GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	$ 3,347,981		$ 3,334,185
Goodwill of acquired businesses	13,796	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)	[2]	(252,664)	[2]
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,095,317		3,081,521		3,081,521
Aggregates
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	3,003,684		2,989,888
Goodwill of acquired businesses	13,796	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[2]	0	[2]
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	3,003,684		2,989,888
Concrete
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	0		0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[2]	0	[2]
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	0		0
Asphalt Mix
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	91,633		91,633
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	0	[2]	0	[2]
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	91,633		91,633
Cement
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross carrying amount	252,664		252,664
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	(252,664)	[2]	(252,664)	[2]
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses	$ 0		$ 0

[1] The goodwill of acquired businesses relates to the 2014 acquisitions as outlined in Note 16.

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