ) (14,458 ) Other income (expense) (120 ) 22 194 (221 ) $ (8,535 ) $ (8,638 ) $ (24,465 ) $ (24,718 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 General corporate assets $ 57,453 $ 61,089 Investment in affiliates 2,510 2,090 $ 59.963 $ 63,179

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Earnings before taxes on income – United States $ 51,559 $ 90,623 $ 175,376 $ 281,597 Provision for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ 1,190 $ 24,671 $ 14,281 $ 75,937 Deferred 16,582 6,221 46,264 20,622 State and local 1,434 2,620 4,885 8,140 $ 19,206 $ 33,512 $ 65,430 $ 104,699

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 32,010 $ 56,843 $ 109,051 $ 175,996 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares (239 ) (347 ) (766 ) (1,044 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic 31,771 56,496 108,285 174,952 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 239 347 766 1,044 Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares (238 ) (347 ) (765 ) (1,042 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted $ 31,772 $ 56,496 $ 108,286 $ 174,954 Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 53,856 54,721 53,827 55,414 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (401 ) (335 ) (378 ) (329 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic 53,455 54,386 53,449 55,085 Dilutive effect of stock options 46 86 54 108 Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted 53,501 54,472 53,503 55,193 Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.59 $ 1.04 $ 2.03 $ 3.18 Diluted $ 0.59 $ 1.04 $ 2.02 $ 3.17

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Three months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 3,351 $ 3,673 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,531 3,327 16 16 Expected return on plan assets (4,202 ) (4,481 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 1,372 1,932 7 7 Net periodic benefit cost $ 4,052 $ 4,451 $ 23 $ 23 Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Nine months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 10,053 $ 11,020 $ — $ — Interest cost 10,594 9,983 49 48 Expected return on plan assets (12,606 ) (13,449 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 4,115 5,799 20 21 Net periodic benefit cost $ 12,156 $ 13,353 $ 69 $ 69
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Postretirement Welfare Plan Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 7 9 22 27 Amortization of actuarial gain (186 ) (199 ) (560 ) (594 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (179 ) $ (190 ) $ (538 ) $ (567 )

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification of debt issuance cost from other assets to long term debt, less current portion	$ 3,985,000

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)bbl	Jun. 02, 2016USD ($)Tugboat	Apr. 15, 2016USD ($)TankBargeTowboatbbl	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired						$ 587,703,000	$ 586,718,000
SEACOR Holdings Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price			$ 91,681,000
Number of inland barrel tank barges | TankBarge			27
Barrel tank barges | bbl			30,000
Number of inland towboats | Towboat			13
Number of inland barrel tank barges under construction | TankBarge			1
Number of inland towboats under construction | Towboat			1
Cash paid for acquisition			$ 79,200,000	$ 4,500,000	$ 1,800,000
Expected payment to be made for acquisition						$ 2,500,000
Ownership transferred, value			3,681,000
Goodwill acquired			985,000
Intangible assets acquired			0
SEACOR Holdings Inc. [Member] | New Construction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount holdback during acquisition			7,000,000
SEACOR Holdings Inc. [Member] | Maintenance and Repairs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount holdback during acquisition			$ 1,800,000
SEACOR Holdings Inc. [Member] | Inland Tank Barges [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Average age of property						10 years
Crosby Marine Transportation LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition		$ 26,450,000
Number of coastal tugboats purchased | Tugboat		4
Crosby Marine Transportation LLC [Member] | Coastal Tugboats [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Average age of property						13 years
TD Equipment Finance, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Barrel tank barges | bbl	80,000
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 13,682,000

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Details of inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 173,942	$ 163,501
Work in process	5,168	21,010
Inventory, Net, Total	$ 179,110	$ 184,511

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of outstanding debt	$ 732,124,000	$ 764,781,000
Carrying amount of debt	$ 726,004,000	$ 774,849,000

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Details)

