Kirby (KEX) 10-Q 5 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 02, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KIRBY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	56,047
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		59,866,000
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaud

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,617	$ 20,102
Accounts receivable:
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	400,870	452,222
Other	111,221	106,231
Inventories - net	453,173	315,729
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	85,639	62,798
Total current assets	1,054,520	957,082
Property and equipment	5,056,335	4,360,882
Less accumulated depreciation	(1,494,835)	(1,401,617)
Property and equipment - net	3,561,500	2,959,265
Goodwill	960,006	935,135
Other intangibles - net	228,958	232,808
Other assets	49,348	43,137
Total assets	5,854,332	5,127,427
Current liabilities:
Bank notes payable	508	3
Income taxes payable	3,765	191
Accounts payable	250,681	222,005
Accrued liabilities	237,129	209,760
Deferred revenues	75,843	48,347
Total current liabilities	567,926	480,306
Long-term debt - less current portion	1,399,423	992,403
Deferred income taxes	544,882	468,451
Other long-term liabilities	108,953	72,044
Total long-term liabilities	2,053,258	1,532,898
Contingencies and commitments
Kirby stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.10 par value per share. Authorized 120,000,000 shares, issued 65,472,000 shares	6,547	6,547
Additional paid-in capital	820,805	802,961
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	(39,544)	(32,405)
Retained earnings	2,748,029	2,646,937
Treasury stock - at cost, 5,595,000 shares at September 30, 2018 and 5,783,000 at December 31, 2017	(305,926)	(313,220)
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	3,229,911	3,110,820
Noncontrolling interests	3,237	3,403
Total equity	3,233,148	3,114,223
Total liabilities and equity	$ 5,854,332	$ 5,127,427

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Una_2

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Kirby stockholders' 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)	65,472,000	65,472,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,595,000	5,783,000

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNING

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 704,845	$ 541,274	$ 2,249,204	$ 1,506,307
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales and operating expenses	498,421	378,750	1,640,366	1,048,299
Selling, general and administrative	70,032	51,712	239,416	144,404
Taxes, other than on income	10,523	6,518	29,610	19,511
Depreciation and amortization	57,930	51,206	167,640	147,669
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	(18)	159	(2,358)	199
Total costs and expenses	636,888	488,345	2,074,674	1,360,082
Operating income	67,957	52,929	174,530	146,225
Other income (expense)	1,454	320	4,586	(41)
Interest expense	(12,345)	(5,388)	(34,665)	(14,310)
Earnings before taxes on income	57,066	47,861	144,451	131,874
Provision for taxes on income	(15,116)	(19,072)	(41,042)	(49,468)
Net earnings	41,950	28,789	103,409	82,406
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(134)	(182)	(520)	(538)
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$ 41,816	$ 28,607	$ 102,889	$ 81,868
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.52	$ 1.72	$ 1.51
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.52	$ 1.72	$ 1.50
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 382,040	$ 318,810	$ 1,100,606	$ 993,727
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 322,805	$ 222,464	$ 1,148,598	$ 512,580

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREH

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 41,950	$ 28,789	$ 103,409	$ 82,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefits	438	507	855	15,393
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(60)	(164)	(69)	(164)
Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform	0	0	(7,925)	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	378	343	(7,139)	15,229
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	42,328	29,132	96,270	97,635
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(134)	(182)	(520)	(538)
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	$ 42,194	$ 28,950	$ 95,750	$ 97,097

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FL

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 103,409	$ 82,406
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	167,640	147,669
Provision for deferred income taxes	36,838	32,783
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	16,649	8,991
Amortization of major maintenance costs	15,600	15,232
Amortization of debt issuance costs	898	786
Other	(2,023)	180
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	(66,707)	(28,592)
Net cash provided by operating activities	272,304	259,455
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(231,752)	(133,437)
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment, net of cash acquired	(499,227)	(451,219)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	27,806	29,743
Net cash used in investing activities	(703,173)	(554,913)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) on bank credit facilities	(88,392)	298,424
Borrowings (payments) on long-term debt	499,295	(1,065)
Payments of debt issue costs	(4,276)	(1,243)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	13,264	2,076
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation	(4,821)	(2,899)
Other	(686)	(643)
Net cash provided by financing activities	414,384	294,650
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(16,485)	(808)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	20,102	5,634
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,617	4,826
Cash paid during the period:
Interest paid	37,175	18,390
Income taxes	495	19,388
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	(5,554)	8,917
Non-cash investing activity:
Stock issued in acquisition	0	366,554
Cash acquired in acquisition	2,313	98
Debt assumed in acquisition	$ 0	$ 13,724

