Asset Employed for Continuing Operations for Corporations Reportable Business Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	$ 7,417,646	$ 7,464,392	$ 3,255,257
Aggregates Business
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	4,376,120	4,339,277	2,889,010
Cement
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	2,422,119	2,451,799
Magnesia Specialties
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	147,745	150,359	153,070
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	7,417,646	7,464,392	3,255,257
Operating Segments | Mid-America Group
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	1,287,933	1,290,833	1,257,753
Operating Segments | Southeast Group
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	597,461	604,044	607,219
Operating Segments | West Group
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	2,490,726	2,444,400	1,024,038
Operating Segments | Corporate
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets employed, Total	$ 471,662	$ 522,957	$ 213,177