Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Total Net sales Shipping and Handling Revenue Delivery revenues Delivery revenues Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold, Total Cost of Goods Sold Delivery revenues Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs Delivery costs Gross profit Gross Profit Total gross profit Selling, administrative and general expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Selling, General and Administrative Expense Operating earnings Operating Income (Loss), Total Operating earnings Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Other income, net Interest expense, net Interest expense, net Interest expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest, Total Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Provision for income taxes Income Taxes [Abstract] Benefit from income taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations Provision (benefit) for income taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations Benefit from income taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent, Total Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Earnings on discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 2) Earnings on discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 2) Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss Net earnings (loss) Net earnings (loss) Basic earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Earnings Per Share, Basic Net earnings (loss) per share Net earnings per share Diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Continuing operations Discontinued operations Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net earnings (loss) per share Net earnings (loss) per share Net earnings per share Cash dividends declared per share of common stock Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution Assuming dilution Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Medium-term investments Short-term Investments, Total Short-term Investments Inventories Inventory, Net, Total Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid expenses Total current assets Assets, Current, Total Assets, Current Investments and long-term receivables Long-term Investments and Receivables, Net, Total Long-term Investments and Receivables, Net Property, plant & equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Less current maturities of long-term debt Current maturities of long-term debt Short-term Borrowings Total short-term borrowings Short-term borrowings Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current, Total Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Total long-term debt Long-term debt Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income tax liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred income taxes Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Other commitments and contingencies (Notes 13 & 19) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $1 par value Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained earnings Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Shareholders' equity Balance Begining Balance Ending Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization Pension Contributions Contributions to pension plans Total contributions to pension plans Contributions to pension plans Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Share-based Compensation Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property, plant & equipment Purchases of property, plant & equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Purchases of property, plant & equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Cash proceeds from divestiture Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Payment for businesses acquired, including acquisition costs and net of acquired cash Redemption of medium-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used for investing activities Net cash used for investing activities Net cash used for investing activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net short-term payments Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Total Net short-term payments Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discounts Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net proceeds from the sale of the shares in a public offering Net proceeds from issuance of common stock to the trustee under 401(k) savings and retirement plan Proceeds from issuance of common stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used for financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and company information. Segment Reporting - Continuing Operations [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Continuing Operations. Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories [Abstract] Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Credit Facilities, Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt. Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Benefit Plans [Abstract] Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Other Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Segment Reporting- Continuing Operations Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract] Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract] Correction of errors on Consolidated Statement of Earnings Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Correction of errors on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Correction of error on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Debt issuance costs Dividends paid Other, net Total revenues Cost of revenues Net Gain On Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment And Businesses Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses The difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of a property, plant, and equipment asset that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss). Other intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Trade payables and accruals Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Other, net Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Other Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Sales Revenue, Net Cost of Goods and Services Sold Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts Inventories Finished products Inventory, Finished Goods, Total Inventory, Finished Goods Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Total Inventory, Raw Materials Products in process Inventory, Work in Process Property, plant & equipment, cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Reserve for depr., depl. & amort. Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Reserve for depr., depl. & amort. Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other current liabilities Total revenues Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate Effective tax rate from continuing operations Effective tax rate from continuing operations Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions Net cash used for financing activities Net cash provided by operating activities Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract] Earnings Per Share (EPS) Earnings Per Share (EPS) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Medium-term Investments [Abstract] Medium-Term Investments. Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements. Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill. Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Other Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Other Commitments And Contingencies. Antidilutive common stock equivalents Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Details. Results From Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Results from discontinued operations Results From Discontinued Operations. Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Earnings (loss) from results of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Earnings from results Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income tax provision Income tax (provision) benefit Income tax (provision) benefit Weighted-average common shares outstanding Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of other stock compensation plans / stock options Dilutive effect of stock options/SOSARs/other stock compensation plans Antidilutive common stock equivalents Antidilutive common stock equivalents [Abstract] Antidilutive common stock equivalents Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Income Taxes (Details) [Abstract] Income Taxes Details. Medium-term Investments (Details) [Abstract] Medium-term Investments Details. Discontinued Operations (Textuals) [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Textuals. Payment Received Under 5Cp Earn Out Payments received under 5CP earn-out Payments received under the 5CP earn-out. Total Payment Received Under 5 Cp Earn Out Total payments received under the 5CP earn-out Total payments received under the 5CP earn-out. Income Taxes Textuals Abstract Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract] Income Taxes Textuals. Medium-term Investments (Textuals) [Abstract] Medium-term Investments (Textuals) [Abstract] Medium Term Investments Textuals. Balances reported on accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts Discontinued Operations (Textuals) [Abstract] Stock options/SOSARs [Member] Other stock compensation plans [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Medium-term investments principal balance Medium term investments principal balances in money market and other money funds. Medium-term investments principal balance Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Axis. Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Domain. Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements [Axis] Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements [Axis] Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements [Domain] Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements [Domain] Selling, administrative and general expenses Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Details) [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Eps Details Abstract. Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Tables) [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Eps Tables Abstract. Fair Value Measurements (Tables) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Tables Abstract. Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Details Abstract. Fair Value Measurement On Recurring Basis Net liability Net liability Net (asset) liability Fair Value Measurement On Recurring Basis Net Liability. Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities Interest rate derivative Interest rate derivative Interest rate derivative Goodwill (Tables) [Abstract] Goodwill Tables Abstract. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment Text Block Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill By Reportable Segment Text Block. Goodwill (Details) [Abstract] Goodwill Details Abstract. Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill impairment loss Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Cement [Member] Cement [Member] Cement Member. Aggregates [Member] Aggregates [Member] Aggregates Member. Comprehensive Income (Tables) [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Tables Abstract. Total comprehensive income Text Block Total comprehensive income (loss) Total Comprehensive Income Text Block. Comprehensive Income (Details) [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Details Abstract. Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges included in net earnings (loss), net of tax Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedge amounts included in net loss, net of tax Pension and postretirement plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax Cash flow hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables) [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Tables Abstract. Supplemental Cash Flow Information Text Block Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information Text Block. Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Details Abstract. Supplemental Cash Flows Information Abstract Supplemental Cash Flows Information Supplemental Cash Flows Information Abstract. Income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total Income Taxes Paid, Net Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Abstract] Shareholders Equity Details Abstract. Shareholders Equity Textuals Abstract Shareholders' Equity (Textuals) [Abstract] Shareholders Equity Textuals Abstract. Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Value of common shares issued in a public offering Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Number of common shares issued to the trustee under 401(k) savings and retirement plan Number of common shares issued in a public offering Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Investments Medium-term investments Equities Equities Fair value recurring Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) Fair value adjustments to cash flow hedges, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Amortization of pension and postretirement plan actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Capitalization [Text Block] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Cash payments (refunds) Noncash investing and financing activities Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Price of common shares Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Pension and postretirement plans Shares Issued Upon Full Exercise Of Underwriters Option To Purchase Additional Shares Shares issued upon full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares Shares issued upon full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares. Derivative Instruments (Tables) [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Tables. Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Fair values of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Text Block] Effects of cash flow hedge derivative instruments on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings Derivative Instruments (Details) [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Details. Derivative Liability, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair values of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Abstract] Effects of cash flow hedge derivative instruments on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings Benefit Plans (Tables) [Abstract] Benefit Plans Tables. Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Text Block] Components of net periodic benefit cost Benefit Plans (Details) [Abstract] Benefit Plans Details. Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic pension/postretirement benefit cost PENSION BENEFITS [Member] OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Components of net periodic benefit cost Derivative Instruments Textuals Abstract Derivative Instruments Textuals. Derivative Instruments (Textuals) [Abstract] Benefit Plans Textuals Abstract Benefit Plans Textuals. Benefit Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Other Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Abstract] Other Commitments and Contingencies Details. Other Commitments and Contingencies Textuals Abstract Other Commitments and Contingencies Textuals. Other Commitments and Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract] Case pending Cases pending in United States Virgin Islands Cases pending in United States Virgin Islands Discontinued Operation, Amount of Adjustment to Prior Period Gain (Loss) on Disposal, before Income Tax Gain on disposal of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Amount of Adjustment to Prior Period Gain (Loss) on Disposal, before Income Tax, Total Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 - Income Taxes recognition threshold for uncertain tax positions For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we initially and subsequently measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 - Income Taxes recognition threshold for uncertain tax positions Other noncurrent liabilities [Member] Other noncurrent liabilities Member. Interest rate derivatives [Member] Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification of Defined Benefit Plan's Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Pretax reclassification from OCI included in net periodic pension (postretirement) benefit cost Pretax reclassifications from other comprehensive income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Standby Letters of Credit (Tables) [Abstract] Standby Letters Of Credit Tables Abstract. Standby Letters Of Credit Textblock Standby letters of credit Standby Letters Of Credit Textblock. Standby Letters of Credit (Details) [Abstract] Standby Letters of Credit Details Abstract. Financial requirement for industrial revenue bond Financial requirement for industrial revenue bond Financial requirement for industrial revenue bond Financial requirement for industrial revenue bond. Contractual reclamation restoration requirements Contractual reclamation/restoration requirements. Contractual reclamation/restoration requirements Payment surety required by utilities Payment surety required by utilities. Payment surety required by utilities Risk management requirement for insurance claims Risk management requirement for insurance claims. Risk management requirement for insurance claims Standby Letters Of Credit (Textuals) [Abstract] Standby Letters of Credit (Textuals) [Abstract] Standby Letters Of Credit Textuals Abstract. Amount backed by bank credit facility Amount backed by bank credit facility. Amount backed by bank credit facility Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables) [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligations Tables Abstract. Aro Operating Costs Text Block ARO operating costs Aro Operating Costs Text Block. Reconciliations of Aro Text Block Reconciliations of Aro Text Block. Reconciliations of ARO Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation Details Abstract. Aro Operating Costs [Abstract] ARO operating costs Aro Operating Costs Abstract. Asset Retirement Obligation Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Asset Retirement Obligation, Total Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Revisions up (down) Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Accretion Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Liabilities settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities incurred Segment Reporting - Continuing Operations (Details) [Abstract] Segment Reporting Continuing Operations Details Abstract. Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Segment Financial Disclosure Segment Reporting - Continuing Operations (Tables) [Abstract] Segment Reporting Continuing Operations Tables Abstract. Segment Financial Disclosure Text Block Segment Financial Disclosure Text Block. Segment Financial Disclosure Segment Reporting Information, Revenue from External Customers Net sales Net sales Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Intersegment sales Intersegment sales Segment Reporting Information, Revenue Net sales Segment revenues Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Tables) [Abstract] Credit Facilities Short term Borrowings and Long term Debt Tables Abstract Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Details) [Abstract] Credit Facilities Short Term Borrowings And Long Term Debt Details Abstract. Long-term debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings [Abstract] Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted-average interest rate Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Industrial revenue bonds [Member] Industrial revenue bonds Member. Other notes [Member] Other notes Member. Private placement notes [Member] Private placement notes Member. 