Vulcan Materials 10-K 27 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 13, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	VMC
Entity Registrant Name	Vulcan Materials CO
Entity Central Index Key	1,396,009
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		132,482,375
Entity Public Float			$ 16,712,817,912

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 3,890,296	$ 3,592,667	$ 3,422,181
Cost of revenues	2,889,735	2,591,850	2,564,648
Gross profit	1,000,561	1,000,817	857,533
Selling, administrative and general expenses	323,918	314,986	286,844
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	17,827	15,431	9,927
Other operating expense, net	(47,362)	(21,680)	(30,838)
Operating earnings	647,108	679,582	549,778
Other nonoperating income (expense), net	5,293	944	(1,678)
Interest income	4,437	807	345
Interest expense	295,522	134,076	220,588
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	361,316	547,257	327,857
Income tax expense (benefit)
Current	354	94,254	89,340
Deferred	(232,429)	30,597	5,603
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(232,075)	124,851	94,943
Earnings from continuing operations	593,391	422,406	232,914
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 2)	7,794	(2,915)	(11,737)
Net earnings	601,185	419,491	221,177
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges	1,862	1,194	5,828
Adjustment for funded status of benefit plans	(14,106)	(20,583)	23,832
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost for benefit plans	2,154	82	11,985
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,090)	(19,307)	41,645
Comprehensive income	$ 591,095	$ 400,184	$ 262,822
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Continuing operations	$ 4.48	$ 3.17	$ 1.75
Discontinued operations	0.06	(0.02)	(0.09)
Net earnings	4.54	3.15	1.66
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Continuing operations	4.40	3.11	1.72
Discontinued operations	0.06	(0.02)	(0.08)
Net earnings	$ 4.46	$ 3.09	$ 1.64
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic	132,513	133,205	133,210
Assuming dilution	134,878	135,790	135,093

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 141,646	$ 258,986
Restricted cash	5,000	9,033
Accounts and notes receivable
Customers, less allowance for doubtful accounts 2017 — $2,649; 2016 — $2,813	434,089	398,488
Other	154,248	93,333
Inventories	384,338	345,616
Prepaid expenses	60,780	31,726
Total current assets	1,180,101	1,137,182
Investments and long-term receivables	35,115	39,226
Property, plant & equipment, net	3,918,931	3,261,438
Goodwill	3,122,321	3,094,824
Other intangible assets, net	1,063,630	769,052
Other noncurrent assets	184,793	169,753
Total assets	9,504,891	8,471,475
Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	41,383	138
Short-term debt	0	0
Trade payables and accruals	197,335	145,042
Accrued salaries, wages and management incentives	87,208	91,455
Accrued interest	11,664	9,751
Other current liabilities	105,282	125,858
Total current liabilities	442,872	372,244
Long-term debt	2,813,482	1,982,751
Deferred income taxes, net	464,081	702,854
Deferred management incentive and other compensation	19,856	19,698
Pension benefits	245,449	247,784
Other postretirement benefits	37,856	39,533
Asset retirement obligations	218,117	223,872
Deferred revenue	191,476	198,388
Other noncurrent liabilities	102,809	111,875
Total liabilities	4,535,998	3,898,999
Other commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Equity
Common stock, $1 par value, Authorized 480,000 shares, Outstanding 132,324 and 132,339 shares, respectively	132,324	132,339
Capital in excess of par value	2,805,587	2,807,995
Retained earnings	2,180,448	1,771,518
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(149,466)	(139,376)
Total equity	4,968,893	4,572,476
Total liabilities and equity	$ 9,504,891	$ 8,471,475

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]
Customers, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,649	$ 2,813
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	480,000,000	480,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	132,324,000	132,339,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 601,185	$ 419,491	$ 221,177
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization	305,965	284,940	274,823
Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	(17,827)	(15,431)	(9,927)
Contributions to pension plans	(20,023)	(9,576)	(14,047)
Share-based compensation expense	26,635	20,670	18,248
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	0	0	(18,376)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(235,697)	33,591	3,069
Cost of debt purchase	140,772	0	67,075
(Increase) decrease in assets excluding the initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions
Accounts and notes receivable	(81,561)	(72,763)	(42,164)
Inventories	(14,121)	1,625	(20,925)
Prepaid expenses	(28,445)	2,558	(5,288)
Other assets	(23,759)	(18,236)	34,863
Increase (decrease) in liabilities excluding the initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions
Accrued interest and income taxes	1,303	(7,187)	26,605
Trade payables and other accruals	9,823	30,353	26,491
Other noncurrent liabilities	(32,592)	(29,138)	(42,702)
Other, net	13,020	3,691	616
Net cash provided by operating activities	644,678	644,588	519,538
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant & equipment	(459,566)	(350,148)	(289,262)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	15,756	23,318	8,218
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	287,292	0	0
Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash	(1,109,725)	(32,537)	(27,198)
Other, net	(3,248)	2,173	(350)
Net cash used for investing activities	(1,269,491)	(357,194)	(308,592)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from short-term debt	5,000	3,000	441,000
Payment of short-term debt	(5,000)	(3,000)	(206,000)
Payment of current maturities and long-term debt	(1,463,308)	(130)	(695,060)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	2,200,000	0	400,000
Debt discounts and issuance costs	(15,291)	(1,860)	(7,382)
Purchases of common stock	(60,303)	(161,463)	(21,475)
Dividends paid	(132,335)	(106,333)	(53,214)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	72,971
Share-based compensation, shares withheld for taxes	(25,323)	(34,799)	(16,225)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	0	0	18,376
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	503,440	(304,585)	(67,009)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(121,373)	(17,191)	143,937
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	268,019	285,210	141,273
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year	$ 146,646	$ 268,019	$ 285,210

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	131,907
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 131,907	$ 2,734,661	$ 1,471,845	$ (161,714)	$ 4,176,699
Net earnings	$ 0	0	221,177	0	221,177
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes, shares	1,493
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	$ 1,493	51,240	0	0	52,733
Purchase and retirement of common stock, shares	(228)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	$ (228)	0	(21,247)	0	(21,475)
Share-based compensation expense	0	18,248	0	0	18,248
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	0	18,376	0	0	18,376
Cash dividends on common stock	0	0	(53,214)	0	(53,214)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	41,645	41,645
Other	$ 0	53	(54)	0	(1)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	133,172
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 133,172	2,822,578	1,618,507	(120,069)	4,454,188
Net earnings	$ 0	0	419,491	0	419,491
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes, shares	594
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	$ 594	(35,363)	0	0	(34,769)
Purchase and retirement of common stock, shares	(1,427)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	$ (1,427)	0	(160,036)	0	(161,463)
Share-based compensation expense	0	20,670	0	0	20,670
Cash dividends on common stock	0	0	(106,333)	0	(106,333)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	(19,307)	(19,307)
Other	$ 0	110	(111)	0	(1)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	132,339
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 132,339	2,807,995	1,771,518	(139,376)	4,572,476
Net earnings	$ 0	0	601,185	0	601,185
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes, shares	495
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares withheld for taxes	$ 495	(29,168)	0	0	(28,673)
Purchase and retirement of common stock, shares	(510)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	$ (510)	0	(59,793)	0	(60,303)
Share-based compensation expense	0	26,635	0	0	26,635
Cash dividends on common stock	0	0	(132,335)	0	(132,335)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	(10,090)	(10,090)
Other	$ 0	125	(127)	0	(2)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017	132,324
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 132,324	$ 2,805,587	$ 2,180,448	$ (149,466)	$ 4,968,893

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQU7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY [Abstract]
Cash dividend on common stock, per share	$ 1	$ 0.80	$ 0.40

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES NATURE OF OPERATIONS Vulcan Materials Company (the "Company," "Vulcan," "we," "our"), a New Jersey corporation, is the nation's largest supplier of construction aggregates (primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel) and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We operate primarily in the United States and our principal product — aggregates — is used in virtually all types of public and private construction projects and in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We serve markets in twenty states, Washington D.C., and the local markets surrounding our operations in Mexico and the Bahamas. Our primary focus is serving metropolitan markets in the United States that are expected to experience the most significant growth in population, households and employment. These three demographic factors are significant drivers of demand for aggregates. While aggregates is our focus and primary business, we produce and sell asphalt mix and/or ready-mixed concrete in our mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Southwestern, Tennessee and Western markets. Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as described in Note 2, the results of the Chemicals business are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vulcan Materials Company and all our majority or wholly-owned subsidiary companies. Partially-owned affiliates are either consolidated or accounted for at cost or as equity investments depending on the level of ownership interest or our ability to exercise control over the affiliates’ operations. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted (GAAP) in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. The most significant estimates included in the preparation of these financial statements are related to goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, business combinations and purchase price allocation, pension and other postretirement benefits, environmental compliance, claims and litigation including self-insurance, and income taxes. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. The purchase price is determined based on the fair value of consideration transferred to and liabilities assumed from the seller as of the date of acquisition. We allocate the purchase price to the fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as o f t he date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded for the excess of the purchase price over the net of the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction, and therefore represents an exit price. A fair value measurement assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants. We may adjust the amounts recognized in an acquisition during a measurement period after the acquisition date. Any such adjustments are the result of subsequently obtaining additional information that existed at the acquisition date regarding the assets acquired or the liabilities assumed. Measurement period adjustments are generally recorded as increases or decreases to goodwill, if any, recognized in the transaction. The cumulative impact of measurement period adjustments on depreciation, amortization and other income statement items are recognized in the period the adjustment is determined . FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS The U. S . dollar is the functional currency for all of our operations. For our non-U.S. subsidiaries, local currency inventories and long-term assets such as property, plant & equipment and intangibles are remeasured into U.S. dollars at approximate rates prevailing when acquired; all other assets and liabilities are remeasured at year-end exchange rates. Inventories charged to cost of sales and depreciation are remeasured at historical rates; all other income and expense items are remeasured at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Gains and losses which result from remeasurement are included in earnings and are not material for the years presented. CASH EQUIVALENTS We classify as cash equivalents all highly liquid securities with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. RESTRICTED CASH Restricted cash consists of cash proceeds from the sale of property held in escrow for the acquisition of replacement property under like-kind exchange agreements and cash reserved by other contractual agreements (such as asset purchase agreements) for a specified purpose and therefore not available for use in our operations. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Cash restricted pursuant to like-kind exchange agreements remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Restricted cash is included with cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE Accounts and notes receivable from customers result from our extending credit to trade customers for the purchase of our products. The terms generally provide for payment within 30 days of being invoiced. On occasion, when necessary to conform to regional industry practices, we sell product under extended payment terms, which may result in either secured or unsecured short-term notes; or, on occasion, notes with durations of less than one year are taken in settlement of existing accounts receivable. Other accounts and notes receivable result from short-term transactions (less than one year) other than the sale of our products, such as interest receivable; insurance claims; freight claims; tax refund claims; bid deposits or rents receivable. As of December 31, 2017, income tax receivables of $106,980,000 are included in other accounts and notes receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. There were similar receivables of $10,201,000 as of December 31, 2016. R eceivables are aged and appropriate allowances for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense are recorded. Bad debt expense (net recoveries) for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2017 — $812,000 , 2016 — $(1,190,000) and 2015 — $1,450,000 . Write-offs of accounts receivables for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 — $1,384,000 , 2016 — $1,544,000 and 2015 — $1,483,000 . The bad debt recovery in 2016 relates to the collection of previously reserved receivables primarily attributable to the 2014 sale of our Florida area concrete and cement businesses. INVENTORIES Inventories and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuation for most of our inventories because it results in a better matching of costs with revenues. Such costs include fuel, parts and supplies, raw materials, direct labor and production overhead. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on our estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. Substantially all operating supplies inventory is carried at average cost. For additional information about our inventories see Note 3. PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Property, plant & equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization. The cost of properties held under capital leases, if any, is equal to the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased property at the inception of the lease. Capitalized software costs of $4,446,000 and $4,732,000 are reflected in net property, plant & equipment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We capitalized software costs for the years ended December 31 as follows: 2017 — $1,988,000 , 2016 — $152,000 and 2015 — $1,482,000 . For additional information about our property, plant & equipment see Note 4. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE Repair and maintenance costs generally are charged to operating expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments that add materially to the utility or useful lives of property, plant & equipment are capitalized and subsequently depreciated. Actual costs for planned major maintenance activities, related primarily to periodic overhauls on our oceangoing vessels, are capitalized and amortized to the next overhaul. DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION, ACCRETION AND AMORTIZATION Depreciation is generally computed by the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated service lives of the various classes of assets, which include machinery and equipment ( 3 to 35 years), buildings ( 7 to 20 years) and land improvements ( 8 to 20 years). Capitalized software costs are included in machinery and equipment and are depreciated on a straight-line basis beginning when the software project is substantially complete. Cost depletion on depletable land is computed by the unit-of- sales method based on estimated recoverable units. Accretion reflects the period-to-period increase in the carrying amount of the liability for asset retirement obligations. It is computed using the same credit-adjusted, risk-free rate used to initially measure the liability at fair value. Leaseholds are amortized over varying periods not in excess of applicable lease terms or estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization is computed based on the estimated life of the intangible assets. A significant portion of our intangible assets is contractual rights in place associated with zoning, permitting and other rights to access and extract aggregates reserves. Contractual rights in place associated with aggregates reserves are amortized using the unit-of-sales method based on estimated recoverable units. Other intangible assets are amortized principally by the straight-line method. Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization expense for the years ended December 31 is outlined below:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization  Depreciation $ 250,835 $ 238,237 $ 228,866  Depletion 19,342 17,812 18,177  Accretion 11,415 11,059 11,474  Amortization of leaseholds 608 267 688  Amortization of intangibles 23,765 17,565 15,618  Total $ 305,965 $ 284,940 $ 274,823  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS We periodically use derivative instruments to manage our mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt and to manage our exposure to currency exchange risk or price fluctuations on commodity energy sources consistent with our risk management policies. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Additional disclosures about our derivative instruments are presented in Note 5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as described below: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 2: Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement Our assets at December 31 subject to fair value measurement on a recurring basis are summarized below:     Level 1 Fair Value  in thousands 2017 2016  Fair Value Recurring  Rabbi Trust  Mutual funds $ 20,348 $ 6,883  Equities 0 10,033  Total $ 20,348 $ 16,916     Level 2 Fair Value  in thousands 2017 2016  Fair Value Recurring  Rabbi Trust  Money market mutual fund $ 1,203 $ 1,705  Total $ 1,203 $ 1,705  We have two Rabbi Trusts for the purpose of providing a level of security for the employee nonqualified retirement and deferred compensation plans and for the directors' nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The fair values of these investments are estimated using a market approach. The Level 1 investments include mutual funds and equity securities for which quoted prices in active markets are available. Level 2 investments are stated at estimated fair value based on the underlying investments in the fund (short-term, highly liquid assets in commercial paper, short-term bonds and certificates of deposit). Net gains (losses) of the Rabbi Trusts’ investments were $2,441,000 , $2,741,000 and $(1,517,000) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The portions of the net gains (losses) related to investments still held by the Rabbi Trusts at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $(3,618,000) , $1,599,000 and $(1,769,000 ) , respectively. The carrying values of our cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and notes receivable, short-term debt, trade payables and accruals, and all other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Additional disclosures for derivative instruments and interest-bearing debt are presented in Notes 5 and 6, respectively. Assets subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis in 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:     Year ending December 31, 2017 Year ending December 31, 2016  Impairment Impairment  in thousands Level 2 Charges Level 2 Charges  Fair Value Nonrecurring  Property, plant & equipment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,359  Other intangible assets, net 0 0 0 8,180  Other assets 0 0 0 967  Totals $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 10,506  We recorde d $ 10,506,000 of losses on impairment of long-lived assets i n 2 01 6 reducing the carrying value of these Aggregates segment assets to their estimated fair values o f $ 0 . Fair value was estimated using a market approach (observed transactions involving comparable assets in similar locations). G OODWILL IMPAIRMENT Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of net assets acquired in business combinations over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill impairment exists when the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As of December 31, 2017, goodwill totaled $3, 122,321, 000 , as compared to $3,094,824,000 at December 31, 2016. Goodwill represents 33% of total assets at December 31, 2017 compared to 37% a t December 31, 2016. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, as of November 1, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, one level below our operating segments. We have four operating segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. Within these four operating segments, we have identified 17 reporting units (of which 9 carry goodwill) based primarily on geographic location. We have the option of either assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of our reporting units exceeds their respective fair value or proceeding directly to a quantitative test. We elected to perform the quantitative impairment test for all years presented. The quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. I f the fair value exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. However, if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss equal to that excess. The results of the annual impairment tests performed as of November 1, 201 7 , 2016 and 2015 indicated that the fair values of all reporting units with goodwill substantially exceeded their carrying values. Accordingly, there were no charges for goodwill impairment in the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 2016 or 2015. We estimate the fair values of the reporting units using both an income approach (which involves discounting estimated future cash flows) and a market approach (which involves the application of revenue and EBITDA multiples of comparable companies). Determining the fair value of our reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions and considerable management judgment. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty and actual results may differ. Changes in key assumptions or management judgment with respect to a reporting unit or its prospects, which may result from a change in market conditions, market trends, interest rates or other factors outside of our control, or underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of our reporting units, which could result in an impairment charge in the future. For additional information about goodwill see Note 18. IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS EXCLUDING GOODWILL We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of long-lived assets is considered impaired when the estimated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than their carrying value. In that event, we recognize a loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by using a discounted cash flow methodology that requires considerable judgment and assumptions. Our estimate of net future cash flows is based on historical experience and assumptions of future trends, which may be different from actual results. We periodically review the appropriateness of the estimated useful lives of our long-lived assets. We test long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. As a result, our long-lived asset impairment test is at a significantly lower level than the level at which we test goodwill for impairment. In markets where we do not produce downstream products (e.g., asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete), the lowest level of largely independent identifiable cash flows is at the individual aggregates operation or a group of aggregates operations collectively serving a local market. Conversely, in vertically integrated markets, the cash flows of our downstream and upstream businesses are not largely independently identifiable as the selling price of the upstream products (aggregates) determines the profitability of the downstream business. As of December 31, 2017, net property, plant & equipment represents 41% of total assets, while net other intangible assets represents 11% of total assets. During 2017, we recorded no loss on impairment of long-lived assets . During 2016, we recorded a $10,506,000 loss on impairment of long-lived assets resulting from the termination of a nonstrategic aggregates lease and the write off of nonrecoverable project costs related to two Aggregates segment capital projects that we no longer intend to complete. During 2015, we recorded a $5,190,000 impairment loss related to exiting a lease for an aggregates site. For additional information about long-lived assets and intangible assets see Notes 4 and 18. TOTAL REVENUES AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Total revenues include sales of product and services to customers, net of any discounts and taxes, and freight and delivery revenues billed to customers. Freight and delivery generally represent pass-through transportation we incur (including our administrative costs) and pay to third-party carriers to deliver our products to customers. The cost related to freight and delivery is included in cost of revenues. Revenue for product sales is recognized at the time the selling price is fixed, the product's title is transferred to the buyer and collectibility of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured (typically occurs when finished products are shipped to the customer). SALES TAXES Sales taxes collected from customers are recorded as liabilities (within other current liabilities) until remitted to taxing authorities and therefore, are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. DEFERRED REVENUE In 2013 and 2012, we sold a percentage interest in future production structured as volumetric production payments (VPPs). The VPPs: § relate to eight quarries in Georgia and South Carolina § provide the purchaser solely with a nonoperating percentage interest in the subject quarries’ future production from aggregates reserves § are both time and volume limited § contain no minimum annual or cumulative production or sales volume, nor minimum sales price Our consolidated total revenues excludes the sales of aggregates owned by the VPP purchaser. We received net cash proceeds from the sale of the VPPs of $ 226,926 ,00 0. T hese proceeds were recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet and are amortized to revenue on a unit-of-sales basis over the terms of the VPPs (expected to be approximately 25 years, limited by volume rather than time). Reconciliation of the deferred revenue balances (current and noncurrent) is as follows:    in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Deferred Revenue  Balance at beginning of year $ 206,468 $ 214,060 $ 219,968  Amortization of deferred revenue (6,912) (7,592) (5,908)  Balance at end of year $ 199,556 $ 206,468 $ 214,060  Based on expected s ales from the specified quarries, we expect to recogniz e $ 8,080,000 of deferred revenue as income i n 2 018 (reflected in other current liabilities in our 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet). STRIPPING COSTS In the mining industry, the costs of removing overburden and waste materials to access mineral deposits are referred to as stripping costs. Stripping costs incurred during the production phase are considered costs of extracted minerals under our inventory costing system, inventoried, and recognized in cost of sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of the inventory. The production stage is deemed to begin when the activities, including removal of overburden and waste material that may contain incidental saleable material, required to access the saleable product are complete. Stripping costs considered as production costs and included in the costs of inventory produced were $65,944,000 in 2017, $55,987,000 in 2016 and $50,409,000 in 2015. Conversely, stripping costs incurred during the development stage of a mine (pre-production stripping) are excluded from our inventory cost. Pre-production stripping costs are capitalized and reported within other noncurrent assets in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalized pre-production stripping costs are expensed over the productive life of the mine using the unit-of- sales method. Pre-production stripping costs included in other noncurrent assets were $81,241,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $70,227,000 as of December 31, 2016. This year-over-year in crease resulted primarily from the removal of overburden at a greenfield site in California. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION We account for share-based compensation awards using fair-value-based measurement methods. These result in the recognition of compensation expense for all share-based compensation award s b ased on their fair value as of the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period. A summary of the estimated future compensation cost (unrecognized compensation expense) as of December 31, 2017 related to share-based awards granted to employees under our long-term incentive plans is presented below:     Unrecognized Expected  Compensation Weighted-average  dollars in thousands Expense Recognition (Years)  Share-based Compensation  SOSARs 1 $ 4,623 1.5  Performance shares 18,424 1.8  Restricted shares 5,244 2.6  Total/weighted-average $ 28,291 1.9   1 Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights (SOSARs)  Pretax compensation expense related to our employee share-based compensation awards and related income tax benefits for the years ended December 31 are summarized below:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Employee Share-based Compensation Awards  Pretax compensation expense $ 24,367 $ 17,823 $ 16,362  Income tax benefits 6,226 6,925 6,347  We receive an income tax deduction for share-based compensation equal to the excess of the market value of our common stock on the date of exercise or issuance over the exercise price. Tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) are reflected as discrete income tax benefits in the period of exercise or issuance. Prior to our early adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” in 2016, excess tax benefits were recorded directly to equity (APIC). For 2017 and 2016, net excess tax benefits of $22,962,000 (federal $20,740,000 and state $2,222,000 ) and $24,847,000 (federal $22,443,000 and state $2,404,000 ) , respectively, were recorded as reductions to our income tax expense (see Note 9) and were reflected as operating cash flows . For 2015, net excess tax benefits of $18,115,000 were recorded directly to APIC and gross excess tax benefits of $18,376,000 we re reflected as financing cash flows. For additional information about share-based compensation, see Note 11 under the caption Share-based Compensation Plans. RECLAMATION COSTS Reclamation costs resulting from normal use of long-lived assets are recognized over the period the asset is in use when there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon retirement of the assets. Additionally, reclamation costs resulting from normal use under a mineral lease are recognized over the lease term when there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon expiration of the lease. The obligation, which cannot be reduced by estimated offsetting cash flows, is recorded at fair value as a liability at the obligating event date and is accreted through charges to operating expenses. This fair value is also capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the underlying asset and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. If the obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, a gain or loss is recognized on settlement. To determine the fair value of the obligation, we estimate the cost ( including a reasonable profit margin) for a third party to perform the legally required reclamation tasks. This cost is then increased for both future estimated inflation and an estimated market risk premium related to the estimated years to settlement. Once calculated, this cost is discounted to fair value using present value techniques with a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate commensurate with the estimated years to settlement. In estimating the settlement date, we evaluate the current facts and conditions to determine the most likely settlement date. If this evaluation identifies alternative estimated settlement dates, we use a weighted-average settlement date considering the probabilities of each alternative. We review reclamation obligations at least annually for a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. Additionally, reclamation obligations are reviewed in the period that a triggering event occurs that would result in either a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. Examples of events that would trigger a change in the cost include a new reclamation law or amendment of an existing mineral lease. Examples of events that would trigger a change in the estimated settlement date include the acquisition of additional reserves or the closure of a facility. The carrying value of these obligations was $218,117,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $223,872,000 as of December 31, 2016. For additional information about reclamation obligations (referred to in our financial statements as asset retirement obligations) see Note 17. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Accounting for pension and postretirement benefits requires that we make significant assumptions about the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. The primary assumptions are as follows: § Discount Rate — The discount rate is used in calculating the present value of projected benefit payments § Expected Return on Plan Assets — The expected future return on plan assets reduces the recorded net benefit costs § Rate of Compensation Increase — Annual pay increases after 2015 will not increase our pension plan obligations as a result of a 2013 plan amendment § Rate of Increase in the Per Capita Cost of Covered Healthcare Benefits — Increases in the per capita cost after 2015 will not increase our postretirement medical benefits obligation as a result of a 2012 plan amendment Accounting standards provide for the delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition in earnings of changes in benefit obligations and asset performance. The differences between actual results and expected or estimated results are recognized in full in other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in a systematic manner over the average remaining service period of participants for our active plans or the average remaining lifetime of participants for our inactive plans. For additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits see Note 10. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Our environmental compliance costs are undiscounted and include the cost of ongoing monitoring programs, the cost of remediation efforts and other similar costs. We accrue costs for environmental assessment and remediation efforts when we determine that a liability is probable and we can reasonably estimate the cost. At the early stages of a remediation effort, environmental remediation liabilities are not easily quantified due to the uncertainties of various factors. The range of an estimated remediation liability is defined and redefined as events in the remediation effort occur, but generally liabilities are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. When we can estimate a range of probable loss, we accrue the most likely amount. If no amount in the range of probable loss is considered most likely, the minimum loss in the range is accrued. As of December 31, 2017, the spread between the amount accrued and the maximum loss in the range for all sites for which a range can be reasonably estimated was $3,105,000 — this amount does not represent our maximum exposure to loss for all environmental remediation obligations as it excludes tho

