CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 256,299		$ 212,619		$ 185,492
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefits	43,274		(10,270)		(27,383)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	108		102		(350)
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	952		5,217		5,199
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	44,334	[1]	(4,951)	[1]	(22,534)	[1]
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes	300,633		207,668		162,958
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,238)		(3,181)		(2,466)
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby	$ 297,395		$ 204,487		$ 160,492

[1] Reclassifications to net earnings of derivatives qualifying as effective hedges are recognized in interest expense or costs of sales and operating expenses as appropriate. (See Note 5 – Derivative Instruments)