Kirby (KEX) 10-Q 2 Aug 19 2019 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Aug. 01, 2019
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KIRBY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000056047
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		59,902,000
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7615
Entity Tax Identification Number	74-1884980
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Address, Address Line One	55 Waugh Drive, Suite 1000
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77007
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	435-1000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	KEX
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaud

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 22,521	$ 7,800
Accounts receivable:
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	450,958	417,644
Other	99,568	104,239
Inventories - net	428,264	507,441
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	52,953	59,365
Total current assets	1,054,264	1,096,489
Property and equipment	5,304,058	5,011,824
Accumulated depreciation	(1,507,640)	(1,472,022)
Property and equipment - net	3,796,418	3,539,802
Operating lease right-of-use assets	158,917	0
Goodwill	953,826	953,826
Other intangibles - net	214,972	224,197
Other assets	54,493	57,280
Total assets	6,232,890	5,871,594
Current liabilities:
Bank notes payable	11	19
Income taxes payable	312	2,794
Accounts payable	212,147	278,057
Accrued liabilities	225,232	246,789
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	29,422	0
Deferred revenues	58,909	80,123
Total current liabilities	526,033	607,782
Long-term debt, net - less current portion	1,594,695	1,410,169
Deferred income taxes	570,954	542,785
Operating lease liabilities	136,970	0
Other long-term liabilities	82,066	94,557
Total long-term liabilities	2,384,685	2,047,511
Contingencies and commitments
Kirby stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value per share. Authorized 120,000,000 shares, issued 65,472,000 shares	6,547	6,547
Additional paid-in capital	829,460	823,347
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	(26,967)	(33,511)
Retained earnings	2,815,175	2,723,592
Treasury stock - at cost, 5,570,000 shares at June 30, 2019 and 5,608,000 at December 31, 2018	(305,061)	(306,788)
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	3,319,154	3,213,187
Noncontrolling interests	3,018	3,114
Total equity	3,322,172	3,216,301
Total liabilities and equity	$ 6,232,890	$ 5,871,594

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Una_2

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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)	5,570,000	5,608,000

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNING

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 771,042	$ 802,671	$ 1,515,663	$ 1,544,359
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales and operating expenses	563,495	588,628	1,100,150	1,141,945
Selling, general and administrative	69,150	92,588	141,946	169,384
Taxes, other than on income	10,579	10,552	20,577	19,087
Depreciation and amortization	55,093	55,492	110,316	109,710
Gain on disposition of assets	(3,118)	(442)	(5,275)	(2,340)
Total costs and expenses	695,199	746,818	1,367,714	1,437,786
Operating income	75,843	55,853	147,949	106,573
Other income	2,381	1,541	1,813	3,132
Interest expense	(15,515)	(12,540)	(28,716)	(22,320)
Earnings before taxes on income	62,709	44,854	121,046	87,385
Provision for taxes on income	(15,269)	(16,061)	(29,149)	(25,926)
Net earnings	47,440	28,793	91,897	61,459
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(153)	(191)	(314)	(386)
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$ 47,287	$ 28,602	$ 91,583	$ 61,073
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.48	$ 1.53	$ 1.02
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.48	$ 1.53	$ 1.02
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 404,286	$ 378,163	$ 772,407	$ 718,566
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 366,756	$ 424,508	$ 743,256	$ 825,793

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREH

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 47,440	$ 28,793	$ 91,897	$ 61,459
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefits	6,057	(13)	6,468	417
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(53)	(429)	76	(9)
Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform	0	0	0	(7,925)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	6,004	(442)	6,544	(7,517)
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	53,444	28,351	98,441	53,942
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(153)	(191)	(314)	(386)
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	$ 53,291	$ 28,160	$ 98,127	$ 53,556

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FL

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 91,897	$ 61,459
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	110,316	109,710
Provision for deferred income taxes	26,007	23,381
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	7,907	13,551
Amortization of leases	(154)	0
Amortization of major maintenance costs	10,431	10,338
Amortization of debt issuance costs	719	578
Other	(5,806)	(1,778)
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	(53,120)	(63,484)
Net cash provided by operating activities	188,197	153,755
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(127,268)	(152,911)
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment, net of cash acquired	(252,840)	(499,227)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	23,364	25,208
Net cash used in investing activities	(356,744)	(626,930)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on bank credit facilities	(313,805)	(45,485)
Borrowings on long-term debt	500,000	499,295
Payments of debt issue costs	(2,397)	(4,263)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,903	12,987
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation	(2,023)	(4,813)
Other	(410)	(450)
Net cash provided by financing activities	183,268	457,271
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,721	(15,904)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	7,800	20,102
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	22,521	4,198
Cash paid (received) during the period:
Interest paid	29,271	14,085
Income taxes paid (refunded)	2,392	(132)
Operating cash outflow from operating leases	19,786	0
Non-cash investing activity:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	5,377	(16,498)
Cash acquired in acquisition	0	2,313
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$ 2,537	$ 0

