SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Supplemental Information Referable to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)		$ 85,140	$ 82,339
Income taxes		46,955	(99,585)
Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment		28,828	30,588
Recognition of new asset retirement obligations		263	0
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	[1]	438,517	0
Amounts referable to business acquisitions Liabilities assumed	[2]	3,525	5,056
Amounts referable to business acquisitions Consideration payable to seller		$ 0	$ 9,500

[1] The 2019 amount includes the initial right-of-use assets resulting from our adoption of ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” as described in Note 17.

[2] Includes adjustments to prior year acquisitions