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	NOTE 2: DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In 2005, we sold substantially all the assets of our Chemicals business to Basic Chemicals, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation. The financial results of the Chemicals business are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for all periods presented. There were no revenues from discontinued operations for the years presented. Results from discontinued operations are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Discontinued Operations  Pretax earnings (loss) $ 12,959 $ (4,877) $ (19,326)  Income tax (expense) benefit (5,165) 1,962 7,589  Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,  net of tax $ 7,794 $ (2,915) $ (11,737)  The 2017, 2016 and 2015 pretax earnings (loss) from discontinued operations of $12,959,000, $(4,877,000) and $(19,326,000) , respectively, include charges related to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business. The 2017 results reflect charges and related insurance recoveries, including those associated with the Texas Brine matter, as further discussed in Note 12. During 2016, we settled one of the cases in the Texas Brine matter. This settlement was covered by our insurance policy, which also reimbursed a portion of our past legal expenses such that the net loss for this matter was immaterial for the year. The 2015 loss resulted primarily from charges associated with the Lower Passaic and Texas Brine matters (see Note 12).

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	NOTE 3: INVENTORIES Inventories at December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016  Inventories  Finished products 1 $ 327,711 $ 293,619  Raw materials 27,152 22,648  Products in process 1,827 1,480  Operating supplies and other 27,648 27,869  Total $ 384,338 $ 345,616    1 Includes inventories encumbered b y vo lumetric production payment s (see Note 1, caption Deferred Revenue), as follows: December 31, 2017 — $ 2,808 thousand and December 31, 2016 — $2,841 thousand.  In addition to the inventory balances presented above, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we have $11,810,000 and $15,285,000 , respectively, of inventory classified as long-term assets (other noncurrent assets) as we do not expect to sell the inventory within one year of their respective balance sheet dates. Inventories valued under the LIFO method total $252,808,000 at December 31, 2017 and $239,187,000 at December 31, 2016. During 20 17 , 2016 and 2015, inventory reductions resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared to current-year costs. The effect of the LIFO liquidation on 2017 results was to decrease cost of revenues by $2,714,000 and increase net earnings by $1,662,000 . The effect of the LIFO liquidation on 2016 results was to decrease cost of revenues by $3,956,000 and increase net earnings by $2,419,000 . The effect of the LIFO liquidation on 2015 results was to decrease cost of revenues by $3,284,000 and increase net earnings by $2,010,000 . Estimated current cost exceeded LIFO cost at December 31, 2017 and 2016 by $168,829,000 and $155,576,000 , respectively. We use the LIFO method of valuation for most of our inventories as it results in a better matching of costs with revenues. In periods of increasing costs, LIFO generally results in higher cost of revenues than under FIFO. In periods of decreasing costs, the results are generally the opposite. We provide supplemental income disclosures to facilitate comparisons with companies not on LIFO. The supplemental income calculation is derived by tax-affecting the change in the LIFO reserve for the periods presented. If all inventories valued at LIFO cost had been valued under first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, the approximate effect on net earnings would have been a n in crease of $8,092,000 in 2017, a decrease of $(8,338,000) in 2016 and a de crease of $(7,614,000) in 2015.

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT	NOTE 4: PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation, depletion and amortization at December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016  Property, Plant & Equipment  Land and land improvements 1 $ 2,742,285 $ 2,374,051  Buildings 135,655 127,369  Machinery and equipment 4,740,212 4,316,243  Leaseholds 17,354 17,595  Deferred asset retirement costs 172,631 168,258  Construction in progress 161,175 182,302  Total, gross $ 7,969,312 $ 7,185,818  Less allowances for depreciation, depletion  and amortization 4,050,381 3,924,380  Total, net $ 3,918,931 $ 3,261,438   1 Includes depletable land, as follows: December 31, 2017 — $ 1, 606,303 thousand and December 31, 2016 — $1,327,402 thousand.  Capitalized interest costs with respect to qualifying construction projects and total interest costs incurred before recognition of the capitalized amount for the years ended December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Capitalized interest cost $ 5,177 $ 7,468 $ 2,930  Total interest cost incurred before recognition  of the capitalized amount 300,699 141,544 223,518

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	NOTE 5: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS During the normal course of operations, we are exposed to market risks including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. From time to time, and consistent with our risk management policies, we use derivative instruments to balance the cost and risk of such expenses. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationship. The interest rate agreements described below were designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and are reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. Changes in fair value of fair value hedges are recorded as interest expense consistent with the change in the fair value of the hedged items attributable to the risk being hedged. CASH FLOW HEDGES During 2007, we entered into fifteen forward starting interest rate locks on $1,500,000,000 of future debt issuances to hedge the risk of higher interest rates. Upon the 2007 and 2008 issuances of the related fixed-rate debt, underlying interest rates were lower than the rate locks and we terminated and settled these forward starting locks for cash pay ments of $89,777,000 . This amount was booked to AOCI and is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt. This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31 as follows:     in thousands Location on Statement 2017 2016 2015  Cash Flow Hedges  Loss reclassified from AOCI  (effective portion) Interest expense $ (3,070) $ (2,008) $ (9,759)  The losses reclassified from AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015 include the acceleration of deferred losses in the amount of $1, 405 ,000 and $7,208,000 , respectively, referable to the debt purchases as described in Note 6. For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2018, we estimate that $399,000 of the pretax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to earnings. FAIR VALUE HEDGES In June 2011, we entered into two interest rate-swap agreements totaling $650,000,000 . In August 2011, we terminated and settled these interest rate swap agreements for $25,382,000 of cash proceeds. The resulting gain was added to the carrying value of the related debt and was amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the terms of the related debt using the effective interest method. This deferred gain amortization was reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31 as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Deferred Gain on Settlement  Amortized to earnings as a reduction to interest expense $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,036  The deferred gain was fully amortized in December 2015, concurrent with the retirement of the 10.125% notes due 2015.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
DEBT [Abstract]
DEBT	NOTE 6: DEBT Debt at December 31 is detailed as follows:     Effective  in thousands Interest Rates 2017 2016  Short-term Debt  Bank line of credit expires 2021 1, 2 n/a $ 0 $ 0  Total short-term debt $ 0 $ 0  Long-term Debt  Bank line of credit expires 2021 1, 2 1.25% $ 250,000 $ 235,000  Term loan due 2018 2, 3 2.96% 350,000 0  7.00% notes due 2018 n/a 0 272,512  10.375% notes due 2018 n/a 0 250,000  Floating-rate notes due 2020 2.22% 250,000 0  7.50% notes due 2021 7.75% 35,111 600,000  8.85% notes due 2021 8.88% 6,000 6,000  Term loan due 2021 2 2.75% 250,000 0  4.50% notes due 2025 4.65% 400,000 400,000  3.90% notes due 2027 4.00% 400,000 0  7.15% notes due 2037 8.05% 240,188 240,188  4.50% notes due 2047 4.59% 700,000 0  Other notes 2 6.46% 230 365  Total long-term debt - face value $ 2,881,529 $ 2,004,065  Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs (26,664) (21,176)  Total long-term debt - book value $ 2,854,865 $ 1,982,889  Less current maturities 41,383 138  Total long-term debt - reported value $ 2,813,482 $ 1,982,751  Estimated fair value of long-term debt $ 2,983,419 $ 2,243,213    1 Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term debt if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term debt otherwise. 2 Non-publicly traded debt. 3 This short-term loan was refinanced on a long-term basis in February 2018 as discussed below .  Discount s and debt issuance cost s a re amortized using the effective interest method over the terms of the respective notes resulting in $9,808,000 and $4,418,000 , respectively, of net interest expense for these items for 2017 and 2016. The estimated fair value of our debt presented in the table above was determined by: (1) averaging several asking price quotes for the publicly traded notes and (2) assuming par value for the remainder of the debt. The fair value estimates for the publicly traded notes were based on Level 2 information (as defined in Note 1, caption Fair Value Measurements ) as of their respective balance sheet dates. Subsequent to year-end, on February 23, 2018, we issued $350,000,000 of 4.70% notes due 2048 and $500,000,000 of floating-rate notes due 2021 . The proceeds, together with cash on hand, were used to retire/repay without penalty or premium: (1) the $350,000,000 term loan due 2018, (2) the $250,000,000 term loan due 2021, and (3) the $250,000,000 bank line of credit borrowings. As a result, the $350,000,000 term loan due 2018 is reflected as long-term debt and its initial proceeds are presented as from the issuance of long-term debt on the 2017 consolidated statement of cash flow. Additionally, on February 20, 2018, we commenced an exchange offer to the holders of the $240,188,000 of 7.15% notes due 2037 through which we would exchange any and all of these notes for newly issued notes due 2048 (these notes would be in addition to, and fungible with, the $350,000,000 million of notes due 2048) and cash. The amount of notes due 2037 tendered for exchange, and the amount of newly issued notes due 2048 and cash to be exchanged, will be determined in March 2018. We will receive no proceeds from the issuance of the notes due 2048 in the exchange offer . LINE OF CREDIT In December 2016, among other favorable changes, we extended the maturity date of our unsecured $750,000,000 line of credit from June 2020 to December 2021. Th e c redit agreement c ontains affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary for an unsecured investment-grade facility. The primary negative covenant limits our ability to incur secured deb t. The financial covenants are: (1) a maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA of 3.5 :1 (upon certain acquisitions, the maximum ratio can be 3.75 :1 for three quarters), and (2) a minimum ratio of EBITDA to net cash interest expense of 3.0 :1. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with the line of credit covenants. Borrowings on our line of credit are classified as short-term debt if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term debt if we have the intent and ability to extend repayment beyond twelve months. Borrowings bear interest, at our option, at either LIBOR plus a credit margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% , or SunTrust Bank’s base rate (generally, its prime rate) plus a credit margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.75% . The credit margin for both LIBOR and base rate borrowings is determined by our credit ratings. Standby letters of credit, which are issued under the line of credit and reduce availability, are charged a fee equal to the credit margin for LIBOR borrowings plus 0.175% . We also pay a commitment fee on the daily average unused amount of the line of credit that ranges from 0.10% to 0.25% determined by our credit ratings. As of December 31, 2017, the credit margin for LIBOR borrowings was 1.25% , the credit margin for base rate borrowings was 0.25% , and the commitment fee for the unused amount was 0.15% . As of December 31, 2017, our available borrowing capacity was $456,761,000 . Utilization of the borrowing capacity was as follows: § $250,000,000 was borrowed § $43,239,000 was used to provide support for outstanding standby letters of credit TERM DEBT All of our $2,631,529,000 of term debt is unsecured. $2,031,299,000 of such debt is governed by two essentially identical indentures that contain customary investment-grade type covenants. The primary covenant in both indentures limits the amount of secured debt we may incur without ratably securing such debt. $ 600,000,000 of such debt is governed, as described below, largely by the same credit agreement that governs our line of credit. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the term debt covenants. In December 2017, we early retired via tender offer, $564,889,000 of the 7.50% notes due 2021 at a cost of $662,613,000 including a premium of $96,167,000 and transaction costs of $1,558,000 . Additionally, we recognized net noncash expense of $4,228,000 with the acceleration of deferred debt issuance costs. Subsequently, in January 2018 we early retired via redemption the remaining $35,111,000 of the 7.50% notes due 2021 at a cost of $40,719,000 including a premium of $5,608,00 0 . A lso in December 2017, we entered into a 6 -month $350,000,000 unsecured term loan with one of the banks that provides our line of credi t. B orrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.25% , and may be prepaid any time without penalty. This term loan incorporates by reference the representation s , covenants and events of default contained in the credit agreement for the line of credit. As such, it is subject to the same affirmative, negative and financial covenants. In June 2017, we issued $1,000,000,000 of debt composed of three issuances as follows: (1) $700,000,000 of 4.50% senior notes due June 2047, (2) $50,000,000 of 3.90% senior notes due April 2027 (these notes are a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the 3.90% notes issued in March 2017), and (3) $250,000,000 of floating-rate senior notes due June 2020. These issuances resulted in proceeds of $989,512,000 (net of original issue discounts/premiums, underwriter fees and other transaction costs). The proceeds were used to partially finance an acquisition and to early retire the notes due in 2018 ( $272,512,000 7.00% and $250,000,000 10.375% ). This early retirement was completed in July at a cost of $565,560,000 including a $43,020,000 premium, transaction costs of $28,000 and $3,029,000 o f n o ncash expense associated with the acceleration of unamortized discounts, deferred debt issuance costs and deferred interest rate derivative settlement losses. As a result of the 2 017 early debt retirements described above, we recognized $139,187,000 of premiums, $1,586,000 of transaction costs and $7,257,000 of net noncash expense associated with the acceleration of unamortized discounts, deferred debt issuance costs and deferred interest rate derivative settlement losses. The combined charge of $148,030,000 was a component of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017. In June 2017, we drew the full $250,000,000 on the unsecured delayed draw term loan entered into in December 2016. These funds were used to repay the $235,000,000 borrowed on our line of credit and for general corporate purposes. Borrowings bear interest in the same manner as the line of credit. The term loan principal will be repaid quarterly beginning March 2018 as follows: quarters 5 - 8 $1,562,500 /quarter ; 9 - 12 $3,125,000 /quarter ; 13 - 19 $4,687,500 /quarter and $198,437,500 for quarter 20 (December 2021). The term loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty. It is provided by the same group of banks that provides our line of credit, and is governed by the same credit agreement as the line of credit. As such, it is subject to the same affirmative, negative, and financial covenants. In March 2017, we issued $350,000,000 of 3.90% senior notes due April 2027 for proceeds of $345,450,000 (net of original issue discounts, underwriter fees and other transaction costs). The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. This series of notes now totals $400,000,000 due to the additional $50,000,000 of notes issued in June (as described above). In 2015, we issued $400,000,000 of 4.50% senior notes due 2025 . Proceeds (net of underwriter fees and other transaction costs) of $395,207,000 , together with cash on hand and borrowings under our line of credit, funded: (1) the purchase, via tender offer, of $127,488,000 principal amount ( 33% ) of the 7.00% notes due 2018 , (2) the redemption of $218,633,000 principal amount ( 100% ) of the 6.40% notes due 2017 , and (3) the redemption of $125,001,000 principal amount ( 100% ) of the 6.50% notes due 2016 . These debt purchases cost $530,923,000 , including a $59,293,000 premium above the principal amount of the notes and transaction costs of $508,000 . The premium primarily reflects the trading price of the notes relative to par before the tender offer commencement. Additionally, we recognized $7,274,000 of net noncash expense associated with the acceleration of a proportional amount of unamortized discounts, deferred debt issuance costs, and deferred interest rate derivative settlement gains and losses. The combined charge of $67,075,000 was a component of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally in 2015, we repaid our $150,000,000 10.125% notes due 2015 and our $14,000,000 industrial revenue bond due 2022 via borrowing on our line of credit. These repayments did not incur any prepayment penalties. DEBT PAYMENTS During 2017, our debt payments, excluding the line of credit, were composed of $1,087,536,000 principal , $143,226,000 interest and $140,772,000 cost of debt purchase . As described above, during the third and fourth quarter s of 2017, we early retired $1,087,401,000 of deb t. During 2016, our debt payments, excluding the line of credit, were composed of $130,000 principal and $125,748,000 interest. The total scheduled (principal and interest) debt payments, excluding the line of credit, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 are as follows:     in thousands Total Principal Interest  Debt Payments (excluding the line of credit)  2018 $ 493,801 $ 391,383 $ 102,418  2019 111,068 12,523 98,545  2020 363,480 268,775 94,705  2021 308,537 218,526 90,011  2022 82,309 28 82,281 STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT We provide, in the normal course of business, certain third-party beneficiaries with standby letters of credit to support our obligations to pay or perform according to the requirements of an underlying agreement. Such letters of credit typically have an initial term of one yea r, r enew automatically, and can only be modified or cancelled with the approval of the beneficiary. All of our standby letters of credit are issued by banks that participate in our $750,000,000 line of credit, and reduce the borrowing capacity thereunder. Our standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2017 are summarized by purpose in the table below:     in thousands  Standby Letters of Credit  Risk management insurance $ 38,111  Reclamation/restoration requirements 5,128  Total $ 43,239