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHO

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adoption of new accounting standards | ASU 2018-02 [Member]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,797)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,797)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 6,547	802,961	(32,405)	2,646,937	$ (313,220)	3,403	3,114,223
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	65,472				(5,783)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	$ 0	2,111	0	0	$ 10,923	0	13,034
Stock option exercises (in shares)	0				228
Issuance of stock for equity awards	$ 0	(1,014)	0	0	$ 1,014	0	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards (in shares)	0				18
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	$ 0	0	0	0	$ (4,814)	0	(4,814)
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)	0				(61)
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	$ 0	13,551	0	0	$ 0	0	13,551
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	0	0	(7,517)	61,073	0	386	53,942
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	(448)	(448)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2018	$ 6,547	817,609	(39,922)	2,706,213	$ (306,097)	3,341	3,187,691
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018	65,472				(5,598)
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 6,547	810,381	(39,480)	2,677,611	$ (316,564)	3,373	3,141,868
Beginning balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018	65,472				(5,800)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	$ 0	2,242	0	0	$ 10,501	0	12,743
Stock option exercises (in shares)	0				196
Issuance of stock for equity awards	$ 0	(1,014)	0	0	$ 1,014	0	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards (in shares)	0				18
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	$ 0	0	0	0	$ (1,048)	0	(1,048)
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)	0				(12)
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	$ 0	6,000	0	0	$ 0	0	6,000
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	0	0	(442)	28,602	0	191	28,351
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	(223)	(223)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2018	$ 6,547	817,609	(39,922)	2,706,213	$ (306,097)	3,341	3,187,691
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018	65,472				(5,598)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 6,547	823,347	(33,511)	2,723,592	$ (306,788)	3,114	3,216,301
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	65,472				(5,608)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	$ 0	118	0	0	$ 1,838	0	1,956
Stock option exercises (in shares)	0				34
Issuance of stock for equity awards	$ 0	(1,912)	0	0	$ 1,912	0	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards (in shares)	0				34
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	$ 0	0	0	0	$ (2,023)	0	(2,023)
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)	0				(30)
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	$ 0	7,907	0	0	$ 0	0	7,907
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	0	0	6,544	91,583	0	314	98,441
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	(410)	(410)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 6,547	829,460	(26,967)	2,815,175	$ (305,061)	3,018	3,322,172
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019	65,472				(5,570)
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 6,547	827,497	(32,971)	2,767,888	$ (306,625)	3,072	3,265,408
Beginning balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	65,472				(5,599)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	$ 0	66	0	0	$ 474	0	540
Stock option exercises (in shares)	0				9
Issuance of stock for equity awards	$ 0	(1,110)	0	0	$ 1,110	0	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards (in shares)	0				20
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	$ 0	0	0	0	$ (20)	0	(20)
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)	0				0
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	$ 0	3,007	0	0	$ 0	0	3,007
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	0	0	6,004	47,287	0	153	53,444
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	(207)	(207)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 6,547	$ 829,460	$ (26,967)	$ 2,815,175	$ (305,061)	$ 3,018	$ 3,322,172
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019	65,472				(5,570)

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CO

BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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, 2018.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 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 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. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 under the optional transition method that allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and will not restate prior periods. The Company also elected certain practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which allows the Company to carryforward its historical lease classification and for the non-recognition of short-term leases. Adoption of ASU 2016-02 resulted in the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets for operating leases of $168,149,000 and lease liabilities for operating leases of $175,778,000 on the Company’s Condensed Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2019, with no material impact to the Condensed Statements of Earnings or Cash Flows. The Company did not have any financing leases as of January 1, 2019. See Note 3, Leases for additional information.

LEASES

LEASES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
LEASES [Abstract]
LEASES	(3) LEASES The Company currently leases various facilities and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable operating leases. The accounting for the Company’s leases may require judgments, which include determining whether a contract contains a lease, the allocation between lease and non-lease components, and determining the incremental borrowing rates. Leases with an initial noncancelable term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has also elected to combine lease and non-lease components on all classes of leased assets, except for leased towing vessels for which the Company estimates approximately 75% of the costs relate to service costs and other non-lease components. Variable lease costs relate primarily to real estate executory costs (i.e. taxes, insurance and maintenance). Future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at June 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Total 2019 $ 18,826 2020 29,857 2021 24,685 2022 21,532 2023 17,583 Thereafter 94,907 Total lease payments 207,390 Less: imputed interest (40,998 ) Operating lease liabilities $ 166,392 As of December 31, 2018, future total rentals on the Company’s noncancellable operating leases were $278,602,000 in the aggregate, which consisted of the following: $97,091,000 in 2019; $30,062,000 in 2020; $21,818,000 in 2021; $20,263,000 in 2022; $17,429,000 in 2023; and $91,939,000 thereafter. The following table summarizes lease cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, 2019 Six months ended June 30, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 9,893 $ 19,971 Variable lease cost 515 1,031 Short-term lease cost 8,963 16,855 Sublease income (318 ) (558 ) Total lease cost $ 19,053 $ 37,299 The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases as of June 30, 2019: Weighted average discount rate 4.1 % Weighted average remaining lease term 10 years

REVENUES

REVENUES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
REVENUES [Abstract]
REVENUES	(4) REVENUES The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 310,162 $ 286,920 $ 593,247 $ 539,275 Coastal transportation 94,124 91,243 179,160 179,291 $ 404,286 $ 378,163 $ 772,407 $ 718,566 Distribution and services segment: Oil and gas $ 198,864 $ 304,859 $ 421,965 $ 579,350 Commercial and industrial 167,892 119,649 321,291 246,443 $ 366,756 $ 424,508 $ 743,256 $ 825,793 Contract Assets and Liabilities The Company applies the practical expedient that allows non-disclosure of information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	(5) ACQUISITIONS During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company purchased inland tank barges from a leasing company for $ in cash. The Company had been leasing the barges prior to the purchases. On March 14, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of the marine transportation fleet of Cenac Marine Services, LLC (“Cenac”) for $244,500,000 in cash. Cenac’s fleet consisted of 63 inland 30,000 barrel tank barges with approximately 1,833,000 barrels of capacity, 34 inland towboats and two offshore tugboats. Cenac transported petrochemicals, refined products and black oil, including crude oil, residual fuels, feedstocks and lubricants on the lower Mississippi River, its tributaries, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway for major oil companies and refiners. The average age of the inland tank barges was approximately five years and the inland towboats had an average age of approximately seven years. The Company considers Cenac 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: Prepaid expenses $ 1,138 Property and equipment 247,122 Other intangibles 340 Total assets $ 248,600 Other long-term liabilities 4,100 Net assets acquired $ 244,500 The Company acquired intangible assets with an amortization period of two years and incurred long-term intangible liabilities related to unfavorable contracts with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 1.3 years. The fair values have not been finalized and are provisional, pending completion of the tangible and intangible valuation studies. As additional information becomes known concerning the assets acquired, the Company may make adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for up to one year following the acquisition date. Acquisition related costs of $392,000, consisting primarily of legal and other professional fees, were expensed as incurred to selling, general and administrative expense in the 2019 first six months. Pro forma results of the acquisitions made in the 2019 first six months have not been presented as the pro forma revenues and net earnings attributable to Kirby would not be materially different from the Company’s actual results.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	(6) INVENTORIES The following table presents the details of inventories as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Finished goods $ 333,472 $ 406,364 Work in process 94,792 101,077 $ 428,264 $ 507,441

