Kirby (KEX) 10-Q 7 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	May 06, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KIRBY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000056047
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7615
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Tax Identification Number	74-1884980
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
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		60,105,000

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 52,333	$ 80,338
Accounts receivable:
Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts	347,275	315,283
Other	171,749	284,899
Inventories - net	326,475	309,675
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	60,685	57,776
Total current assets	958,517	1,047,971
Property and equipment	5,585,574	5,615,400
Accumulated depreciation	(1,704,301)	(1,698,330)
Property and equipment - net	3,881,273	3,917,070
Operating lease right-of-use assets	172,198	174,317
Goodwill	657,800	657,800
Other intangibles, net	66,646	68,979
Other assets	51,652	58,037
Total assets	5,788,086	5,924,174
Current liabilities:
Bank notes payable	434	40
Income taxes payable	489	474
Accounts payable	175,890	162,507
Accrued liabilities	198,487	224,855
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	32,722	32,750
Deferred revenues	45,421	45,406
Total current liabilities	453,443	466,032
Long-term debt, net - less current portion	1,348,904	1,468,546
Deferred income taxes	606,561	606,844
Operating lease liabilities - less current portion	161,133	163,496
Other long-term liabilities	129,301	131,703
Total long-term liabilities	2,245,899	2,370,589
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	846,259	844,979
Accumulated other comprehensive income - net	(61,204)	(61,452)
Retained earnings	2,590,018	2,593,393
Treasury stock - at cost, 5,384,000 shares at March 31, 2021 and 5,434,000 at December 31, 2020	(296,353)	(299,161)
Total Kirby stockholders' equity	3,085,267	3,084,306
Noncontrolling interests	3,477	3,247
Total equity	3,088,744	3,087,553
Total liabilities and equity	$ 5,788,086	$ 5,924,174

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Paren

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
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)	5,384,000	5,434,000

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNING

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 496,850	$ 643,926
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales and operating expenses	363,040	453,568
Selling, general and administrative	69,629	72,080
Taxes, other than on income	8,260	11,406
Depreciation and amortization	54,890	55,786
Impairments and other charges	0	561,274
Gain on disposition of assets	(2,133)	(492)
Total costs and expenses	493,686	1,153,622
Operating income (loss)	3,164	(509,696)
Other income	3,791	2,723
Interest expense	(10,966)	(12,799)
Loss before taxes on income	(4,011)	(519,772)
Benefit for taxes on income	891	172,809
Net loss	(3,120)	(346,963)
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(255)	(278)
Net loss attributable to Kirby	$ (3,375)	$ (347,241)
Net loss per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (5.80)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (5.80)
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 300,951	$ 403,257
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 195,899	$ 240,669

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREH

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (3,120)	$ (346,963)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefits	745	82
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(497)	(1,274)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	248	(1,192)
Total comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(2,872)	(348,155)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(255)	(278)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Kirby	$ (3,127)	$ (348,433)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FL

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (3,120)	$ (346,963)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	54,890	55,786
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(533)	(35,242)
Impairments and other charges	0	561,274
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	5,722	5,331
Amortization of major maintenance costs	8,360	7,103
Other	(1,138)	112
Increase (decrease) in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	38,377	(175,900)
Net cash provided by operating activities	102,558	71,501
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(14,052)	(49,225)
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment	0	(60,422)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	4,754	3,993
Net cash used in investing activities	(9,298)	(105,654)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) on bank credit facilities, net	(119,606)	485,001
Payments on long-term debt	0	(150,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	411	353
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation	(2,045)	(3,165)
Return of investment to noncontrolling interest	(25)	(202)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(121,265)	331,987
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(28,005)	297,834
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	80,338	24,737
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	52,333	322,571
Cash paid (received) during the period:
Interest paid	18,732	21,734
Income taxes refunded	(117,659)	(160)
Operating cash outflow from operating leases	10,688	9,738
Non-cash investing activity:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	(7,207)	(2,707)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$ 6,219	$ 4,677

