GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	$ 3,334,185		$ 3,334,185
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)	[1]	(252,664)	[1]
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,081,521		3,081,521		3,081,521
Aggregates
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	2,989,888		2,989,888
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]
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	[1]	0	[1]
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	[1]	0	[1]
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)	[1]	(252,664)	[1]
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	$ 0		$ 0

[1] The goodwill for the Cement segment was fully impaired in 2008.