GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	$ 3,334,185		$ 3,339,380	$ 3,339,380
Goodwill of divested businesses	(5,195)	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)		(252,664)	(252,664)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,081,521		3,086,716	3,086,716
Aggregates [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	2,989,888		2,995,083	2,995,083
Goodwill of divested businesses	(5,195)	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0		0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	2,989,888		2,995,083	2,995,083
Concrete [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	0		0	0
Goodwill of divested businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0		0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	0		0	0
Asphalt Mix [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	91,633		91,633	91,633
Goodwill of divested businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0		0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	91,633		91,633	91,633
Cement
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	252,664		252,664	252,664
Goodwill of divested businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)		(252,664)	(252,664)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0

[1] The goodwill of divested businesses relates to the 2013 divestitures discussed in Note 19.