EQUITY (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

EQUITY [Abstract]

Shares Purchased And Retired

	June 30	December 31	June 30
in thousands, except average price	2018	2017	2017
Shares Purchased and Retired
Number	643	510	510
Total purchase price	$       74,921	$        60,303	$        60,303
Average price per share	$       116.49	$        118.18	$        118.18

Changes in Total Equity

	Six Months Ended
	June 30
in thousands	2018	2017
Total Equity
Balance at beginning of year	$    4,968,893	$    4,572,476
Net earnings	212,631	165,060
Common stock issued
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	(31,337)	(24,108)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(74,921)	(60,303)
Share-based compensation expense	14,763	13,671
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.56/$0.50 per share)	(74,196)	(66,194)
Other comprehensive income	4,797	1,502
Balance at end of period	$    5,020,630	$    4,602,104