10.125% 2015 notes issued 2009 [Member] 10.125% 2015 notes issued 2009 [Member] Notes Issued One Member. 10.375% 2018 notes issued 2009 [Member] 10.375% 2018 notes issued 2009 [Member] Notes Issued Two Member. 6.30% 5-year notes issued 2008 [Member] 6.30% 5-year notes issued 2008 [Member] Notes Issued Three Member. 7.00% 10-year notes issued 2008 7.00% 10-year notes issued 2008 Notes Issued Four Member. 3-year floating notes issued 2007 3-year floating notes issued 2007 Notes Issued Five Member. 5.60% 5-year notes issued 2007 [Member] 5.60% 5-year notes issued 2007 [Member] Notes Issued Six Member. 6.40% 10-year notes issued 2007 [Member] 6.40% 10-year notes issued 2007 [Member] Notes Issued Seven Member. 7.15% 30-year notes issued 2007 [Member] 7.15% 30-year notes issued 2007 [Member] Notes Issued Eight Member. Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Textuals) [Abstract] Credit Facilities Short term Borrowings and Long term Debt Textuals Abstract. Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Textuals) [Abstract] Maximum total debt as a percentage of total capital Maximum total debt as a percentage of total capital. Maximum total debt as a percentage of total capital Total debt as a percentage of total capital Total debt as a percentage of total capital. Total debt as a percentage of total capital Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Medium-term Notes [Member] Maturity period of notes Maturity period of notes (In years) Maturity period of notes. Total Aro Operating Costs Total Aro Operating Costs. Total Revenues [Abstract] TOTAL REVENUES Gross Profit [Abstract] GROSS PROFIT Standby Letters of Credit [Abstract] Standby letters of credit Standby Letters of Credit Abstract. Schedule of Short-term Debt [Text Block] Short-term borrowings Commercial Paper Commercial paper Commercial paper Aggregate notional amount of swaps Long-term Debt Issuance of fixed-rate debt Total debt excluding short-term borrowings Estimated fair value of total long-term debt [Member] Secured Debt Secured Debt, Total Secured long-term debt, including current maturities Long-term notes issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Face amount of syndicated term loan issued Long-term notes issued [Member] Long term notes issued member. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Coupon rate of notes Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Decrease in unamortized discounts Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Applicable credit spread Effective interest rate Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] 3-year floating loan issued 2008 [Member] Asset Retirement Obligation Depreciation Expense Depreciation Asset Retirement Obligation Depreciation Expense. Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Total unsecured bank lines of credit Amount of bank credit facility Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Domain] Debt Instrument, Fair Value Estimated fair value of total long-term debt Liabilities Of Assets Held For Sale Current liabilites Liabilities of assets held for sale Total liabilities of assets held for sale Payment of current maturities and long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Payment of curent maturities and lomg-term debt Assets Held-for-sale, Current Assets held for sale Total assets held for sale Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net, Total Loss recognized in OCI (effective portion) Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value Total derivatives liability Cash Flow Hedge Loss Reclassified to Interest Expense Loss reclassified from Accumulated OCI (effective portion) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of actuarial loss Amortization of actuarial loss Interest Paid, Net Interest Paid, Net, Total Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized) Notes Issued Debt issued for purchases of property, plant & equipment Pretax gains from discontinued operations related to insurance settlements Pretax gains from discontinued operations related to insurance settlements Pretax gains from discontinued operations related to insurance settlements. Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Abstract] Fair value recurring Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Abstract] Fair value recurring Fair Value Measurement Textuals Abstract Fair Value Measurement. Fair Value Measurement (Textuals) [Abstract] Concrete [Member] Concrete. Asphalt mix [Member] Asphalt mix. Corporate and other unallocated [Member] Corporate and other unallocated. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction [Abstract] Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization Divestitures (Details) [Abstract] Divestitures. Divestitures Text Block Acquisitions and Divestitures Divestitures. Classification of assets and liabilities held for sale Text Block Classification of assets and liabilities held for sale. Classification of assets and liabilities held for sale Classification Of Assets And Liabilities Held For Sale Abstract Classification of assets and liabilities held for sale. Classification of assets and liabilities held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant & equipment, net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Discontinued operations Claims against damages Claims against damages, IDOT/Joliet Road lawsuit Claims against damages, IDOT/Joliet Road lawsuit. Segment Reporting Information, Goodwill Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Segment Reporting Information, Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense Segment Reporting Information, Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense, Total Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization Rabbi Trust Level One Abstract Rabbi Trust Level One. Rabbi Trust Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis Of Presentation. Medium Term Investment Text Block Medium-term Investments Medium Term Investment. Standby Letters of Credit Text Block Standby Letters of Credit. Standby Letters of Credit New Accounting Standards [Abstract] New Accounting Standards. New Accounting Standards Text Block New Accounting Standards. New Accounting Standards Assets held for sale current assets Current assets Assets held for sale current assets. Other Assets Held-for-sale, Current Other assets Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract] Acquisitions and Pending Divestitures [Abstract] Excess cash received under 5 Cp earn out Excess cash received under 5CP earn-out. Excess cash received under 5CP earn-out Earnings Per Share Eps Textuals Abstract Earnings Per Share (EPS). Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Textuals) [Abstract] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities on recurring basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities on recurring basis Divestitures (Textuals) [Abstract] Divestitures. Pricing of bank loan over Libor Pricing of bank loan over LIBOR, basis points (as a percentage) Pricing of bank loan over LIBOR. New Accounting Standards (Policies) [Abstract] New Accounting Standards Policies. Shares Remaining Under Current Authorization Repurchase Program Shares remaining under the current authorization repurchase program Shares Remaining Under Current Authorization Repurchase Program. Cash transaction bonus payable Cash transaction bonus payable. Cash transaction bonus payable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Accounts and notes receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Accounts and notes receivable, gross Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts and notes receivable, net Other Inventory, Supplies Operating supplies and other Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract] Property, plant & equipment Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Text Block Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted average common shares outstanding Text Block. Cumulative cash receipts received under Ecu earn out Cumulative cash receipts received under ECU earn-out. Cumulative cash receipts received under ECU earn-out Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Net Asset Net asset Net asset Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Net Asset. Contributions to pension plans in cash Contributions to pension plans in cash Contributions to pension plans in cash. Contributions to pension plans in stock Contributions to pension plans in stock Contributions to pension plans in stock. Value per share of shares contributed to pension plans Value per share of shares contributed to pension plans. Value per share of shares contributed to pension plans Stock Issued Stock issued for pension contribution (Note 9) Discontinued Operations (Tables) [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Results From Discontinued Operations Text Block Results from discontinued operations Results from discontinued operations. Number of other parties sued in the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up Number of other parties sued in the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up Number of other parties sued in the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up Number of other companies to perform a Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study related to the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up lawsuit Number of other companies to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study related to the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up lawsuit Number of other companies to perform a Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study related to the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up lawsuit. Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurement Text Block Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-6, "Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements" Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements. Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Contribution towards qualified and nonqualified pension plan Goodwill Gross Carrying Amount Goodwill gross carrying amount, ending balance Goodwill gross carrying amount, beginning balance Goodwill Gross Carrying Amount Goodwill Gross Carrying Amount. Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses Goodwill accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Goodwill accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses. Notional amount of 3-year interest rate swap agreement Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Interest rate swap agreement on 3-year notes Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Notional amount for forward starting interest rate swap agreements Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Number of forward starting interest rate swap agreements Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Fixed interest rate paid under swap agreement Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Estimated amount of pretax loss accumulated in Other Comprehensive Income related to interest rate swap that would be reclassified to earnings Cash Payment For Settlement Of Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Cash payment for settlement of forward starting interest rate swap. Cash payment for settlement of forward starting interest rate swap Increase in shareholders' equity from issuance of common shares to pension plan Increase in shareholders' equity from issuance of common shares to pension plan. Increase in shareholders' equity from issuance of common shares to pension plan Rabbi Trust Mutual Funds [Member] Rabbi trust mutual funds. Rabbi Trust Common Collective Trust Funds [Member] Rabbi Trust Common/Collective Trust Funds [Member] Rabbi trust common/collective trust funds. Medium-term Investments [Member] Medium term Investments Member. Number of common shares issued to pension plan Number of common shares issued to pension plan. Number of common shares issued to pension plan Total contributions cash and stock to qualified pension plans Total contributions (cash and stock) to qualified pension plans. Total contributions (cash and stock) to qualified pension plans Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Increase in shareholders equity from issuance of common shares in a public offering Increase in shareholders' equity from issuance of common shares in a public offering. Increase in shareholders' equity from issuance of common shares in a public offering Rabbi Trust Equities [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Domain] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements [Table] Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements [Line Items] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Number of common shares issued to pension plans Number of shares contributed to pension plans Number of shares contributed to pension plans. Anti-trust complaints Complaints in Florida Antitrust Litigation Complaints in Florida Antitrust Litigation. Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Minimum days of maturity Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Maximum days of maturity Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Charge for legal settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement, Total Proceeds receivable from issuance of common stock Proceeds receivable from issuance of common stock. Proceeds receivable from issuance of common stock Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Total Acquisition of assets Payment To Authority Payment to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Payment to authority in May 2010. Payable to authority Payable to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Payable to authority. Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Amount of quarterly principal payments Quarterly principal payments against loan starting June 2013 Cash proceeds from divestiture Cash proceeds from divestiture. Cash proceeds from divestiture Number of months final payment due to Department of Transportation Number of months final payment due to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Number of months final payment due to Department of Transportation (IDOT). Outstanding Letters Of Credit Total Total outstanding letters of credit Outstanding letters of credit. Net Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock To Trustee Under 401 K Savings And Retirement Plan Net proceeds from issuance of common stock to the trustee under 401(k) savings and retirement plan Net proceeds from issuance of common stock to trustee under 401K savings and retirement plan. Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables) [Abstract] Acquisitions And Divestitures Tables. Other current liabilities [Member] Self-insured retention amount Self-insured retention amount. Self-insured retention amount Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis Interest rate spread above 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Increase In Capital In Excess Of Par From Issuance Of Common Shares In A Public Offering Increase in capital in excess of par from issuance of common shares in a public offering. Increase in capital in excess of par from issuance of common shares in a public offering Increase in capital in excess of par from issuance of common shares to pension plan Increase in capital in excess of par from issuance of common shares to pension plan. Increase in capital in excess of par from issuance of common shares to pension plan Value of common shares issued to pension plan Value of common shares issued to pension plan. Value of common shares issued to pension plan Notes Assumed Note received from sale of business Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock in connection with business acquisitions Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Common stock issued in connection with business acquisitions 5-year floating loan issued 2010 [Member] Notes Issued Nine. Spread above the selected Libor options in percentage points Spread above the selected LIBOR options, in percentage points. Spread above the selected LIBOR options, in percentage points Percentage of one month Libor Percentage of 1 month LIBOR Percentage of one month LIBOR. Outstanding balance with one month Libor Outstanding balance with 1 month LIBOR Outstanding balance with one month LIBOR. Debt Instrument, Date of First Required Payment Starting date of quarterly principal payments Frequency of periodic principal payments Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment Cash Flow Hedge [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Length Of Interest Rate Swap Agreement Length of interest rate swap agreement (In years) Length of interest rate swap agreement. Number of borrowings under the lines of credit Number of borrowings under the lines of credit. Number of borrowings under the lines of credit LIBOR options LIBOR options. LIBOR options Amount of final principal payment Amount of final principal payment. Amount of final principal payment Date of final principal payment Date of final principal payment. Date of final principal payment Shares excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding computation due to operating losses Shares excluded from diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation due to operating losses Shares excluded from diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation due to operating losses. Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill of acquired businesses Restricted cash Restricted cash Liabilities Assumed Liabilities assumed in business acquisitions Additional contribution to pension plan Additional contribution to pension plan. Additional contribution to pension plan syndicated term loan Libor Rate Syndicated term loan Libor Rate. Syndicated term loan LIBOR Rate Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number, Ending Balance Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number, Beginning Balance Number of individual actions plaintiffs filed Segment Reporting, Segment Gross Profit (Loss) Gross profit Gross profit or loss for reportable segments. Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets, Total Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses, net Other Operating Income Other operating income (expense), net Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Deferred tax provision Shares Of Common Stock Issued To Trustee Under 401 (K) Savings And Retirement Plan Shares of common stock issued to the trustee under 401(K) savings and retirement plan Shares of common stock issued to the trustee under 401(K) savings and retirement plan. Derivative, Notional Amount Aggregate notional amount of swaps Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Number of shares held in treasury Commissions And Transaction Costs Included In Net Proceeds Commissions and transaction costs included in net proceeds Commissions and transaction costs included in net proceeds. Net Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Shares In Public Offering Net proceeds from the sale of the shares in a public offering Net proceeds from issuance of common Shares in public offering. Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Amount of outstanding balance of loan repaid