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
LONG-TERM DEBT [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	(7) LONG-TERM DEBT On March 27, 2019, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a group of commercial banks, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the administrative agent bank, that extends the term of the Company’s existing $850,000,000 revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) to March 27, 2024 and adds a five-year term loan (“Term Loan”) facility in an amount of $500,000,000. The Credit Agreement provides for a variable interest rate based on the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) or a base rate calculated with reference to the agent bank’s prime rate, among other factors (the “Alternate Base Rate”). The interest rate varies with the Company’s credit rating and is currently 112.5 basis points over LIBOR or 12.5 basis points over the Alternate Base Rate. The Term Loan is repayable in quarterly installments commencing June 30, 2020, in increasing percentages of the original principal amount of the loan, with the remaining unpaid balance payable of 65% of the initial amount due on March 27, 2024. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants including an interest coverage ratio and a debt-to-capitalization ratio. In addition to financial covenants, the Credit Agreement contains covenants that, subject to exceptions, restrict debt incurrence, mergers and acquisitions, sales of assets, dividends and investments, liquidations and dissolutions, capital leases, transactions with affiliates and changes in lines of business. The Credit Agreement specifies certain events of default, upon the occurrence of which the maturity of the outstanding loans may be accelerated, including the failure to pay principal or interest, violation of covenants and default on other indebtedness, among other events. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes including acquisitions. As of June 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all Credit Agreement covenants and had outstanding borrowings of $103,577,000 under the Revolving Credit Facility and $500,000,000 under the Term Loan. The Revolving Credit Facility includes a $25,000,000 commitment which may be used for standby letters of credit. Outstanding letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility were $5,670,000 as of June 30, 2019. The estimated fair value of total debt outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $ and $ , respectively, which differs from the carrying amounts of $ and $ , respectively, included in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value of debt outstanding was determined using a Level 2 fair value measurement.

STOCK AWARD PLANS

STOCK AWARD PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Compensation cost $ 3,007 $ 6,000 $ 7,907 $ 13,551 Income tax benefit $ 740 $ 2,278 $ 1,909 $ 4,038 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 June 30, 2019, 1,348,971 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 six months ended June 30, 2019: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2018 464,702 $ 69.85 Granted 114,429 $ 74.57 Exercised (26,890 ) $ 64.15 Canceled or expired (16,498 ) $ 72.56 Outstanding at June 30, 2019 535,743 $ 71.06 The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at June 30, 2019: 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 83,329 3.6 $ 51.23 83,329 $ 51.23 $64.65 - $68.50 100,757 5.0 $ 67.34 45,052 $ 68.47 $70.65 - $75.50 307,671 4.9 $ 74.32 126,553 $ 73.96 $84.90 - $101.46 43,986 2.4 $ 94.38 37,281 $ 96.08 $51.23 - $101.46 535,743 4.5 $ 71.06 $4,929,000 292,215 $ 69.45 $3,426,000 The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the six months ended June 30, 2019: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2018 214,216 $ 64.73 Vested (62,406 ) $ 68.30 Forfeited (12,205 ) $ 63.36 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2019 139,605 $ 63.26 The following is a summary of RSU activity under the employee plan described above for the six months ended June 30, 2019: Unvested RSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Nonvested balance at December 31, 2018 141,055 $ 75.59 Granted 146,005 $ 74.44 Vested (25,484 ) $ 75.60 Forfeited (4,754 ) $ 75.31 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2019 256,822 $ 74.94 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 June 30, 2019, 462,342 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 six months ended June 30, 2019: Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2018 131,104 $ 70.14 Granted 2,652 $ 84.90 Exercised (6,000 ) $ 29.60 Outstanding at June 30, 2019 127,756 $ 72.35 The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at June 30, 2019: 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 $41.24 – $56.45 31,276 1.4 $ 50.61 31,276 $ 50.61 $61.89 – $62.48 28,000 3.1 $ 62.27 28,000 $ 62.27 $70.65 – $99.52 68,480 4.9 $ 86.39 66,491 $ 86.44 $41.24 – $99.52 127,756 3.6 $ 72.35 $1,498,000 125,767 $ 72.15 $ 1,498,000 The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the six months ended June 30, 2019: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2018 264 $ 85.30 Granted 21,064 $ 84.90 Vested (794 ) $ 85.03 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2019 20,534 $ 84.90 The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised under all of the Company’s plans was $592,000 and $6,623,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock option exercises was $143,000 and $1,974,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The total intrinsic value of all the restricted stock vestings under all of the Company’s plans was $4,269,000 and $11,406,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from restricted stock vestings was $1,031,000 and $3,399,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The total intrinsic value of all the RSU vestings under the Company’s employee plan was $1,727,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from RSU vestings was $417,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. There were no RSU vestings for the six months ended June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2019, there was $3,307,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, $7,312,000 related to nonvested restricted stock awards and $12,060,000 related to nonvested RSUs. The stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years, restricted stock awards over approximately 1.7 years and RSUs over approximately 4.0 years. The total fair value of options vested was $1,883,000 and $3,143,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock vested was $4,269,000 and $11,406,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of the RSUs vested was $1,727,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The weighted average per share fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $22.77 and $23.53, respectively. The fair value of the stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $2,665,000 and $2,787,000, respectively. The Company currently uses treasury stock shares for restricted stock grants, RSU vestings, 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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 Dividend yield None None Average risk-free interest rate 2.5 % 2.7 % Stock price volatility 28 % 27 % Estimated option term 5.3 years 5.5 years