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CO

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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, 2017.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	(2) ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans” which amends the annual disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing certain requirements, providing clarification on existing requirements and adding new requirements including adding an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this update are required to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its disclosures. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the recent federal tax reform legislation. ASU 2018-02 eliminates the stranded tax effects resulting from the recent federal tax reform legislation and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the recent federal tax reform legislation is recognized. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2018-02 in the 2018 first quarter, which resulted in the reclassification of $7,925,000 from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings due to the change in the federal corporate tax rate. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” (“ASU 2017-07”) which requires employers to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in operating expenses. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The standard allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. This standard shall be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost benefit in assets. The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018 and applied the standard retrospectively. The other components of net benefit cost are shown in Note 13, Retirement Plans. As a result of the adoption, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company reclassified income of $433,000 and $189,000, respectively, from operating expense into non-operating expense in the condensed statement of earnings. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”) which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 in the goodwill impairment test that required an entity to perform procedures to determine the fair value of its assets and liabilities at the testing date. An entity instead will perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value and record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 will be applied prospectively and is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests conducted in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued 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 adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018 and the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 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 method of adoption may be a modified retrospective approach or an approach that utilizes recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the date of adoption. The Company has formed a project team to evaluate the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The project team has completed training on the new standard and has started lease review and documentation, including review of practical expedients available. The project team has also selected a software package and continued to load the lease population into the system. The Company has not selected a method of adoption and has not yet determined the effect of ASU 2016-02 on its ongoing financial reporting. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09” or “ASC 606”). 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 replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective with a cumulative catch-up approach. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment that decreased the opening balance of retained earnings by $9,722,000. Prior period amounts were not adjusted and the prior period amounts continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The cumulative adjustment primarily relates to recognition of revenue on certain contract manufacturing activities, primarily construction of new pressure pumping units in the Company’s distribution and services segment. The Company previously recognized revenue on manufacturing and assembly projects on a percentage of completion method using measurements of progress towards completion appropriate for the work performed. Upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company recognizes the revenues on contract manufacturing activities upon shipment and transfer of control versus the percentage of completion method. The following tables summarize the financial statement line items within the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements impacted by ASU 2014-09 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2018 As Reported Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Statements of earnings: Distribution and services revenues $ 322,805 $ 349,805 $ (27,000 ) Costs of sales and operating expenses $ 498,421 $ 520,721 $ (22,300 ) Operating income $ 67,957 $ 72,657 $ (4,700 ) Earnings before taxes on income $ 57,066 $ 61,766 $ (4,700 ) Provision for taxes on income $ (15,116 ) $ (16,282 ) $ 1,166 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 41,816 $ 45,350 $ (3,534 ) Statements of comprehensive income: Net earnings $ 41,950 $ 45,484 $ (3,534 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby $ 42,194 $ 45,728 $ (3,534 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 As Reported Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Statements of earnings: Distribution and services revenues $ 1,148,598 $ 1,154,398 $ (5,800 ) Costs of sales and operating expenses $ 1,640,366 $ 1,645,166 $ (4,800 ) Operating income $ 174,530 $ 175,530 $ (1,000 ) Earnings before taxes on income $ 144,451 $ 145,451 $ (1,000 ) Provision for taxes on income $ (41,042 ) $ (41,295 ) $ 253 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 102,889 $ 103,636 $ (747 ) Statements of comprehensive income: Net earnings $ 103,409 $ 104,156 $ (747 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby $ 95,750 $ 96,497 $ (747 ) Statements of cash flows: Net earnings $ 103,409 $ 104,156 $ (747 ) Provision for deferred income taxes $ 36,838 $ 36,585 $ 253 Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net $ (66,707 ) $ (67,201 ) $ 494 The following table summarizes the balance sheet line items within the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 impacted by ASU 2014-09 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 As Reported Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Balance sheets: Trade receivables $ 400,870 $ 466,599 $ (65,729 ) Inventories – net $ 453,173 $ 395,773 $ 57,400 Total assets $ 5,854,332 $ 5,862,661 $ (8,329 ) Deferred revenues $ 75,843 $ 70,372 $ 5,471 Deferred income taxes $ 544,882 $ 548,235 $ (3,353 ) Retained earnings $ 2,748,029 $ 2,758,476 $ (10,447 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 5,854,332 $ 5,862,661 $ (8,329 )

REVENUES

REVENUES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
REVENUES [Abstract]
REVENUES	(3) REVENUES The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 288,573 $ 220,177 $ 827,848 $ 681,879 Coastal transportation 93,467 98,633 272,758 311,848 $ 382,040 $ 318,810 $ 1,100,606 $ 993,727 Distribution and services segment: Oil and gas $ 201,475 $ 159,492 $ 780,825 $ 350,295 Commercial and industrial 121,330 62,972 367,773 162,285 $ 322,805 $ 222,464 $ 1,148,598 $ 512,580 The Company’s revenue is measured based on consideration specified in its contracts with its customers. The Company recognizes revenue as it satisfies performance obligations in its contracts which occur as the Company delivers a service over time to its customers, or transfers control over a part or product to its customer. Marine Transportation Revenues Distribution and Services Revenues Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, distribution and services manufacturing and assembly projects revenue was reported on the percentage of completion method of accounting using measurements of progress towards completion appropriate for the work performed. Upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, the Company recognizes the revenues on contract manufacturing activities upon shipment and transfer of control versus the percentage of completion method. Contract Assets and Liabilities Performance Obligations

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	(4) ACQUISITIONS On May 10, 2018, the Company completed the purchase of Targa Resources Corp.’s (“Targa”) inland tank barge business from a subsidiary of Targa for $69,250,000 in cash. Targa’s inland tank barge fleet consisted of 16 pressure barges with a total capacity of 258,000 barrels, many of which were under multi-year contracts that the Company assumed from Targa. The 16 tank barges transport petrochemicals on the Mississippi River System and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded $16,116,000 of goodwill and $11,000,000 of intangibles with an average amortization period of 15 years. The Company expects all of the goodwill to be deductible for tax purposes. On March 15, 2018, the Company purchased two inland pressure tank barges from a competitor for $10,400,000 in cash. The average age of the two tank barges was five years. On February 14, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Higman Marine, Inc. and its affiliated companies (“Higman”) for $421,922,000 in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. Higman’s fleet consisted of 163 inland tank barges, including two barges to be leased upon completion of their construction in 2018, with 4.8 million barrels of capacity, and 75 inland towboats, transporting petrochemicals, black oil, including crude oil and natural gas condensate, and refined petroleum products on the Mississippi River System and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The average age of the inland tank barges was approximately seven years and the inland towboats had an average age of approximately eight years. Financing of the acquisition was through the issuance of $500,000,000 of 4.2% senior unsecured notes due March 1, 2028 (the “2028 Notes”). The 2028 Notes were issued on February 12, 2018 in preparation for closing of the acquisition. The Company considers Higman to be a natural extension of the current marine transportation segment, expanding the capabilities of the Company’s inland based marine transportation business and lowering the average age of its inland tank barge and towboat fleet. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at the acquisition date were as follows (in thousands): Assets: Cash $ 2,313 Accounts receivable 27,527 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,323 Property and equipment 497,951 Goodwill 8,134 Other assets 31 Total assets $ 541,279 Liabilities: Accounts payable 17,012 Accrued liabilities 14,127 Deferred income taxes 42,392 Other long-term liabilities 45,826 Total liabilities $ 119,357 Net assets acquired $ 421,922 The analysis of the Higman fair values is substantially complete but all fair values have not been finalized pending obtaining the information necessary to complete the analysis. As additional information becomes known concerning the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the Company may make adjustments to the opening balance sheet of Higman up to a one year period following the acquisition date. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded $8,134,000 of goodwill of which the majority will be deductible for tax purposes. The Company also incurred $11,100,000 of intangible liabilities related to unfavorable contracts with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 4.9 years. Acquisition related costs of $3,379,000, consisting primarily of legal, audit and other professional fees plus other expenses, were expensed as incurred to selling, general and administrative expense in the 2018 first nine months. Pro forma results of the acquisitions made in the 2018 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, 2018
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	(5) INVENTORIES The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Finished goods $ 336,703 $ 242,333 Work in process 116,470 73,396 $ 453,173 $ 315,729