OPERATING LEASES

OPERATING LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]
OPERATING LEASES	NOTE 7: OPERATING LEASES Rental expense from continuing operations under nonmineral operating leases for the years ended December 31, exclusive of rental payments made under leases of one month or less, is summarized as follows:      in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Operating Leases  Minimum rentals $ 59,536 $ 52,713 $ 49,461  Contingent rentals (based principally on usage) 50,822 57,278 60,380  Total $ 110,358 $ 109,991 $ 109,841  Future minimum operating lease payments under all leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year, exclusive of mineral leases (see Note 12), as of December 31, 2017 are payable as follows:     in thousands  Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments  2018 $ 36,358  2019 33,986  2020 30,888  2021 27,331  2022 20,880  Thereafter 106,351  Total $ 255,794  Lease agreements frequently include renewal options and require that we pay for utilities, taxes, insurance and maintenance expense. Options to purchase are also included in some lease agreements.

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATI

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS [Abstract]
ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS	NOTE 8: ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS Our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 include accrued environmental remediation costs (measured on an undiscounted basis) as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016  Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs  Continuing operations $ 21,784 $ 9,136  Retained from former Chemicals business 10,704 10,716  Total $ 32,488 $ 19,852  The long-term portion of the accruals noted above is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and amounted to $12,760,000 at December 31, 2017 and $12,655,000 at December 31, 2016. The short-term portion of these accruals is included in other current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accrued environmental remediation costs in continuing operations relate primarily to the former Florida Rock, Tarmac, and CalMat facilities acquired in 2007, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The current in crease primarily relates to the Hewitt Landfill Matter . The balances noted above for Chemicals relate to retained environmental remediation costs from the 2003 sale of the Performance Chemicals business and the 2005 sale of the Chloralkali busines s. R efer to Note 12 for additional discussion o f c ontingent environmental matters.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 9: INCOME TAXES The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The TCJA , among other changes, (1) reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% , (2) allows for the immediate 100% deductibility of certain capital investments, (3) el iminat es t h e a lternative minimum tax (though allows for the future use of previously generated alternative minimum tax credits) , (4) repeal s t he domestic production deduction, (5) require s a one-time “ transition tax ” on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred , (6) limit s the deductibility of interest expens e, ( 7 ) further limits the deductibility of certain executive compensation and ( 8 ) tax es global intangible low taxed income. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 to provide guidance for companies that have not completed their accounting for the income tax effects of the TCJA in the period of enactment. SAB 118 provides a one-year measurement perio d f rom the TCJA enactment date for companies to complete their income tax accounting. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the TCJA for which the income tax accounting is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA is incomplete but for which it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company is unable to determine a provisional estimate, it should account for its income taxes on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the TCJA. The components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Earnings from Continuing Operations  before Income Taxes  Domestic $ 346,668 $ 513,721 $ 293,547  Foreign 14,648 33,536 34,310  Total $ 361,316 $ 547,257 $ 327,857  Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Income Tax Expense (Benefit) from  Continuing Operations  Current  Federal $ (7,416) $ 72,506 $ 67,521  State and local 4,661 14,774 14,035  Foreign 3,109 6,974 7,784  Total $ 354 $ 94,254 $ 89,340  Deferred  Federal $ (202,184) $ 37,246 $ 11,192  State and local (30,052) (6,647) (4,888)  Foreign (193) (2) (701)  Total $ (232,429) $ 30,597 $ 5,603  Total expense (benefit) $ (232,075) $ 124,851 $ 94,943  Income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences are as follows:     dollars in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Income tax expense at the federal  statutory tax rate of 35% $ 126,461 35.0% $ 191,540 35.0% $ 114,750 35.0%  Expense (Benefit) from  Income Tax Differences  Statutory depletion (28,995) -8.0% (32,230) -5.9% (27,702) -8.4%  State and local income taxes, net of federal  income tax benefit 8,115 2.2% 10,074 1.9% 10,600 3.2%  U.S. production deduction 2,452 0.7% (8,790) -1.6% (5,099) -1.6%  Foreign tax credit carryforward 0 0.0% (6,513) -1.2% 6,486 2.0%  Share-based compensation 1 (20,740) -5.7% (22,443) -4.1% 0 0.0%  Permanently reinvested foreign earnings (2,211) -0.6% (4,578) -0.8% (6,396) -2.0%  Foreign repatriation 12,301 3.4% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%  Revaluation - deferred tax balances (301,567) -83.5% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%  Al NOL valuation allowance release (28,827) -8.0% (4,791) -0.9% (4,655) -1.4%  Other, net 936 0.3% 2,582 0.4% 6,959 2.2%  Total income tax expense (benefit)/  Effective tax rate $ (232,075) -64.2% $ 124,851 22.8% $ 94,943 29.0%   1 As discussed in Note 1 (under the caption Share-based Compensation), we early adopted ASU 2016-09 as of December 31, 2016.  We are required to account for the effects of changes in income tax rates on deferred tax balances in the period in which the legislation is enacted. We have completed our accounting for the effects of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction on our deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Consequently, we have recorded an income tax benefit of $301,567,000 with a corresponding decrease to our net deferred income tax liability. For various reasons that are discussed more fully below, we have not completed our accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the TCJA. If we were able to make reasonable estimates of the effects of elements for which our analysis is not yet compete, we recorded provisional adjustments. If we were not yet able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of certain elements, we have not recorded any adjustments related to those elements and have continued accounting for them in accordance with income tax accounting on the basis of the tax laws in effect before the TCJA. Our accounting for the following elements of the TCJA is incomplete. However, we were able to make reasonable estimates of certain effects, and therefore, recorded provisional adjustments as follows: § DEEMED REPATRIATION TRANSITION TAX — The TCJA subjects companies to a one-time Deemed Repatriation Transition Tax (Transition Tax) on previously untaxed foreign accumulated earnings and profits (E&P). To determine the amount of the Transition Tax, we must determine, in addition to other factors, the amount of post-1986 E&P of the relevant foreign subsidiaries, the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings, as well as the amount of E&P held in cash and other specified assets. Although not complete, we were able to make a reasonable estimate of the Transition Tax and recorded a provisional Transition Tax obligation of $12,301,000 . Due to the complexity of the calculation of the Transition Tax, and the information that must be gathered and analyzed, we are continuing to analyze our calculation of the Transition T ax. § DEDUCTIBILITY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION — The TCJA eliminates the performance-based compensation exception from the limitation on covered employee remuneration. The new law includes a transition rule that allows performance-based remuneration paid pursuant to a written binding contract in existence on November 2, 2017 and not modified in any material respect after that date to continue to be exempt from the non-deductibility provisions. We have not yet completed our evaluation of the transition rule’s application to our compensation agreements. At this time, we believe that a portion of the performance-based remuneration accounted for in our deferred taxes will likely not qualify for the transition rule, and therefore, would be non-deductible. As such, we have included a provisional expense of $1,403,000 to reduce certain deferred tax assets associated with executive compensation. Our accounting for the following elements of the TCJA is incomplete, and we were not yet able to make reasonable estimates of the effects. Therefore, no provisional adjustments were recorded. § OUTSIDE BASIS DIFFERENCE IN FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES — For U.S. income tax purposes, the Transition Tax will greatly reduce outside basis differences in our foreign subsidiaries. Completing this calculation is dependent on first finalizing the Transition Tax liability. As a result , we are not yet able to reasonably estimate the outside basis difference remaining in our foreign subsidiaries after the Transition Tax, and therefore, will continue to assert that our undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely reinvested. § GLOBAL INTANGIBLE LOW TAXED INCOME — Because of the complexity of the new global intangible low taxed income (GILTI) rules, we are continuing to evaluate this provision of the TCJA and its application under income tax accounting. We can make an accounting policy election of either (1) treating taxes due on the future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current period expense when incurred (period cost method) or (2) factoring such amounts into our measurement of deferred taxes (deferred method). Our selection of an accounting policy with respect to the new GILTI tax rules will depend, in part, on analyzing our global income to determine whether we expect to have future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI and, if so, what the impact is expected to be. As a result, we have not made any adjustments related to potential GILTI tax in our financial statements and have not made a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI. Deferr ed ta xes on the balance sheet result from temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting and tax purposes. The components of the net deferred income tax liability at December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016  Deferred Tax Assets Related to  Employee benefits $ 29,547 $ 85,123  Asset retirement obligations & other reserves 47,116 63,617  Deferred compensation 59,010 103,947  State net operating losses 73,083 54,498  Federal credit carryforwards 51,284 18,139  Other 37,518 44,843  Total gross deferred tax assets $ 297,558 $ 370,167  Valuation allowance (29,723) (44,237)  Total net deferred tax assets $ 267,835 $ 325,930  Deferred Tax Liabilities Related to  Property, plant & equipment $ 490,459 $ 664,763  Goodwill/other intangible assets 216,039 327,666  Other 25,418 36,355  Total deferred tax liabilities $ 731,916 $ 1,028,784  Net deferred tax liability $ 464,081 $ 702,854  The above net deferred tax liabilities are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncurrent liabilities. Each quarter we analyze the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2017, we have state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets of $ 73,083,000 , against which we have a valuation allowance of $29,698,000 . Of these deferred tax assets, $67,455,000 relates to Alabama. The Alabama net operating loss carryforward, if not utilized, would expire between 2023 and 2032. From 2008 through the second quarter of 2015, we carried a full valuation allowance against the Alabama deferred tax asset for the following reasons: § we had a substantial cumulative loss in Alabama § due to our legal entity structure, we had no expectation of creating sufficient taxable income in Alabama During the second quarter of 2015, we restructured our legal entities. Among other benefits, we anticipated that the restructuring would generate significant taxable income in Alabama, and therefore, allow for the utilization of some or all of the Alabama deferred tax asset. Our Alabama cumulative loss is calculated as pretax earnings from continuing operations, discontinued operations and other comprehensive income plus permanent differences over the last three years. While evaluating all available positive and negative evidence, realizing the significance of the restructuring in our Alabama income tax filing, we determined that it was appropriate to adjust our Alabama cumulative loss calculation to consider the restructuring, remove pretax earnings from discontinued operations and other comprehensive income and remove any other significant nonrecurring items. We refer to this calculation as our Alabama adjusted earnings. At the end of the second quarter of 2015, our Alabama adjusted earnings were negative. However, the Alabama adjusted earnings loss was dramatically smaller than our Alabama cumulative loss (of the three adjustments made, the restructuring had the greatest impact). In addition, we considered all other forms of positive and negative evidence, including the four sources of taxable income. The first three sources of taxable income (carryback potential, reversing temporary differences and tax planning strategies) provided very little positive evidence. Because our Alabama adjusted earnings were a loss, we did not project future Alabama taxable income (the fourth source). As a result, during the second quarter of 2015 we continued to carry a full valuation allowance against our Alabama deferred tax asset. At the end of the third quarter of 2015, our Alabama adjusted earnings turned positive. This development provided sufficient positive evidence such that we determined it was appropriate to use projections of future Alabama taxable income in our assessment for the first time. However, because we had not yet returned to sustained profitability (i.e., an Alabama cumulative gain) we used our Alabama trailing twelve months adjusted earnings as the basis for an objectively verifiable projection of future Alabama taxable income. This projection, in addition to considering all other positive and negative evidence, led us to conclude in the third quarter that it was more likely than not that $4,655,000 of the deferred tax asset was realizable. Therefore, we recognized a deferred tax benefit of $4,655,000 in the third quarter of 2015 by reducing the valuation allowance. Our analysis in each of the four subsequent quarters further confirmed our third quarter of 2015 conclusion but resulted in no further reductions of the valuation allowance. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we achieved three consecutive years of positive Alabama adjusted earnings. This development together with the projection of future Alabama taxable income (using our most recent trailing twelve months adjusted earnings) warranted an additional partial release of $4,791,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we no longer have an Alabama cumulative loss. As discussed in previous filings, we believe this development provides sufficient positive evidence to conclude that we have returned to sustained profitability and should no longer limit our estimate of future taxable income to our Alabama trailing twelve months adjusted earnings. Instead, w e utilized projections used for other purposes (e.g., goodwill impairment) to develop a reliable estimate of future Alabama taxable income . Based on this analysis, an additional partial release of $28,827,000 was warranted in the fourth quarter of 2017. As of year-end 2017, we have recognized $38,273,000 of the Alabama deferred tax asset and , at this time do not expect any future releases of the valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2017, income tax receivables of $106,980,000 are included in other accounts and notes receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The majority ( $106,000,000 ) of this receivable relates to 2017 federal estimated tax payments we have requested to be refunded. There were similar receivables of $10,201,000 as of December 31, 2016. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is discussed in our accounting policy for income taxes (see Note 1, caption Income Taxes). Changes in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1 $ 10,828 $ 8,447 $ 7,057  Increases for tax positions related to  Prior years 27 1,368 491  Current year 1,039 1,040 942  Decreases for tax positions related to  Prior years (204) 0 0  Settlements with taxing authorities 0 0 0  Expiration of applicable statute of limitations (47) (27) (43)  Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31 $ 11,643 $ 10,828 $ 8,447  We classify interest and penalties recognized on the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Interest and penalties recognized as income tax expense (benefit) were $420,000 in 2017, $266,000 in 2016 and $138,000 in 2015. The balance of accrued interest and penalties included in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31 was $1,789,000 in 2017, $1,369,000 in 2016 and $1,103,000 in 2015. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 in the table above include $10,673,000 in 2017, $9,884,000 in 2016 and $7,614,000 in 2015 that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. We are routinely examined by various taxing authorities. We anticipate no single tax position generating a significant increas e i n our liability for unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of this reporting date. We anticipate the release of $6,920,000 of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the third quarter of 2018 due to expiring statutes of limitation, all of which will impact the effective tax rate when recognized. We file income tax returns in U.S. federal, various state and foreign jurisdictions. Generally, we are not subject to significant changes in income taxes by any taxing jurisdiction for the years before 2014.