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	(9) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, 2019 2018 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 $ (87 ) $ 21 $ (66 ) $ 591 $ (143 ) $ 448 Actuarial gains (losses) 8,167 (2,044 ) 6,123 (609 ) 148 (461 ) Foreign currency translation (53 ) — (53 ) (429 ) — (429 ) Total $ 8,027 $ (2,023 ) $ 6,004 $ (447 ) $ 5 $ (442 ) Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 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 $ 463 $ (118 ) $ 345 $ 1,159 $ (281 ) $ 878 Actuarial gains (losses) 8,167 (2,044 ) 6,123 (609 ) 148 (461 ) Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform — — — — (7,925 ) (7,925 ) Foreign currency translation 76 — 76 (9 ) — (9 ) Total $ 8,706 $ (2,162 ) $ 6,544 $ 541 $ (8,058 ) $ (7,517 ) (a) Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 13 - Retirement Plans)

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 $ and $ for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, and $ and $ for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, have been eliminated from the tables below. The related intersegment profit of $ and $ for the three months and six months ending June 30, 2019, respectively, and $ and $ for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, have also been eliminated from the tables below. The following tables set forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 and total assets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 404,286 $ 378,163 $ 772,407 $ 718,566 Distribution and services 366,756 424,508 743,256 825,793 $ 771,042 $ 802,671 $ 1,515,663 $ 1,544,359 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 53,243 $ 38,228 $ 88,667 $ 54,408 Distribution and services 23,128 40,190 60,737 77,155 Other (13,662 ) (33,564 ) (28,358 ) (44,178 ) $ 62,709 $ 44,854 $ 121,046 $ 87,385 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,550,455 $ 4,145,294 Distribution and services 1,571,861 1,653,636 Other 110,574 72,664 $ 6,232,890 $ 5,871,594 The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 General corporate expenses $ (3,646 ) $ (23,007 ) $ (6,730 ) $ (27,330 ) Gain on disposition of assets 3,118 442 5,275 2,340 Interest expense (15,515 ) (12,540 ) (28,716 ) (22,320 ) Other income 2,381 1,541 1,813 3,132 $ (13,662 ) $ (33,564 ) $ (28,358 ) $ (44,178 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 General corporate assets $ 108,786 $ 70,169 Investment in affiliates 1,788 2,495 $ 110,574 $ 72,664

TAXES ON INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Earnings (loss) before taxes on income: United States $ 62,903 $ 45,982 $ 121,655 $ 89,526 Foreign (194 ) (1,128 ) (609 ) (2,141 ) $ 62,709 $ 44,854 $ 121,046 $ 87,385 Provision for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ — $ — $ — $ — Deferred 13,517 14,384 26,007 22,893 State and local: Current 1,686 1,599 3,145 2,406 Deferred — 151 — 488 Foreign - current 66 (73 ) (3 ) 139 $ 15,269 $ 16,061 $ 29,149 $ 25,926

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 47,287 $ 28,602 $ 91,583 $ 61,073 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares (122 ) (116 ) (241 ) (269 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders – basic 47,165 28,486 91,342 60,804 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 122 116 241 269 Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares (122 ) (115 ) (240 ) (269 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders – diluted $ 47,165 $ 28,487 $ 91,343 $ 60,804 Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 59,894 59,790 59,882 59,735 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (154 ) (242 ) (157 ) (263 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic 59,740 59,548 59,725 59,472 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 167 172 140 137 Weighted average common stock outstanding – diluted 59,907 59,720 59,865 59,609 Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.79 $ 0.48 $ 1.53 $ 1.02 Diluted $ 0.79 $ 0.48 $ 1.53 $ 1.02 Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 297,000 and 189,000 shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive. Certain outstanding RSUs to convert to 4,000 shares of common stock were also excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of June 30, 2019 as such RSUs would have been antidilutive.

RETIREMENT PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 the Company's pension plan during 2019. On February 14, 2018, with the acquisition of Higman Marine, Inc. and its affiliated companies (“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 $3,081,000. The Company made contributions of $1,615,000 to the Higman pension plan in the first quarter of 2019 for the 2018 plan year and a contribution of $483,000 in the second quarter of 2019 for the 2019 plan year. The Company expects to make additional contributions of $966,000 to the Higman pension plan during 2019 for the 2019 plan 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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Three months ended June 30, Three months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 1,914 $ 1,867 $ — $ — Interest cost 4,040 3,974 13 12 Expected return on plan assets (5,254 ) (5,693 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 41 740 7 6 Net periodic benefit cost $ 741 $ 888 $ 20 $ 18 Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Six months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 3,682 $ 4,094 $ — $ — Interest cost 8,247 7,605 26 24 Expected return on plan assets (10,478 ) (11,016 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 719 1,445 14 12 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,170 $ 2,128 $ 40 $ 36 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 8 6 16 12 Amortization of actuarial gain (135 ) (149 ) (270 ) (298 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (127 ) $ (143 ) $ (254 ) $ (286 )

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	(14) CONTINGENCIES On May tank barges and a towboat (the M/V Voyager), owned and operated by Kirby Inland Marine, LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, were struck by the LPG tanker, the Genesis River, in the Houston Ship Channel. The bow of the Genesis River penetrated the Kirby T and capsized the MMI The collision caused the cargo, reformate, to be discharged into the water. The United States Coast Guard (“USCG”) and the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) designated the owner and pilot of the Genesis River as well as the subsidiary of the Company as parties of interest in their investigation as to the cause of the incident. The Company is participating in the investigation. On June the Company filed a limitation action in Federal Court seeking limitation of liability and asserting the Genesis River and her owner/manager are at fault for damages including removal costs and claims under the Oil Pollution Act of and maritime law. 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 October 13, 2016, the tug Nathan E. Stewart and barge DBL 55, an articulated tank barge and tugboat unit (“ATB”) owned and operated by Kirby Offshore Marine, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, 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 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. On October the Heiltsuk Nation filed a civil action against a subsidiary of the Company, the master and pilot of the tug, the vessels and the Canadian government seeking unquantified damages as a result of the incident. On the same date, the Canadian government filed charges against the subsidiary and the vessels for violations of the Canadian Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Pilotage Act and the Shipping Act of On July the Company and the Canadian government settled the charges against the subsidiary of the Company. The subsidiary of the Company agreed to pay the Canadian government a fine of approximately Canadian dollars ( U.S. dollars) for violations of the Canadian Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Pilotage Act and the Shipping Act of The Company filed a limitation action in Federal Court seeking limitation of liability relating to the incident as provided under admiralty law. The Company responded to the Heiltsuk Nation’s civil claim asserting that the Federal Court action is the appropriate forum for claims to be heard. The Company is unable to estimate the potential exposure in either proceeding. 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 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 $18,795,000 at June 30, 2019, including $7,061,000 in letters of credit and $11,734,000 in performance bonds. All of these instruments have an expiration date within two 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 (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS [Abstract]
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 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 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. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 under the optional transition method that allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and will not restate prior periods. The Company also elected certain practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which allows the Company to carryforward its historical lease classification and for the non-recognition of short-term leases. Adoption of ASU 2016-02 resulted in the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets for operating leases of $168,149,000 and lease liabilities for operating leases of $175,778,000 on the Company’s Condensed Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2019, with no material impact to the Condensed Statements of Earnings or Cash Flows. The Company did not have any financing leases as of January 1, 2019. See Note 3, Leases for additional information.