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	(6) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The estimated fair value of total debt outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $1,369,932,000 and $984,017,000, respectively, which differs from the carrying amounts of $1,399,931,000 and $992,406,000, 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 2017 fourth quarter, the Company reduced certain vessels to fair value due to its decision to put certain older out-of-service vessels up for sale in its marine transportation segment. The fair value of these vessels was $12,550,000 December 31, 2017, and is presented in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
LONG-TERM DEBT [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	(7) LONG-TERM DEBT On February 12, 2018, the Company issued $500,000,000 of 4.2% senior unsecured notes due March 1, 2028 with U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Interest payments of $10,500,000 are due semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, with the exception of the first payment on September 1, 2018, which was $11,608,000. The Company received cash proceeds of $495,019,000, net of the original issue discount of $705,000 and debt issuance costs of $4,276,000. The 2028 Notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with the Company’s other unsecured senior indebtedness. The 2028 Notes contain certain covenants on the part of the Company, including covenants relating to liens, sale-leasebacks, asset sales and mergers, among others. The 2028 Notes also specify certain events of default, upon the occurrence of which the maturity of the notes may be accelerated, including failure to pay principal and interest, violation of covenants or default on other indebtedness, among others. The Company used the proceeds from the issuance of the 2028 Notes to fund the acquisition of Higman. The remaining net proceeds of the sale of the 2028 Notes were used for the repayment of indebtedness under the Company’s bank credit facilities.

STOCK AWARD PLANS

STOCK AWARD PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]
STOCK AWARD PLANS	(8) 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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Compensation cost $ 3,098 $ 3,067 $ 16,649 $ 8,991 Income tax benefit $ 709 $ 1,234 $ 4,747 $ 3,386 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 awards and performance awards. On February 19, 2018, the employee stock award plan was amended to also allow for the granting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to selected officers and other key employees. The amendment included a provision for the continued vesting of unvested stock options and RSUs for employees who meet certain years of service and age requirements at the time of their retirement. The vesting change resulted in shorter expense accrual periods on stock options and RSUs granted after February 19, 2018 to employees who are nearing retirement and meet the service and age requirements. 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, 2018, 1,573,527 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, 2018: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 654,655 $ 66.45 Granted 115,797 $ 75.50 Exercised (283,886 ) $ 67.71 Forfeited (21,864 ) $ 102.42 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 464,702 $ 69.85 The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at September 30, 2018: 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 $51.23 90,975 4.3 $ 51.23 57,438 $ 51.23 $64.65 - $68.50 126,260 5.0 $ 67.23 41,116 $ 67.40 $70.65 - $75.50 207,156 4.7 $ 74.56 91,359 $ 73.36 $93.64 - $101.46 40,311 2.4 $ 95.90 40,311 $ 95.90 $51.23 - $101.46 464,702 4.5 $ 69.85 $6,312,000 230,224 $ 70.72 $3,204,000 The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2017 364,121 $ 65.84 Vested (144,240 ) $ 72.66 Forfeited (3,949 ) $ 64.68 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2018 215,932 $ 64.73 The following is a summary of RSU activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Unvested RSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Nonvested balance at December 31, 2017 — $ — Granted 143,890 $ 75.59 Forfeited (2,105 ) $ 75.50 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2018 141,785 $ 75.59 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, 2018, 486,058 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, 2018: Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 157,617 $ 67.54 Granted 2,640 $ 85.30 Exercised (29,153 ) $ 57.47 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 131,104 $ 70.14 The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at September 30, 2018: 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 6,000 0.6 $ 29.60 6,000 $ 29.60 $41.24 – $56.45 31,276 2.2 $ 50.61 31,276 $ 50.61 $61.89 – $62.48 28,000 3.8 $ 62.27 28,000 $ 62.27 $70.65 – $99.52 65,828 5.4 $ 86.45 64,508 $ 86.48 $29.60 – $99.52 131,104 4.1 $ 70.14 $2,114,000 129,784 $ 69.98 $2,114,000 The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2017 319 $ 70.65 Granted 21,373 $ 85.70 Vested (847 ) $ 79.78 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2018 20,845 $ 85.71 The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised under all of the Company’s plans was $6,709,000 and $1,585,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock option exercises was $1,912,000 and $597,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The total intrinsic value of all the restricted stock vestings under all of the Company’s plans was $11,454,000 and $7,046,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from restricted stock vestings was $3,264,000 and $2,654,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There were no RSU vestings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, there was $2,770,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, $10,296,000 related to nonvested restricted stock awards and $6,227,000 related to nonvested RSUs. The stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years, restricted stock awards over approximately 2.3 years and RSUs over approximately 4.1 years. The total fair value of options vested was $3,170,000 and $2,511,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock vested was $11,454,000 and $7,046,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted average per share fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $23.53 and $20.72, respectively. The fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $2,787,000 and $2,616,000, 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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 Dividend yield None None Average risk-free interest rate 2.7 % 2.0 % Stock price volatility 27 % 27 % Estimated option term Six years Six years

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	(9) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2018 2017 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 $ 580 $ (142 ) $ 438 $ 822 $ (315 ) $ 507 Foreign currency translation (60 ) — (60 ) (164 ) — (164 ) Total $ 520 $ (142 ) $ 378 $ 658 $ (315 ) $ 343 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 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 $ 1,739 $ (423 ) $ 1,316 $ 2,939 $ (1,125 ) $ 1,814 Actuarial gains (losses) (609 ) 148 (461 ) 22,014 (8,435 ) 13,579 Adoption of ASU 2018-02 – reclassification to retained earnings — (7,925 ) (7,925 ) — — — Foreign currency translation (69 ) — (69 ) (164 ) — (164 ) Total $ 1,061 $ (8,200 ) $ (7,139 ) $ 24,789 $ (9,560 ) $ 15,229 (a) Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 13 – Retirement Plans)