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHO

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 6,547	$ 835,899	$ (37,799)	$ 2,865,939	$ (301,963)	$ 2,969	$ 3,371,592
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	65,472				(5,513)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	$ 0	26	0	0	$ 327	0	353
Stock option exercises (in shares)	0				15
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures	$ 0	(3,377)	0	0	$ 3,377	0	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures (in shares)	0				61
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	$ 0	0	0	0	$ (3,165)	0	(3,165)
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)	0				(38)
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	$ 0	5,331	0	0	$ 0	0	5,331
Total comprehensive loss, net of taxes	0	0	(1,192)	(347,241)	0	278	(348,155)
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	(202)	(202)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 6,547	837,879	(38,991)	2,518,698	$ (301,424)	3,045	3,025,754
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020	65,472				(5,475)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 6,547	844,979	(61,452)	2,593,393	$ (299,161)	3,247	3,087,553
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	65,472				(5,434)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock option exercises	$ 0	19	0	0	$ 392	0	411
Stock option exercises (in shares)	0				8
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures	$ 0	(4,461)	0	0	$ 4,461	0	0
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures (in shares)	0				81
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting	$ 0	0	0	0	$ (2,045)	0	(2,045)
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares)	0				(39)
Amortization of unearned share-based compensation	$ 0	5,722	0	0	$ 0	0	5,722
Total comprehensive loss, net of taxes	0	0	248	(3,375)	0	255	(2,872)
Return of investment to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	(25)	(25)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 6,547	$ 846,259	$ (61,204)	$ 2,590,018	$ (296,353)	$ 3,477	$ 3,088,744
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021	65,472				(5,384)

Basis for Preparation of the Co

Basis for Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 and its consolidated subsidiaries (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, 2020. Certain reclassifications have been made to reflect the current presentation of financial information. Accounting Standard Adoption In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”) which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740, Income Taxes. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021. There was no material impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures upon adoption of ASU 2019-12.

Revenues

Revenues	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	(2) Revenues The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 224,451 $ 318,565 Coastal transportation 76,500 84,692 $ 300,951 $ 403,257 Distribution and services segment: Commercial and industrial $ 132,908 $ 161,991 Oil and gas 62,991 78,678 $ 195,899 $ 240,669 Contract liabilities represent advance consideration received from customers, and are recognized as revenue over time as the related performance obligation is satisfied. Revenues recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 that were included in the opening contract liability balances were $30,753,000 and $32,386,000, respectively. The Company presents all contract liabilities within the deferred revenues financial statement caption on the balance sheets. The Company did not have any contract assets at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020. 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.

Segment Data

Segment Data	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Data [Abstract]
Segment Data	(3) S 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, 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 $4,903,000 and $10,286,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as well as the related intersegment profit of $490,000 and $1,029,000 for the three months ending March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, have been eliminated from the tables below. The following tables set forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment and total assets (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 300,951 $ 403,257 Distribution and services 195,899 240,669 $ 496,850 $ 643,926 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 1,940 $ 50,716 Distribution and services 2,911 3,718 Other (8,862 ) (574,206 ) $ (4,011 ) $ (519,772 ) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,742,604 $ 4,760,449 Distribution and services 833,794 805,831 Other 211,688 357,894 $ 5,788,086 $ 5,924,174 The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 General corporate expenses $ (3,820 ) $ (3,348 ) Gain on disposition of assets 2,133 492 Impairments and other charges — (561,274 ) Interest expense (10,966 ) (12,799 ) Other income 3,791 2,723 $ (8,862 ) $ (574,206 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets (in thousands): March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 General corporate assets $ 209,971 $ 355,205 Investment in affiliates 1,717 2,689 $ 211,688 $ 357,894

