Asset Employed for Continuing Operations for Corporations Reportable Business Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	$ 3,255,257	$ 3,259,826	$ 3,154,775
Total Aggregates Business
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	2,889,010	2,884,899	2,765,715
Specialty Products
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	153,070	154,024	154,688
Mid-America Group
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	1,257,753	1,242,394	1,137,903
Southeast Group
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	607,219	611,906	588,408
West Group
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	1,024,038	1,030,599	1,039,404
Corporate
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	$ 213,177	$ 220,903	$ 234,372