SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PROGRAMS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Compensation Costs

Compensation costs for the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 for share-based payment arrangements as further described herein are as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
	(in thousands)
Performance Shares	$	2,598		$	3,402
Stock Options	(920		)	9
AB Restricted Units	12,484			7,700
Other compensation plans(1)	(119		)	65
Total Compensation Expenses	$	14,043		$	11,176

(1) Other compensation plans include Restricted Stock and Stock Appreciation Rights.