BENEFIT PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
BENEFIT PLANS	NOTE 10: BENEFIT PLANS PENSION PLANS We sponsor three qualified, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. These plans cover substantially all employees hired before July 2007, other than those covered by union-administered plans. Normal retirement age is 65 , but the plans contain provisions for earlier retirement. Benefits for the Salaried Plan and the Chemicals Hourly Plan are generally based on salaries or wages and years of service; the Construction Materials Hourly Plan provides benefits equal to a flat dollar amount for each year of service. In addition to these qualified plans, we sponsor three unfunded, nonqualified pension plans. The projected benefit obligation presented in the table below includes $82,136,000 and $85,021,000 related to these unfunded, nonqualified pension plans for 2017 and 2016, respectively. Effective July 2007, we amended our defined benefit pension plans to no longer accept new participants. Effective December 2013, we amended our defined benefit pension plans to freeze future benefit accruals for salaried pension participants . E ffective Decembe r 2 015 , we amended our defined benefit pension plans to freeze earnings for salaried pension participants . The following table sets forth the combined funded status of the plans and their reconciliation with the related amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements at December 31:     in thousands 2017 2016  Change in Benefit Obligation  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,006,674 $ 988,453  Service cost 6,715 5,343  Interest cost 36,230 36,505  Plan amendment 1 10,869 0  Actuarial (gain) loss 81,969 24,675  Benefits paid (51,234) (48,302)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 1,091,223 $ 1,006,674  Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets  Fair value of assets at beginning of year $ 749,515 $ 745,686  Actual return on plan assets 122,597 42,555  Employer contribution 20,023 9,576  Benefits paid (51,234) (48,302)  Fair value of assets at end of year $ 840,901 $ 749,515  Funded status (250,322) (257,159)  Net amount recognized $ (250,322) $ (257,159)  Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated  Balance Sheets  Noncurrent assets $ 4,605 $ 0  Current liabilities (9,478) (9,375)  Noncurrent liabilities (245,449) (247,784)  Net amount recognized $ (250,322) $ (257,159)  Amounts Recognized in Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial loss $ 250,581 $ 250,099  Prior service cost (credit) 9,167 (361)  Total amount recognized $ 259,748 $ 249,738   1 Effective January 2017, we amended the Construction Materials Hourly Plan to increase the multiplier for years of service.  The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) and the projected benefit obligation (PBO) exceeded plan assets for all of our defined benefit plans at December 31, 20 17 and December 31, 2016, except for the Chemicals Hourly Plan where the plan assets exceeded the ABO by $5,346,000 and $277,000 , respectively. The ABO for all of our defined benefit pension plans totaled $1,090,482,000 (unfunded, nonqualified plans of $82,136,000) at December 31, 2017 and $1,006,001,000 (unfunded, nonqualified plans of $85,021,000 ) at December 31, 2016. The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost, amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and weighted-average assumptions of the plans at December 31:     dollars in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Components of Net Periodic Pension  Benefit Cost  Service cost $ 6,715 $ 5,343 $ 4,851  Interest cost 36,230 36,505 44,065  Expected return on plan assets (48,506) (51,562) (54,736)  Settlement charge 0 0 2,031  Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 1,340 (43) 48  Amortization of actuarial loss 7,397 6,163 21,641  Net periodic pension benefit cost (credit) $ 3,176 $ (3,594) $ 17,900  Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit  Obligations Recognized in Other  Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 7,879 $ 33,682 $ (3,615)  Prior service cost 10,868 0 0  Reclassification of actuarial loss (7,397) (6,163) (23,672)  Reclassification of prior service (cost) credit (1,340) 43 (48)  Amount recognized in other comprehensive  income $ 10,010 $ 27,562 $ (27,335)  Amount recognized in net periodic pension  benefit cost and other comprehensive  income $ 13,186 $ 23,968 $ (9,435)  Assumptions  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine net periodic benefit cost for  years ended December 31  Discount rate — PBO 4.29% 4.55% 4.14%  Discount rate — service cost 4.63% 4.68% 4.14%  Discount rate — interest cost 3.63% 3.79% 4.14%  Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.50% 7.50%  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine benefit obligation at  December 31  Discount rate 3.72% 4.29% 4.54%  The 2015 settlement charge noted above relates to a lump sum payment to a former employee from the nonqualified plan. This $2,031,000 charge is reflected within both cost of revenues and selling, administrative and general expenses in our accompanying Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2015. The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension benefit cost (credit) during 2018 are $9,782,000 and $1,339,000, respectively. We establish our pension investment policy by evaluating asset/liability studies periodically performed by our consultants. These studies estimate trade-offs between expected returns on our investments and the variability in anticipated cash contributions to fund our pension liabilities. Our policy balances the variability in potential pension fund contributions to expected returns on our investments. Our current strategy for implementing this policy is to invest in publicly traded equities and in publicly traded debt and private, nonliquid opportunities, such as venture capital, commodities, buyout funds and mezzanine debt. The target allocation ranges for plan assets are as follows: equity securities — 50 % to 77 % ; debt securities — 15% to 27% ; specialty investments — 0% to 20% ; commodities — 0% to 6% ; and cash reserves — 0% to 5% . Equity securities include domestic investments and foreign equities in the Europe, Australia and Far East (EAFE) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Emerging Market Indices. Debt securities primarily include domestic debt instruments, while specialty investments include investments in venture capital, buyout funds, mezzanine debt, private partnerships and an interest in a commodity index fund. The fair values and net asset values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 by asset category are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017     in thousands Level 1 1 Level 2 1 Level 3 1 Total  Asset Category  Debt securities $ 0 $ 178,512 $ 0 $ 178,512  Investment funds  Commodity funds 0 17,041 0 17,041  Equity funds 1,089 143,010 0 144,099  Investments in the fair value hierarchy $ 1,089 $ 338,563 $ 0 $ 339,652  Interest in common/collective trusts (at NAV) 416,397  Venture capital and partnerships (at NAV) 84,852  Total pension plan assets $ 840,901 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016     in thousands Level 1 1 Level 2 1 Level 3 1 Total  Asset Category  Debt securities $ 0 $ 162,894 $ 0 $ 162,894  Investment funds  Commodity funds 0 16,594 0 16,594  Equity funds 530 124,407 0 124,937  Investments in the fair value hierarchy $ 530 $ 303,895 $ 0 $ 304,425  Interest in common/collective trusts (at NAV) 358,345  Venture capital and partnerships (at NAV) 86,745  Total pension plan assets $ 749,515   1 See Note 1 under the caption Fair Value Measurements for a description of the fair value hierarchy.  At each measurement date, we estimate the fair values and net asset values of our pension assets using various valuation techniques. We use, to the extent available, quoted market prices in active markets or observable market inputs in estimating the fair value of our pension assets. When quoted market prices or observable market inputs are not available, we use valuation techniques that rely on unobservable inputs to estimate the fair value of our pension assets. The following describes the types of investments included in each asset category listed in the tables above and the valuation techniques we used to determine the fair values or net asset values as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The debt securities category consists of bonds issued by U.S. federal, state and local governments, corporate debt securities, fixed income obligations issued by foreign governments, and asset-backed securities. The fair values of U.S. government and corporate debt securities are based on current market rates and credit spreads for debt securities with similar maturities. The fair values of debt securities issued by foreign governments are based on prices obtained from broker/dealers and international indices. The fair values of asset-backed securities are priced using prepayment speed and spread inputs that are sourced from the new issue market. Investment funds consist of exchange traded and non-exchange traded funds. The commodity funds asset category consists of a single open-end commodity mutual fund. The equity funds asset category consists of a publicly traded mutual fund investing in domestic equities. For investment funds publicly traded on a national securities exchange, the fair value is based on quoted market prices. For investment funds not traded on an exchange, the total fair value of the underlying securities is used to determine the net asset value for each unit of the fund held by the pension fund. The estimated fair values of the underlying securities are generally valued based on quoted market prices. For securities without quoted market prices, other observable market inputs are used to determine the fair value. Common/collective trust fund investments consist of index funds for domestic equities, an actively managed fund for international equities, and a short-term investment fund for highly liquid, short-term debt securities. Investments are valued at the net asset value (NAV) of units of a bank collective trust. The NAV is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund less its liabilities. This practical expedient is not used when it is determined to be probable that the fund will sell the investment for an amount different than the reported NAV. The venture capital and partnerships asset category consists of various limited partnership funds, mezzanine debt funds and leveraged buyout funds. NAV is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV of these investments has been estimated based on methods employed by the general partners, including consideration of, among other things, reference to third-party transactions, valuations of comparable companies operating within the same or similar industry, the current economic and competitive environment, creditworthiness of the corporate issuer, as well as market prices for instruments with similar maturities, terms, conditions and quality ratings. The use of different assumptions, applying different judgment to inherently subjective matters and changes in future market conditions could result in significantly different estimates of fair value of these securities. Total employer contributions to the pension plans are presented below:     in thousands Pension  Employer Contributions  2015 $ 14,047  2016 9,576  2017 20,023  2018 (estimated) 109,477  For our qualified pension plans, we made a discretionary contribution of $10,600,000 during 2017 and made no contributions during 2016 and 2015. W e a nticipate making contributions of $100,000,000 to our qualified pension plans in 2018. For our nonqualified pension plans, we contributed $9,423,000 , $9,576,000 and $14,047,000 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and expect to contribute $9,477,000 during 2018. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:     in thousands Pension  Estimated Future Benefit Payments  2018 $ 56,227  2019 57,099  2020 58,382  2021 59,356  2022 60,948  2023-2027 309,844  We contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements for union-represented employees. A multiemployer plan is subject to collective bargaining for employees of two or more unrelated companies. Multiemployer plans are managed by boards of trustees on which management and labor have equal representation. However, in most cases, management is not directly represented. The risks of participating in multiemployer plans differ from single employer plans as follows: § assets contributed to a multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers § if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers § if we cease to have an obligation to contribute to one or more of the multiemployer plans to which we contribute, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability None of the multiemployer pension plans that we participate in are individually significant. Our contributions to individual multiemployer pension funds did not exceed 5% of the fund’s total contributions in the three years ended December 31, 20 17 , 2016 and 2015. Total contributions to multiemployer pension plans were $9,253,000 in 2017, $10,435,000 in 2016 and $9,800,000 in 2015. As of December 31, 2017, a total of 12.4% of our domestic hourly labor force was covered by collective-bargaining agreements. Of such employees covered by collective-bargaining agreements, 4.3% were covered by agreements that expire in 2018. We also employed 310 union employees in Mexico who are covered by a collective-bargaining agreement that will expire in 20 18 . None of our union employees in Mexico participate in multiemployer pension plans. In addition to the pension plans noted above, we had one unfunded supplemental retirement plan as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The accrued costs for the supplemental retirement plan were $1,252,000 at December 31, 2017 and $1,320,000 at December 31, 2016. POSTRETIREMENT PLANS In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for some retired employees. In 2012, we amended our postretirement healthcare plan to cap our portion of the medical coverage cost at the 2015 level. Substantially all our salaried employees and, where applicable, certain of our hourly employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach a qualifying age and meet certain service requirements. Generally, Company-provided healthcare benefits end when covered individuals become eligible for Medicare benefits, become eligible for other group insurance coverage or reach age 65 , whichever occurs first. The following table sets forth the combined funded status of the plans and their reconciliation with the related amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements at December 31:     in thousands 2017 2016  Change in Benefit Obligation  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 45,546 $ 48,605  Service cost 1,167 1,123  Interest cost 1,260 1,209  Actuarial loss (gain) 378 (111)  Benefits paid (4,871) (5,280)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 43,480 $ 45,546  Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets  Fair value of assets at beginning of year $ 0 $ 0  Actual return on plan assets 0 0  Fair value of assets at end of year $ 0 $ 0  Funded status $ (43,480) $ (45,546)  Net amount recognized $ (43,480) $ (45,546)  Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated  Balance Sheets  Current liabilities $ (5,624) $ (6,013)  Noncurrent liabilities (37,856) (39,533)  Net amount recognized $ (43,480) $ (45,546)  Amounts Recognized in Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial gain $ (20,757) $ (22,685)  Prior service credit (15,456) (19,692)  Total amount recognized $ (36,213) $ (42,377)   The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost, amounts recognized in other comprehensive income, weighted-average assumptions and assumed trend rates of the plans at December 31:     dollars in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Components of Net Periodic Postretirement  Benefit Cost  Service cost $ 1,167 $ 1,123 $ 1,894  Interest cost 1,260 1,209 2,485  Amortization of prior service credit (4,236) (4,236) (4,232)  Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss (1,587) (1,751) 37  Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (3,396) $ (3,655) $ 184  Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit  Obligations Recognized in Other  Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 342 $ (111) $ (35,209)  Reclassification of actuarial gain (loss) 1,587 1,751 (37)  Reclassification of prior service credit 4,236 4,236 4,232  Amount recognized in other comprehensive  income $ 6,165 $ 5,876 $ (31,014)  Amount recognized in net periodic  postretirement benefit cost and other  comprehensive income $ 2,769 $ 2,221 $ (30,830)  Assumptions  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine net periodic benefit cost for  years ended December 31  Discount rate — PBO 3.59% 3.69% 3.50%  Discount rate — service cost 3.96% 3.77% 3.50%  Discount rate — interest cost 2.89% 2.81% 3.50%  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine benefit obligation at  December 31  Discount rate 3.33% 3.58% 3.69%  The estimated net actuarial gain and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) during 2018 are $(1,525,000) and $(3,962,000) , respectively. Total employer contributions to the postretirement plans are presented below:     in thousands Postretirement  Employer Contributions  2015 $ 5,915  2016 5,280  2017 4,871  2018 (estimated) 5,624  The employer contributions shown above are equal to the cost of benefits during the year. The plans are not funded and are not subject to any regulatory funding requirements. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:     in thousands Postretirement  Estimated Future Benefit Payments  2018 $ 5,624  2019 5,431  2020 5,201  2021 4,859  2022 4,523  2023–2027 17,359  Contributions by participants to the postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31 are as follows:     in thousands Postretirement  Participants Contributions  2015 $ 2,031  2016 2,085  2017 2,025  PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS ASSUMPTIONS Each year we review our assumptions about the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets, and the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits. Annual pay increases after 2015 do not increase our pension plan obligations as a result of a 2013 plan amendment. We develop our effective discount rate from discounted plan cash flows using the full series of spot rates developed from the yields on high-quality bonds as of the measurement date. At December 31, 2017, the discount rates used to measure the benefit obligation for our various plans ranged from 3.24% to 3.79% (December 31, 2016 ranged from 3.43% to 4.41%) . We use a full yield curve approach to estimate the service and interest cost, applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows. The weighted-average discount rates used to measure service and interest costs for 2017 were 4.63% and 3.63% , respectively, for our pension plans and 3.96% and 2.89% , respectively, for our other postretirement plans. The weighted-average discount rates used to measure service and interest costs for 2016 were 4.68% and 3.79% , respectively, for our pension plans and 3.77% and 2.81% , respectively, for our other postretirement plans. Our expected return on plan assets is: (1) a long-term view based on our current asset allocation, and (2) a judgment informed by consultation with our retirement plans’ consultant and our pension plans’ actuary. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we consider past performance and long-term future expectations for the types of investments held by the plan as well as the expected long-term allocation of plan assets to these investments. At December 31, 2017, the expected return on plan assets remained at 7.00% . Future increases in the per capital cost of healthcare benefits will not increase our postretirement medical benefits obligation as a result of a 2012 plan amendment to cap medical coverage cost at the 2015 level. DE FINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS We sponsor two defined contribution plans. Substantially all salaried and nonunion hourly employees are eligible to be covered by one of these plans. Under these plans, we match employees’ eligible contributions at established rates. Expense recognized in connection with these matching obligations totaled $44,562,000 in 2017, $45,295,000 in 2016 and $36,085,000 in 2015.

INCENTIVE PLANS

INCENTIVE PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INCENTIVE PLANS [Abstract]
INCENTIVE PLANS	NOTE 11: INCENTIVE PLANS SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Our 2016 Omnibus Long-term Incentive Plan (Plan) authorizes the granting of performance shares, restricted shares, Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights (SOSARs) and other types of share-based awards to key salaried employees and nonemployee directors. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan is 8,000,000 . PERFORMANCE SHARES — Each performance share unit is equal to and paid in one share of our common stock, but carries no voting or dividend rights. The number of units ultimately paid for performance share awards may range from 0% to 200% of the number of units awarded on the date of grant. Payment is based upon our Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance relative to the TSR performance of the S&P 500 ® . Awards vest on December 31 of the third (2017 award) or fourth (all other outstanding awards) year after date of grant. Vesting is accelerated upon reaching retirement age, death, disability, or change of control, all as defined in the award agreement. Nonvested units are forfeited upon termination for any other reason. Expense provisions referable to performance share awards amounted to $16,272,000 in 2017, $12,074,000 in 2016 and $13,159,000 in 2015. The fair value of performance shares is estimated as of the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The following table summarizes the activity for nonvested performance share units during the year ended December 31, 2017:     Target Weighted-average  Number Grant Date  of Shares Fair Value  Performance Shares  Nonvested at January 1, 2017 667,096 $ 73.20  Granted 121,310 117.49  Vested (275,899) 63.42  Canceled/forfeited (13,528) 80.97  Nonvested at December 31, 2017 498,979 $ 89.16  During 2016 and 2015, the weighted-average grant date fair value of performance shares granted was $87.73 and $74.85 , respectively. The aggregate values for distributed performance share awards are based on the closing price of our common stock as of the distribution date. The aggregate values of distributed performance shares for the years ended December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Aggregate value of distributed  performance shares $ 52,368 $ 60,443 $ 26,258  RESTRICTED SHARES — Each restricted share unit is equal to and paid in one share of our common stock, but carries no voting or dividend rights. Awards vest on the third (2017 award) or fourth (all other outstanding awards) anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is accelerated upon reaching retirement age, death, disability, or change of control, all as defined in the award agreement. Nonvested units are forfeited upon termination for any other reason. Expense provisions referable to restricted share awards amounted to $4,371,000 in 2017, $3,004,000 in 2016 and $982,000 in 2015. The fair value of restricted shares is estimated as of the date of grant based on the stock price adjusted for dividends foregone. The following table summarizes the activity for nonvested restricted share units during the year ended December 31, 2017:    Weighted-average  Number Grant Date  of Shares Fair Value  Restricted Stock Units  Nonvested at January 1, 2017 135,430 $ 71.63  Granted 43,710 117.49  Vested (64,544) 56.74  Canceled/forfeited (5,294) 99.00  Nonvested at December 31, 2017 109,302 $ 97.43  During 2016 and 2015, the weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted shares granted was $87.77 and $74.85 , respectively. The aggregate values for distributed restricted share awards are based on the closing price of our common stock as of the distribution date. The aggregate values of distributed performance shares for the years ended December 31 are as follows:    in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Aggregate value of distributed  restricted shares $ 7,685 $ 0 $ 0  STOCK ONLY STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS (SOSARs) — SOSARs granted have an exercise price equal to the market value of our underlying common stock on the date of grant . Th e SOSARs vest ratably over 3 years (2017 award) or 4 years (all other awards) and expire 10 years subsequent to the gran t. V esting is accelerated upon reaching retirement age, death, disability, or change of control, all as defined in the award agreement. Nonvested awards are forfeited upon termination for any other reason. The fair value of SOSARs is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation cost for SOSARs is based on this grant date fair value and is recognized for awards that ultimately vest. The following table presents the weighted-average fair value and the weighted-average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of grants during the years ended December 31:     2017 2016 2015  SOSARs  Fair value $ 43.01 $ 29.20 $ 25.17  Risk-free interest rate 2.36% 1.66% 1.85%  Dividend yield 1.27% 1.39% 1.70%  Volatility 31.35% 30.42% 33.00%  Expected term 9.00 years 9.00 years 8.00 years  The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield at the date of grant of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity period approximating the SOSARs expected term. The dividend yield assumption is based on our historical dividend payouts adjusted for current expectations of future payouts. The volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility and expectations about future volatility of our common stock over a period equal to the SOSARs expected term. The expected term is based on historical experience and expectations about future exercises and represents the period of time that SOSARs granted are expected to be outstanding. A summary of our SOSAR activity as of December 31, 2017 and changes during the year are presented below:     Weighted-average  Remaining Aggregate  Number Weighted-average Contractual Intrinsic Value  of Shares Exercise Price Life (Years) (in thousands)  SOSARs  Outstanding at January 1, 2017 2,392,431 $ 51.80  Granted 79,200 122.60  Exercised (226,280) 64.75  Forfeited or expired (2,864) 74.62  Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,242,487 $ 52.95 3.73 $ 169,034  Vested and expected to vest 2,233,801 $ 52.89 3.72 $ 168,513  Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,957,871 $ 47.27 3.14 $ 158,700  The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between our stock price on the last trading day of 2017 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money SOSARs) that would have been received by the option holders had all SOSARs been exercised on December 31, 2017. These values change based on the fair market value of our common stock. The aggregate intrinsic values of SOSARs/ stock options exercised for the years ended December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Aggregate intrinsic value of SOSARs/  stock options exercised $ 13,758 $ 27,705 $ 43,620  The following table presents cash and stock consideration received and tax benefit realized from stock option/SOSAR exercises and compensation cost recorded referable to SOSARs/stock options for the years ended December 31:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  SOSARs/Stock Options  Cash and stock consideration received  from exercises $ 0 $ 0 $ 72,884  Tax benefit from exercises 5,331 10,767 16,920  Compensation cost 3,723 2,744 2,221  DEFERRED STOCK UNITS — In addition to the share-based compensation plans for employees discussed above, we issue a limited number of deferred stock units to our nonemployee directors annually. These deferred stock units vested immediately upon issuance (except for the 2015 grant which vested over three years) and accumulate dividends over the vesting period. Expense provisions referable to nonemployee director deferred stock units amounted to $2,260,000 in 2017, $2,848,000 in 2016 and $1,886,000 in 2015. CASH-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS We have incentive plans under which cash awards may be made annually. Expense provisions under these plans referable to awards to officers and key employees amounted to $24,403,000 in 2017, $32,169,000 in 201 6 and $26,325,000 in 2015. Expense provisions under these plans referable to awards to other division key employees amounted to $10,877,000 in 2017, $14,589,000 in 2016 and $11,687,000 in 2015. Additionally, expense provision referable to a 2017 one-time bonus for non-incentive eligible employees amounted to $6,716,000 .