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
LEASES [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at June 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Total 2019 $ 18,826 2020 29,857 2021 24,685 2022 21,532 2023 17,583 Thereafter 94,907 Total lease payments 207,390 Less: imputed interest (40,998 ) Operating lease liabilities $ 166,392
Lease Cost	The following table summarizes lease cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, 2019 Six months ended June 30, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 9,893 $ 19,971 Variable lease cost 515 1,031 Short-term lease cost 8,963 16,855 Sublease income (318 ) (558 ) Total lease cost $ 19,053 $ 37,299
Operating Leases, Weighted Average Discount Rate and Remaining Lease Term	The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases as of June 30, 2019: Weighted average discount rate 4.1 % Weighted average remaining lease term 10 years

REVENUES (Tables)

REVENUES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
REVENUES [Abstract]
Revenues by Major Source	The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 310,162 $ 286,920 $ 593,247 $ 539,275 Coastal transportation 94,124 91,243 179,160 179,291 $ 404,286 $ 378,163 $ 772,407 $ 718,566 Distribution and services segment: Oil and gas $ 198,864 $ 304,859 $ 421,965 $ 579,350 Commercial and industrial 167,892 119,649 321,291 246,443 $ 366,756 $ 424,508 $ 743,256 $ 825,793

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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: Prepaid expenses $ 1,138 Property and equipment 247,122 Other intangibles 340 Total assets $ 248,600 Other long-term liabilities 4,100 Net assets acquired $ 244,500

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Details of Inventories	The following table presents the details of inventories as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Finished goods $ 333,472 $ 406,364 Work in process 94,792 101,077 $ 428,264 $ 507,441

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)

STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Compensation cost $ 3,007 $ 6,000 $ 7,907 $ 13,551 Income tax benefit $ 740 $ 2,278 $ 1,909 $ 4,038
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions	The key input variables used in valuing the options during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 Dividend yield None None Average risk-free interest rate 2.5 % 2.7 % Stock price volatility 28 % 27 % Estimated option term 5.3 years 5.5 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 six months ended June 30, 2019: Outstanding Non- Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2018 464,702 $ 69.85 Granted 114,429 $ 74.57 Exercised (26,890 ) $ 64.15 Canceled or expired (16,498 ) $ 72.56 Outstanding at June 30, 2019 535,743 $ 71.06
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the employee plan at June 30, 2019: 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 83,329 3.6 $ 51.23 83,329 $ 51.23 $64.65 - $68.50 100,757 5.0 $ 67.34 45,052 $ 68.47 $70.65 - $75.50 307,671 4.9 $ 74.32 126,553 $ 73.96 $84.90 - $101.46 43,986 2.4 $ 94.38 37,281 $ 96.08 $51.23 - $101.46 535,743 4.5 $ 71.06 $4,929,000 292,215 $ 69.45 $3,426,000
Restricted Stock Award Activity	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the employee plan described above for the six months ended June 30, 2019: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2018 214,216 $ 64.73 Vested (62,406 ) $ 68.30 Forfeited (12,205 ) $ 63.36 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2019 139,605 $ 63.26
RSU Activity	Unvested RSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Nonvested balance at December 31, 2018 141,055 $ 75.59 Granted 146,005 $ 74.44 Vested (25,484 ) $ 75.60 Forfeited (4,754 ) $ 75.31 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2019 256,822 $ 74.94 The following is a summary of the stock option activity under the director plan described above for the six months ended June 30, 2019: Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2018 131,104 $ 70.14 Granted 2,652 $ 84.90 Exercised (6,000 ) $ 29.60 Outstanding at June 30, 2019 127,756 $ 72.35
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 six months ended June 30, 2019: Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2018 131,104 $ 70.14 Granted 2,652 $ 84.90 Exercised (6,000 ) $ 29.60 Outstanding at June 30, 2019 127,756 $ 72.35
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s outstanding and exercisable stock options under the director plan at June 30, 2019: 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 $41.24 – $56.45 31,276 1.4 $ 50.61 31,276 $ 50.61 $61.89 – $62.48 28,000 3.1 $ 62.27 28,000 $ 62.27 $70.65 – $99.52 68,480 4.9 $ 86.39 66,491 $ 86.44 $41.24 – $99.52 127,756 3.6 $ 72.35 $1,498,000 125,767 $ 72.15 $ 1,498,000
Restricted Stock Award Activity	The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity under the director plan described above for the six months ended June 30, 2019: Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Nonvested balance at December 31, 2018 264 $ 85.30 Granted 21,064 $ 84.90 Vested (794 ) $ 85.03 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2019 20,534 $ 84.90

