PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details 2) (APSI, Aloha-class dual-fuel capable containership, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013 vessel	Dec. 31, 2013 vessel
APSI \| Aloha-class dual-fuel capable containership
Property
Number of 3,600-TEU Aloha-class dual-fuel capable containerships to be constructed	2	2
Cost for construction of containerships, including preparation of vessels for service	$ 418.0
Initial payment under the agreement		8.4
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation due in year 2015 and 2016		$ 92.0

Represents the amount of initial payment made for construction of ships under the agreement.

No definition available.

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the fixed and determinable portion of the unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation maturing in the second and third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	matx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum number of units that must be purchased, in connection with an unconditional purchase obligation that has not been recognized for financial reporting purposes.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationMinimumQuantityRequired
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount purchased during the period under an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation (for example, under the take-or-pay or throughput contract).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 440

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308

+ Details

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