EQUITY (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

EQUITY [Abstract]

Shares Purchased And Retired

	September 30	December 31	September 30
in thousands, except average price	2018	2017	2017
Shares Purchased and Retired
Number	866	510	510
Total purchase price	$       99,916	$        60,303	$        60,303
Average price per share	$       115.31	$        118.18	$        118.18

Changes in Total Equity

"
	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30		September 30
in thousands	2018	2017	2018	2017
Total Equity
Balance at beginning of period	$    5,020,630	$    4,602,104	$    4,968,893	$    4,572,476
Net earnings	179,151	108,579	391,783	273,639
Common stock issued
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares
withheld for taxes	(32)	(377)	(31,370)	(24,485)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(24,995)	0	(99,916)	(60,303)
Share-based compensation expense	6,887	6,282	21,650	19,953
Cash dividends on common stock
($0.28/$0.25/$0.84/$0.75 per share, respectively)	(36,996)	(33,069)	(111,192)	(99,263)
Other comprehensive income	1,144	1,615	5,941	3,117
Balance at end of period	$    5,145,789	$    4,685,134	$    5,145,789	$    4,685,134