GOODWILL (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance		$ 3,122,321
Goodwill of acquired businesses		47,294	[1]	$ 27,497
Goodwill, Ending balance		3,169,615		3,122,321
Aggregates [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance		3,030,688
Goodwill of acquired businesses	[1]	47,294
Goodwill, Ending balance		3,077,982		3,030,688
Asphalt [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance		91,633
Goodwill of acquired businesses	[1]	0
Goodwill, Ending balance		91,633		91,633
Concrete [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance		0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	[1]	0
Goodwill, Ending balance		0		0
Calcium [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance		0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	[1]	0
Goodwill, Ending balance		$ 0		$ 0

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