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We have commitments in the form of unconditional purchase obligations as of December 31, 2017. These include commitments for the purchase of property, plant & equipment of $134,458,000 and commitments for noncapital purchases of $32,145,000 . These commitments are due as follows:     Unconditional  Purchase  in thousands Obligations  Property, Plant & Equipment  2018 $ 134,458  Thereafter 0  Total $ 134,458  Noncapital (primarily transportation and electricity contracts)  2018 $ 10,449  2019–2020 15,109  2021–2022 3,587  Thereafter 3,000  Total $ 32,145  Commitments for the purchase of property, plant & equipment for 2018 include $68,951,000 for the remaining construction of two new Panamax-class, self-unloading ships. Expenditures under noncapital purchase commitments totaled $40,526,000 in 2017, $60,591,000 in 2016 and $76,178,000 in 2015. We have commitments in the form of minimum royalties under mineral leases as of December 31, 2017 in the amount of $211,432,000 , due as follows:     Mineral  in thousands Leases  Minimum Royalties  2018 $ 22,531  2019–2020 34,022  2021–2022 22,703  Thereafter 132,176  Total $ 211,432  Expenditures for royalties under mineral leases totaled $67,933,000 in 2017, $62,978,000 in 2016 and $58,048,000 in 2015. Refer to Note 7 for future minimum nonmineral operating lease payments. Certain of our aggregates reserves are burdened by volumetric production payments (nonoperating interest) as described in Note 1 under the caption Deferred Revenue. As the holder of the working interest, we have responsibility to bear the cost of mining and producing the reserves attributable to this nonoperating interest. As summarized by purpose in Note 6, our standby letters of credit totaled $43,239,000 as of December 31, 2017. As described in Note 9, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is $11,643,000 as of December 31, 2017. As described in Note 17, our asset retirement obligations totaled $218,117,000 as of December 31, 2017. LITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS We are subject to occasional governmental proceedings and orders pertaining to occupational safety and health or to protection of the environment, such as proceedings or orders relating to noise abatement, air emissions or water discharges. As part of our continuing program of stewardship in safety, health and environmental matters, we have been able to resolve such proceedings and to comply with such orders without any material adverse effects on our business. We have received notices from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar state or local agencies that we are considered a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a limited number of sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) or similar state and local environmental laws. Generally we share the cost of remediation at these sites with other PRPs or alleged PRPs in accordance with negotiated or prescribed allocations. There is inherent uncertainty in determining the potential cost of remediating a given site and in determining any individual party's share in that cost. As a result, estimates can change substantially as additional information becomes available regarding the nature or extent of site contamination, remediation methods, other PRPs and their probable level of involvement, and actions by or against governmental agencies or private parties. We have reviewed the nature and extent of our involvement at each Superfund site, as well as potential obligations arising under other federal, state and local environmental laws. While ultimate resolution and financial liability is uncertain at a number of the sites, in our opinion based on information currently available, the ultimate resolution of claims and assessments related to these sites will not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows, although amounts recorded in a given period could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for that period. Amounts accrued for environmental matters are presented in Note 8. We are a defendant in various lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine with precision the outcome, or the amount of liability, if any, under these lawsuits, especially where the cases involve possible jury trials with as yet undetermined jury panels. In addition to these lawsuits in which we are involved in the ordinary course of business, certain other material legal proceedings are specifically described below. § Lower Passaic River Study Area (Superfund Site) — The Lower Passaic River Study Area is part of the Diamond Shamrock Superfund Site in New Jersey. Vulcan and approximately 70 other companies are parties (collectively the Cooperating Parties Group) to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the EPA to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (draft RI/FS) of the lower 17 miles of the Passaic River (River). However, before the draft RI/FS was issued in final form, the EPA issued a record of decision (ROD) in March 2016 that calls for a bank-to-bank dredging remedy for the lower 8 miles of the River. The EPA estimates that the cost of implementing this proposal is $1.38 billion. In September 2016, the EPA entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with Occidental Chemical Corporation (Occidental) in which Occidental agreed to undertake the remedial design for this bank-to-bank dredging remedy, and to reimburse the United States for certain response costs. In August 2017, the EPA informed certain members of the Cooperating Parties Group, including Vulcan , that it planned to use the services of a third-party allocator with the expectation of offering cash-out settlements to some parties in connection with the bank-to-bank remedy. This voluntary allocation process is intended to establish an impartial third-party expert recommendation that may be considered by the government and the participants as the basis of possible settlements. We have begun participating in this voluntary allocation process, which is likely to take several years. Efforts to remediate the River have been underway for many years and have involved hundreds of entities that have had operations on or near the River at some point during the past several decades. We formerly owned a chemicals operation near the mouth of the River, which was sold in 1974. The major risk drivers in the River have been identified as dioxins, PCBs, DDx and mercury. We did not manufacture any of these risk drivers and have no evidence that any of these were discharged into the River by Vulcan. T he AOC does not obligate us to fund or perform the remedial action contemplated by either the draft RI/FS or the ROD. Furthermore, the parties who will participate in funding the remediation and their respective allocations have not been determined. We do not agree that a bank-to-bank remedy is warranted, and we are not obligated to fund any of the remedial action at this time; nevertheless, we previously estimated the cost to be incurred by us as a potential participant in a bank-to-bank dredging remedy and recorded an immaterial loss for this matter in 2015.  § TEXAS BRINE MATTER — During the operation of its former Chemicals Division, Vulcan leased the right to mine salt out of an underground salt dome formation in Assumption Parish, Louisiana from 1976 - 2005. Throughout that period and for all times thereafter, the Texas Brine Company (Texas Brine) was the operator contracted by Vulcan (and later Occidental) to mine and deliver the salt. We sold our Chemicals Division in 2005 and transferred our rights and interest related to the salt and mining operations to the purchaser, a subsidiary of Occidental, and we have had no association with the leased premises or Texas Brine since that time. In August 2012, a sinkhole developed in the vicinity of the Texas Brine mining operations, and numerous lawsuits were filed in state court in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. Other lawsuits, including class action litigation, were also filed in federal court before the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. There are numerous defendants, including Texas Brine and Occidental, to the litigation in state and federal court. Vulcan was first brought into the litigation as a third-party defendant in August 2013 by Texas Brine. We have since been added as a direct and third-party defendant by other parties, including a direct claim by the state of Louisiana. Damage categories encompassed within the litigation include individual plaintiffs’ claims for property damage, a claim by the state of Louisian a f or response costs and civil penalties, claims by Texas Brine for response costs and lost profits , claims for physical damages to nearby oil and gas pipelines and storage facilities (pipelines), and business interruption claims. I n addition to the plaintiffs’ claims, we were also sued for contractual indemnity and comparative fault by both Texas Brine and Occidental. It is alleged that the sinkhole was caused, in whole or in part, by our negligent actions or failure to act. It is also alleged that we breached the salt lease with Occidental, as well as an operating agreement and related contracts with Texas Brine; that we are strictly liable for certain property damages in our capacity as a former lessee of the salt lease; and that we violated certain covenants and conditions in the agreement under which we sold our Chemicals Division to Occidental. We have likewise made claims for contractual indemnity and on a basis of comparative fault agai nst Texas Brine and Occidenta l. V ulcan and Occidental have since dismissed all of their claims against one another. Texas Brine has claims that remain pending against Vulcan and against Occidental. Discovery remains ongoing in various cases. In December 2016, we settled with plaintiffs in one of the cases involving individual property damages. During the first nine months of 2017, we settled with the plaintiffs in the cases involving physical damages to pipelines. Our insurers have funded the settlements in excess of our self-insured retention amount. Each of the pipeline plaintiffs signed a release in favor of Vulcan and agreed that we would not be responsible to the pipelines for any amoun t beyond the settlement amoun t. A bench trial (judge only) began in September 2017 and ended in October in the pipeline cases. The trial was limited in scope to the allocation of comparative fault or liability for causing the sinkhole, with a damages phase of the trial to be held at a later date. Vulcan participated in the trial, as the liability finding could impact cross-party and third-party claims against us. In December 2017, the judge issued a ruling on the allocation of fault among the three defendants, as follows: Occidental 50% , Texas Brine 35% and Vulcan 15% . Motions for a new trial have been filed, and it is likely that one or more parties will appeal the judge’s ruling. Also in December 2017, we agreed to a settlement in a federal putative class action. It will take time to finalize this settlement due to required court proceedings relating to class action notice and approval. Our insurers participated in the settlement discussions and have agreed to fund the settlement. We cannot reasonably estimate a range of liability pertaining to the open cases at this time. § HEWITT LANDFILL MATTER (SUPERFUND SITE) — In September 2015, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) directing Vulcan to assess, monitor, cleanup and abate wastes that have been discharged to soil, soil vapor, and/or groundwater at the former Hewitt Landfill in Los Angeles. The CAO follows a 2014 Investigative Order from the RWQCB that sought data and a technical evaluation regarding the Hewitt Landfill, and a subsequent amendment to the Investigative Order requiring us to provide groundwater monitoring results to the RWQCB and to create and implement a work plan for further investigation of the Hewitt Landfill. In April 2016, we submitted an interim remedial action plan (IRAP) to the RWQCB, proposing an on-site pilot test of a pump and treat system; testing and implementation of a leachate recovery system; and storm water capture and conveyance improvements. Operation of the on-site pilot-scale treatment system began in January 2017, and was completed in April 2017. With completion of the pilot testing and other investigative work to date, we submitted an amendment to the IRAP (AIRAP) to RWQCB in August 2017 proposing the use of a p ump, treat and reinjection system. In December 2017, we submitted an addendum to the AIRAP, incorporating new data acquired since the prior submission. In February 2018, the AIRAP was approved by RWQCB. As a result of this approval, we will begin to implement the on-site source control activities described in the AIRAP. Based on the preliminary design of this system, we accrued $15,239,000 i n 2 017 (reflect ed in other operating expense ). We are also engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the EPA, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and other stakeholders regarding the potential contribution of the Hewitt Landfill to groundwater contamination in the North Hollywood Operable Unit (NHOU) of the San Fernando Valley Superfund Site. We are gathering and analyzing data and developing technical information to determine the extent of possible contribution by the Hewitt Landfill to the groundwater contamination in the area. This work is also intended to assist in identification of other PRPs that may have contributed to groundwater contamination in the area. In July 2016, the EPA sent us a letter requesting that we enter into an AOC for remedial design work in the NHOU. We entered into an AOC and Statement of Work effective September 2017, for the design of two extraction wells south of the Hewitt Site to protect the North Hollywood West well field. In November 2017, we submitted a Pre-Design Investigation Work Plan to the EPA, which sets forth the activities and schedule for our evaluation of the need for a two-well remedy. Estimated cost to comply with this AOC are immaterial and have been accrued. Until the remedial design work and evaluation of the two-well remedy is complete, we cannot identify an appropriate remedial action or reasonably estimate a loss pertaining to this matter. It is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of these and other legal proceedings in which we are involved and a number of factors, including developments in ongoing discovery or adverse rulings, or the verdict of a particular jury, could cause actual losses to differ materially from accrued costs. No liability was recorded for claims and litigation for which a loss was determined to be only reasonably possible or for which a loss could not be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in defense of lawsuits are expensed as incurred. In addition, losses on certain claims and litigation described above may be subject to limitations on a per occurrence basis by excess insurance, as described in Note 1 under the caption Claims and Litigation Including Self-insurance.

EQUITY

EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
EQUITY [Abstract]
EQUITY	NOTE 13: EQUITY Our capital stock consists solely of common stock, par value $1.00 per share. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Our Certificate of Incorporation also authorizes 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which no shares have been issued. The terms and provisions of such shares will be determined by our Board of Directors upon any issuance of preferred shares in accordance with our Certificate of Incorporation. There were no shares held in treasury as of December 31, 20 17 , 2016 and 2015. Our common stock purchases ( all of which were open market purchases) and subsequent retirements for the years ended December 31 are summarized below:    in thousands, except average cost 2017 2016 2015  Shares Purchased and Retired  Number 510 1,427 228  Total cost 1 $ 60,303 $ 161,463 $ 21,475  Average cost 1 $ 118.18 $ 113.18 $ 94.19   1 Excludes commissions of $0.02 per share.  As of December 31, 2017, 9,489,717 shares may be purchased under the current purchase authorization of our Board of Directors.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	NOTE 14: OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive income comprises two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (OCI). The components of other comprehensive income are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Equity, net of applicable taxes. Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax, at December 31, are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  AOCI  Cash flow hedges $ (11,438) $ (13,300) $ (14,494)  Pension and postretirement plans (138,028) (126,076) (105,575)  Total $ (149,466) $ (139,376) $ (120,069)  Changes in AOCI, net of tax, for the three year s ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:    Pension and  Cash Flow Postretirement  in thousands Hedges Benefit Plans Total  AOCI  Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (20,322) $ (141,392) $ (161,714)  Other comprehensive income (loss)  before reclassifications 0 23,832 23,832  Amounts reclassified from AOCI 5,828 11,985 17,813  Net OCI changes 5,828 35,817 41,645  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (14,494) $ (105,575) $ (120,069)  Other comprehensive income (loss)  before reclassifications 0 (20,583) (20,583)  Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,194 82 1,276  Net OCI changes 1,194 (20,501) (19,307)  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (13,300) $ (126,076) $ (139,376)  Other comprehensive income (loss)  before reclassifications 0 (14,106) (14,106)  Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,862 2,154 4,016  Net OCI changes 1,862 (11,952) (10,090)  Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (11,438) $ (138,028) $ (149,466)  Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings, are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow  Hedge Losses  Interest expense $ 3,070 $ 2,008 $ 9,759  Benefit from income taxes (1,208) (814) (3,931)  Total 1 $ 1,862 $ 1,194 $ 5,828  Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan  Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost  Cost of revenues $ 2,376 $ 109 $ 15,916  Selling, administrative and general expenses 539 25 3,608  Benefit from income taxes (761) (52) (7,539)  Total 2 $ 2,154 $ 82 $ 11,985  Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings $ 4,016 $ 1,276 $ 17,813   1 Totals for 2017 and 2015 include the acceleration of deferred losses on interest rate derivatives (see Note 5) referable to debt purchases (see Note 6). 2 Total for 2015 includes a one-time settlement loss resulting from a lump sum payment to a former employee (see Note 10).