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]
Compensation cost	$ 3,296,000	$ 3,127,000	$ 8,841,000	$ 8,378,000
Income tax benefit	1,236,000	$ 1,161,000	3,315,000	3,125,000
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised			266,000	2,555,000
Tax benefit from stock options exercised			100,000	953,000
Intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting			5,587,000	9,055,000
Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting			2,095,000	3,378,000
Fair value of options vested			2,495,000	2,194,000
Fair value of restricted stock vested			$ 5,587,000	$ 9,055,000
Fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)			$ 17.30	$ 25.18
Fair value of stock options granted			$ 3,231,000	$ 2,893,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	4,080,000		$ 4,080,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years			1 year 8 months 12 days
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield			0.00%	0.00%
Average risk-free interest rate			1.50%	1.30%
Stock price volatility			30.00%	33.00%
Estimated option term			6 years	6 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$ 20,218,000		$ 20,218,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years			3 years 4 months 24 days
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Term of grant			7 years
Vesting period			3 years
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	1,987,792		1,987,792
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Period Start, (in shares)			430,432
Granted (in shares)			186,706
Forfeited (in shares)			(16,017)
Outstanding at Period End (in shares)	601,121		601,121
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start (in dollars per share)			$ 71.01
Granted (in dollars per share)			53.50
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			80.17
Outstanding at Period End (in dollars per share)	$ 65.33		65.33
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Stock Options [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			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] | Stock Options [Member] | Second Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)			51.23
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)			$ 46.74
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	212,335		212,335
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			5 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 50.03		$ 50.03
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] | Stock Options [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)			$ 64.89
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	302,735		302,735
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			4 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 70.29		$ 70.29
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	202,309		202,309
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 69.51		$ 69.51
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Stock Options [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)			$ 93.64
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	33,987		33,987
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			4 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 94.31		$ 94.31
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	22,658		22,658
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 94.31		$ 94.31
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Fifth Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)			104.37
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)			$ 101.46
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	35,154		35,154
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			4 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 102.60		$ 102.60
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	23,436		23,436
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 102.60		$ 102.60
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Full Exercise Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)			104.37
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)			$ 31.35
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	601,121		601,121
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			4 years 6 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 65.33		$ 65.33
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	$ 3,071,000		$ 3,071,000
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	321,942		321,942
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 67.73		$ 67.73
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	$ 1,369,000		$ 1,369,000
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares)			311,727
Granted (in shares)			190,150
Vested (in shares)			(104,939)
Forfeited (in shares)			(19,393)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares)	377,545		377,545
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 75.73
Granted (in dollars per share)			53.55
Vested (in dollars per share)			69.95
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			76.04
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 66.15		$ 66.15
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)	522,457		522,457
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Period Start, (in shares)			220,429
Exercised (in shares)			(9,000)
Forfeited (in shares)			(6,000)
Outstanding at Period End (in shares)	205,429		205,429
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start (in dollars per share)			$ 64.37
Exercised (in dollars per share)			35.72
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			99.52
Outstanding at Period End (in dollars per share)	$ 64.60		64.60
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | First 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)			$ 29.60
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	21,000		21,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			1 year 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 32.69		$ 32.69
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	21,000		21,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 32.69		$ 32.69
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Second 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)	71,276		71,276
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			2 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 52.34		$ 52.34
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	71,276		71,276
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 52.34		$ 52.34
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Third 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)	41,153		41,153
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			5 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 62.34		$ 62.34
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	41,153		41,153
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 62.34		$ 62.34
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Fourth 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)	72,000		72,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			6 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 87.35		$ 87.35
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	72,000		72,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 87.35		$ 87.35
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Stock Options [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)			$ 29.60
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	205,429		205,429
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life			4 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 64.60		$ 64.60
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding	$ 1,321,000		$ 1,321,000
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares)	205,429		205,429
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 64.60		$ 64.60
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable	$ 1,321,000		$ 1,321,000
2000 Director Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares)			1,791
Granted (in shares)			23,074
Vested (in shares)			(2,485)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares)	22,380		22,380
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 68.73
Granted (in dollars per share)			64.89
Vested (in dollars per share)			67.66
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 64.89		$ 64.89

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Det

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Gross Amount	[1]	$ 1,193	$ 1,740	$ 3,575	$ 5,226
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	[1]	(455)	(668)	(1,367)	(2,000)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Net Amount	[1]	738	1,072	2,208	3,226
Actuarial gains (losses), Gross Amount	[1]	(2)	2	(6,437)	2,295
Actuarial gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	[1]	(1)	0	2,464	(881)
Actuarial gains (losses), Net Amount	[1]	(3)	2	(3,973)	1,414
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Gross Amount		0	49	0	81
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		0	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net Amount		0	49	0	81
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Gross Amount		1,191	1,791	(2,862)	7,602
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		(456)	(668)	1,097	(2,881)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		$ 735	$ 1,123	$ (1,765)	$ 4,721
[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)

SEGMENT DATA (Details)