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
SEGMENT DATA	(10) SEGMENT DATA The Company’s operations are aggregated into two reportable business segments as follows: Marine Transportation Distribution and 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, and 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 distribution and services segment from the marine transportation segment of $5,837,000 and $21,757,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $4,967,000 and $15,342,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, have been eliminated from the tables below. The related intersegment profit of $584,000 and $2,176,000 for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2018, respectively, and $497,000 and $1,534,000 for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2017, 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, 2018 and 2017 and total assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 382,040 $ 318,810 $ 1,100,606 $ 993,727 Distribution and services 322,805 222,464 1,148,598 512,580 $ 704,845 $ 541,274 $ 2,249,204 $ 1,506,307 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 48,517 $ 35,649 $ 102,925 $ 106,992 Distribution and services 23,914 21,947 101,069 51,983 Other (15,365 ) (9,735 ) (59,543 ) (27,101 ) $ 57,066 $ 47,861 $ 144,451 $ 131,874 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,191,514 $ 3,485,099 Distribution and services 1,601,407 1,567,085 Other 61,411 75,243 $ 5,854,332 $ 5,127,427 The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 General corporate expenses $ (4,492 ) $ (4,508 ) $ (31,822 ) $ (12,551 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of assets 18 (159 ) 2,358 (199 ) Interest expense (12,345 ) (5,388 ) (34,665 ) (14,310 ) Other income (expense) 1,454 320 4,586 (41 ) $ (15,365 ) $ (9,735 ) $ (59,543 ) $ (27,101 ) General corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 include $18,057,000 of one-time non-deductible expense related to the retirement of the Company’s executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective April 30, 2018. He will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board in a non-executive role. The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 General corporate assets $ 59,229 $ 73,353 Investment in affiliates 2,182 1,890 $ 61,411 $ 75,243

TAXES ON INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
TAXES ON INCOME [Abstract]
TAXES ON INCOME	(11) 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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Earnings (loss) before taxes on income: United States $ 57,980 $ 47,861 $ 147,506 $ 131,874 Foreign (914 ) — (3,055 ) — $ 57,066 $ 47,861 $ 144,451 $ 131,874 Provision for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ — $ 3,617 $ — $ 13,605 Deferred 13,457 14,132 36,350 32,783 State and local: Current 1,559 1,323 3,965 3,080 Deferred — — 488 — Foreign - current 100 — 239 — $ 15,116 $ 19,072 $ 41,042 $ 49,468

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	(12) 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, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 41,816 $ 28,607 $ 102,889 $ 81,868 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares (166 ) (213 ) (438 ) (599 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic 41,650 28,394 102,451 81,269 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 166 213 438 599 Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares (165 ) (213 ) (437 ) (599 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted $ 41,651 $ 28,394 $ 102,452 $ 81,269 Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 59,875 55,177 59,782 54,364 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (237 ) (412 ) (255 ) (398 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic 59,638 54,765 59,527 53,966 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 146 38 141 55 Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted 59,784 54,803 59,668 54,021 Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.70 $ 0.52 $ 1.72 $ 1.51 Diluted $ 0.70 $ 0.52 $ 1.72 $ 1.50 Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 189,000 and 548,000 shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive.

RETIREMENT PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]
RETIREMENT PLANS	(13) 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. On April 12, 2017, the Company amended its pension plan to cease all benefit accruals for periods after May 31, 2017 for certain participants. Participants grandfathered and not impacted were those, as of the close of business on May 31, 2017, who either (a) had completed 15 years of pension service or (b) had attained age 50 and completed 10 years of pension service. Participants non-grandfathered are eligible to receive discretionary 401(k) plan contributions. The Company did not incur any one-time charges related to this amendment but the pension plan’s projected benefit obligation decreased by $33,433,000. The Company’s pension plan funding strategy is to make annual contributions in amounts equal to or greater than amounts necessary to meet minimum government funding requirements. The plan’s benefit obligations are based on a variety of demographic and economic assumptions, and the pension plan assets’ returns are subject to various risks, including market and interest rate risk, making an accurate prediction of the pension plan contribution difficult. Based on current pension plan assets and market conditions, the Company does not expect to make a contribution to its pension plan during 2018. On February 14, 2018, with the acquisition of Higman, the Company assumed Higman’s pension plan for its inland vessel personnel and office staff. On March 27, 2018, the Company amended the Higman pension plan to close it to all new entrants and cease all benefit accruals for periods after May 15, 2018 for all participants. The Company did not incur any one-time charges related to this amendment but the Higman pension plan’s projected benefit obligation decreased by $3,692,000. The Company made a pension contribution to the Higman plan of $6,717,000 in March 2018 to complete all required funding for the 2016 and 2017 years and make its 2018 first quarter contribution. The Company expects to make additional contributions to the Higman pension plan of approximately $1,385,000 in the fourth quarter of 2018 for the 2018 year. 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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Three months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, Components of net periodic benefit cost: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Service cost $ 1,722 $ 1,742 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,939 3,320 12 14 Expected return on plan assets (5,696 ) (4,595 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 723 981 6 7 Net periodic benefit cost $ 688 $ 1,448 $ 18 $ 21 Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Nine months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, Components of net periodic benefit cost: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Service cost $ 5,816 $ 8,934 $ — $ — Interest cost 11,544 10,409 36 43 Expected return on plan assets (16,712 ) (13,600 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 2,168 3,419 18 21 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,816 $ 9,162 $ 54 $ 64 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 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 2018 2017 2018 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 6 6 18 20 Amortization of actuarial gain (149 ) (166 ) (447 ) (501 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (143 ) $ (160 ) $ (429 ) $ (481 )