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	(4) Long-Term Debt The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of debt outstanding (in thousands): March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Revolving Credit Facility (a) $ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 Term Loan (a) 375,000 375,000 375,000 375,000 3.29 February 27, 2023 350,000 360,344 350,000 364,538 4.2 March 1, 2028 500,000 546,957 500,000 581,115 Credit line due June 30, 2021 — — — — Bank notes payable 434 434 40 40 1,355,434 1,412,735 1,475,040 1,570,693 Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs (6,096 ) — (6,454 ) — $ 1,349,338 $ 1,412,735 $ 1,468,586 $ 1,570,693 (a) Variable interest rate of at both March and . The fair value of debt outstanding was determined using inputs characteristic of a Level 2 fair value measurement. The following table presents borrowings and payments under the bank credit facilities (in s): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Borrowings on bank credit facilities $ 1,107 $ 582,017 Payments on bank credit facilities (120,713 ) (97,016 ) $ (119,606 ) $ 485,001 The Company has 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, allowing for an $850,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and an unsecured term loan (“Term Loan”) with a maturity date of March 27, 2024. The Term Loan is repayable in quarterly installments currently scheduled to commence September 30, 2023, with $343,750,000 due on March 27, 2024. The Term Loan is prepayable, in whole or in part, without penalty. Outstanding letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility were $5,063,000 and available borrowing capacity was $714,937,000 as of March 31, 2021. Outstanding letters of credit under the $10,000,000 credit line were $1,299,000 and available borrowing capacity was $8,701,000 as of March 31, 2021.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	(5) 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, allocating 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 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 70% 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 were as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31 2021 2020 2021 $ 30,948 $ 40,224 2022 34,976 33,543 2023 29,465 28,012 2024 24,032 23,578 2025 21,606 21,261 Thereafter 97,885 96,491 Total lease payments 238,912 243,109 Less: imputed interest (45,057 ) (46,863 ) Operating lease liabilities $ 193,855 $ 196,246 The following table summarizes lease costs (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 10,392 $ 9,041 Variable lease cost 709 152 Short-term lease cost 3,053 8,277 Sublease income (274 ) (244 ) $ 13,880 $ 17,226 The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases: March 31, December 31 2021 2020 Weighted average discount rate 4.1 % 4.1 % Weighted average remaining lease term 10 years 10 years

Impairments and Other Charges

Impairments and Other Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Impairments and Other Charges [Abstract]
Impairments and Other Charges	(6) Impairments and Other Charges During the 2020 first quarter, Kirby’s market capitalization declined significantly compared to the 2019 fourth quarter. Over the same period, the overall United States stock market also declined significantly amid market volatility. In addition, as a result of uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19 and a sharp decline in oil prices during the 2020 first quarter, many of the Company’s oil and gas customers responded by quickly cutting 2020 capital spending budgets and activity levels quickly declined. Lower activity levels resulted in a decline in drilling activity, resulting in lower demand for new and remanufactured oilfield equipment and related parts and service in the distribution and services segment. As a result, the Company concluded that a triggering event had occurred and performed interim quantitative impairment tests as of March 31, 2020 for certain of the distribution and services segment’s long-lived assets and goodwill. The Company determined the estimated fair value of such long-lived assets and reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis and a market approach for comparable companies. This analysis included management’s judgment regarding short-term and long-term internal forecasts, updated for recent events, appropriate discount rates, and capital expenditures using inputs characteristic of a Level 3 fair value measurement. In performing the impairment test of long-lived assets within the distribution and services segment, the Company determined that the carrying value of certain long-lived assets, including property and equipment as well as intangible assets associated with customer relationships, tradenames, and distributorships, were no longer recoverable, resulting in an impairment charge of (including $ impairment of intangible assets other than goodwill and $ impairment of property and equipment) to reduce such long-lived assets to fair value Based upon the results of the goodwill impairment test, the Company concluded that the carrying value of one reporting unit in the distribution and services segment exceeded its estimated fair value. goodwill impairment charge of was calculated as the amount that the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, and after recording impairments of long-lived assets identified above, exceeded its estimated fair value, In addition, the Company determined cost exceeded net realizable value for certain oilfield and pressure pumping related inventory, resulting in an non-cash write-down

Stock Award Plans

Stock Award Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Stock Award Plans [Abstract]
Stock Award Plans	(7) Stock Award Plans 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 were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Compensation cost $ 5,722 $ 5,331 Income tax benefit $ 1,272 $ 1,262 On March 1, 2021, subject to stockholder approval, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Company’s 2005 Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to, among other things, add 1,400,000 shares of availability. The amendment to the Plan was subsequently approved at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 27, 2021. At March 31, 2021, there were 825,447 shares available for future grants under the Plan. After reflecting stockholder approval of the amendment to the Plan on April 27, 2021, as of such date there were 2,225,447 shares available for future grants under the Plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted 309,506 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to selected officers and other key employees under the Plan, the majority of which vest ratably over five years. During May 2021, the Company granted 27,120 shares of restricted stock to nonemployee directors of the Company under the director stock award plan. The restricted stock vests six months after the date of grant except that restricted stock granted in lieu of cash director fees vests in equal quarterly increments through March 31, 2022.