SEGMENT DATA (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)Segment	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			2
Revenues [Abstract]
Marine transportation	$ 359,031,000	$ 418,343,000	$ 1,115,677,000	$ 1,263,301,000
Diesel engine services	75,677,000	114,222,000	219,346,000	400,093,000
Total revenues	434,708,000	532,565,000	1,335,023,000	1,663,394,000
Segment profit (loss)	51,559,000	90,623,000	175,376,000	281,597,000
Total assets	4,223,827,000		4,223,827,000		$ 4,152,281,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets	(122,000)	(400,000)	39,000	1,246,000
Interest expense	(4,507,000)	(4,449,000)	(13,213,000)	(14,458,000)
Other income (expense)	(120,000)	22,000	194,000	(221,000)
Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	(8,535,000)	(8,638,000)	(24,465,000)	(24,718,000)
Total assets	59,963,000		59,963,000		63,179,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
General corporate expenses	(3,786,000)	(3,811,000)	(11,485,000)	(11,285,000)
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets	(122,000)	(400,000)	39,000	1,246,000
Interest expense	(4,507,000)	(4,449,000)	(13,213,000)	(14,458,000)
Other income (expense)	(120,000)	22,000	194,000	(221,000)
Loss from other segment	(8,535,000)	(8,638,000)	(24,465,000)	(24,718,000)
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
General corporate assets	57,453,000		57,453,000		61,089,000
Investment in affiliates	2,510,000		2,510,000		2,090,000
Total other assets	59,963,000		59,963,000		63,179,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Marine transportation	359,031,000	418,343,000	1,115,677,000	1,263,301,000
Segment profit (loss)	55,460,000	93,650,000	197,981,000	286,930,000
Total assets	3,571,510,000		3,571,510,000		3,451,553,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Diesel Engine Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Diesel engine services	75,677,000	114,222,000	219,346,000	400,093,000
Segment profit (loss)	4,634,000	5,611,000	1,860,000	19,385,000
Total assets	592,354,000		592,354,000		$ 637,549,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	7,171,000	7,032,000	17,722,000	20,322,000
Segment profit (loss)	$ 717,000	$ 703,000	$ 1,772,000	$ 2,032,000

TAXES ON INCOME (Details)

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]
Earnings before taxes on income - United States	$ 51,559	$ 90,623	$ 175,376	$ 281,597
Federal [Abstract]
Current	1,190	24,671	14,281	75,937
Deferred	16,582	6,221	46,264	20,622
State and local	1,434	2,620	4,885	8,140
Total Provision for taxes on income	$ 19,206	$ 33,512	$ 65,430	$ 104,699

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$ 32,010	$ 56,843	$ 109,051	$ 175,996
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	(239)	(347)	(766)	(1,044)
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic	31,771	56,496	108,285	174,952
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	239	347	766	1,044
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares	(238)	(347)	(765)	(1,042)
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$ 31,772	$ 56,496	$ 108,286	$ 174,954
Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	53,856,000	54,721,000	53,827,000	55,414,000
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	(401,000)	(335,000)	(378,000)	(329,000)
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic (in shares)	53,455,000	54,386,000	53,449,000	55,085,000
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	46,000	86,000	54,000	108,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted (in shares)	53,501,000	54,472,000	53,503,000	55,193,000
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 1.04	$ 2.03	$ 3.18
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 1.04	$ 2.02	$ 3.17
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)			520,000	227,000

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details)

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage			4.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 3,351,000	$ 3,673,000	$ 10,053,000	$ 11,020,000
Interest cost	3,531,000	3,327,000	10,594,000	9,983,000
Expected return on plan assets	(4,202,000)	(4,481,000)	(12,606,000)	(13,449,000)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	1,372,000	1,932,000	4,115,000	5,799,000
Net periodic benefit cost	4,052,000	4,451,000	12,156,000	13,353,000
Pension Benefits [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan of asset contributions to pension plan obligations	25,000,000		25,000,000
SERP [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0	0	0
Interest cost	16,000	16,000	49,000	48,000
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	7,000	7,000	20,000	21,000
Net periodic benefit cost	23,000	23,000	69,000	69,000
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0	0	0
Interest cost	7,000	9,000	22,000	27,000
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	(186,000)	(199,000)	(560,000)	(594,000)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (179,000)	$ (190,000)	$ (538,000)	$ (567,000)

CONTINGENCIES (Details)

CONTINGENCIES (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)LawsuitPlaintiff	Sep. 13, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 22, 2014TankBarge
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issued guaranties	$ 14,162,000
Maximum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, expiration period	4 years
Performance Bonds [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issued guaranties	$ 10,105,000
Collision with M/S Summer Wind [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of tank barges | TankBarge			2
Number of vessels damaged in collision resulting in fuel oil discharge | TankBarge			1
Number of actions filed against the Company | Lawsuit	2
Number of crewmembers alleging damages | Plaintiff	2
Amount of civil penalty		$ 4,900,000
Letters Of Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Issued guaranties	$ 4,057,000

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)	Oct. 11, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Member] | VPS [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Asset purchase price	$ 11,440,000