Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	$ 3,339,380	$ 3,339,380
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)	(252,664)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,086,716	3,086,716	3,086,716
Aggregates [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	2,995,083	2,995,083
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	2,995,083	2,995,083
Concrete [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	0	0
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Asphalt Mix [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	91,633	91,633
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	91,633	91,633
Cement [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	252,664	252,664
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)	(252,664)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	$ 0	$ 0