Taxes on Income

Taxes on Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Taxes on Income [Abstract]
Taxes on Income	(8) Taxes on Income On March the United States Congress passed and the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) into law to address the COVID- pandemic. One provision of the CARES Act allowed net operating losses generated in through to be carried back up to . Pursuant to this provision of the CARES Act, the Company recorded a net federal current benefit for taxes on income for the months ended March due to carrying back net operating losses generated between and used to offset taxable income generated between 2013 and 2017 Net operating losses carried back to tax years 2013 through 2017 were applied at a federal tax rate of applicable to those tax years, compared to a tax rate effective at March during the months ended March At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had a federal income tax receivable of $70,528,000 and $188,177,000, respectively, included in Accounts Receivable – Other on the balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company received a tax refund of $119,493,000, including accrued interest, for its 2019 federal tax return related to net operating losses being carried back to offset taxable income generated between 2014 and 2017. Loss before taxes on income and details of the benefit for taxes on income were as follows (in s): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Loss before taxes on income: United States $ (3,619 ) $ (519,489 ) Foreign (392 ) (283 ) $ (4,011 ) $ (519,772 ) Provision (benefit) for taxes on income: U.S. Federal: Current $ — $ (137,696 ) Deferred (603 ) (23,443 ) U.S. State and local: Current (358 ) 82 Deferred 70 (11,799 ) Foreign - current — 47 $ (891 ) $ (172,809 )

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(9) E The following table presents the components of basic and diluted loss per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Loss attributable to Kirby common stockholders – basic and diluted $ (3,375 ) $ (347,241 ) Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 60,074 59,983 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (58 ) (100 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic and diluted 60,016 59,883 Net loss per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ (0.06 ) $ (5.80 ) Diluted $ (0.06 ) $ (5.80 ) Certain outstanding options to purchase approximately 572,000 and 681,000 shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as such stock options would have been antidilutive. Certain outstanding RSUs to convert to 7,000 and 344,000 shares of common stock were also excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as such RSUs would have been antidilutive.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(10) Inventories The following table presents the details of inventories – net (in thousands) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Finished goods $ 259,319 $ 255,491 Work in process 67,156 54,184 $ 326,475 $ 309,675

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	(11) Retirement Plans The Company sponsors a defined benefit plan for certain of 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’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 Kirby pension plan during 2021. 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 made a contribution of $479,000 to the Higman pension plan during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company does not expect to make any additional contributions during 2021. 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 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plans SERP Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 1,927 $ 1,917 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,584 3,890 8 10 Expected return on plan assets (6,574 ) (6,188 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 1,098 232 10 9 Net periodic benefit cost $ 35 $ (149 ) $ 18 $ 19 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost $ 4 $ 6 Amortization of actuarial gain (113 ) (131 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (109 ) $ (125 )

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	(12) Other Comprehensive Income The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Gross Amount Income Tax Provision Net Amount Gross Amount Income Tax Provision Net Amount Pension and postretirement benefits (a): Amortization of net actuarial loss $ 995 $ (250 ) $ 745 $ 110 $ (28 ) $ 82 Foreign currency translation (497 ) — (497 ) (1,274 ) — (1,274 ) Total $ 498 $ (250 ) $ 248 $ (1,164 ) $ (28 ) $ (1,192 ) (a) Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 11, Retirement Plans)