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	NOTE 15: SEGMENT REPORTING We have four operating (and reportable ) segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. Management reviews earnings from the product line reporting segments principally at the gross profit level. The Aggregates segment produces and sells aggregates (crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates) and related products and services (transportation and other). During 2017, the Aggregates segment principally served markets in twenty states, Washington D.C. and Mexico with a full line of aggregates, and fourteen additional states with railroad ballast. Customers use aggregates primarily in the construction and maintenance of highways, streets and other public works and in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial and other nonresidential facilities. Customers are served by truck, rail and water distribution networks from our production facilities and sales yards. Due to the high weight-to-value ratio of aggregates, markets generally are local in nature. Quarries located on waterways and rail lines allow us to serve remote markets where local aggregates reserves may not be available. The Asphalt segment produces and sells asphalt mix in five states: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas. We entered the Tennessee market in January 2017 through an acquisition (see Note 19). The Concrete segment produces and sells ready-mixed concrete in six states, Washington D.C. and an immaterial amount in the Bahamas. In March 2017, we reentered the California ready-mixed concrete market through an acquisition and exited the Arizona market through a swap (see Note 19). In January 2015, we swapped our ready-mixed concrete operations in California (see Note 19) for asphalt mix operations, primarily in Arizona. The Calcium segment consists of a Florida facility that mines, produces and sells calcium products. Aggregates comprise approximately 95% of asphalt mix by weight and 80% of ready-mixed concrete by weight. Our Asphalt and Concrete segments are primarily supplied with their aggregates requirements from our Aggregates segment. These intersegment sales are made at local market prices for the particular grade and quality of product used in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. Customers for our Asphalt and Concrete segments are generally served locally at our production facilities or by truck. Because asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete harden rapidly, delivery is time constrained and generally confined to a radius of approximately 20 to 25 miles from the producing facility. The vast majority of our activities are domestic. We sell a relatively small amount of construction aggregates outside the United States. Total domestic revenues were $3,872,494,000 in 2017, $3,579,427,000 in 2016 and $3,410,773,000 in 2015. Nondomestic Aggregates segment revenues were $17,802,000 in 2017, $13,240,000 in 2016 and $11,408,000 in 2015; there were no significant nondomestic revenues in our Asphalt, Concrete or Calcium segments. Long-lived assets outside the United States, which consist primarily of property, plant & equipment, were $211,282,000 in 2017, $188,652,000 in 2016 and $160,125,000 in 2015. Equity method investments of $22,967,000 in 2017, $22,965,000 in 2016 and $22,967,000 in 2015 are included below in the identifiable assets for the Aggregates segment. SEGMENT FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Total Revenues  Aggregates 1 $ 3,096,094 $ 2,961,835 $ 2,777,758  Asphalt 622,074 512,310 530,692  Concrete 417,745 330,125 299,252  Calcium 7,740 8,860 8,596  Segment sales $ 4,143,653 $ 3,813,130 $ 3,616,298  Aggregates intersegment sales (253,357) (220,463) (194,117)  Total revenues $ 3,890,296 $ 3,592,667 $ 3,422,181  Gross Profit  Aggregates $ 860,021 $ 873,118 $ 755,666  Asphalt 91,948 97,682 78,225  Concrete 46,117 26,543 20,152  Calcium 2,475 3,474 3,490  Total $ 1,000,561 $ 1,000,817 $ 857,533  Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization (DDA&A)  Aggregates $ 245,151 $ 236,472 $ 228,466  Asphalt 25,400 16,797 16,378  Concrete 13,822 12,129 11,374  Calcium 677 774 679  Other 20,915 18,768 17,926  Total $ 305,965 $ 284,940 $ 274,823  Capital Expenditures 2  Aggregates $ 421,989 $ 297,737 $ 269,014  Asphalt 12,970 29,002 8,111  Concrete 25,176 10,047 19,053  Calcium 78 534 0  Corporate 4,020 7,621 7,846  Total $ 464,233 $ 344,941 $ 304,024  Identifiable Assets 3  Aggregates $ 8,409,505 $ 7,589,225 $ 7,540,273  Asphalt 426,575 259,514 251,716  Concrete 271,818 192,673 198,193  Calcium 4,428 4,959 5,509  Total identifiable assets $ 9,112,326 $ 8,046,371 $ 7,995,691  General corporate assets 245,919 157,085 20,731  Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 146,646 268,019 285,210  Total assets $ 9,504,891 $ 8,471,475 $ 8,301,632   1 Includes product sales, as well as freight, delivery and transportation revenues, and other revenues related to aggregates. 2 Capital expenditures include capitalized replacements of and additions to property, plant & equipment, including capitalized leases, renewals and betterments. Capital expenditures exclude property, plant & equipment obtained by business acquisitions. 3 Certain temporarily idled assets are included within a segment's Identifiable Assets but the associated DDA&A is shown within Other in the DDA&A section above as the related DDA&A is excluded from segment gross profit.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	NOTE 16: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental information referable to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is summarized below:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Cash Payments  Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized) $ 285,801 $ 135,039 $ 208,288  Income taxes 125,135 102,849 53,623  Noncash Investing and Financing Activities  Accrued liabilities for purchases of property,  plant & equipment $ 31,267 $ 26,676 $ 31,883  Amounts referable to business acquisitions  Liabilities assumed 3,876 798 2,645  Consideration payable to seller 9,681 0 0  Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged 9,900 0 20,000

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	NOTE 17: ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset retirement obligations (AROs) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets resulting from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the underlying assets. Recognition of a liability for an ARO is required in the period in which it is incurred at its estimated fair value. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the underlying asset and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The liability is accreted through charges to operating expenses. If the ARO is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, we recognize a gain or loss on settlement. We record all AROs for which we have legal obligations for land reclamation at estimated fair value. Essentially all these AROs relate to our underlying land parcels, including both owned properties and mineral leases. For the years ended December 31, we recognized ARO operating costs related to accretion of the liabilities and depreciation of the assets as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  ARO Operating Costs  Accretion $ 11,415 $ 11,059 $ 11,474  Depreciation 6,302 6,353 6,515  Total $ 17,717 $ 17,412 $ 17,989  ARO operating costs are reported in cost of revenues. AROs are reported within other noncurrent liabilities in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of our AROs for the years ended December 31 are as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016  Asset Retirement Obligations  Balance at beginning of year $ 223,872 $ 226,594  Liabilities incurred 1,920 505  Liabilities settled (21,477) (17,114)  Accretion expense 11,415 11,059  Revisions, net 2,387 2,828  Balance at end of year $ 218,117 $ 223,872  ARO liabilities settled during 2017 and 2016 include $11,578,000 and $12,602,000 , respectively, of reclamation activities required under a development agreement and conditional use permits at two adjacent aggregates sites on owned property in Southern California. The reclamation required under the development agreement will result in the restoration of 90 acres of previously mined property to conditions suitable for commercial and retail development.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 18: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Acquired identifiable intangible assets are classified into three categories: (1) goodwill, (2) intangible assets with finite lives subject to amortization and (3) intangible assets with indefinite lives. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; rather, they are reviewed for impairment at least annually. For additional information about our policies on impairment reviews, see Note 1 under the captions Goodwill Impairment, and Impairment of Long-lived Assets excluding Goodwill. GOODWILL Goodwill is recognized when the consideration paid for a business exceeds the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. There were no charges for goodwill impairment in the years ended December 31, 20 17 , 2016 and 2015. Accumulated goodwill impairment losses amount to $252,664,000 in the Calcium segment. We have four reportable segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are summarized below:     in thousands Aggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total  Goodwill  Total as of December 31, 2015 $ 3,003,191 $ 91,633 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,094,824  Total as of December 31, 2016 $ 3,003,191 $ 91,633 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,094,824  Goodwill of acquired businesses 1 27,497 0 0 0 27,497  Total as of December 31, 2017 $ 3,030,688 $ 91,633 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,122,321   1 See Note 19 for a summary of the current year acquisitions .  We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances change in a manner that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. A decrease in the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units could result in the recognition of a material, noncash write-down of goodwill. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Intangible assets acquired in business combinations are stated at their fair value determined as of the date of acquisition. Costs incurred to renew or extend the life of existing intangible assets are capitalized. These capitalized renewal/extension costs were immaterial for the years presented. Intangible assets consist of contractual rights in place (primarily permitting and zoning rights), noncompetition agreements, favorable lease agreements, customer relationships and trade names and trademarks. Intangible assets acquired individually or otherwise obtained outside a business combination consist primarily of permitting, permitting compliance and zoning rights and are stated at their historical cost less accumulated amortization. See Note 19 for the details of the intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions during 2017, 2016 and 2015. Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets is computed based on the estimated life of the intangible assets. Contractual rights in place associated with aggregates reserves are amortized using the unit-of-sales method based on estimated recoverable units. Other intangible assets are amortized principally by the straight-line method. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. As shown in Note 1 under the caption Fair Value Measurements, we incurre d $8,180,000 of impairment charges related to intangible assets i n 2 016 . T here were no charges for impairment of intangible assets in 20 17 . The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization by major intangible asset class for the years ended December 31 are summarized below:     in thousands 2017 2016  Gross Carrying Amount  Contractual rights in place $ 1,050,816 $ 742,085  Noncompetition agreements 7,067 6,757  Favorable lease agreements 9,479 9,479  Permitting, permitting compliance and zoning rights 119,002 112,058  Other 1 4,616 4,171  Total gross carrying amount $ 1,190,980 $ 874,550  Accumulated Amortization  Contractual rights in place $ (94,534) $ (77,515)  Noncompetition agreements (2,440) (1,118)  Favorable lease agreements (3,179) (2,822)  Permitting, permitting compliance and zoning rights (24,352) (21,701)  Other 1 (2,845) (2,342)  Total accumulated amortization $ (127,350) $ (105,498)  Total Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, net $ 1,063,630 $ 769,052  Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives 0 0  Total Intangible Assets, net $ 1,063,630 $ 769,052  Amortization Expense for the Year $ 23,765 $ 17,565   1 Includes customer relationships and tradenames and trademarks.  Estimated amortization expense for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 is as follows:     in thousands  Estimated Amortization Expense for Five Subsequent Years  2018 $ 26,447  2019 25,585  2020 25,375  2021 24,257  2022 23,016

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	NOTE 19: ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS During 2017 (excluding the assets immediately divested in the Aggregates USA acquisition for $287,292,000 ), the following assets related to material business acquisitions were acquired for total consideration of $ 793,523,000 : § California — ready-mixed concrete facilities, an aggregates marine distribution yard and building materials yards § Florida — an aggregates rail distribution yard § Georgia — three aggregates facilities and fourteen aggregates rail distribution yards § South Carolina — an aggregates rail distribution yard § Tennessee — asphalt mix operations and a construction paving business The amounts of total revenues and net earnings for the material business acquisitions noted above are included in our Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2017, as follows:     in thousands 2017  Actual Results  Total revenues $ 162,462  Net earnings 11,830  The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the results of operations for Vulcan and these material business acquisitions as if they were combined as of January 1, 2016. The 2016 financial information does not reflect any cost savings, operating efficiencies or synergies as a result of these combinations. Transactions between Vulcan and these businesses during the periods presented in the pro forma financial information were immaterial and have been eliminated as if the companies were consolidated affiliates during the following periods:    in thousands 2017 2016  Supplemental Pro Forma Results  Total revenues $ 4,015,891 $ 3,882,257  Net earnings $ 610,494 $ 433,431  The unaudited pro forma results above may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had these acquisitions occurred at the beginning of 2016, nor does it intend to be a projection of future results. The fair value of consideration transferred for these material business acquisitions and the preliminary amounts ( pending appraisals of contractual rights in place and property , plant & equipment ) of assets acquired and liabilities assume d, a re summarized below:     in thousands 2017  Fair Value of Purchase Consideration  Cash $ 1,072,978  Payable to seller 7,837  Total fair value of purchase consideration $ 1,080,815  Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed  Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 14,955  Inventories 21,679  Other current assets 608  Investments 3,590  Property, plant & equipment 433,606  Other intangible assets  Contractual rights in place 295,482  Liabilities assumed (3,894)  Net identifiable assets acquired and retained $ 766,026  Goodwill $ 27,497  Net Assets Divested Immediately Upon Acquisition $ 287,292 Additionally, during 2017 we acquired the following assets related to immaterial business acquisitions for $48,490,000 of consideration ( $36,746,000 cash, $1,844,000 payable and $9,900,000 of fair value of assets swapped): § Arizona — an asphalt mix operation § Illinois — two aggregates facilities § New Mexico — an aggregates facility § Tennessee — an aggregates facility § Virginia — an aggregates facility and a ready-mixed concrete facility As a collective result of th e 2 017 acquisitions, we recognized $ 309,112 ,000 of amortizable intangible assets (primarily c ontractual rights in place).The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings ( $ 73,879,000 - straight-line over a weighted-average 19.3 years and $ 235,133 ,000 - units of sales over an estimated 54.7 years) and deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years. Of the $ 27,497, 000 of goodwill recognized, all will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years. During 2016, the following assets were acquired for $ 33,287,000 of consideration ( $32,537,000 cash and $750,000 payable): § Georgia — a distribution business to complement our aggregates logistics and distribution activities § New Mexico — an asphalt mix operation § Texas — an aggregates facility None of the 2016 acquisitions listed above are material to our results of operations or financial position either individually or collectively. As a result of these 2016 acquisitions, we recognized $ 16,670,000 of amortizable intangible assets ( $15,213,000 contractual rights in place and $1,457,000 of noncompetition agreement).The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings ( $ 6,798,000 - straight-line over 20 years and $8,415,000 - units of sales o ver an estimated 20 years) and deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years. During 2015, the following assets were acquired for $ 47,198,000 of consideration ( $27,198,000 cash and $20,000,000 exchanges of real property and businesses ( twelve California ready-mixed concrete operations)): § one aggregates facility in Tennessee § three aggregates facilities and seven ready-mixed concrete operations in Arizona and New Mexico § thirteen asphalt mix operations, primarily in Arizona None of the 2015 acquisitions listed above were material to our results of operations or financial position either individually or collectively. As a result of these 2015 acquisitions, we recognized $17,734,000 of amortizable intangible assets ( $17,484,000 - contractual rights in place and $250,000 - noncompetition agreement). The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings ( $ 7,168,000 - straight-line over 20 years and $10,317,000 - units of sales over an estimated 34 years) and deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years. DIVESTITURES In 2017, we sold: § Fourth quarter — swapped ready-mixed concrete operations in Arizona (fair value of $9,900,000 and book value of $1,879,000 ) for an asphalt mix operation in Arizona resulting in a pretax gain of $8,021,000 § Fourth quarter – as required by the Department of Justice , we immediately divested certain assets obtained in the Aggregates USA acquisition resulting in no gain In 2016, we sold: § Fourth quarter — surplus land in California and Virginia for net pretax cash proceeds of $19,185,000 resulting in pretax gains of $11,871,000 § Fourth quarter — plant relocation reimbursement in Virginia for net pretax cash proceeds of $6,000,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $4,335,000 (this item is presented within other operating expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income) As noted above, in 2015 (first quarter), we exchanged twelve ready-mixed concrete operations in California (representing all of our California concrete operations) for thirteen asphalt mix plants (primarily in Arizona) resulting in a pretax gain of $5,886, 000 .

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA [Abstract]
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	NOTE 20: UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The following is a summary of selected quarterly financial information (unaudited) for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:     2017  Three Months Ended  in thousands, except per share data March 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31  Total revenues $ 787,328 $1,030,763 $ 1,094,715 $ 977,490  Gross profit 159,979 291,775 305,516 243,291  Operating earnings 72,400 193,987 229,487 151,234  Earnings from continuing operations 43,523 111,749 110,150 327,969  Net earnings 44,921 120,139 108,579 327,546  Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.33 $ 0.84 $ 0.83 $ 2.47  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.32 $ 0.83 $ 0.82 $ 2.43  Basic net earnings per share $ 0.34 $ 0.91 $ 0.82 $ 2.47  Diluted net earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.89 $ 0.81 $ 2.43      2016  Three Months Ended  in thousands, except per share data March 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31  Total revenues $ 754,728 $ 956,825 $ 1,008,140 $ 872,974  Gross profit 164,718 292,184 304,209 239,706  Operating earnings 64,921 213,786 227,076 173,799  Earnings from continuing operations 41,965 127,241 145,137 108,063  Net earnings 40,158 124,709 142,024 112,600  Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.95 $ 1.09 $ 0.82  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.93 $ 1.07 $ 0.80  Basic net earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.93 $ 1.07 $ 0.85  Diluted net earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.92 $ 1.05 $ 0.83 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN28