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	(14) CONTINGENCIES On October 13, 2016, the tug Nathan E. Stewart and barge DBL 55, an articulated tank barge and tugboat unit (“ATB”), ran aground at the entrance to Seaforth Channel on Atholone Island, British Columbia. The grounding resulted in a breach of a portion of the Nathan E. Stewart’s fuel tanks causing a discharge of diesel fuel into the water. The USCG and the 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 investigated the cause of the incident. The Company has various insurance policies covering liabilities including pollution, property, marine and general liability and believes that it has satisfactory insurance coverage for the cost of cleanup and salvage operations as well as other potential liabilities arising from the incident. The Company believes 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. 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 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 addition, the Company is involved in various legal and other proceedings which are incidental to the conduct of its business, none of which in the opinion of management will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Management believes 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 $23,719,000 at September 30, 2018, including $8,857,000 in letters of credit and $14,862,000 in performance bonds. All of these instruments have an expiration date within three years. The Company does not believe demand for payment under these instruments is likely and expects no material cash outlays to occur regarding these instruments.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Impacted by ASU 2014-09	The following tables summarize the financial statement line items within the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements impacted by ASU 2014-09 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2018 As Reported Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Statements of earnings: Distribution and services revenues $ 322,805 $ 349,805 $ (27,000 ) Costs of sales and operating expenses $ 498,421 $ 520,721 $ (22,300 ) Operating income $ 67,957 $ 72,657 $ (4,700 ) Earnings before taxes on income $ 57,066 $ 61,766 $ (4,700 ) Provision for taxes on income $ (15,116 ) $ (16,282 ) $ 1,166 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 41,816 $ 45,350 $ (3,534 ) Statements of comprehensive income: Net earnings $ 41,950 $ 45,484 $ (3,534 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby $ 42,194 $ 45,728 $ (3,534 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 As Reported Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Statements of earnings: Distribution and services revenues $ 1,148,598 $ 1,154,398 $ (5,800 ) Costs of sales and operating expenses $ 1,640,366 $ 1,645,166 $ (4,800 ) Operating income $ 174,530 $ 175,530 $ (1,000 ) Earnings before taxes on income $ 144,451 $ 145,451 $ (1,000 ) Provision for taxes on income $ (41,042 ) $ (41,295 ) $ 253 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 102,889 $ 103,636 $ (747 ) Statements of comprehensive income: Net earnings $ 103,409 $ 104,156 $ (747 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby $ 95,750 $ 96,497 $ (747 ) Statements of cash flows: Net earnings $ 103,409 $ 104,156 $ (747 ) Provision for deferred income taxes $ 36,838 $ 36,585 $ 253 Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net $ (66,707 ) $ (67,201 ) $ 494 The following table summarizes the balance sheet line items within the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 impacted by ASU 2014-09 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 As Reported Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Balance sheets: Trade receivables $ 400,870 $ 466,599 $ (65,729 ) Inventories – net $ 453,173 $ 395,773 $ 57,400 Total assets $ 5,854,332 $ 5,862,661 $ (8,329 ) Deferred revenues $ 75,843 $ 70,372 $ 5,471 Deferred income taxes $ 544,882 $ 548,235 $ (3,353 ) Retained earnings $ 2,748,029 $ 2,758,476 $ (10,447 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 5,854,332 $ 5,862,661 $ (8,329 )

REVENUES (Tables)

REVENUES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
REVENUES [Abstract]
Revenues by Major Source	The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 288,573 $ 220,177 $ 827,848 $ 681,879 Coastal transportation 93,467 98,633 272,758 311,848 $ 382,040 $ 318,810 $ 1,100,606 $ 993,727 Distribution and services segment: Oil and gas $ 201,475 $ 159,492 $ 780,825 $ 350,295 Commercial and industrial 121,330 62,972 367,773 162,285 $ 322,805 $ 222,464 $ 1,148,598 $ 512,580

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at the acquisition date were as follows (in thousands): Assets: Cash $ 2,313 Accounts receivable 27,527 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,323 Property and equipment 497,951 Goodwill 8,134 Other assets 31 Total assets $ 541,279 Liabilities: Accounts payable 17,012 Accrued liabilities 14,127 Deferred income taxes 42,392 Other long-term liabilities 45,826 Total liabilities $ 119,357 Net assets acquired $ 421,922

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Details of Inventories	The following table presents the details of inventories as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Finished goods $ 336,703 $ 242,333 Work in process 116,470 73,396 $ 453,173 $ 315,729

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Compensation cost $ 3,098 $ 3,067 $ 16,649 $ 8,991 Income tax benefit $ 709 $ 1,234 $ 4,747 $ 3,386
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions	The key input variables used in valuing the options during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 Dividend yield None None Average risk-free interest rate 2.7 % 2.0 % Stock price volatility 27 % 27 % Estimated option term Six years Six years
Employee Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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, 2018: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 654,655 $ 66.45 Granted 115,797 $ 75.50 Exercised (283,886 ) $ 67.71 Forfeited (21,864 ) $ 102.42 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 464,702 $ 69.85
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, 2018: 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 $51.23 90,975 4.3 $ 51.23 57,438 $ 51.23 $64.65 - $68.50 126,260 5.0 $ 67.23 41,116 $ 67.40 $70.65 - $75.50 207,156 4.7 $ 74.56 91,359 $ 73.36 $93.64 - $101.46 40,311 2.4 $ 95.90 40,311 $ 95.90 $51.23 - $101.46 464,702 4.5 $ 69.85 $6,312,000 230,224 $ 70.72 $3,204,000
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, 2018: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2017 364,121 $ 65.84 Vested (144,240 ) $ 72.66 Forfeited (3,949 ) $ 64.68 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2018 215,932 $ 64.73
RSU Activity	The following is a summary of RSU activity under the employee plan described above for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Unvested RSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Nonvested balance at December 31, 2017 — $ — Granted 143,890 $ 75.59 Forfeited (2,105 ) $ 75.50 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2018 141,785 $ 75.59
Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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, 2018: Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 157,617 $ 67.54 Granted 2,640 $ 85.30 Exercised (29,153 ) $ 57.47 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 131,104 $ 70.14
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, 2018: 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 6,000 0.6 $ 29.60 6,000 $ 29.60 $41.24 – $56.45 31,276 2.2 $ 50.61 31,276 $ 50.61 $61.89 – $62.48 28,000 3.8 $ 62.27 28,000 $ 62.27 $70.65 – $99.52 65,828 5.4 $ 86.45 64,508 $ 86.48 $29.60 – $99.52 131,104 4.1 $ 70.14 $2,114,000 129,784 $ 69.98 $2,114,000
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, 2018: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2017 319 $ 70.65 Granted 21,373 $ 85.70 Vested (847 ) $ 79.78 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2018 20,845 $ 85.71

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Changes in Other Comprehensive Income	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2018 2017 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 $ 580 $ (142 ) $ 438 $ 822 $ (315 ) $ 507 Foreign currency translation (60 ) — (60 ) (164 ) — (164 ) Total $ 520 $ (142 ) $ 378 $ 658 $ (315 ) $ 343 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 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 $ 1,739 $ (423 ) $ 1,316 $ 2,939 $ (1,125 ) $ 1,814 Actuarial gains (losses) (609 ) 148 (461 ) 22,014 (8,435 ) 13,579 Adoption of ASU 2018-02 – reclassification to retained earnings — (7,925 ) (7,925 ) — — — Foreign currency translation (69 ) — (69 ) (164 ) — (164 ) Total $ 1,061 $ (8,200 ) $ (7,139 ) $ 24,789 $ (9,560 ) $ 15,229 (a) Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 13 – Retirement Plans)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
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, 2018 and 2017 and total assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 382,040 $ 318,810 $ 1,100,606 $ 993,727 Distribution and services 322,805 222,464 1,148,598 512,580 $ 704,845 $ 541,274 $ 2,249,204 $ 1,506,307 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 48,517 $ 35,649 $ 102,925 $ 106,992 Distribution and services 23,914 21,947 101,069 51,983 Other (15,365 ) (9,735 ) (59,543 ) (27,101 ) $ 57,066 $ 47,861 $ 144,451 $ 131,874 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,191,514 $ 3,485,099 Distribution and services 1,601,407 1,567,085 Other 61,411 75,243 $ 5,854,332 $ 5,127,427
Other Segment Reporting Information	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 General corporate expenses $ (4,492 ) $ (4,508 ) $ (31,822 ) $ (12,551 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of assets 18 (159 ) 2,358 (199 ) Interest expense (12,345 ) (5,388 ) (34,665 ) (14,310 ) Other income (expense) 1,454 320 4,586 (41 ) $ (15,365 ) $ (9,735 ) $ (59,543 ) $ (27,101 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 General corporate assets $ 59,229 $ 73,353 Investment in affiliates 2,182 1,890 $ 61,411 $ 75,243