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Changes in Other Comprehensive Income	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, 2019 2018 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 $ (87 ) $ 21 $ (66 ) $ 591 $ (143 ) $ 448 Actuarial gains (losses) 8,167 (2,044 ) 6,123 (609 ) 148 (461 ) Foreign currency translation (53 ) — (53 ) (429 ) — (429 ) Total $ 8,027 $ (2,023 ) $ 6,004 $ (447 ) $ 5 $ (442 ) Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 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 $ 463 $ (118 ) $ 345 $ 1,159 $ (281 ) $ 878 Actuarial gains (losses) 8,167 (2,044 ) 6,123 (609 ) 148 (461 ) Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform — — — — (7,925 ) (7,925 ) Foreign currency translation 76 — 76 (9 ) — (9 ) Total $ 8,706 $ (2,162 ) $ 6,544 $ 541 $ (8,058 ) $ (7,517 ) (a) Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 13 - Retirement Plans)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables set forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 and total assets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 404,286 $ 378,163 $ 772,407 $ 718,566 Distribution and services 366,756 424,508 743,256 825,793 $ 771,042 $ 802,671 $ 1,515,663 $ 1,544,359 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 53,243 $ 38,228 $ 88,667 $ 54,408 Distribution and services 23,128 40,190 60,737 77,155 Other (13,662 ) (33,564 ) (28,358 ) (44,178 ) $ 62,709 $ 44,854 $ 121,046 $ 87,385 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,550,455 $ 4,145,294 Distribution and services 1,571,861 1,653,636 Other 110,574 72,664 $ 6,232,890 $ 5,871,594
Other Segment Reporting Information	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 General corporate expenses $ (3,646 ) $ (23,007 ) $ (6,730 ) $ (27,330 ) Gain on disposition of assets 3,118 442 5,275 2,340 Interest expense (15,515 ) (12,540 ) (28,716 ) (22,320 ) Other income 2,381 1,541 1,813 3,132 $ (13,662 ) $ (33,564 ) $ (28,358 ) $ (44,178 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 General corporate assets $ 108,786 $ 70,169 Investment in affiliates 1,788 2,495 $ 110,574 $ 72,664

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)

TAXES ON INCOME (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Earnings (loss) before taxes on income: United States $ 62,903 $ 45,982 $ 121,655 $ 89,526 Foreign (194 ) (1,128 ) (609 ) (2,141 ) $ 62,709 $ 44,854 $ 121,046 $ 87,385 Provision for taxes on income: Federal: Current $ — $ — $ — $ — Deferred 13,517 14,384 26,007 22,893 State and local: Current 1,686 1,599 3,145 2,406 Deferred — 151 — 488 Foreign - current 66 (73 ) (3 ) 139 $ 15,269 $ 16,061 $ 29,149 $ 25,926

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net earnings attributable to Kirby $ 47,287 $ 28,602 $ 91,583 $ 61,073 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares (122 ) (116 ) (241 ) (269 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders – basic 47,165 28,486 91,342 60,804 Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares 122 116 241 269 Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares (122 ) (115 ) (240 ) (269 ) Income available to Kirby common stockholders – diluted $ 47,165 $ 28,487 $ 91,343 $ 60,804 Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 59,894 59,790 59,882 59,735 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (154 ) (242 ) (157 ) (263 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic 59,740 59,548 59,725 59,472 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 167 172 140 137 Weighted average common stock outstanding – diluted 59,907 59,720 59,865 59,609 Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ 0.79 $ 0.48 $ 1.53 $ 1.02 Diluted $ 0.79 $ 0.48 $ 1.53 $ 1.02

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Three months ended June 30, Three months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 1,914 $ 1,867 $ — $ — Interest cost 4,040 3,974 13 12 Expected return on plan assets (5,254 ) (5,693 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 41 740 7 6 Net periodic benefit cost $ 741 $ 888 $ 20 $ 18 Pension Benefits Pension Plan SERP Six months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 3,682 $ 4,094 $ — $ — Interest cost 8,247 7,605 26 24 Expected return on plan assets (10,478 ) (11,016 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 719 1,445 14 12 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,170 $ 2,128 $ 40 $ 36
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 six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 8 6 16 12 Amortization of actuarial gain (135 ) (149 ) (270 ) (298 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (127 ) $ (143 ) $ (254 ) $ (286 )

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTION_2

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTIONS (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets	$ 158,917,000	$ 0
Liabilities for operating leases	207,390,000
ASU 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets	168,149,000
Liabilities for operating leases	$ 175,778,000

LEASES, Future Minimum Lease Pa

LEASES, Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
LEASES [Abstract]
Percentage of costs relate to service costs for leased towing vessels	75.00%
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 18,826,000
2020	29,857,000
2021	24,685,000
2022	21,532,000
2023	17,583,000
Thereafter	94,907,000
Total lease payments	207,390,000
Less: imputed interest	(40,998,000)
Operating lease liabilities	$ 166,392,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2019		$ 97,091,000
2020		30,062,000
2021		21,818,000
2022		20,263,000
2023		17,429,000
Thereafter		91,939,000
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases		$ 278,602,000

LEASES, Lease Cost (Details)

LEASES, Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Lease Cost [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 9,893	$ 19,971
Variable lease cost	515	1,031
Short-term lease cost	8,963	16,855
Sublease income	(318)	(558)
Total lease cost	$ 19,053	$ 37,299

LEASES, Other Supplemental Info

LEASES, Other Supplemental Information (Details)	Jun. 30, 2019
Other Supplemental Information about Operating Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	4.10%
Weighted average remaining lease term	10 years

REVENUES (Details)

REVENUES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 771,042,000	$ 802,671,000	$ 1,515,663,000	$ 1,544,359,000
Revenue recognized			73,370,000
Marine Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	404,286,000	378,163,000	772,407,000	718,566,000
Marine Transportation [Member] | Inland Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	310,162,000	286,920,000	593,247,000	539,275,000
Marine Transportation [Member] | Coastal Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	94,124,000	91,243,000	179,160,000	179,291,000
Distribution and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	366,756,000	424,508,000	743,256,000	825,793,000
Distribution and Services [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	198,864,000	304,859,000	421,965,000	579,350,000
Distribution and Services [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 167,892,000	$ 119,649,000	$ 321,291,000	$ 246,443,000