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
NATURE OF OPERATIONS	NATURE OF OPERATIONS Vulcan Materials Company (the "Company," "Vulcan," "we," "our"), a New Jersey corporation, is the nation's largest supplier of construction aggregates (primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel) and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We operate primarily in the United States and our principal product — aggregates — is used in virtually all types of public and private construction projects and in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. We serve markets in twenty states, Washington D.C., and the local markets surrounding our operations in Mexico and the Bahamas. Our primary focus is serving metropolitan markets in the United States that are expected to experience the most significant growth in population, households and employment. These three demographic factors are significant drivers of demand for aggregates. While aggregates is our focus and primary business, we produce and sell asphalt mix and/or ready-mixed concrete in our mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Southwestern, Tennessee and Western markets. Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as described in Note 2, the results of the Chemicals business are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vulcan Materials Company and all our majority or wholly-owned subsidiary companies. Partially-owned affiliates are either consolidated or accounted for at cost or as equity investments depending on the level of ownership interest or our ability to exercise control over the affiliates’ operations. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted (GAAP) in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. The most significant estimates included in the preparation of these financial statements are related to goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, business combinations and purchase price allocation, pension and other postretirement benefits, environmental compliance, claims and litigation including self-insurance, and income taxes.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. The purchase price is determined based on the fair value of consideration transferred to and liabilities assumed from the seller as of the date of acquisition. We allocate the purchase price to the fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as o f t he date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded for the excess of the purchase price over the net of the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction, and therefore represents an exit price. A fair value measurement assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants. We may adjust the amounts recognized in an acquisition during a measurement period after the acquisition date. Any such adjustments are the result of subsequently obtaining additional information that existed at the acquisition date regarding the assets acquired or the liabilities assumed. Measurement period adjustments are generally recorded as increases or decreases to goodwill, if any, recognized in the transaction. The cumulative impact of measurement period adjustments on depreciation, amortization and other income statement items are recognized in the period the adjustment is determined .
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS	FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS The U. S . dollar is the functional currency for all of our operations. For our non-U.S. subsidiaries, local currency inventories and long-term assets such as property, plant & equipment and intangibles are remeasured into U.S. dollars at approximate rates prevailing when acquired; all other assets and liabilities are remeasured at year-end exchange rates. Inventories charged to cost of sales and depreciation are remeasured at historical rates; all other income and expense items are remeasured at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Gains and losses which result from remeasurement are included in earnings and are not material for the years presented.
CASH EQUIVALENTS	CASH EQUIVALENTS We classify as cash equivalents all highly liquid securities with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.
RESTRICTED CASH	RESTRICTED CASH Restricted cash consists of cash proceeds from the sale of property held in escrow for the acquisition of replacement property under like-kind exchange agreements and cash reserved by other contractual agreements (such as asset purchase agreements) for a specified purpose and therefore not available for use in our operations. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Cash restricted pursuant to like-kind exchange agreements remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Restricted cash is included with cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE	ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE Accounts and notes receivable from customers result from our extending credit to trade customers for the purchase of our products. The terms generally provide for payment within 30 days of being invoiced. On occasion, when necessary to conform to regional industry practices, we sell product under extended payment terms, which may result in either secured or unsecured short-term notes; or, on occasion, notes with durations of less than one year are taken in settlement of existing accounts receivable. Other accounts and notes receivable result from short-term transactions (less than one year) other than the sale of our products, such as interest receivable; insurance claims; freight claims; tax refund claims; bid deposits or rents receivable. As of December 31, 2017, income tax receivables of $106,980,000 are included in other accounts and notes receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. There were similar receivables of $10,201,000 as of December 31, 2016. R eceivables are aged and appropriate allowances for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense are recorded. Bad debt expense (net recoveries) for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2017 — $812,000 , 2016 — $(1,190,000) and 2015 — $1,450,000 . Write-offs of accounts receivables for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 — $1,384,000 , 2016 — $1,544,000 and 2015 — $1,483,000 . The bad debt recovery in 2016 relates to the collection of previously reserved receivables primarily attributable to the 2014 sale of our Florida area concrete and cement businesses.
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES Inventories and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuation for most of our inventories because it results in a better matching of costs with revenues. Such costs include fuel, parts and supplies, raw materials, direct labor and production overhead. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on our estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. Substantially all operating supplies inventory is carried at average cost. For additional information about our inventories see Note 3.
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Property, plant & equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization. The cost of properties held under capital leases, if any, is equal to the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased property at the inception of the lease. Capitalized software costs of $4,446,000 and $4,732,000 are reflected in net property, plant & equipment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We capitalized software costs for the years ended December 31 as follows: 2017 — $1,988,000 , 2016 — $152,000 and 2015 — $1,482,000 . For additional information about our property, plant & equipment see Note 4.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE	REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE Repair and maintenance costs generally are charged to operating expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments that add materially to the utility or useful lives of property, plant & equipment are capitalized and subsequently depreciated. Actual costs for planned major maintenance activities, related primarily to periodic overhauls on our oceangoing vessels, are capitalized and amortized to the next overhaul.
DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION, ACCRETION AND AMORTIZATION	DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION, ACCRETION AND AMORTIZATION Depreciation is generally computed by the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated service lives of the various classes of assets, which include machinery and equipment ( 3 to 35 years), buildings ( 7 to 20 years) and land improvements ( 8 to 20 years). Capitalized software costs are included in machinery and equipment and are depreciated on a straight-line basis beginning when the software project is substantially complete. Cost depletion on depletable land is computed by the unit-of- sales method based on estimated recoverable units. Accretion reflects the period-to-period increase in the carrying amount of the liability for asset retirement obligations. It is computed using the same credit-adjusted, risk-free rate used to initially measure the liability at fair value. Leaseholds are amortized over varying periods not in excess of applicable lease terms or estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization is computed based on the estimated life of the intangible assets. A significant portion of our intangible assets is contractual rights in place associated with zoning, permitting and other rights to access and extract aggregates reserves. Contractual rights in place associated with aggregates reserves are amortized using the unit-of-sales method based on estimated recoverable units. Other intangible assets are amortized principally by the straight-line method. Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization expense for the years ended December 31 is outlined below:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization  Depreciation $ 250,835 $ 238,237 $ 228,866  Depletion 19,342 17,812 18,177  Accretion 11,415 11,059 11,474  Amortization of leaseholds 608 267 688  Amortization of intangibles 23,765 17,565 15,618  Total $ 305,965 $ 284,940 $ 274,823 
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS We periodically use derivative instruments to manage our mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt and to manage our exposure to currency exchange risk or price fluctuations on commodity energy sources consistent with our risk management policies. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Additional disclosures about our derivative instruments are presented in Note 5.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as described below: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 2: Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement Our assets at December 31 subject to fair value measurement on a recurring basis are summarized below:     Level 1 Fair Value  in thousands 2017 2016  Fair Value Recurring  Rabbi Trust  Mutual funds $ 20,348 $ 6,883  Equities 0 10,033  Total $ 20,348 $ 16,916     Level 2 Fair Value  in thousands 2017 2016  Fair Value Recurring  Rabbi Trust  Money market mutual fund $ 1,203 $ 1,705  Total $ 1,203 $ 1,705  We have two Rabbi Trusts for the purpose of providing a level of security for the employee nonqualified retirement and deferred compensation plans and for the directors' nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The fair values of these investments are estimated using a market approach. The Level 1 investments include mutual funds and equity securities for which quoted prices in active markets are available. Level 2 investments are stated at estimated fair value based on the underlying investments in the fund (short-term, highly liquid assets in commercial paper, short-term bonds and certificates of deposit). Net gains (losses) of the Rabbi Trusts’ investments were $2,441,000 , $2,741,000 and $(1,517,000) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The portions of the net gains (losses) related to investments still held by the Rabbi Trusts at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $(3,618,000) , $1,599,000 and $(1,769,000 ) , respectively. The carrying values of our cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and notes receivable, short-term debt, trade payables and accruals, and all other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Additional disclosures for derivative instruments and interest-bearing debt are presented in Notes 5 and 6, respectively. Assets subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis in 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:     Year ending December 31, 2017 Year ending December 31, 2016  Impairment Impairment  in thousands Level 2 Charges Level 2 Charges  Fair Value Nonrecurring  Property, plant & equipment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,359  Other intangible assets, net 0 0 0 8,180  Other assets 0 0 0 967  Totals $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 10,506  We recorde d $ 10,506,000 of losses on impairment of long-lived assets i n 2 01 6 reducing the carrying value of these Aggregates segment assets to their estimated fair values o f $ 0 . Fair value was estimated using a market approach (observed transactions involving comparable assets in similar locations).
GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT	G OODWILL IMPAIRMENT Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of net assets acquired in business combinations over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill impairment exists when the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As of December 31, 2017, goodwill totaled $3, 122,321, 000 , as compared to $3,094,824,000 at December 31, 2016. Goodwill represents 33% of total assets at December 31, 2017 compared to 37% a t December 31, 2016. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, as of November 1, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, one level below our operating segments. We have four operating segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. Within these four operating segments, we have identified 17 reporting units (of which 9 carry goodwill) based primarily on geographic location. We have the option of either assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of our reporting units exceeds their respective fair value or proceeding directly to a quantitative test. We elected to perform the quantitative impairment test for all years presented. The quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. I f the fair value exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. However, if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss equal to that excess. The results of the annual impairment tests performed as of November 1, 201 7 , 2016 and 2015 indicated that the fair values of all reporting units with goodwill substantially exceeded their carrying values. Accordingly, there were no charges for goodwill impairment in the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 2016 or 2015. We estimate the fair values of the reporting units using both an income approach (which involves discounting estimated future cash flows) and a market approach (which involves the application of revenue and EBITDA multiples of comparable companies). Determining the fair value of our reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions and considerable management judgment. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty and actual results may differ. Changes in key assumptions or management judgment with respect to a reporting unit or its prospects, which may result from a change in market conditions, market trends, interest rates or other factors outside of our control, or underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of our reporting units, which could result in an impairment charge in the future. For additional information about goodwill see Note 18.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS EXCLUDING GOODWILL	IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS EXCLUDING GOODWILL We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of long-lived assets is considered impaired when the estimated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than their carrying value. In that event, we recognize a loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by using a discounted cash flow methodology that requires considerable judgment and assumptions. Our estimate of net future cash flows is based on historical experience and assumptions of future trends, which may be different from actual results. We periodically review the appropriateness of the estimated useful lives of our long-lived assets. We test long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. As a result, our long-lived asset impairment test is at a significantly lower level than the level at which we test goodwill for impairment. In markets where we do not produce downstream products (e.g., asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete), the lowest level of largely independent identifiable cash flows is at the individual aggregates operation or a group of aggregates operations collectively serving a local market. Conversely, in vertically integrated markets, the cash flows of our downstream and upstream businesses are not largely independently identifiable as the selling price of the upstream products (aggregates) determines the profitability of the downstream business. As of December 31, 2017, net property, plant & equipment represents 41% of total assets, while net other intangible assets represents 11% of total assets. During 2017, we recorded no loss on impairment of long-lived assets . During 2016, we recorded a $10,506,000 loss on impairment of long-lived assets resulting from the termination of a nonstrategic aggregates lease and the write off of nonrecoverable project costs related to two Aggregates segment capital projects that we no longer intend to complete. During 2015, we recorded a $5,190,000 impairment loss related to exiting a lease for an aggregates site. For additional information about long-lived assets and intangible assets see Notes 4 and 18.
TOTAL REVENUES AND REVENUE RECOGNITION	TOTAL REVENUES AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Total revenues include sales of product and services to customers, net of any discounts and taxes, and freight and delivery revenues billed to customers. Freight and delivery generally represent pass-through transportation we incur (including our administrative costs) and pay to third-party carriers to deliver our products to customers. The cost related to freight and delivery is included in cost of revenues. Revenue for product sales is recognized at the time the selling price is fixed, the product's title is transferred to the buyer and collectibility of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured (typically occurs when finished products are shipped to the customer).
SALES TAXES	SALES TAXES Sales taxes collected from customers are recorded as liabilities (within other current liabilities) until remitted to taxing authorities and therefore, are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
DEFERRED REVENUE	DEFERRED REVENUE In 2013 and 2012, we sold a percentage interest in future production structured as volumetric production payments (VPPs). The VPPs: § relate to eight quarries in Georgia and South Carolina § provide the purchaser solely with a nonoperating percentage interest in the subject quarries’ future production from aggregates reserves § are both time and volume limited § contain no minimum annual or cumulative production or sales volume, nor minimum sales price Our consolidated total revenues excludes the sales of aggregates owned by the VPP purchaser. We received net cash proceeds from the sale of the VPPs of $ 226,926 ,00 0. T hese proceeds were recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet and are amortized to revenue on a unit-of-sales basis over the terms of the VPPs (expected to be approximately 25 years, limited by volume rather than time). Reconciliation of the deferred revenue balances (current and noncurrent) is as follows:    in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Deferred Revenue  Balance at beginning of year $ 206,468 $ 214,060 $ 219,968  Amortization of deferred revenue (6,912) (7,592) (5,908)  Balance at end of year $ 199,556 $ 206,468 $ 214,060  Based on expected s ales from the specified quarries, we expect to recogniz e $ 8,080,000 of deferred revenue as income i n 2 018 (reflected in other current liabilities in our 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet).
STRIPPING COSTS	STRIPPING COSTS In the mining industry, the costs of removing overburden and waste materials to access mineral deposits are referred to as stripping costs. Stripping costs incurred during the production phase are considered costs of extracted minerals under our inventory costing system, inventoried, and recognized in cost of sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of the inventory. The production stage is deemed to begin when the activities, including removal of overburden and waste material that may contain incidental saleable material, required to access the saleable product are complete. Stripping costs considered as production costs and included in the costs of inventory produced were $65,944,000 in 2017, $55,987,000 in 2016 and $50,409,000 in 2015. Conversely, stripping costs incurred during the development stage of a mine (pre-production stripping) are excluded from our inventory cost. Pre-production stripping costs are capitalized and reported within other noncurrent assets in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalized pre-production stripping costs are expensed over the productive life of the mine using the unit-of- sales method. Pre-production stripping costs included in other noncurrent assets were $81,241,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $70,227,000 as of December 31, 2016. This year-over-year in crease resulted primarily from the removal of overburden at a greenfield site in California.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION We account for share-based compensation awards using fair-value-based measurement methods. These result in the recognition of compensation expense for all share-based compensation award s b ased on their fair value as of the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period. A summary of the estimated future compensation cost (unrecognized compensation expense) as of December 31, 2017 related to share-based awards granted to employees under our long-term incentive plans is presented below:     Unrecognized Expected  Compensation Weighted-average  dollars in thousands Expense Recognition (Years)  Share-based Compensation  SOSARs 1 $ 4,623 1.5  Performance shares 18,424 1.8  Restricted shares 5,244 2.6  Total/weighted-average $ 28,291 1.9   1 Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights (SOSARs)  Pretax compensation expense related to our employee share-based compensation awards and related income tax benefits for the years ended December 31 are summarized below:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Employee Share-based Compensation Awards  Pretax compensation expense $ 24,367 $ 17,823 $ 16,362  Income tax benefits 6,226 6,925 6,347  We receive an income tax deduction for share-based compensation equal to the excess of the market value of our common stock on the date of exercise or issuance over the exercise price. Tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) are reflected as discrete income tax benefits in the period of exercise or issuance. Prior to our early adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” in 2016, excess tax benefits were recorded directly to equity (APIC). For 2017 and 2016, net excess tax benefits of $22,962,000 (federal $20,740,000 and state $2,222,000 ) and $24,847,000 (federal $22,443,000 and state $2,404,000 ) , respectively, were recorded as reductions to our income tax expense (see Note 9) and were reflected as operating cash flows . For 2015, net excess tax benefits of $18,115,000 were recorded directly to APIC and gross excess tax benefits of $18,376,000 we re reflected as financing cash flows. For additional information about share-based compensation, see Note 11 under the caption Share-based Compensation Plans.
RECLAMATION COSTS	RECLAMATION COSTS Reclamation costs resulting from normal use of long-lived assets are recognized over the period the asset is in use when there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon retirement of the assets. Additionally, reclamation costs resulting from normal use under a mineral lease are recognized over the lease term when there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon expiration of the lease. The obligation, which cannot be reduced by estimated offsetting cash flows, is recorded at fair value as a liability at the obligating event date and is accreted through charges to operating expenses. This fair value is also capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the underlying asset and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. If the obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, a gain or loss is recognized on settlement. To determine the fair value of the obligation, we estimate the cost ( including a reasonable profit margin) for a third party to perform the legally required reclamation tasks. This cost is then increased for both future estimated inflation and an estimated market risk premium related to the estimated years to settlement. Once calculated, this cost is discounted to fair value using present value techniques with a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate commensurate with the estimated years to settlement. In estimating the settlement date, we evaluate the current facts and conditions to determine the most likely settlement date. If this evaluation identifies alternative estimated settlement dates, we use a weighted-average settlement date considering the probabilities of each alternative. We review reclamation obligations at least annually for a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. Additionally, reclamation obligations are reviewed in the period that a triggering event occurs that would result in either a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. Examples of events that would trigger a change in the cost include a new reclamation law or amendment of an existing mineral lease. Examples of events that would trigger a change in the estimated settlement date include the acquisition of additional reserves or the closure of a facility. The carrying value of these obligations was $218,117,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $223,872,000 as of December 31, 2016. For additional information about reclamation obligations (referred to in our financial statements as asset retirement obligations) see Note 17.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Accounting for pension and postretirement benefits requires that we make significant assumptions about the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. The primary assumptions are as follows: § Discount Rate — The discount rate is used in calculating the present value of projected benefit payments § Expected Return on Plan Assets — The expected future return on plan assets reduces the recorded net benefit costs § Rate of Compensation Increase — Annual pay increases after 2015 will not increase our pension plan obligations as a result of a 2013 plan amendment § Rate of Increase in the Per Capita Cost of Covered Healthcare Benefits — Increases in the per capita cost after 2015 will not increase our postretirement medical benefits obligation as a result of a 2012 plan amendment Accounting standards provide for the delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition in earnings of changes in benefit obligations and asset performance. The differences between actual results and expected or estimated results are recognized in full in other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in a systematic manner over the average remaining service period of participants for our active plans or the average remaining lifetime of participants for our inactive plans. For additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits see Note 10.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE	ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Our environmental compliance costs are undiscounted and include the cost of ongoing monitoring programs, the cost of remediation efforts and other similar costs. We accrue costs for environmental assessment and remediation efforts when we determine that a liability is probable and we can reasonably estimate the cost. At the early stages of a remediation effort, environmental remediation liabilities are not easily quantified due to the uncertainties of various factors. The range of an estimated remediation liability is defined and redefined as events in the remediation effort occur, but generally liabilities are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. When we can estimate a range of probable loss, we accrue the most likely amount. If no amount in the range of probable loss is considered most likely, the minimum loss in the range is accrued. As of December 31, 2017, the spread between the amount accrued and the maximum loss in the range for all sites for which a range can be reasonably estimated was $3,105,000 — this amount does not represent our maximum exposure to loss for all environmental remediation obligations as it excludes those sites for which a range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accrual amounts may be based on technical cost estimations or the professional judgment of experienced environmental managers. Our Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Management Committee routinely reviews cost estimates and key assumptions in response to new information, such as the kinds and quantities of hazardous substances, available technologies and changes to the parties participating in the remediation efforts. H owever, a number of factors, including adverse agency rulings and encountering unanticipated conditions as remediation efforts progress, may cause actual results to differ materially from accrued costs. For additional information about environmental compliance costs see Note 8.
CLAIMS AND LITIGATION INCLUDING SELF-INSURANCE	CLAIMS AND LITIGATION INCLUDING SELF-INSURANCE We are involved with claims and litigation, including items covered under our self-insurance program. We are self-insured for losses related to workers' compensation up to $2,000,000 per occurrence and automotive and general/product liability up to $3,000,000 per occurrence. We have excess coverage on a per occurrence basis beyond these retention levels. Under our self-insurance program, we aggregate certain claims and litigation costs that are reasonably predictable based on our historical loss experience and accrue losses, including future legal defense costs, based on actuarial studies. Certain claims and litigation costs, due to their unique nature, are not included in our actuarial studies. We use both internal and outside legal counsel to assess the probability of loss, and establish an accrual when the claims and litigation represent a probable loss and the cost can be reasonably estimated. For matters not included in our actuarial studies, legal defense costs are accrued when incurred. The following table outlines our self-insurance program at December 31:     dollars in thousands 2017 2016  Self-insurance Program  Self-insured liabilities (undiscounted) $ 58,216 $ 49,310  Insured liabilities (undiscounted) 7,892 72,644  Discount rate 1.93% 1.40%  Amounts Recognized in Consolidated  Balance Sheets  Other accounts and notes receivable $ 6,158 $ 67,631  Investments and long-term receivables 7,246 16,133  Other current liabilities (20,036) (69,549)  Other noncurrent liabilities (41,792) (49,074)  Net liabilities (discounted) $ (48,424) $ (34,859)  The decrease in liabilities and offsetting decrease in receivables as noted above are due primarily to the settlement, funded by our insurer, of a litigation matter related to our former Chemicals business as discussed in Note 12. Estimated payments (undiscounted and excluding the impact of related receivables) under our self-insurance program for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 are as follows:     in thousands  Estimated Payments under Self-insurance Program  2018 $ 22,697  2019 11,874  2020 7,856  2021 4,709  2022 3,088  Significant judgment is used in determining the timing and amount of the accruals for probable losses and the actual liability could differ materially from the accrued amounts.
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES We file federal, state and foreign income tax returns and account for the current and deferred tax effects of such returns using the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities (which reflect our best assessment of the future taxes we will pay) based on the differences between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in future tax returns while deferred tax liabilities represent items that will result in additional tax in future tax returns. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining our deferred tax assets and liabilities. These estimates are updated throughout the year to consider income tax return filings, our geographic mix of earnings, legislative changes and other relevant items. We are required to account for the effects of changes in income tax rates on deferred tax balances in the period in which the legislation is enacted. The impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is presented in Note 9. Each quarter we analyze the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. Realization of the deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in either the carryback or carryforward period. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. A summary of our deferred tax assets is included in Note 9. U.S. income taxes are not provided on foreign earnings when such earnings are indefinitely reinvested offshore. At least annually, we evaluate our investment strategies for each foreign tax jurisdiction in which we operate to determine whether foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested offshore. We recognize a tax benefit associated with a tax position when, in our judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based upon the technical merits of the position. For a tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold, we measure the income tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. A liability is established for the unrecognized portion of any tax position. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. The years open to tax examinations vary by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is appropriate. We consider a tax position to be resolved at the earlier of the issue being “effectively settled,” settlement of an examination, or the expiration of the statute of limitations. Upon resolution of a tax position, any liability for unrecognized tax benefits will be released. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is generally presented as noncurrent. However, if we anticipate paying cash within one year to settle an uncertain tax position, the liability is presented as current. We classify interest and penalties associated with our liability for unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Our largest permanent item in computing both our taxable income and effective tax rate is the deduction allowed for statutory depletion. The impact of statutory depletion on the effective tax rate is presented in Note 9. The deduction for statutory depletion does not necessarily change proportionately to changes in pretax earnings.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME We report comprehensive income in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Equity. Comprehensive income comprises two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (OCI). OCI includes fair value adjustments to cash flow hedges, actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs related to pension and postretirement benefit plans. For additional information about comprehensive income see Note 14.
RECLASSIFICATIONS	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Antidilutive common stock equivalents 79 97 544 RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform with the 2017 presentation. Refer to Accounting Standards Recently Adopted (Cash Flow Classification, immediately below) for the impact of reclassifying restricted cash on our Statement of Cash Flows.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) Earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic EPS) or weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (diluted EPS), as set forth below:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average common shares outstanding 132,513 133,205 133,210  Dilutive effect of  SOSARs 1,295 1,339 1,027  Other stock compensation plans 1,070 1,246 856  Weighted-average common shares outstanding,  assuming dilution 134,878 135,790 135,093  All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in our earnings per share calculations. In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation would be excluded. Antidilutive common stock equivalents are not included in our earnings per share calculations. The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price for the years ended December 31 is as follows:     in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Antidilutive common stock equivalents 79 97 544 
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED CASH FLOW CLASSIFICATION During the fourth quarter, we early adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” and ASU 2016-18, “Restricted Cash.” These ASUs add or clarify guidance on eight specific cash flow issues in addition to providing guidance on the presentation of restricted cash in statements of cash flows. The impact to us is limited to the presentation of restricted cash. Re stricted cash is now presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a component of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash rather than as an investing activity . For the years presented, net cash used for investing activities increased (decreased) as a result of this ASU as follows: 2017 — $4,033,000 , 2016 — $(7,883,000) and 2015 — $(1,150,000) . HEDGE ACCOUNTING During the fourth quarter of 2017, we early adopted ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” This ASU simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting and improves disclosures of hedging arrangements through the elimination of the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires, for qualifying hedges, the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements. GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT TESTING During the fourth quarter of 2017, we early adopted ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (Step 2) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value. We early adopted this standard as of our November 1, 2017 annual impairment test. As the fair value of all our reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values, the adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements. MODIFICATION ACCOUNTING FOR SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION During the second quarter of 2017, we early adopted ASU 2017-09, “Scope of Modification Accounting.” The ASU provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which modification accounting is applied. Specifically, modification accounting is not applied if the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. We applied this ASU on a prospective basis to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements. INVENTORY MEASUREMENT During the first quarter of 2017, we adopted ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” This ASU prospectively changed the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market principle to the lower of cost and net realizable value principle. The guidance applied to inventories measured by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost method, but did not apply to inventories measured by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method. We used the LIFO method for approximately 66% of our inventory (based on the December 31, 2016 balances); therefore, this ASU did not apply to the majority of our inventory. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements. DEFINITION OF A BUSINESS During the first quarter of 2017, we early adopted ASU 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” This ASU changed the definition of a business for, among other purposes, determining whether to account for a transaction as an asset acquisition or a business combination. Under the new guidance, an entity first determines whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this threshold is met, it is not a business combination. If it is not met, the entity then evaluates whether the acquired assets and activities meet the requirements that a business include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. This change in definition did not impact any of our transactions during 2017. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS PENDING ADOPTION PRESENTATION OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT PLANS In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” which changes the presentation of the net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. Employers will present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item(s) as other employee compensation costs. The other components of net benefit cost will be included in nonoperating expense. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Retrospective application of the change in income statement presentation is required. A practical expedient is provided that permits entities to use the components of cost disclosed in prior years as a basis for the retrospective application of the new income statement presentation. We will adopt ASU 2017-07 in the first quarter of 2018. T he adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements; the other components of net benefit cost (credit) were as follows: 2017 — $(8,102,000) , 2016 — $(13,715,000) and 2015 — $11,339,000 . INTRA-ENTITY ASSET TRANSFERS In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” which requires the tax effects of intercompany transactions other than inventory to be recognized currently. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. CREDIT LOSSES In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which amends guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The new guidance estimates credit losses based on expected losses, modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 , and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. While we are still evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13, we do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. LEASE ACCOUNTING In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” which amends existing accounting standards for lease accounting and adds additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement and presentation of cash flow in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted and modified retrospective application is required. We will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2019. While we expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, we have yet to quantify the effect. CLASSIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which amends certain aspects of current guidance on the recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other changes, this ASU requires most equity investments be measured at fair value. Additionally, the ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for instruments not recognized at fair value in our financial statements. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. REVENUE RECOGNITION In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers,” which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This ASU provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues and expands required revenue recognition disclosures. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Further, in applying this ASU an entity is permitted to use either the full retrospective or cumulative effect transition approach. We expect to identify similar performance obligations under ASU 2014-09 compared with the deliverables and separate units of account we have identified under existing accounting standards. As a result, we expect the timing of our revenues to remain generally the same. We will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2018 using the cumulative effect transition approach.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN29

