SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (TABLES)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

COMMON SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING

The following table presents our common shares issued and outstanding, excluding restricted shares under our share-based compensation plans (refer to Note 16 'Share-based Compensation'):

Year ended December 31,	2016		2015		2014
Shares issued, balance at beginning of year	176,240		175,478		174,134
Shares issued	340		762		1,344
Total shares issued at end of year	176,580		176,240		175,478
Treasury shares, balance at beginning of year	(80,174	)	(76,052	)	(64,649	)
Shares repurchased	(10,508	)	(4,616	)	(11,752	)
Shares reissued from treasury	543		494		349
Total treasury shares at end of year	(90,139	)	(80,174	)	(76,052	)
Total shares outstanding	86,441		96,066		99,426

SHARE REPURCHASES

The following table presents our common share repurchase activities, which are held in treasury:

Year ended December 31,	2016		2015		2014
In the open market:
Total shares(1)	10,241		4,264		11,317
Total cost	$	557,476	$	246,490	$	524,168
Average price per share(2)	$	54.44	$	57.80	$	46.32
From employees:(3)
Total shares	267		352		435
Total cost	$	14,329	$	18,048	$	19,034
Average price per share(2)	$	53.74	$	51.34	$	43.82
Total
Total shares	10,508		4,616		11,752
Total cost	$	571,805	$	264,538	$	543,202
Average price per share(2)	$	54.42	$	57.32	$	46.22

(1) Amounts in 2016 and 2015 include 1,358,380 and 4,149,378, respectively, of common shares acquired under the accelerated share repurchase program (see below for more detail).

(2) Calculated using whole numbers.

(3) To satisfy withholding tax liabilities upon vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and exercise of stock options. Share repurchases from employees are excluded from the authorized share repurchase plans noted above.