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Earnings (loss) before taxes on income: United States $ 57,980 $ 47,861 $ 147,506 $ 131,874 Foreign (914 ) — (3,055 ) — $ 57,066 $ 47,861 $ 144,451 $ 131,874 Provision for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ — $ 3,617 $ — $ 13,605 Deferred 13,457 14,132 36,350 32,783 State and local: Current 1,559 1,323 3,965 3,080 Deferred — — 488 — Foreign - current 100 — 239 — $ 15,116 $ 19,072 $ 41,042 $ 49,468

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
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, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 41,816 $ 28,607 $ 102,889 $ 81,868 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares (166 ) (213 ) (438 ) (599 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic 41,650 28,394 102,451 81,269 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 166 213 438 599 Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares (165 ) (213 ) (437 ) (599 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted $ 41,651 $ 28,394 $ 102,452 $ 81,269 Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 59,875 55,177 59,782 54,364 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (237 ) (412 ) (255 ) (398 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic 59,638 54,765 59,527 53,966 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 146 38 141 55 Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted 59,784 54,803 59,668 54,021 Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.70 $ 0.52 $ 1.72 $ 1.51 Diluted $ 0.70 $ 0.52 $ 1.72 $ 1.50

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Three months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, Components of net periodic benefit cost: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Service cost $ 1,722 $ 1,742 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,939 3,320 12 14 Expected return on plan assets (5,696 ) (4,595 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 723 981 6 7 Net periodic benefit cost $ 688 $ 1,448 $ 18 $ 21 Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Nine months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, Components of net periodic benefit cost: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Service cost $ 5,816 $ 8,934 $ — $ — Interest cost 11,544 10,409 36 43 Expected return on plan assets (16,712 ) (13,600 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 2,168 3,419 18 21 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,816 $ 9,162 $ 54 $ 64
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 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 2018 2017 2018 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 6 6 18 20 Amortization of actuarial gain (149 ) (166 ) (447 ) (501 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (143 ) $ (160 ) $ (429 ) $ (481 )

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTION_2

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Operating expense	$ 636,888	$ 488,345	$ 2,074,674	$ 1,360,082
Nonoperating expense	(1,454)	(320)	(4,586)	41
Statements of earnings [Abstract]
Revenues	704,845	541,274	2,249,204	1,506,307
Costs of sales and operating expenses	498,421	378,750	1,640,366	1,048,299
Operating income	67,957	52,929	174,530	146,225
Earnings before taxes on income	57,066	47,861	144,451	131,874
Provision for taxes on income	(15,116)	(19,072)	(41,042)	(49,468)
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	41,816	28,607	102,889	81,868
Statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net earnings	41,950	28,789	103,409	82,406
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	42,194	28,950	95,750	97,097
Statements of cash flows [Abstract]
Net earnings	41,950	28,789	103,409	82,406
Provision for deferred income taxes			36,838	32,783
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net			(66,707)	(28,592)
Balance sheets [Abstract]
Trade receivables	400,870		400,870		$ 452,222
Inventories - net	453,173		453,173		315,729
Total assets	5,854,332		5,854,332		5,127,427
Deferred revenues	75,843		75,843		48,347
Deferred income taxes	544,882		544,882		468,451
Retained earnings	2,748,029		2,748,029		2,646,937
Total liabilities and equity	5,854,332		5,854,332		$ 5,127,427
Distribution and Services [Member]
Statements of earnings [Abstract]
Revenues	322,805	222,464	1,148,598	512,580
ASU 2018-02 [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings	(7,925)		(7,925)
ASU 2018-02 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings	7,925		7,925
ASU 2017-07 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Operating expense		(433)		(189)
Nonoperating expense		$ 433		$ 189
ASC 606 [Member] | Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 [Member]
Statements of earnings [Abstract]
Costs of sales and operating expenses	520,721		1,645,166
Operating income	72,657		175,530
Earnings before taxes on income	61,766		145,451
Provision for taxes on income	(16,282)		(41,295)
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	45,350		103,636
Statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net earnings	45,484		104,156
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	45,728		96,497
Statements of cash flows [Abstract]
Net earnings	45,484		104,156
Provision for deferred income taxes			36,585
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net			(67,201)
Balance sheets [Abstract]
Trade receivables	466,599		466,599
Inventories - net	395,773		395,773
Total assets	5,862,661		5,862,661
Deferred revenues	70,372		70,372
Deferred income taxes	548,235		548,235
Retained earnings	2,758,476		2,758,476
Total liabilities and equity	5,862,661		5,862,661
ASC 606 [Member] | Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 [Member] | Distribution and Services [Member]
Statements of earnings [Abstract]
Revenues	349,805		1,154,398
ASC 606 [Member] | Effect of Change [Member]
Statements of earnings [Abstract]
Costs of sales and operating expenses	(22,300)		(4,800)
Operating income	(4,700)		(1,000)
Earnings before taxes on income	(4,700)		(1,000)
Provision for taxes on income	1,166		253
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	(3,534)		(747)
Statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net earnings	(3,534)		(747)
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	(3,534)		(747)
Statements of cash flows [Abstract]
Net earnings	(3,534)		(747)
Provision for deferred income taxes			253
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net			494
Balance sheets [Abstract]
Trade receivables	(65,729)		(65,729)
Inventories - net	57,400		57,400
Total assets	(8,329)		(8,329)
Deferred revenues	5,471		5,471
Deferred income taxes	(3,353)		(3,353)
Retained earnings	(10,447)		(10,447)
Total liabilities and equity	(8,329)		(8,329)
ASC 606 [Member] | Effect of Change [Member] | Distribution and Services [Member]
Statements of earnings [Abstract]
Revenues	(27,000)		(5,800)
ASC 606 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Cumulative effect on retained earnings	$ (9,722)		$ (9,722)

