Comprehensive Earnings Attributable to Martin Marietta Materials Incorporated (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.	$ 6,126us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (21,618)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings, net of tax	(564)	1,370
Earnings (Loss) attributable to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.	$ 5,562us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ (20,248)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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