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Contingencies and Commitments [Abstract]
Contingencies	(13) Contingencies and Commitments On May 10, 2019 , tank barges and a towboat, the M/V Voyager, owned and operated by Kirby Inland Marine, LP (“Kirby Inland Marine”), 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 30015 T and capsized the MMI 3014 . The collision penetrated the hull of the Kirby 30015 T causing its 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 into the cause of the incident. On June 19, 2019 , the Company filed a limitation action in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Texas - Galveston Division seeking limitation of liability and asserting that the Genesis River and her owner/manager are at fault for damages including removal costs and claims under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and maritime law. Multiple claimants have filed claims in the limitation seeking damages under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 . The Company has various insurance policies covering liabilities including pollution, marine and general liability and believes that it has satisfactory insurance coverage for the potential liabilities arising from the incident. The Company believes its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate 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 10, 2018 , the Heiltsuk First Nation filed a civil action in the British Columbia Supreme Court 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 May 1, 2019 , the Company filed a limitation action in the Federal Court of Canada seeking limitation of liability relating to the incident as provided under admiralty law. The Heiltsuk First Nation’s civil claim has been consolidated into the Federal Court limitation action as of July 26, 2019 and it is expected that the Federal Court of Canada will decide all claims against the Company. The Company is unable to estimate the potential exposure in the civil 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 its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate 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 , tank barges and a towboat, the M/V Miss Susan, owned by Kirby Inland Marine, 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 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 its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate 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 its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate 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 at March 31, 2021, including in letters of credit and in performance bonds. All of these instruments have an expiration date within . The Company does not believe demand for payment under these instruments is likely and expects no material cash outlays to occur regarding these instruments.

Basis for Preparation of the _2

Basis for Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Basis for Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounting Standards Adoption	Accounting Standard Adoption In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”) which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740, Income Taxes. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021. There was no material impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures upon adoption of ASU 2019-12.

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues by Major Source	The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Marine transportation segment: Inland transportation $ 224,451 $ 318,565 Coastal transportation 76,500 84,692 $ 300,951 $ 403,257 Distribution and services segment: Commercial and industrial $ 132,908 $ 161,991 Oil and gas 62,991 78,678 $ 195,899 $ 240,669

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Data [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables set forth the Company’s revenues and profit or loss by reportable segment and total assets (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Revenues: Marine transportation $ 300,951 $ 403,257 Distribution and services 195,899 240,669 $ 496,850 $ 643,926 Segment profit (loss): Marine transportation $ 1,940 $ 50,716 Distribution and services 2,911 3,718 Other (8,862 ) (574,206 ) $ (4,011 ) $ (519,772 ) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Total assets: Marine transportation $ 4,742,604 $ 4,760,449 Distribution and services 833,794 805,831 Other 211,688 357,894 $ 5,788,086 $ 5,924,174
Other Segment Reporting Information	The following table presents the details of “Other” segment loss (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 General corporate expenses $ (3,820 ) $ (3,348 ) Gain on disposition of assets 2,133 492 Impairments and other charges — (561,274 ) Interest expense (10,966 ) (12,799 ) Other income 3,791 2,723 $ (8,862 ) $ (574,206 ) The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets (in thousands): March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 General corporate assets $ 209,971 $ 355,205 Investment in affiliates 1,717 2,689 $ 211,688 $ 357,894

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying Values and Fair Values of Debt Outstanding	The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of debt outstanding (in thousands): March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Revolving Credit Facility (a) $ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 Term Loan (a) 375,000 375,000 375,000 375,000 3.29 February 27, 2023 350,000 360,344 350,000 364,538 4.2 March 1, 2028 500,000 546,957 500,000 581,115 Credit line due June 30, 2021 — — — — Bank notes payable 434 434 40 40 1,355,434 1,412,735 1,475,040 1,570,693 Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs (6,096 ) — (6,454 ) — $ 1,349,338 $ 1,412,735 $ 1,468,586 $ 1,570,693 (a) Variable interest rate of at both March and .
Borrowings and Payments Under the Bank Credit Facilities	The following table presents borrowings and payments under the bank credit facilities (in s): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Borrowings on bank credit facilities $ 1,107 $ 582,017 Payments on bank credit facilities (120,713 ) (97,016 ) $ (119,606 ) $ 485,001

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 were as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31 2021 2020 2021 $ 30,948 $ 40,224 2022 34,976 33,543 2023 29,465 28,012 2024 24,032 23,578 2025 21,606 21,261 Thereafter 97,885 96,491 Total lease payments 238,912 243,109 Less: imputed interest (45,057 ) (46,863 ) Operating lease liabilities $ 193,855 $ 196,246
Lease Cost	The following table summarizes lease costs (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 10,392 $ 9,041 Variable lease cost 709 152 Short-term lease cost 3,053 8,277 Sublease income (274 ) (244 ) $ 13,880 $ 17,226
Operating Leases, Weighted Average Discount Rate and Remaining Lease Term	The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases: March 31, December 31 2021 2020 Weighted average discount rate 4.1 % 4.1 % Weighted average remaining lease term 10 years 10 years

