EQUITY (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

EQUITY [Abstract]

Changes in Total Equity

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
in thousands	2017	2016
Total Equity
Balance at beginning of year	$    4,572,476	$    4,454,188
Net earnings	273,639	306,890
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	(24,485)	(32,388)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(60,303)	(161,463)
Share-based compensation expense	19,953	15,645
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.75/$0.60 per share)	(99,263)	(79,865)
Other comprehensive income	3,117	963
Balance at end of period	$    4,685,134	$    4,503,970