OPERATING LEASES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]

OPERATING LEASES

NOTE 7: OPERATING LEASES

Rental expense from continuing operations under nonmineral operating leases for the years ended December 31, exclusive of rental payments made under leases of one month or less, is summarized as follows:

in thousands	2016	2015	2014
Operating Leases
Minimum rentals	$        52,713	$       49,461	$       42,887
Contingent rentals (based principally on usage)	57,278	60,380	56,717
Total	$      109,991	$     109,841	$       99,604

Future minimum operating lease payments under all leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year, exclusive of mineral leases (see Note 12), as of December 31, 2016 are payable as follows:

in thousands
Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments
2017	$        31,017
2018	29,389
2019	25,132
2020	23,022
2021	21,312
Thereafter	119,602
Total	$      249,474

Lease agreements frequently include renewal options and require that we pay for utilities, taxes, insurance and maintenance expense. Options to purchase are also included in some lease agreements.