REVENUES (Details)

REVENUES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 704,845	$ 541,274	$ 2,249,204	$ 1,506,307
Revenue recognized			39,492
Marine Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	382,040	318,810	1,100,606	993,727
Marine Transportation [Member] | Inland Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	288,573	220,177	827,848	681,879
Marine Transportation [Member] | Coastal Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	93,467	98,633	272,758	311,848
Distribution and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	322,805	222,464	1,148,598	512,580
Distribution and Services [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	201,475	159,492	780,825	350,295
Distribution and Services [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 121,330	$ 62,972	$ 367,773	$ 162,285

REVENUES, Remaining Performance

REVENUES, Remaining Performance Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 0	$ 0
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-09-01
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	9 months
Remaining performance obligation	$ 35,836
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation	$ 40,007

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details) $ in Thousands	May 10, 2018USD ($)TankBargebbl	Mar. 15, 2018USD ($)TankBarge	Feb. 14, 2018USD ($)TankBargeTowboatbbl	Feb. 12, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill					$ 960,006	$ 935,135
Senior Notes Due March 01, 2028 [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Long term debt, face amount				$ 500,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				4.20%
Credit facility, expiration date				Mar. 1, 2028
Higman [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Cash consideration			$ 421,922
Goodwill expected to deductible for tax purposes			8,134
Intangible assets acquired			$ 11,100
Weighted average amortization period of intangibles			4 years 10 months 24 days
Assets [Abstract]
Cash			$ 2,313
Accounts receivable			27,527
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			5,323
Property and equipment			497,951
Goodwill			8,134
Other assets			31
Total assets			541,279
Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable			17,012
Accrued liabilities			14,127
Deferred income taxes			42,392
Other long-term liabilities			45,826
Total liabilities			119,357
Net assets acquired			421,922
Acquisition related costs			$ 3,379
Higman [Member] | Inland Tank Barges [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | TankBarge			163
Number of maritime vessels under construction | TankBarge			2
Tank barge barrel capacity | bbl			4,800,000
Average age of property			7 years
Higman [Member] | Inland Towboats [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | Towboat			75
Average age of property			8 years
Competitor [Member] | Inland Pressure Tank Barges [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | TankBarge		2
Average age of property		5 years
Fair value of consideration transferred		$ 10,400
Targa [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Cash consideration	$ 69,250
Intangible assets acquired	$ 11,000
Weighted average amortization period of intangibles	15 years
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 16,116
Targa [Member] | Inland Pressure Tank Barges [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | TankBarge	16
Tank barge barrel capacity | bbl	258,000

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Details of inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 336,703	$ 242,333
Work in process	116,470	73,396
Inventory, Net, Total	$ 453,173	$ 315,729

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Nonrecurring Basis [Member] | Vessels [Member]
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair market value of assets		$ 12,550
Income Approach [Member]
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of outstanding debt	$ 1,369,932	984,017
Carrying amount of debt	$ 1,399,931	$ 992,406

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Senior Notes Due March 01, 2028 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 12, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long term debt, face amount	$ 500,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.20%
Credit facility, expiration date	Mar. 1, 2028
Periodic payment, interest	$ 10,500
Periodic payment, interest, exception of first payment	$ 11,608
Cash proceeds received		$ 495,019
Original issue discount		705
Debt issuance costs		$ 4,276

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Compensation

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Compensation Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]
Compensation cost	$ 3,098	$ 3,067	$ 16,649	$ 8,991
Income tax benefit	$ 709	$ 1,234	$ 4,747	$ 3,386

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Pla

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Plan Stock Option Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Award Plan [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	1,573,527
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Term of grant	7 years
Vesting period	3 years
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Period Start (in shares)	654,655
Granted (in shares)	115,797
Exercised (in shares)	(283,886)
Forfeited (in shares)	(21,864)
Outstanding at Period End (in shares)	464,702
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 66.45
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	75.50
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	67.71
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	102.42
Outstanding at Period End (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 69.85
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Period End (in shares)	0

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee P_2

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Plan Outstanding and Exercisable Options (Details) - Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] - Stock Options [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
First Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 51.23
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	90,975
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 51.23
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	57,438
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 51.23
Second Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	64.65
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 68.50
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	126,260
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 67.23
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	41,116
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 67.40
Third Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	70.65
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 75.50
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	207,156
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 74.56
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	91,359
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 73.36
Fourth Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	93.64
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 101.46
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	40,311
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 95.90
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	40,311
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 95.90
Full Exercise Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	51.23
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 101.46
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	464,702
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 6 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 69.85
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding | $	$ 6,312
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	230,224
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 70.72
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable | $	$ 3,204

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee P_3

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Plan Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] - Restricted Stock [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares) | shares	364,121
Vested (in shares) | shares	(144,240)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(3,949)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares) | shares	215,932
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 65.84
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	72.66
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	64.68
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 64.73

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee P_4

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Plan RSU Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] - RSUs [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Unvested RSU Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares) | shares	0
Granted (in shares) | shares	143,890
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(2,105)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares) | shares	141,785
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	75.59
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	75.50
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 75.59

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director Pla

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director Plan Stock Option Activity (Details) - Director Plan [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	486,058
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Term of grant	10 years
Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Period Start (in shares)	157,617
Granted (in shares)	2,640
Exercised (in shares)	(29,153)
Outstanding at Period End (in shares)	131,104
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 67.54
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	85.30
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	57.47
Outstanding at Period End (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 70.14
Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Vesting period	6 months

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director P_2

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director Plan Outstanding and Exercisable Options (Details) - Director Plan [Member] - Stock Options [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
First Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 29.60
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	6,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 29.60
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	6,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 29.60
Second Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	41.24
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 56.45
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	31,276
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 50.61
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	31,276
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 50.61
Third Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	61.89
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 62.48
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	28,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 62.27
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	28,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 62.27
Fourth Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	70.65
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 99.52
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	65,828
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 86.45
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	64,508
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 86.48
Full Exercise Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	29.60
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 99.52
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	131,104
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 70.14
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding | $	$ 2,114
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	129,784
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 69.98
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable | $	$ 2,114

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director P_3

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director Plan Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - Director Plan [Member] - Restricted Stock [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares) | shares	319
Granted (in shares) | shares	21,373
Vested (in shares) | shares	(847)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares) | shares	20,845
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 70.65
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	85.70
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	79.78
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 85.71

