GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	$ 3,334,185	$ 3,334,185
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)	(252,664)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,081,521	3,081,521	3,086,043
Aggregates
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	2,989,888	2,989,888
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	2,989,888	2,989,888
Concrete
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
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
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