EQUITY (Changes in Total Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
EQUITY [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 6,293,113	$ 5,764,151	$ 6,027,330	$ 5,621,857
Net earnings attributable to Vulcan	176,906	199,788	532,865	469,962
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	(3,938)	(617)	(16,815)	(17,157)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	0	0	0	(26,132)
Share-based compensation expense	7,512	8,019	25,200	23,239
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.37/$0.34/$1.11/$1.02 per share, respectively)	(49,094)	(45,034)	(147,267)	(135,161)
Other comprehensive income (expense)	1,599	2,045	4,785	(8,256)
Balance at end of period	$ 6,426,098	$ 5,928,352	$ 6,426,098	$ 5,928,352
Cash dividend on common stock, per share	$ 0.37	$ 0.34	$ 1.11	$ 1.02