Comprehensive Earnings Attributable to Martin Marietta Materials Incorporated (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.	$ 42,334	$ 44,994
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax	2,262	1,789
Earnings attributable to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.	$ 44,596	$ 46,783

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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831255

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831270

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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