Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Impairment of property and equipment Impairment, Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Use, Total Details of "Other" total assets [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Adoption of ASU 2018-02 - reclassification to retained earnings, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total Forecast [Member] Forecast [Member] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Operating Segments [Member] Reportable Segments [Member] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Other segment disclosures [Abstract] Other segment disclosure [Abstract] Auditor Location Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan [Abstract] Funded status at end of year [Abstract] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net [Abstract] Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Year two Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Three point four six series a notes due january nineteen two thousand thirty three. Three point Four Six Series A Notes Due January Nineteen Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member] 3.46 Series A Notes Due January 19, 2023 [Member] Entity Emerging Growth Company Period in which recertification of ocean going vessels occur twice Period in which recertification of ocean going vessels occur twice Represents the period in which recertification of ocean going vessels occur twice. Number of vessels involved in collision Number of Maritime Vessels Refers to the number of maritime (seagoing) vessels. Taxes on Income [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Additional Information [Abstract] Retirement Plans [Abstract] Towboat [Member] Inland Towboats [Member] Inland Towboats [Member] Refers to a diesel-powered or steam-powered boat used especially on inland waterways to push groups of barges lashed to it in front or on one side or both. Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Marine Transportation (KMT) [Member] Marine Transportation [Member] Marine transportation - A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares available for future grants (in shares) Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Description [Abstract] Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share) Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit (in dollars per share) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Geographical [Axis] Common stock, $0.10 par value per share. Authorized 120,000,000 shares, issued 65,472,000 in 2020 and 2019 Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common stock, $0.10 par value per share. Authorized 120,000,000 shares, issued 65,472,000 Entity Address, State or Province Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Actuarial (gain) loss Number Outstanding (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Revenues by Major Source Earnings (Loss) Before Taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Average risk-free interest rate 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amount of amortization expense for assets and liabilities, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Goodwill Balance Balance Goodwill Goodwill, Total Impairments and Other Charges [Abstract] Distribution Rights [Member] Distributorships [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures, Total Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Thereafter FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseDueAfterYearFive Finite lived intangible assets and liabilities amortization expense Due after year five Sublease Income Sublease income Shares outstanding [Abstract] Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Issued guaranties Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Net periodic benefit cost Acquisitions [Abstract] Outstanding Non-Qualified or Nonincentive Stock Awards [Roll Forward] Ultimate rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Contribution percentage to defined contribution plan Defined Contribution Plan Contribution Percentage, aggregate accumulated benefit obligation Refers to the defined contribution plan contribution as a percentage of the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation during the period. Business Acquisition [Line Items] Tax benefit related to CARES Act Coronavirus Aid Relief And Economic Security Act Income Tax Expense Benefit Amount of income tax expense (benefit) from effect of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Property Director Plan [Member] Director Plan [Member] Represents to director plan of the equity-based compensation arrangement plan. Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Net assets acquired Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Available borrowing capacity Actuarial gains (losses), Net Amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Income tax receivable Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,684 ($8,177 in 2021) Trade - less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,807 ($8,372 in 2019) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total Short-term debt Short-term Debt, Total Inland Pressure Barges [Member] Inland Pressure Tank Barges [Member] Refers to inland pressure tank barges equipped with tanks that may carry any one of a great variety of liquid commodities, such as petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, and fertilizers. Borrowings (Payments) on bank credit facilities Borrowings (payments) on bank credit facilities, net Borrowings (payments) on bank credit facilities, net Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Net actuarial (gain) loss Revenue recognized Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] City Area Code Other intangible liabilities - gross Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Gross Amount before amortization of liabilities, excluding financial liabilities and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic, Total Other Receivables Other Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Stock Option Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Borrowings and Payments Under the Bank Credit Facilities Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax assets, gross Convoy [Member] Convoy Servicing Company and Agility Fleet Services, LLC [Member] Refers to the entity that is being acquired or purchased in a merger or acquisition. Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Pension benefits Retirement benefits Net earnings (loss) per share diluted attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Year Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Years to ultimate Revenues: Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net, Total Expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Goodwill [Abstract] Proceeds from Legal Settlements Proceeds from legal settlements Commitments and Contingencies Contingencies and commitments Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted average amortization period of intangibles Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year 2025 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amount of amortization expense for assets and liabilities, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other intangibles, net Other intangible assets - net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Beginning Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Ending Balance Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Total U.S. Federal Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable (in dollars per share) Higman [Member] Higman Marine, Inc [Member] Refers to the entity that is being acquired or purchased in a merger or acquisition. Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Basis spread on variable rate Scenario [Axis] Pension Benefits [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Years to ultimate Defined Benefit Plan, Year Health Care Cost Trend Rate, Ultimate Trend Rate Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is expected to be reached, in CCYY format. 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Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year One Year one Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Service period of participants who are age fifty not impacted by pension plan amendment Employee Pension Plan, Grandfathered Participants, Participant Service Period Who is Fifty Years Old The service period of eligible participants of the employee pension plan who have reached the age of fifty that will be grandfathered and not be impacted by the amendment to the pension plan. Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Results (Unaudited) Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Cash paid for acquisition Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment - net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Deferred revenues Deferred revenues Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] ASU 2018-02 [Member] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable: Plan 2016 and 2017 [Member] Plan 2016 and 2017 [Member] Higman pension plan for 2016 and 2017 year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited (in shares) Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable Borrowings on long-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable, Total Services segment's relationship term Services Segments Relationship Years Relationship term maintained by entity with customers. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Settlements Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Taxes - other than on income Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customers [Member] Security Exchange Name Other Intangible Assets and Other Intangible Liabilities Finite-lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of assets and liabilities, excluding financial assets, liabilities and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life, by either major class or business segment. Statistical Measurement [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, after Year Five for Next Five Years Next five years 2025 2024 Earnings (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders - basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Income (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders - basic Employee Stock Award Plan [Member] Employee Plan [Member] Represents to employee plan of the equity-based compensation arrangement plan. Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Other long-term liabilities Other intangible assets - gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Decrease in deferred tax asset Document Period End Date Valuation allowance for state deferred tax assets Valuation Allowance For State Deferred Tax Assets Valuation allowance for state deferred tax assets. Work in process Investments [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related party expenses Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Earnings (loss) available to Kirby common stockholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three Year three Loss Contingencies [Table] Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Tax refund amount Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four Year four Current portion of operating lease liabilities Current portion of operating lease liabilities Related Party [Axis] Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract] Asset Allocation Among Asset Categories [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operations: Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operations: Marine transportation equipment Marine Transportation Equipment Equipment listing the barges and vessels available from Enterprise Products marine transportation. Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss, Net Amount Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Settlement, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Amount, after tax, of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss for prior service cost (credit) and settlement of defined benefit plan. Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Total assets Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss, Gross Amount Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Settlement, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Amount, before tax, of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss for prior service cost (credit) and settlement of defined benefit plan. Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Drydocking on Ocean-Going Vessels [Abstract] Dry-docking and Ocean-Going Vessels [Abstract] Commitment Amount Commitment amount Guarantor obligations, expiration period Term of Instrument Under Guarantor Obligations Term of the guarantee or each group of financial instruments used to support performance by the company and its subsidiaries in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. 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State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Total U.S. State Amount excluded on unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Details of Inventories Current Fiscal Year End Date RSU Activity [Abstract] Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Other Machinery and Equipment [Member] Other Equipment [Member] Details of inventories [Abstract] Expected timing of satisfaction, period Operating Lease, Cost Operating lease cost Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Data Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other Line of Credit [Member] Credit Line [Member] Line Of Credit [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Marine Transportation Segment [Member] Marine Transportation Segment [Member] Refers to the segment of business related maritime transport is the shipment of goods (cargo) and people by sea and other waterways. Building [Member] Buildings [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Impairment Effects on Earnings Per Share [Table] Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Income taxes payable Amount that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized Range of renewal options under term contracts Range Of Renewal Options Under Term Contracts Validity period of contract with customers. Energy storage system [Member] Energy Storage System [Member] Energy Storage System [Member] Pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit percentage Pension Plan Defined Benefit Plan Cost Increase Limit Percentage Refers to percentage of pension plan defined benefit plan cost increase limit during the period. Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Noncontrolling interests Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Settlements Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Restricted Stock Award Activity [Abstract] Restricted Stock Award Activity [Abstract] Total other comprehensive income (loss), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Total other comprehensive income, income tax (provision) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Total Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Face Amount Long term debt, face amount Litigation Status [Axis] Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share) Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Actuarial gains (losses), Gross Amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Recognition of actuarial gain Recognition of actuarial loss Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions based on tax positions related to the current year State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Louisiana [Member] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in Shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Shares, Outstanding Ending balance (in shares) Beginning balance (in shares) Refers to the period of revenue derived form the term contracts maturity. Revenue Derived From Term Contracts Maturity Period Range of term contracts Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional paid-in capital Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract] Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Current Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Liabilities Earnings (loss) before taxes on income Earnings (loss) before taxes on income Earnings (loss) before taxes on income Segment profit (loss) Document Type Taxes, Miscellaneous Taxes, other than on income Taxes, Miscellaneous, Total United States [Member] Company's provision for taxes on income varied from the statutory federal income tax rate [Abstract] Periodic payment, interest Secured Debt [Member] Net earnings (loss) per share basic attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Operating lease liabilities - less current portion Operating lease liabilities - less current portion Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property and equipment: Thereafter Thereafter Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Net Periodic Benefit Cost Assets, Current Total current assets Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Provision (credit) for doubtful accounts Unsecured Debt [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Full Exercise Price Range [Member] Total Exercise Price Range [Member] This is the total range, encompassing the minimum exercise price amount, and the maximum exercise price amount. Its child Members should disaggregate the individual tranches of price ranges. Period of amortization of shipyard costs Period of amortization of shipyard costs Represents the period of amortization of shipyard costs. Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding (in shares) Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding Number of shares of common stock determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares have been issued and outstanding to the total time in that period. Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase Stock Options [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Expected Cash Flows for the Defined Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plan Schedule of Expected Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of benefits expected to be paid by or contributed to pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans in each of the next five fiscal years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter. (Provision) benefit for taxes on income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Provision (benefit) for taxes on income Benefit (provision) for taxes on income Total Provision (benefit) for taxes on income Actuarial gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Actuarial gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Actuarial gains (losses), Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Gearbox Repair [Member] Gearbox Repair [Member] Gearbox repair Leases [Abstract] Portland Harbor Superfund Site [Member] Represents portland Harbor Superfund Site. Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Term Loan Due July 29,2027 [Member] Term Loan Due July Twenty Nine Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] Term Loan Due July 29, 2027 [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Provision (benefit) for taxes on income [Abstract] Provision for taxes on income [Abstract] Provision (benefit) for taxes on income [Abstract] Coastal Transportation [Member] Refers to coastal transportation of refined petroleum products and black oil. Coastal Transportation [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Nonvested balance beginning of period (in shares) Nonvested balance end of period (in shares) Refers to revolving credit facility debt instruments. Revolving Credit Facility Due June Thirty Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] Credit line due June 30, 2021 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Plan Name [Axis] Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated depreciation Forfeited or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Current liability Operating Leases, Weighted Average Discount Rate and Remaining Lease Term Operating Leases, Weighted Average Discount Rate and Remaining Lease Term [Table Text Block] operating leases related to weighted average discount rate and weighted average remaining lease term. Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Impairments and Other Charges Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Deferred Provision for deferred income taxes Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes Deferred Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] SERP [Member] Lease, Cost Total lease cost Inventories - net Inventory, Net Inventories - net Savage Inland Marine, LLC [Member] Savage Inland Marine, LLC [Member] Refers to the entity that is being acquired or purchased in a merger or acquisition. Operating lease right-of-use assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets The amount of operating lease right-of-use assets recognized as of the acquisition date. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at Period End (in dollars per share) Outstanding at Period Start (in dollars per share) Cash flows from operating activities: Oil and Gas [Member] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Other Foreign [Abstract] Collision with M/S Summer Wind [Member] HAWAII HAWAII Bank Note Payable [Member] Bank Note Payable [Member] Refers to a bank note payable. Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Leases Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Diluted (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total 3.29% Senior Notes Due February, 27 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Series B Due February 27, 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Series B Due February Twenty Seven Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member] Refers to the senior notes debt instruments. Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Impairment Effects on Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Borrowings on bank credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit, Total Amortization of unearned share-based compensation Amortization of unearned compensation Refers to the amount related to amortization of unearned compensation. 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Total liabilities Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Repurchase Agreements, Valuation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock Consolidated [Abstract] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Intangible assets amortization period Weighted average discount rate Document Fiscal Period Focus Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Current Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Drydocking on Ocean-Going Vessels Dry Docking Requirements [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for entity's ocean-going vessels are subject to regulatory dry docking requirements after certain periods of time to be inspected, and have planned major maintenance performed. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income - net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Entity Address, Address Line One Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at Period Start (in shares) Outstanding at Period End (in shares) Fair value of stock options granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Fair Value Refers to amount of fair value of options granted during the period. One-time deferred tax provision One-time deferred tax provision One-time deferred tax provision Struck by LPG Tanker, the Genesis River [Member] Unasserted Claim 1 [Member] A claim for damages that is likely to be made and for which it is reasonably possible that there will be an unfavorable outcome, such as a likelihood that lawsuits from parties as yet unidentified will be filed alleging injury from using a product when other parties have successfully sued the entity for such use. Insurance premiums and claims Insurance Premiums And Claims Insurance premiums and claims are reviewed by the entity's for their validity and then paid out to the insured or requesting party (on behalf of the insured) once approved. Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year First year Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings (loss) Net earnings (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustments, Gross Amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Total Foreign currency translation, Gross Amount Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Damages and assessment cost. Damages and Assessment Cost Fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Current year actuarial (gain) loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Inland Tank Barges [Member] Inland Tank Barges [Member] Refers to inland tank barges equipped with tanks that may carry any one of a great variety of liquid commodities, such as petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, and fertilizers. Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Total Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation Tax withholdings on equity award vesting (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding Liabilities for operating leases Total lease payments Products and Services [Domain] Amortization of major maintenance costs Amortization of Major Maintenance Costs Other income (expense) included in net income that results in no cash inflows or outflows in the period. Includes noncash adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities that are not separately disclosed. Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Treasury stock purchases Treasury stock purchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Litigation Status [Domain] 2027 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Amount of amortization expense for assets and liabilities, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Credit facility, expiration date Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Weighted-average assumption used to determine benefit obligation at end of year [Abstract] General corporate expenses General corporate expenses Refers to amount of general corporate expenses. Equity Components [Axis] Lease Cost Current assets: Current assets: Variable lease cost Entity Registrant Name Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment and amortization Accumulated impairment and amortization Inland Transportation [Member] Refers to inland transportation of petrochemical feedstock, chemicals, pressurized products, refined petroleum products, certain black oil, agricultural chemicals and black oil, such as asphalt. Inland Transportation [Member] General corporate assets Assets other than goodwill that contribute to the future cash flows of both the cash-generating unit under review and other cash-generating units. Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Operating loss carryforwards, net of valuation allowance Operating Loss Carryforwards, Net of Valuation Allowance, Federal Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards federal for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be realized. Share-based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract] Share based Compensation Plans Combined Disclosure [Abstract] Options Exercisable [Abstract] Share based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Exercisable Options [Abstract] Other intangibles Intangible assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Total Fourth Price Range [Member] Fourth Price Range [Member] Represents information of fourth price range of option prices pertaining to options granted. Signal [Member] Signal Mutual Indemnity Association Ltd [Member] The company which is self-insurance not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a longshore worker's compensation insurance provider. Cash paid (received) during the period: Cash paid during the period [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Term of grant Other Intangibles [Abstract] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Address, City or Town Underlying Asset Class [Domain] State operating loss deferred tax assets Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Expected Return (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Equity: Equity: Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US [Member] International Equity Securities [Member] Related Party [Abstract] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Estimated option term Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Pension and postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax, Total Trading Symbol Related Party Transactions Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Gain (loss) on disposition of assets Gain on disposition of assets Gain on disposition of assets Gain on disposition of assets Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Less: imputed interest Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Beginning balance Total equity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Restricted Stock Award Activity Other Intangibles Capital expenditures included in accounts payable Capital Expenditures Incurred, Paid and Not yet Paid Current and future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred. Capital expenditures included in accounts payable Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Trade, allowance for doubtful accounts Foreign [Member] Canada [Member] Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Loss contingency, settlement charges Other intangible liabilities - net Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Net Amount after amortization of liabilities, excluding financial liabilities and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Local Phone Number Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Kirby stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payment of debt issue costs Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Quarterly Results SOFR [Member] Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate [Member] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at beginning of year Balance at end of year Plan 2020 [Member] Plan 2020 [Member] Higman pension plan for 2020 year. Operating cash outflow from operating leases Operating cash outflow from operating leases Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments on long-term debt Payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Interest Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Other changes in benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income [Abstract] Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income [Abstract] Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income [Abstract] Entity Small Business Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance Insurance accruals Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Target allocations Credit Facility [Axis] Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt, net - less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Variable Rate [Axis] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Total other comprehensive income (loss), Gross Amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Non-cash investing activity: Non-cash investing activity: [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued liabilities: Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of Variable Rate [Domain] Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform, Gross Amount Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Before Tax Amount of increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for reclassification to retained earnings of before tax from remeasurement of deferred tax pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Outstanding [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Carrying Value and Fair Value [Abstract] Estimated useful lives of the individual assets Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Business Acquisition [Axis] Segment Data [Abstract] Number of maritime vessels acquired Number of maritime vessels acquired Number of Maritime Vessels Acquired Refers to the number of maritime (seagoing) vessels acquired. Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] ASU 2014-09 [Member] Unrealized (gain) loss on defined benefit plans Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Of Non Current Unrealized Loss On Defined Benefit Plans Deferred tax assets tax deferred expense of non current unrealized loss on defined benefit plans. Fair Value Measurements Capitalized interest excluded from interest expense Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] A credit facility arrangement that is repayable in quarterly installments in increasing percentages of the original principal amount of the loan. Weighted average amortization period for intangible assets and liabilities Intangible Assets and Liabilities Weighted Average Amortization Period Weighted average amortization period for intangible assets and liabilities, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Lease Obligation Operating lease liabilities, including current portion Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Payments to Noncontrolling Interests for Return of Investment Amount payment to noncontrolling interest for return of investment during the period. Return of investment to noncontrolling interests and other Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Axis] Other Segment Reporting Information Schedule Of Other Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for other segment information. Represents to stock and incentive plan of the equity-based compensation arrangement plan. Stock and Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] 2005 Stock and Incentive Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Weighted-Average Assumption Used to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Cost Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Revenues [Abstract] Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Plan Name [Domain] Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Deferred tax assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill 2023 2022 Income Tax Authority [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Aggregate contributions to the plans 3.46% Senior Notes Due January 19, 2033 [Member] Senior Notes Due January Nineteen Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member] Senior notes due january nineteen two thousand thirty three. Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date Expiration dates, operating loss carryforwards Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Change in Benefit Obligation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent State and local taxes, net of federal benefit Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Percentage of inland revenue Percentage Of Inland Revenue Percentage of inland revenue from movement of products under term contracts. 4.2% Senior Notes Due March 1, 2028 [Member] Senior Notes Due March 1, 2028 [Member] Senior Notes Due March One Two Thousand Twenty Eight [Member] Refers to the senior notes debt instruments. Settlement Agreement [Member] Settlement agreement. Settlement Agreement [Member] Number of vessels damaged in collision resulting in fuel oil discharge Number of vessels damaged in collision resulting in fuel oil discharge. Number of years net operating losses carried Number of Years Net Operating Losses Carried Back Number of years net operating losses are carried back. Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Income Tax Penalties and Interest This element represents the total of unrecognized tax benefits including interest expense recognized for an underpayment of income taxes computed by applying the applicable statutory rate of interest to the difference between a tax position recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in a tax return of the entity and the amount of statutory penalties in the period in which the entity claims or expects to claim a tax position, in its tax return, that does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties. Service period of participants not impacted by pension plan amendment Employee Pension Plan, Grandfathered Participants, Service Period The service period of eligible participants of the employee pension plan who will be grandfathered and not be impacted by the amendment to the pension plan. Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Amortization of actuarial gain Amortization of actuarial loss Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Total recognized in other comprehensive income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance Operating losses tax year Years open to audit under the statute of limitations Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs Original issue discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Total Outstanding and Exercisable Stock options [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Interest cost Goodwill, Gross Balance (gross) Balance (gross) Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule detailing all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Amortization of share-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense, Total Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] RSU Activity Number of Reporting Units Number of reporting units Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Option Activity Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Long-term Debt Carrying value Inventories [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Savage Inland Marine, LLC and Convoy [Member] Savage Inland Marine, LLC and Convoy Servicing Company and Agility Fleet Services, LLC [Member] Refers to the entity that is being acquired or purchased in a merger or acquisition. Distribution and Services Segment [Member] Distribution and Services [Member] Distribution And Services [Member] Distribution and services - A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Security [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Inventories Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. Federal [Abstract] Noncurrent asset Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Contingencies and Commitments [Abstract] Second Price Range [Member] Second Price Range [Member] Represents information of second price range of option prices pertaining to options granted. Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations Vested (in dollars per share) Assets Total assets Total assets Repayments of Lines of Credit Payments on bank credit facilities Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock option exercises (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Accrued liabilities for payment of interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total Statement [Line Items] Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Property, Maintenance and Repairs [Abstract] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Title of 12(b) Security Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kirby Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Credit facility, amount outstanding Credit facility, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit, Total Level 3 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Quarterly Results (Unaudited) [Abstract] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Customer relationship period Customer Relationship Period Period referring customer relationship maintained by some of the manufacturing and refining customers. Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation Tax withholdings on equity award vesting Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Letters Of Credit [Member] Equity Award [Domain] Prepaid expenses Prepaid expenses and other current assets Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Return of investment to noncontrolling interests Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Receivables from insurance companies to cover claims in excess included in accounts receivable Receivables From Insurance Companies To Cover Claims In Excess Included In Accounts Receivable Refers to the amount of receivables from insurance companies to cover claims in excess included in accounts receivable. Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Funded Status at End of Year Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: Level 1 [Member] Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Total Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures, Total Aggregate Payments due on Long-Term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] 2026 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Credit Line due June 30, 2024 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Due June Thirty Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] Revolving credit facility due June thirty two thousand twenty four member. Plan 2019 [Member] Plan 2019 [Member] Higman pension plan for 2019 year. Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Restricted Stock [Member] Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares Undistributed Earnings Reallocated To Restricted Shares Undistributed Earnings Reallocated To Restricted Shares. Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Total Share-based Payment Arrangement, Director [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Receivable [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Granted (in shares) Entity Current Reporting Status Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairments and other charges Non-cash write-down Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Revenues Investment Type [Axis] Federal operating loss deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Entity Voluntary Filers Real Estate Investment [Member] Scenario [Domain] Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Weighted average grant date fair value, granted (in dollars per share) Granted (in dollars per share) Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Accrued Insurance [Abstract] Deferred state taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities State Taxes Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from deferred state taxes. Bank notes payable Bank notes payable Cash and Equity Securities [Member] Cash and equity securities. Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Retirement Plans [Abstract] Other Supplemental Information about Operating Leases [Abstract] Other Supplemental Information about Operating Leases [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Gross benefits paid Deferred tax assets Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US [Member] U.S. Equity Securities [Member] Deferred CPF [Member] Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating [Member] Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating (CPF) is a defined benefit plan providing retirees with a predetermined monthly retirement benefit upon reaching a specific age. The retirement benefit paid to a retiree is typically calculated using a formula which often employs years of credited service under the plan and salary information. The retirement benefit is typically payable to the employee upon attainment of their normal retirement age for the remainder of his/her lifetime. Benefits under this type of plan are often referred to as accrued benefits. This type of plan does not maintain individual accounts for employees. Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract] Expected benefit payments (gross) [Abstract] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Third Price Range [Member] Third Price Range [Member] Represents information of third price range of option prices pertaining to options granted. Auditor Firm ID Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Asset allocations Maximum contribution limit Defined Benefit Plan Maximum Contribution Limit Represents maximum entity's contribution limit to the concerned pension trust during the reporting period. Acquisition related costs Acquisition related costs Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting Tax Benefit From Restricted Stock Vesting Tax benefit from restricted stock vesting during the reporting period. Auditor Name Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Options Outstanding [Abstract] Share based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Outstanding Options [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Open Tax Year [Abstract] Open Tax Year [Abstract] 2026 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amount of amortization expense for assets and liabilities, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Service cost Number of barge slips Number of barge slips Refers to number of barge slips during the period. Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Income tax penalties and interest recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense, Total Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Long-term liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent, Total Stock option exercises Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Total Foreign Cash paid for acquisition Cash paid for acquisition Savage acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase Stock Award Plan Information [Abstract] Employee Stock Award Plan [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets CARES Act - net operating loss carryback Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Cares Act Net Operating Loss Carryback Percentage of the net operating loss carryback from effect of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment in affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Pension contributions Employer contribution Granted (in shares) ABS [Member] American Bureau of Shipping [Member] The company which is not-for-profit that provides global classification services to the marine, offshore and gas industries. Costs of sales and operating expenses Costs Of Sales And Operating Expenses Costs incurred and are directly related to generating revenues and generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services, excludes selling, general and administrative expense. Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases [Abstract] Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases [Abstract] Commercial and Industrial [Member] Commercial and Industrial [Member] Refers to selling OEM replacement parts and new diesel engines, provides service mechanics and maintains facilities to overhaul and repair diesel engines and ancillary products for marine and on-highway transportation companies, mining and industrial companies. The Company provides engineering and field services, OEM replacement parts and safety-related products to power generation operators and to the nuclear industry, manufactures engine generator and pump packages for power generation operators and municipalities, offers power generation systems customized for specific commercial and industrial applications, and rents equipment including power generation systems, pumps, air compressors, fork lifts and railcar movers. Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Document Annual Report Asset Impairment Charges Impairments and other charges Impairments and other charges Asset Impairment Charges, Total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested Intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowances Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Total Total comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Total comprehensive loss (income), net of taxes Total comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Exercise Price Range [Axis] KMT'S Kirby Marine Transportation (KMT's) [MEMBER] Kirby marine transportation (KMT's) [member]. Term Loan Due March 27,2024 [Member] Term Loan due March Twenty Seven Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] Term Loan due March Twenty Seven Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Cash flows from financing activities: Cash flows from financing activities: Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total Proceeds from disposition of assets and other Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets, Total Proceeds from disposition of assets and other Proceeds from sale of assets Percentage of costal revenue Percentage of coastal revenue Percentage of costal revenue from movement of products under term contracts. Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Change in plan assets [Roll Forward] Plan 2018 [Member] Plan 2018 [Member] Higman pension plan for 2018 year. Debt Instrument [Axis] Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill impairment charge Impairment Entity Filer Category Accrued Insurance Accrued insurance liabilities Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Taxes on Income Intangible Assets and liabilities, Estimated Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Estimated Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Document Fiscal Year Focus Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax, Total Foreign currency translation, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Interest Payable, Current Interest Accumulated amortization Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amount of amortization of liabilities, excluding financial liabilities and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Asset Allocation Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Changes in Goodwill Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share) Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained earnings Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Taxes on Income Tank barge barrel capacity (in barrels) Tank barge barrel capacity (in barrels) Tank Barge Barrel Capacity Refers to the carrying capacity of tank barges as measured in number of barrels. Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward] Other Assets Total other assets Strasburger & Price, LLP [Member] Limited Liability Partnership [Member] Legal form of business company offering limited liability to its owners. Number Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable, Beginning Balance Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable, Ending Balance Short-term lease cost Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] 2027 2026 Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization of Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five Year five Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Funded status and amount recognized at end of year Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Change in Plan Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Entity Tax Identification Number Borrowings and Payments under the Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Actual return on plan assets Payments for Legal Settlements Payments for legal settlements Initial rate Defined Benefit Plan, Initial Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Initial Health Care Cost Trend Rate Stock price volatility Segments [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average period of recognition in years W. Sean O'Neil Attorney [Member] W. Sean O'Neil Attorney. Consolidation Items [Domain] Foreign currency translation, Net Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions [Abstract] Expected employer contributions [Abstract] Accruals for revenues earned included in accounts receivable Unbilled Receivables, Current Number of other companies also named as Potentially Responsible Parties ("PRPs") Site Contingency Number Of Companies Named As Potentially Responsible Parties Under Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation And Liability Act Number of companies also named as potentially responsible parties under comprehensive environmental response compensation and liability act. Statement [Table] Weighted average remaining lease term Cenac Marine Services, LLC [Member] Cenac Marine Services, LLC [Member] Refers to the entity that is being acquired or purchased in a merger or acquisition. Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Marine Transportation Equipment [Member] Marine Transportation Equipment [Member] Refers to the equipment related maritime transport is the shipment of goods (cargo) and people by sea and other waterways. Entity File Number Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items] First Price Range [Member] First Price Range [Member] Represents information of first price range of option prices pertaining to options granted. Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Accumulated other compensation income Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Total revenues Revenues by major source Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Gross benefits paid Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Current liabilities: Current liabilities: Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Stock Award Plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Current year actuarial loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax, Total Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets [Abstract] Increase (decrease) in cash flows resulting from changes in: Debt Securities Payable [Member] Performance Bonds [Member] Subsequent Events [Member] Pension and postretirement benefits [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies and Commitments Operating Lease, Liability Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate Number of single customers accounting more than 10% of segment revenue Number of major customers accounting more than ten percent of revenue Number of single customers who account for more than 10 percent of segment revenues. Common Stock [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Entity Public Float Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Land, buildings and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Maintenance and Repairs Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Cover [Abstract] Credit Facility [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested balance end of period (in dollars per share) Nonvested balance beginning of period (in dollars per share) Goodwill acquired Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract] Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Tax benefit from stock options exercised Defined Benefit Plan, Amount Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income Stock Award Plans [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued and other liabilities UK Protection & Indemnity Association [Member] A mutual marine protection and indemnity organization that provides protection and indemnity insurance for third party liabilities and expenses arising from vessel operations. Reclassification to retained earnings of stranded tax effects from tax reform, Net Amount Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Net of Tax Amount of increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for reclassification to retained earnings of net of tax from remeasurement of deferred tax pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year Benefit obligation at end of year Benefit obligations RSUs [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Number of off-highway top distributors Number of Top Distributors, Off-highway Engines Refers to the number of top distributors of off-highway engines. Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Document Transition Report Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from exercise of stock options Letter of Credit [Member] Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Unpaid balance unpaid balance unpaid balance Recognized amortization of major maintenance costs Amortization of Major Maintenance Activity Costs Amount of amortization expense attributable to major maintenance activity costs. Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in Shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Other Segments [Member] Other [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] Accrued Insurance Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Compensation cost Segments [Axis] CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and other intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Total Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Vesting (in shares) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Depreciation and amortization Goodwill and other intangibles U.S. State [Abstract] Impairment charge Impairment charge Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Fair value of plan assets at end of year Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Total 2027 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five COVID-19 [Member] Effective income tax rate United States income tax statutory rate Kirby stockholders' equity: Kirby stockholders' equity: Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] SBA Shipyard Site [Member] SBA Shipyard Site [Member] Refers to a location Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock purchases Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Age of plan participants not impacted by pension plan amendment Employee Pension Plan, Grandfathered Participants, Participant Age The age of eligible participants of the employee pension plan who will be grandfathered and not be impacted by the amendment to the pension plan. Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss, Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Settlement, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax Amount of tax (expense) benefit of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss for prior service cost (credit) and settlement of defined benefit plan. Earnings per Share Schedule of Loss Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Health care cost trend rate [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Business Combination, Separately recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Acquisitions [Abstract] 2.72% Senior Notes Due February 27, 2020 [Member] Senior Notes Series A Due February 27, 2020 [Member] Senior Notes Series A Due February Twenty Seven Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Refers to the senior notes debt instruments. Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit (in dollars per share) Three point five one series b notes due january nineteen two thousand thirty three. Three point Five One Series B Notes Due January Nineteen Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member] 3.51 Series B Notes Due January 19, 2023 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Ultimate rate 2026 2025 2025 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Table] A table disclosing the information about earnings (loss) before taxes on income. Award Type [Axis] Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract] Entity Shell Company Amortization of share-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount Capitalized Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Retirement Plans Seafarers Pension Trust [Member] Seafarers Pension Trust [Member] Seafarers Pension Trust is a defined benefit plan providing retirees with a predetermined monthly retirement benefit upon reaching a specific age. The retirement benefit paid to a retiree is typically calculated using a formula which often employs years of credited service under the plan and salary information. The retirement benefit is typically payable to the employee upon attainment of their normal retirement age for the remainder of his/her lifetime. Benefits under this type of plan are often referred to as accrued benefits. This type of plan does not maintain individual accounts for employees. ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Earnings (loss) before taxes on income [Abstract] Non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract] Non Current Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Prior service cost (credit) Unvested RSU Shares [Roll Forward] LIBOR [Member] Percentage of costs relate to service costs for leased towing vessels Percentage of Costs related to Service Costs Estimated Estimated percentage of costs related to service costs and other non-lease components. Percentage of costs relate to service costs for leased towing vessels Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock purchases (in shares) Amendment Flag Consolidation Items [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Asset Acquisition [Line Items] Non-compete Agreements [Member] Weighted average unvested restricted stock (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares, Restricted Stock Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Beginning Balance Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance Cash and cash equivalents Other Nonoperating Income Other income New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Adoptions Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Other - net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent, Total Income Taxes Paid, Net Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total Income taxes paid (refunded), net Long-Term Debt Term loan Long-term debt Long-term debt Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Income tax benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Decrease in pension plan projected benefit obligation Legal Fees Legal services Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Initial rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Initial Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Initial Health Care Cost Trend Rate Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement, Total Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions of prior years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Compensation Cost Breakdown in Statement of Earnings Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Treasury stock - at cost, 5,565,000 shares in 2022 and 5,361,000 shares in 2021 Treasury Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Value, Total Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Carrying Values and Fair Values of Debt Outstanding Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain]