SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

COMMON SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING

The following table presents changes in common shares issued and outstanding, excluding restricted shares related to the Company's share-based compensation plans (see Note 16 'Share-Based Compensation'):

Year ended December 31,	2017		2016		2015
Shares issued, balance at beginning of year	176,580		176,240		175,478
Shares issued	—		340		762
Total shares issued at end of year	176,580		176,580		176,240
Treasury shares, balance at beginning of year	(90,139	)	(80,174	)	(76,052	)
Shares repurchased	(4,288	)	(10,508	)	(4,616	)
Shares reissued	1,008		543		494
Total treasury shares at end of year	(93,419	)	(90,139	)	(80,174	)
Total shares outstanding	83,161		86,441		96,066

SHARE REPURCHASES

The following table presents common share repurchased, from shares held in treasury:

Year ended December 31,	2017		2016		2015
In the open market:
Total shares(1)	3,932		10,241		4,264
Total cost	$	261,180	$	557,476	$	246,490
Average price per share(2)	$	66.43	$	54.44	$	57.80
From employees:(3)
Total shares	356		267		352
Total cost	$	24,678	$	14,329	$	18,048
Average price per share(2)	$	69.36	$	53.74	$	51.34
Total shares repurchased:
Total shares	4,288		10,508		4,616
Total cost	$	285,858	$	571,805	$	264,538
Average price per share(2)	$	66.67	$	54.42	$	57.32

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

(2) Calculated using whole numbers.

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