STOCK AWARD PLANS, All Plans Op

STOCK AWARD PLANS, All Plans Options and Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock Options [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 6,709	$ 1,585
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	1,912	597
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$ 2,770
Weighted average period of recognition in years	1 year 8 months 12 days
Fair value of options vested	$ 3,170	$ 2,511
Fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 23.53	$ 20.72
Fair value of stock options granted	$ 2,787	$ 2,616
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.70%	2.00%
Stock price volatility	27.00%	27.00%
Estimated option term	6 years	6 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting	$ 11,454	$ 7,046
Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting	3,264	2,654
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$ 10,296
Weighted average period of recognition in years	2 years 3 months 18 days
Fair value of restricted stock vested	$ 11,454	$ 7,046
RSUs [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Vesting (in shares)	0
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$ 6,227
Weighted average period of recognition in years	4 years 1 month 6 days

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Det

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Gross Amount	[1]	$ 580	$ 822	$ 1,739	$ 2,939
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	[1]	(142)	(315)	(423)	(1,125)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Net Amount	[1]	438	507	1,316	1,814
Actuarial gains (losses), Gross Amount	[1]			(609)	22,014
Actuarial gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	[1]			148	(8,435)
Actuarial gains (losses), Net Amount	[1]			(461)	13,579
Foreign currency translation, Gross Amount		(60)	(164)	(69)	(164)
Foreign currency translation, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		0	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation, Net Amount		(60)	(164)	(69)	(164)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Gross Amount		520	658	1,061	24,789
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		(142)	(315)	(8,200)	(9,560)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		$ 378	$ 343	(7,139)	15,229
ASU 2018-02 [Member]
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Adoption of ASU 2018-02 - reclassification to retained earnings, Gross Amount				0	0
Adoption of ASU 2018-02 - reclassification to retained earnings, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit				(7,925)	0
Adoption of ASU 2018-02 - reclassification to retained earnings, Net Amount				$ (7,925)	$ 0
[1]	Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 13 - Retirement Plans)

SEGMENT DATA (Details)

SEGMENT DATA (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)Segment	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			2
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 704,845	$ 541,274	$ 2,249,204	$ 1,506,307
Segment profit (loss)	57,066	47,861	144,451	131,874
Total assets	5,854,332		5,854,332		$ 5,127,427
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets	18	(159)	2,358	(199)
Interest expense	(12,345)	(5,388)	(34,665)	(14,310)
Other income (expense)	1,454	320	4,586	(41)
Executive Chairman [Member]
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
General corporate expenses			18,057
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	382,040	318,810	1,100,606	993,727
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	322,805	222,464	1,148,598	512,580
Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	(15,365)	(9,735)	(59,543)	(27,101)
Total assets	61,411		61,411		75,243
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
General corporate expenses	(4,492)	(4,508)	(31,822)	(12,551)
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets	18	(159)	2,358	(199)
Interest expense	(12,345)	(5,388)	(34,665)	(14,310)
Other income (expense)	1,454	320	4,586	(41)
Loss from other segment	(15,365)	(9,735)	(59,543)	(27,101)
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
General corporate assets	59,229		59,229		73,353
Investment in affiliates	2,182		2,182		1,890
Total other assets	61,411		61,411		75,243
Reporting Segments [Member] | Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	382,040	318,810	1,100,606	993,727
Segment profit (loss)	48,517	35,649	102,925	106,992
Total assets	4,191,514		4,191,514		3,485,099
Reporting Segments [Member] | Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	322,805	222,464	1,148,598	512,580
Segment profit (loss)	23,914	21,947	101,069	51,983
Total assets	1,601,407		1,601,407		$ 1,567,085
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	5,837	4,967	21,757	15,342
Segment profit (loss)	$ 584	$ 497	$ 2,176	$ 1,534

TAXES ON INCOME (Details)

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	$ 57,066	$ 47,861	$ 144,451	$ 131,874
Federal [Abstract]
Current	0	3,617	0	13,605
Deferred	13,457	14,132	36,350	32,783
State and local [Abstract]
Current	1,559	1,323	3,965	3,080
Deferred	0	0	488	0
Foreign - current	100	0	239	0
Total Provision for taxes on income	15,116	19,072	41,042	49,468
United States [Member]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	57,980	47,861	147,506	131,874
Foreign [Member]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	$ (914)	$ 0	$ (3,055)	$ 0

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$ 41,816	$ 28,607	$ 102,889	$ 81,868
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	(166)	(213)	(438)	(599)
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic	41,650	28,394	102,451	81,269
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	166	213	438	599
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares	(165)	(213)	(437)	(599)
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$ 41,651	$ 28,394	$ 102,452	$ 81,269
Shares outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	59,875	55,177	59,782	54,364
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	(237)	(412)	(255)	(398)
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic (in shares)	59,638	54,765	59,527	53,966
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)	146	38	141	55
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted (in shares)	59,784	54,803	59,668	54,021
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.52	$ 1.72	$ 1.51
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.52	$ 1.72	$ 1.50
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)			189	548

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details)

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Service period of participants not impacted by pension plan amendment				15 years
Age of plan participants not impacted by pension plan amendment				50 years
Service period of participants who are age fifty not impacted by pension plan amendment				10 years
Decrease in pension plan projected benefit obligation				$ (33,433)
Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage				4.00%
Higman [Member]
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Decrease in pension plan projected benefit obligation				$ (3,692)
Pension contributions		$ 6,717
Expected additional contribution	$ 1,385			1,385
Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,722		$ 1,742	5,816	$ 8,934
Interest cost	3,939		3,320	11,544	10,409
Expected return on plan assets	(5,696)		(4,595)	(16,712)	(13,600)
Amortization of actuarial loss	723		981	2,168	3,419
Net periodic benefit cost	688		1,448	2,816	9,162
SERP [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0		0	0	0
Interest cost	12		14	36	43
Expected return on plan assets	0		0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	6		7	18	21
Net periodic benefit cost	18		21	54	64
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0		0	0	0
Interest cost	6		6	18	20
Amortization of actuarial loss	(149)		(166)	(447)	(501)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (143)		$ (160)	$ (429)	$ (481)

CONTINGENCIES (Details)

CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 22, 2014TankBargeVessel
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 23,719
Maximum [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Guarantor obligations, expiration period	3 years
Performance Bonds [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 8,857
Collision with M/S Summer Wind [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Number of vessels involved in collision | Vessel		2
Number of vessels damaged in collision resulting in fuel oil discharge | TankBarge		1
Letters of Credit [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 14,862