Stock Award Plans (Tables)

Stock Award Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Stock Award Plans [Abstract]
Compensation Cost Breakdown in Statement of Earnings	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 were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Compensation cost $ 5,722 $ 5,331 Income tax benefit $ 1,272 $ 1,262

Taxes on Income (Tables)

Taxes on Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Taxes on Income [Abstract]
Loss Before Taxes	Loss before taxes on income and details of the benefit for taxes on income were as follows (in s): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Loss before taxes on income: United States $ (3,619 ) $ (519,489 ) Foreign (392 ) (283 ) $ (4,011 ) $ (519,772 ) Provision (benefit) for taxes on income: U.S. Federal: Current $ — $ (137,696 ) Deferred (603 ) (23,443 ) U.S. State and local: Current (358 ) 82 Deferred 70 (11,799 ) Foreign - current — 47 $ (891 ) $ (172,809 )

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share	The following table presents the components of basic and diluted loss per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Loss attributable to Kirby common stockholders – basic and diluted $ (3,375 ) $ (347,241 ) Shares outstanding: Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding 60,074 59,983 Weighted average unvested restricted stock (58 ) (100 ) Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic and diluted 60,016 59,883 Net loss per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Basic $ (0.06 ) $ (5.80 ) Diluted $ (0.06 ) $ (5.80 )

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Inventories [Abstract]
Details of Inventories	The following table presents the details of inventories – net (in thousands) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Finished goods $ 259,319 $ 255,491 Work in process 67,156 54,184 $ 326,475 $ 309,675

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Pension Benefits [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 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Pension Plans SERP Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 1,927 $ 1,917 $ — $ — Interest cost 3,584 3,890 8 10 Expected return on plan assets (6,574 ) (6,188 ) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 1,098 232 10 9 Net periodic benefit cost $ 35 $ (149 ) $ 18 $ 19
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 were as follows (in thousands): Other Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Welfare Plan Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost $ 4 $ 6 Amortization of actuarial gain (113 ) (131 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (109 ) $ (125 )

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The Company’s changes in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Gross Amount Income Tax Provision Net Amount Gross Amount Income Tax Provision Net Amount Pension and postretirement benefits (a): Amortization of net actuarial loss $ 995 $ (250 ) $ 745 $ 110 $ (28 ) $ 82 Foreign currency translation (497 ) — (497 ) (1,274 ) — (1,274 ) Total $ 498 $ (250 ) $ 248 $ (1,164 ) $ (28 ) $ (1,192 ) (a) Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 11, Retirement Plans)

Revenues (Details)

Revenues (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 496,850,000	$ 643,926,000
Revenue recognized	30,753,000	32,386,000
Marine Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	300,951,000	403,257,000
Marine Transportation [Member] | Inland Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	224,451,000	318,565,000
Marine Transportation [Member] | Coastal Transportation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	76,500,000	84,692,000
Distribution and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	195,899,000	240,669,000
Distribution and Services [Member] | Commercial and Industrial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	132,908,000	161,991,000
Distribution and Services [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Revenues by major source	$ 62,991,000	$ 78,678,000

Revenues, Remaining Performance

Revenues, Remaining Performance Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 0	$ 0
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year

Segment Data (Details)

