EQUITY (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

EQUITY [Abstract]

Shares Purchased and Retired

in thousands, except average cost	2019	2018	2017
Shares Purchased and Retired
Number	19	1,192	510
Total purchase price	$          2,602	$     133,983	$       60,303
Average cost per share	$        139.90	$       112.41	$       118.18

Cash Dividends Per Share of Common Stock

in thousands, except per share data	2019	2018	2017
Dividends
Cash dividends	$      163,973	$     148,109	$     132,335
Cash dividends per share	$            1.24	$           1.12	$           1.00