v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Feb. 19, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name KIRBY CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000056047    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   53,806,000  
Entity Public Float     $ 4,137,884,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2015