Segment Data (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)Segment	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Segment Data [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	2
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 496,850,000	$ 643,926,000
Segment profit (loss)	(4,011,000)	(519,772,000)
Total assets	5,788,086,000		$ 5,924,174,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Gain on disposition of assets	2,133,000	492,000
Interest expense	(10,966,000)	(12,799,000)
Loss before taxes on income	(4,011,000)	(519,772,000)
Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	300,951,000	403,257,000
Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	195,899,000	240,669,000
Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment profit (loss)	(8,862,000)	(574,206,000)
Total assets	211,688,000		357,894,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
General corporate expenses	(3,820,000)	(3,348,000)
Gain on disposition of assets	2,133,000	492,000
Impairments and other charges	0	(561,274,000)
Interest expense	(10,966,000)	(12,799,000)
Other income	3,791,000	2,723,000
Loss before taxes on income	(8,862,000)	(574,206,000)
Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract]
General corporate assets	209,971,000		355,205,000
Investment in affiliates	1,717,000		2,689,000
Total other assets	211,688,000		357,894,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Marine Transportation [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	300,951,000	403,257,000
Segment profit (loss)	1,940,000	50,716,000
Total assets	4,742,604,000		4,760,449,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Loss before taxes on income	1,940,000	50,716,000
Reporting Segments [Member] | Distribution and Services [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	195,899,000	240,669,000
Segment profit (loss)	2,911,000	3,718,000
Total assets	833,794,000		$ 805,831,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Loss before taxes on income	2,911,000	3,718,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	4,903,000	10,286,000
Segment profit (loss)	490,000	1,029,000
Other segment disclosures [Abstract]
Loss before taxes on income	$ 490,000	$ 1,029,000

Long-Term Debt, Carrying Value

Long-Term Debt, Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value		$ 1,355,434,000	$ 1,475,040,000
Fair value		1,412,735,000	1,570,693,000
Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs		(6,096,000)	(6,454,000)
Long-term Debt		1,349,338,000	1,468,586,000
3.29% Senior Notes Due February, 27 2023 [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value		350,000,000	350,000,000
Fair value		$ 360,344,000	364,538,000
Interest rate		3.29%
Maturity Date		Feb. 27, 2023
4.2% Senior Notes Due March 1, 2028 [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value		$ 500,000,000	500,000,000
Fair value		$ 546,957,000	581,115,000
Interest rate		4.20%
Maturity Date		Mar. 1, 2028
Credit line due June 30, 2021 [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value		$ 0	0
Fair value		0	0
Bank Note Payable [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value		434,000	40,000
Fair value		434,000	40,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	[1]	130,000,000	250,000,000
Fair value	[1]	$ 130,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Variable interest rates		1.50%	1.50%
Term Loan [Member]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Carrying value	[1]	$ 375,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Fair value	[1]	375,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Long-term Debt		$ 343,750,000
Variable interest rates		1.50%	1.50%
[1]	Variable interest rate of 1.5% at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Long-Term Debt, Borrowings and

Long-Term Debt, Borrowings and Payments under Bank Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Borrowings and Payments under the Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Borrowings (Payments) on bank credit facilities	$ (119,606)	$ 485,001
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Borrowings and Payments under the Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Borrowings on bank credit facilities	1,107	582,017
Payments on bank credit facilities	(120,713)	(97,016)
Borrowings (Payments) on bank credit facilities	$ (119,606)	$ 485,001

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Term loan	$ 1,349,338,000	$ 1,468,586,000
Credit line due June 30, 2021 [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity	8,701,000
Credit facility, amount outstanding	10,000,000
Credit facility and borrowings, amount available	1,299,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 850,000,000
Credit facility, expiration date	Mar. 27, 2024
Credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 5,063,000
Credit facility and borrowings, amount available	$ 714,937,000
Term Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Credit facility, expiration date	Mar. 27, 2024
Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment	quarterly
Term loan	$ 343,750,000

Leases, Future Minimum Lease Pa

Leases, Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Percentage of costs relate to service costs for leased towing vessels	70.00%
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases [Abstract]
2021	$ 30,948
2022/2021	34,976	$ 40,224
2023/2022	29,465	33,543
2024/2023	24,032	28,012
2025/2024	21,606	23,578
2025		21,261
Thereafter	97,885
Thereafter		96,491
Total lease payments	238,912	243,109
Less: imputed interest	(45,057)	(46,863)
Operating lease liabilities	$ 193,855	$ 196,246

Leases, Lease Cost (Details)

Leases, Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Lease Cost [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 10,392	$ 9,041
Variable lease cost	709	152
Short-term lease cost	3,053	8,277
Sublease income	(274)	(244)
Total lease cost	$ 13,880	$ 17,226

Leases, Other Supplemental Info

Leases, Other Supplemental Information (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Supplemental Information about Operating Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	4.10%	4.10%
Weighted average remaining lease term	10 years	10 years

