EQUITY (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

EQUITY [Abstract]

Shares Purchased And Retired

	March 31	December 31	March 31
in thousands, except average price	2018	2017	2017
Shares Purchased and Retired
Number 1	492	510	417
Total purchase price 1	$       57,824	$        60,303	$        49,221
Average price per share	$       117.47	$        118.18	$        118.07

1  Settlement of 20 thousand shares at a total price of $2,250 thousand occurred after March 31, 2018.

Changes in Total Equity

	Three Months Ended
	March 31
in thousands	2018	2017
Total Equity
Balance at beginning of year	$    4,968,893	$    4,572,476
Net earnings	52,979	44,921
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	(24,109)	(21,498)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(57,824)	(49,221)
Share-based compensation expense	6,794	6,488
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.28/$0.25 per share)	(37,176)	(33,152)
Other comprehensive income	3,653	747
Balance at end of period	$    4,913,210	$    4,520,761