REVENUES, Remaining Performance

REVENUES, Remaining Performance Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 0	$ 0
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-07-01
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	6 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details)	Mar. 14, 2019USD ($)bblTankBargeTugboatTowboat	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)TankBarge	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Purchase price		$ 127,268,000	$ 152,911,000
Inland Tank Barges [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | TankBarge		7
Purchase price		$ 8,340,000
Cenac Marine Services, LLC [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 1,138,000
Property and equipment	247,122,000
Other intangibles	340,000
Total assets	248,600,000
Other long-term liabilities	4,100,000
Net assets acquired	$ 244,500,000
Weighted average amortization period of intangibles		2 years
Weighted average amortization period of unfavorable contracts		1 year 3 months 18 days
Acquisition related costs		$ 392,000
Cenac Marine Services, LLC [Member] | Inland Tank Barges [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Average age of property		5 years
Cenac Marine Services, LLC [Member] | Inland Barrel Tank Barges [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | TankBarge	63
Tank barge barrel capacity (in barrels) | bbl	30,000
Aggregate tank barge barrel capacity (in barrels) | bbl	1,833,000
Cenac Marine Services, LLC [Member] | Inland Towboats [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | Towboat	34
Average age of property		7 years
Cenac Marine Services, LLC [Member] | Offshore Tugboats [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of maritime vessels acquired | Tugboat	2

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Details of inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 333,472	$ 406,364
Work in process	94,792	101,077
Inventory, Net, Total	$ 428,264	$ 507,441

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Approach [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of outstanding debt	$ 1,637,493,000		$ 1,411,628,000
Senior Notes outstanding	$ 1,594,706,000		1,410,188,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 850,000,000
Credit facility, expiration date	Mar. 27, 2024
Commitment amount	$ 25,000,000
Credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 103,577,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.125%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.125%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 5,670,000
Term Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 500,000,000
Term of loan	5 years
Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment	quarterly
Percentage of unpaid balance payable on initial amount	65.00%
Credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 500,000,000

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Compensation

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Compensation Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
STOCK AWARD PLANS [Abstract]
Compensation cost	$ 3,007	$ 6,000	$ 7,907	$ 13,551
Income tax benefit	$ 740	$ 2,278	$ 1,909	$ 4,038

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Pla

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Plan Stock Option Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	1,348,971
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)	464,702
Granted (in shares)	114,429
Exercised (in shares)	(26,890)
Canceled or expired (in shares)	(16,498)
Outstanding at Period End (in shares)	535,743
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start (in dollars per share)	$ 69.85
Granted (in dollars per share)	74.57
Exercised (in dollars per share)	64.15
Canceled or expired (in dollars per share)	72.56
Outstanding at Period End (in dollars per share)	$ 71.06
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]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / 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	83,329
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 51.23
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	83,329
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	100,757
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 67.34
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	45,052
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 68.47
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	307,671
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 74.32
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	126,553
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 73.96
Fourth Price Range [Member]
Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share)	84.90
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 101.46
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	43,986
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 94.38
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	37,281
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 96.08
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	535,743
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 6 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 71.06
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding | $	$ 4,929,000
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	292,215
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 69.45
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable | $	$ 3,426,000

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee P_3

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Plan Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] - Restricted Stock [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019$ / sharesshares
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares) | shares	214,216
Vested (in shares) | shares	(62,406)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(12,205)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares) | shares	139,605
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 64.73
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	68.30
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	63.36
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 63.26

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee P_4

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Employee Plan RSU Activity (Details) - RSUs [Member] - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Unvested RSU Shares [Roll Forward]
Vested (in shares)		0
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member]
Unvested RSU Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares)	141,055
Granted (in shares)	146,005
Vested (in shares)	(25,484)
Forfeited (in shares)	(4,754)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares)	256,822
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 75.59
Granted (in dollars per share)	74.44
Vested (in dollars per share)	75.60
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	75.31
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 74.94

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director Pla

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director Plan Stock Option Activity (Details) - Director Plan [Member] - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	462,342
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)	131,104
Granted (in shares)	2,652
Exercised (in shares)	(6,000)
Outstanding at Period End (in shares)	127,756
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Period Start (in dollars per share)	$ 70.14
Granted (in dollars per share)	84.90
Exercised (in dollars per share)	29.60
Outstanding at Period End (in dollars per share)	$ 72.35
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]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares
First 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	1 year 4 months 24 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
Second 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 1 month 6 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
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)	$ 99.52
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	68,480
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 86.39
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	66,491
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 86.44
Full Exercise 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)	$ 99.52
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	127,756
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 72.35
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding | $	$ 1,498,000
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	125,767
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 72.15
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable | $	$ 1,498,000

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director P_3

STOCK AWARD PLANS, Director Plan Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - Director Plan [Member] - Restricted Stock [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019$ / sharesshares
Unvested Restricted Stock Award Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares) | shares	264
Granted (in shares) | shares	21,064
Vested (in shares) | shares	(794)
Nonvested balance end of period (in shares) | shares	20,534
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract]
Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 85.30
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	84.90
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	85.03
Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 84.90

STOCK AWARD PLANS, All Plans Op

STOCK AWARD PLANS, All Plans Options and Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Stock Options [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 592,000	$ 6,623,000
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	143,000	1,974,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$ 3,307,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years	1 year 9 months 18 days
Fair value of options vested	$ 1,883,000	$ 3,143,000
Fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 22.77	$ 23.53
Fair value of stock options granted	$ 2,665,000	$ 2,787,000
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.50%	2.70%
Stock price volatility	28.00%	27.00%
Estimated option term	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 6 months
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting	$ 4,269,000	$ 11,406,000
Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting	1,031,000	3,399,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$ 7,312,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years	1 year 8 months 12 days
Fair value of restricted stock vested	$ 4,269,000	$ 11,406,000
RSUs [Member]
Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	1,727,000
Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting	417,000
Vesting (in shares)		0
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards	$ 12,060,000
Weighted average period of recognition in years	4 years
Fair value of restricted stock vested	$ 1,727,000