Impairments and Other Charges (

Impairments and Other Charges (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Impairments and Other Charges [Abstract]
Impairment charge	$ 165,304,000
Impairment of intangible assets other than goodwill	148,909,000
Impairment of property and equipment	16,395,000
Goodwill impairment charge	387,970,000
Non-cash write-down	$ 8,000,000

Stock Award Plans, Compensation

Stock Award Plans, Compensation Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Stock Award Plans [Abstract]
Compensation cost	$ 5,722	$ 5,331
Income tax benefit	$ 1,272	$ 1,262

Stock Award Plans (Details)

Stock Award Plans (Details) - shares	Mar. 01, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 27, 2021
2005 Stock and Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	1,400,000
Shares available for future grants (in shares)		825,447
2005 Stock and Incentive Plan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)			2,225,447
Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] | RSUs [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Number of restricted stock and units granted (in shares)		309,506
Vesting period		5 years
Director Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract]
Number of restricted stock and units granted (in shares)		27,120
Vesting period		6 months

Taxes on Income (Details)

Taxes on Income (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	21.00%		35.00%
Income tax receivable	$ 70,528,000			$ 188,177,000
Tax refund amount	119,493,000
Loss before taxes on income [Abstract]
Loss before taxes on income	(4,011,000)	$ (519,772,000)
U.S. Federal [Abstract]
Current	0	(137,696,000)
Deferred	(603,000)	(23,443,000)
U.S. State and local [Abstract]
Current	(358,000)	82,000
Deferred	70,000	(11,799,000)
Foreign - current	0	47,000
Total provision (benefit) for taxes on income	$ (891,000)	(172,809,000)
COVID-19 [Member]
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating losses tax year	2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Tax benefit related to CARES Act		(50,824,000)
COVID-19 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Number of years net operating losses carried	5 years
United States [Member]
Loss before taxes on income [Abstract]
Loss before taxes on income	$ (3,619,000)	(519,489,000)
Foreign [Member]
Loss before taxes on income [Abstract]
Loss before taxes on income	$ (392,000)	$ (283,000)

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Loss attributable to Kirby common stockholders - basic	$ (3,375)	$ (347,241)
Loss attributable to Kirby common stockholders - diluted	$ (3,375)	$ (347,241)
Shares outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares)	60,074,000	59,983,000
Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares)	(58,000)	(100,000)
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic (in shares)	60,016,000	59,883,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding - diluted (in shares)	60,016,000	59,883,000
Net loss per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (5.80)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (5.80)
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	572,000	681,000
RSUs [Member]
Net loss per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	7,000	344,000

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Details of inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 259,319	$ 255,491
Work in process	67,156	54,184
Inventories - net	$ 326,475	$ 309,675

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
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
Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage	4.00%
Higman [Member]
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Pension contributions	$ 479,000
Pension Plans [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,927,000	$ 1,917,000
Interest cost	3,584,000	3,890,000
Expected return on plan assets	(6,574,000)	(6,188,000)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	1,098,000	232,000
Net periodic benefit cost	35,000	(149,000)
SERP [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	8,000	10,000
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	10,000	9,000
Net periodic benefit cost	18,000	19,000
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	4,000	6,000
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	(113,000)	(131,000)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (109,000)	$ (125,000)

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, gross amount	[1]	$ 995	$ 110
Amortization of net actuarial loss, income tax provision	[1]	(250)	(28)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net amount	[1]	745	82
Foreign currency translation, gross amount		(497)	(1,274)
Foreign currency translation, income tax provision		0	0
Foreign currency translation, net amount		(497)	(1,274)
Total other comprehensive income, gross amount		498	(1,164)
Total other comprehensive income, income tax provision		(250)	(28)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		$ 248	$ (1,192)
[1]	Actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 11, Retirement Plans)

Contingencies and Commitments (

Contingencies and Commitments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)Trial	May 10, 2019Vessel	Mar. 22, 2014TankBargeVessel
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 23,522,000
Maximum [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Guarantor obligations, expiration period	3 years
Performance Bonds [Member]
Guaranties [Abstract]
Issued guaranties	$ 9,644,000
Struck by LPG Tanker, the Genesis River [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Number of vessels involved in collision | Vessel		2
Number of trials | Trial	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	$ 13,878,000