GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 3,094,824
Goodwill of acquired businesses	6,417	[1]
Goodwill of divested businesses	0
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,101,241
Aggregates [Member]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	3,003,191
Goodwill of acquired businesses	6,417	[1]
Goodwill of divested businesses	0
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,009,608
Asphalt Mix [Member]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	91,633
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill of divested businesses	0
Goodwill, Ending balance	91,633
Concrete [Member]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill of divested businesses	0
Goodwill, Ending balance	0
Calcium [Member]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill of divested businesses	0
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 0

[1] See Note 16 for a summary of the current year acquisitions.