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Det

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Gross Amount	[1]	$ (87)	$ 591	$ 463	$ 1,159
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	[1]	21	(143)	(118)	(281)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, Net Amount	[1]	(66)	448	345	878
Actuarial gains (losses), Gross Amount	[1]	8,167	(609)	8,167	(609)
Actuarial gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	[1]	(2,044)	148	(2,044)	148
Actuarial gains (losses), Net Amount	[1]	6,123	(461)	6,123	(461)
Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform, Gross Amount				0	0
Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit				0	(7,925)
Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform, Net Amount				0	(7,925)
Foreign currency translation, Gross Amount		(53)	(429)	76	(9)
Foreign currency translation, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		0	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation, Net Amount		(53)	(429)	76	(9)
Total other comprehensive income, Gross Amount		8,027	(447)	8,706	541
Total other comprehensive income, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		(2,023)	5	(2,162)	(8,058)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		$ 6,004	$ (442)	$ 6,544	$ (7,517)
[1]	Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 13 - Retirement Plans)

SEGMENT DATA (Details)

SEGMENT DATA (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)Segment	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
SEGMENT DATA [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			2
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 771,042,000	$ 802,671,000	$ 1,515,663,000	$ 1,544,359,000
Segment profit (loss)	62,709,000	44,854,000	121,046,000	87,385,000
Total assets	6,232,890,000		6,232,890,000		$ 5,871,594,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Gain on disposition of assets	3,118,000	442,000	5,275,000	2,340,000
Interest expense	(15,515,000)	(12,540,000)	(28,716,000)	(22,320,000)
Other income	2,381,000	1,541,000	1,813,000	3,132,000
Earnings before taxes on income	62,709,000	44,854,000	121,046,000	87,385,000
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	404,286,000	378,163,000	772,407,000	718,566,000
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	366,756,000	424,508,000	743,256,000	825,793,000
Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	(13,662,000)	(33,564,000)	(28,358,000)	(44,178,000)
Total assets	110,574,000		110,574,000		72,664,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
General corporate expenses	(3,646,000)	(23,007,000)	(6,730,000)	(27,330,000)
Gain on disposition of assets	3,118,000	442,000	5,275,000	2,340,000
Interest expense	(15,515,000)	(12,540,000)	(28,716,000)	(22,320,000)
Other income	2,381,000	1,541,000	1,813,000	3,132,000
Earnings before taxes on income	(13,662,000)	(33,564,000)	(28,358,000)	(44,178,000)
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
General corporate assets	108,786,000		108,786,000		70,169,000
Investment in affiliates	1,788,000		1,788,000		2,495,000
Total other assets	110,574,000		110,574,000		72,664,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	404,286,000	378,163,000	772,407,000	718,566,000
Segment profit (loss)	53,243,000	38,228,000	88,667,000	54,408,000
Total assets	4,550,455,000		4,550,455,000		4,145,294,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings before taxes on income	53,243,000	38,228,000	88,667,000	54,408,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	366,756,000	424,508,000	743,256,000	825,793,000
Segment profit (loss)	23,128,000	40,190,000	60,737,000	77,155,000
Total assets	1,571,861,000		1,571,861,000		$ 1,653,636,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings before taxes on income	23,128,000	40,190,000	60,737,000	77,155,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	7,446,000	7,770,000	14,981,000	15,920,000
Segment profit (loss)	744,000	777,000	1,498,000	1,592,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings before taxes on income	$ 744,000	$ 777,000	$ 1,498,000	$ 1,592,000

TAXES ON INCOME (Details)

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	$ 62,709	$ 44,854	$ 121,046	$ 87,385
Federal [Abstract]
Current	0	0	0	0
Deferred	13,517	14,384	26,007	22,893
State and local [Abstract]
Current	1,686	1,599	3,145	2,406
Deferred	0	151	0	488
Foreign - current	66	(73)	(3)	139
Total Provision for taxes on income	15,269	16,061	29,149	25,926
United States [Member]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	62,903	45,982	121,655	89,526
Foreign [Member]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income	$ (194)	$ (1,128)	$ (609)	$ (2,141)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to Kirby	$ 47,287	$ 28,602	$ 91,583	$ 61,073
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	(122)	(116)	(241)	(269)
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - basic	47,165	28,486	91,342	60,804
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares	122	116	241	269
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares	(122)	(115)	(240)	(269)
Income available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$ 47,165	$ 28,487	$ 91,343	$ 60,804
Shares outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	59,894,000	59,790,000	59,882,000	59,735,000
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	(154,000)	(242,000)	(157,000)	(263,000)
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic (in shares)	59,740,000	59,548,000	59,725,000	59,472,000
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)	167,000	172,000	140,000	137,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted (in shares)	59,907,000	59,720,000	59,865,000	59,609,000
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.48	$ 1.53	$ 1.02
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.48	$ 1.53	$ 1.02
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)			297,000	189,000
RSUs [Member]
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)			4,000

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details)

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
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				$ (33,433,000)
Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage				4.00%
Higman [Member]
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Decrease in pension plan projected benefit obligation				$ (3,081,000)
Pension contributions	$ 483,000	$ 1,615,000
Expected additional contribution	966,000			966,000
Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,914,000		$ 1,867,000	3,682,000	$ 4,094,000
Interest cost	4,040,000		3,974,000	8,247,000	7,605,000
Expected return on plan assets	(5,254,000)		(5,693,000)	(10,478,000)	(11,016,000)
Amortization of actuarial loss	41,000		740,000	719,000	1,445,000
Net periodic benefit cost	741,000		888,000	2,170,000	2,128,000
SERP [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0		0	0	0
Interest cost	13,000		12,000	26,000	24,000
Expected return on plan assets	0		0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	7,000		6,000	14,000	12,000
Net periodic benefit cost	20,000		18,000	40,000	36,000
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0		0	0	0
Interest cost	8,000		6,000	16,000	12,000
Amortization of actuarial loss	(135,000)		(149,000)	(270,000)	(298,000)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (127,000)		$ (143,000)	$ (254,000)	$ (286,000)

CONTINGENCIES (Details)

CONTINGENCIES (Details)	Jul. 16, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 16, 2019CAD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	May 10, 2019Vessel	Mar. 22, 2014VesselTankBarge
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties			$ 18,795,000
Maximum [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Guarantor obligations, expiration period			2 years
Performance Bonds [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties			$ 11,734,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Settlement amount to Canadian government	$ 2,200,000	$ 2,900,000
Struck by LPG Tanker, the Genesis River [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Number of vessels involved in collision | Vessel				2
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			$ 7,061,000