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization Expense	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization  Depreciation $ 250,835 $ 238,237 $ 228,866  Depletion 19,342 17,812 18,177  Accretion 11,415 11,059 11,474  Amortization of leaseholds 608 267 688  Amortization of intangibles 23,765 17,565 15,618  Total $ 305,965 $ 284,940 $ 274,823 
Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis	   Level 1 Fair Value  in thousands 2017 2016  Fair Value Recurring  Rabbi Trust  Mutual funds $ 20,348 $ 6,883  Equities 0 10,033  Total $ 20,348 $ 16,916     Level 2 Fair Value  in thousands 2017 2016  Fair Value Recurring  Rabbi Trust  Money market mutual fund $ 1,203 $ 1,705  Total $ 1,203 $ 1,705 
Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis	   Year ending December 31, 2017 Year ending December 31, 2016  Impairment Impairment  in thousands Level 2 Charges Level 2 Charges  Fair Value Nonrecurring  Property, plant & equipment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,359  Other intangible assets, net 0 0 0 8,180  Other assets 0 0 0 967  Totals $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 10,506 
Reconciliation of Deferred Revenue Balances	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Deferred Revenue  Balance at beginning of year $ 206,468 $ 214,060 $ 219,968  Amortization of deferred revenue (6,912) (7,592) (5,908)  Balance at end of year $ 199,556 $ 206,468 $ 214,060 
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	   Unrecognized Expected  Compensation Weighted-average  dollars in thousands Expense Recognition (Years)  Share-based Compensation  SOSARs 1 $ 4,623 1.5  Performance shares 18,424 1.8  Restricted shares 5,244 2.6  Total/weighted-average $ 28,291 1.9   1 Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights (SOSARs) 
Pretax Compensation Expense	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Employee Share-based Compensation Awards  Pretax compensation expense $ 24,367 $ 17,823 $ 16,362  Income tax benefits 6,226 6,925 6,347 
Liabilities Under Self-Insurance Program	   dollars in thousands 2017 2016  Self-insurance Program  Self-insured liabilities (undiscounted) $ 58,216 $ 49,310  Insured liabilities (undiscounted) 7,892 72,644  Discount rate 1.93% 1.40%  Amounts Recognized in Consolidated  Balance Sheets  Other accounts and notes receivable $ 6,158 $ 67,631  Investments and long-term receivables 7,246 16,133  Other current liabilities (20,036) (69,549)  Other noncurrent liabilities (41,792) (49,074)  Net liabilities (discounted) $ (48,424) $ (34,859) 
Estimated Payments (Undiscounted) Under Self-Insurance Program	   in thousands  Estimated Payments under Self-insurance Program  2018 $ 22,697  2019 11,874  2020 7,856  2021 4,709  2022 3,088 
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average common shares outstanding 132,513 133,205 133,210  Dilutive effect of  SOSARs 1,295 1,339 1,027  Other stock compensation plans 1,070 1,246 856  Weighted-average common shares outstanding,  assuming dilution 134,878 135,790 135,093 
Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Antidilutive common stock equivalents 79 97 544 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Results from Discontinued Operations	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Discontinued Operations  Pretax earnings (loss) $ 12,959 $ (4,877) $ (19,326)  Income tax (expense) benefit (5,165) 1,962 7,589  Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,  net of tax $ 7,794 $ (2,915) $ (11,737) 

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Inventories	   in thousands 2017 2016  Inventories  Finished products 1 $ 327,711 $ 293,619  Raw materials 27,152 22,648  Products in process 1,827 1,480  Operating supplies and other 27,648 27,869  Total $ 384,338 $ 345,616    1 Includes inventories encumbered b y vo lumetric production payment s (see Note 1, caption Deferred Revenue), as follows: December 31, 2017 — $ 2,808 thousand and December 31, 2016 — $2,841 thousand. 

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Ta

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	   in thousands 2017 2016  Property, Plant & Equipment  Land and land improvements 1 $ 2,742,285 $ 2,374,051  Buildings 135,655 127,369  Machinery and equipment 4,740,212 4,316,243  Leaseholds 17,354 17,595  Deferred asset retirement costs 172,631 168,258  Construction in progress 161,175 182,302  Total, gross $ 7,969,312 $ 7,185,818  Less allowances for depreciation, depletion  and amortization 4,050,381 3,924,380  Total, net $ 3,918,931 $ 3,261,438   1 Includes depletable land, as follows: December 31, 2017 — $ 1, 606,303 thousand and December 31, 2016 — $1,327,402 thousand. 
Capitalized Interest Costs and Total Interest Costs Incurred	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Capitalized interest cost $ 5,177 $ 7,468 $ 2,930  Total interest cost incurred before recognition  of the capitalized amount 300,699 141,544 223,518 

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]
Effects of Changes in Fair Values of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	   in thousands Location on Statement 2017 2016 2015  Cash Flow Hedges  Loss reclassified from AOCI  (effective portion) Interest expense $ (3,070) $ (2,008) $ (9,759) 
Deferred Gain Amortization	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Deferred Gain on Settlement  Amortized to earnings as a reduction to interest expense $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,036 

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
DEBT [Abstract]
Debt	   Effective  in thousands Interest Rates 2017 2016  Short-term Debt  Bank line of credit expires 2021 1, 2 n/a $ 0 $ 0  Total short-term debt $ 0 $ 0  Long-term Debt  Bank line of credit expires 2021 1, 2 1.25% $ 250,000 $ 235,000  Term loan due 2018 2, 3 2.96% 350,000 0  7.00% notes due 2018 n/a 0 272,512  10.375% notes due 2018 n/a 0 250,000  Floating-rate notes due 2020 2.22% 250,000 0  7.50% notes due 2021 7.75% 35,111 600,000  8.85% notes due 2021 8.88% 6,000 6,000  Term loan due 2021 2 2.75% 250,000 0  4.50% notes due 2025 4.65% 400,000 400,000  3.90% notes due 2027 4.00% 400,000 0  7.15% notes due 2037 8.05% 240,188 240,188  4.50% notes due 2047 4.59% 700,000 0  Other notes 2 6.46% 230 365  Total long-term debt - face value $ 2,881,529 $ 2,004,065  Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs (26,664) (21,176)  Total long-term debt - book value $ 2,854,865 $ 1,982,889  Less current maturities 41,383 138  Total long-term debt - reported value $ 2,813,482 $ 1,982,751  Estimated fair value of long-term debt $ 2,983,419 $ 2,243,213    1 Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term debt if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term debt otherwise. 2 Non-publicly traded debt. 3 This short-term loan was refinanced on a long-term basis in February 2018 as discussed below . 
Schedule of Principal and Interest Debt Payments	   in thousands Total Principal Interest  Debt Payments (excluding the line of credit)  2018 $ 493,801 $ 391,383 $ 102,418  2019 111,068 12,523 98,545  2020 363,480 268,775 94,705  2021 308,537 218,526 90,011  2022 82,309 28 82,281 
Standby Letters of Credit	   in thousands  Standby Letters of Credit  Risk management insurance $ 38,111  Reclamation/restoration requirements 5,128  Total $ 43,239 

OPERATING LEASES (Tables)

OPERATING LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]
Rental Expense from Continuing Operations under Nonmineral Operating Leases	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Operating Leases  Minimum rentals $ 59,536 $ 52,713 $ 49,461  Contingent rentals (based principally on usage) 50,822 57,278 60,380  Total $ 110,358 $ 109,991 $ 109,841 
Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments	   in thousands  Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments  2018 $ 36,358  2019 33,986  2020 30,888  2021 27,331  2022 20,880  Thereafter 106,351  Total $ 255,794 

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIA36

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS [Abstract]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	   in thousands 2017 2016  Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs  Continuing operations $ 21,784 $ 9,136  Retained from former Chemicals business 10,704 10,716  Total $ 32,488 $ 19,852 

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Components of Earnings From Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Earnings from Continuing Operations  before Income Taxes  Domestic $ 346,668 $ 513,721 $ 293,547  Foreign 14,648 33,536 34,310  Total $ 361,316 $ 547,257 $ 327,857 
Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes from Continuing Operations	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Income Tax Expense (Benefit) from  Continuing Operations  Current  Federal $ (7,416) $ 72,506 $ 67,521  State and local 4,661 14,774 14,035  Foreign 3,109 6,974 7,784  Total $ 354 $ 94,254 $ 89,340  Deferred  Federal $ (202,184) $ 37,246 $ 11,192  State and local (30,052) (6,647) (4,888)  Foreign (193) (2) (701)  Total $ (232,429) $ 30,597 $ 5,603  Total expense (benefit) $ (232,075) $ 124,851 $ 94,943 
Sources and Tax Effects of Differences Between Benefit from Income Taxes and Amount Computed by Applying Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Losses from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	     dollars in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Income tax expense at the federal  statutory tax rate of 35% $ 126,461 35.0% $ 191,540 35.0% $ 114,750 35.0%  Expense (Benefit) from  Income Tax Differences  Statutory depletion (28,995) -8.0% (32,230) -5.9% (27,702) -8.4%  State and local income taxes, net of federal  income tax benefit 8,115 2.2% 10,074 1.9% 10,600 3.2%  U.S. production deduction 2,452 0.7% (8,790) -1.6% (5,099) -1.6%  Foreign tax credit carryforward 0 0.0% (6,513) -1.2% 6,486 2.0%  Share-based compensation 1 (20,740) -5.7% (22,443) -4.1% 0 0.0%  Permanently reinvested foreign earnings (2,211) -0.6% (4,578) -0.8% (6,396) -2.0%  Foreign repatriation 12,301 3.4% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%  Revaluation - deferred tax balances (301,567) -83.5% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%  Al NOL valuation allowance release (28,827) -8.0% (4,791) -0.9% (4,655) -1.4%  Other, net 936 0.3% 2,582 0.4% 6,959 2.2%  Total income tax expense (benefit)/  Effective tax rate $ (232,075) -64.2% $ 124,851 22.8% $ 94,943 29.0%   1 As discussed in Note 1 (under the caption Share-based Compensation), we early adopted ASU 2016-09 as of December 31, 2016. 
Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Liability	   in thousands 2017 2016  Deferred Tax Assets Related to  Employee benefits $ 29,547 $ 85,123  Asset retirement obligations & other reserves 47,116 63,617  Deferred compensation 59,010 103,947  State net operating losses 73,083 54,498  Federal credit carryforwards 51,284 18,139  Other 37,518 44,843  Total gross deferred tax assets $ 297,558 $ 370,167  Valuation allowance (29,723) (44,237)  Total net deferred tax assets $ 267,835 $ 325,930  Deferred Tax Liabilities Related to  Property, plant & equipment $ 490,459 $ 664,763  Goodwill/other intangible assets 216,039 327,666  Other 25,418 36,355  Total deferred tax liabilities $ 731,916 $ 1,028,784  Net deferred tax liability $ 464,081 $ 702,854 
Changes in Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1 $ 10,828 $ 8,447 $ 7,057  Increases for tax positions related to  Prior years 27 1,368 491  Current year 1,039 1,040 942  Decreases for tax positions related to  Prior years (204) 0 0  Settlements with taxing authorities 0 0 0  Expiration of applicable statute of limitations (47) (27) (43)  Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31 $ 11,643 $ 10,828 $ 8,447 

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined Funded Status of Plans and their Reconciliation with Related Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements	    in thousands 2017 2016  Change in Benefit Obligation  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,006,674 $ 988,453  Service cost 6,715 5,343  Interest cost 36,230 36,505  Plan amendment 1 10,869 0  Actuarial (gain) loss 81,969 24,675  Benefits paid (51,234) (48,302)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 1,091,223 $ 1,006,674  Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets  Fair value of assets at beginning of year $ 749,515 $ 745,686  Actual return on plan assets 122,597 42,555  Employer contribution 20,023 9,576  Benefits paid (51,234) (48,302)  Fair value of assets at end of year $ 840,901 $ 749,515  Funded status (250,322) (257,159)  Net amount recognized $ (250,322) $ (257,159)  Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated  Balance Sheets  Noncurrent assets $ 4,605 $ 0  Current liabilities (9,478) (9,375)  Noncurrent liabilities (245,449) (247,784)  Net amount recognized $ (250,322) $ (257,159)  Amounts Recognized in Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial loss $ 250,581 $ 250,099  Prior service cost (credit) 9,167 (361)  Total amount recognized $ 259,748 $ 249,738 
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amounts Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income And Weighted Average Assumptions Of Plans	   dollars in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Components of Net Periodic Pension  Benefit Cost  Service cost $ 6,715 $ 5,343 $ 4,851  Interest cost 36,230 36,505 44,065  Expected return on plan assets (48,506) (51,562) (54,736)  Settlement charge 0 0 2,031  Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 1,340 (43) 48  Amortization of actuarial loss 7,397 6,163 21,641  Net periodic pension benefit cost (credit) $ 3,176 $ (3,594) $ 17,900  Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit  Obligations Recognized in Other  Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 7,879 $ 33,682 $ (3,615)  Prior service cost 10,868 0 0  Reclassification of actuarial loss (7,397) (6,163) (23,672)  Reclassification of prior service (cost) credit (1,340) 43 (48)  Amount recognized in other comprehensive  income $ 10,010 $ 27,562 $ (27,335)  Amount recognized in net periodic pension  benefit cost and other comprehensive  income $ 13,186 $ 23,968 $ (9,435)  Assumptions  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine net periodic benefit cost for  years ended December 31  Discount rate — PBO 4.29% 4.55% 4.14%  Discount rate — service cost 4.63% 4.68% 4.14%  Discount rate — interest cost 3.63% 3.79% 4.14%  Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.50% 7.50%  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine benefit obligation at  December 31  Discount rate 3.72% 4.29% 4.54% 
Fair values of Pension Plan Assets	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017     in thousands Level 1 1 Level 2 1 Level 3 1 Total  Asset Category  Debt securities $ 0 $ 178,512 $ 0 $ 178,512  Investment funds  Commodity funds 0 17,041 0 17,041  Equity funds 1,089 143,010 0 144,099  Investments in the fair value hierarchy $ 1,089 $ 338,563 $ 0 $ 339,652  Interest in common/collective trusts (at NAV) 416,397  Venture capital and partnerships (at NAV) 84,852  Total pension plan assets $ 840,901 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016     in thousands Level 1 1 Level 2 1 Level 3 1 Total  Asset Category  Debt securities $ 0 $ 162,894 $ 0 $ 162,894  Investment funds  Commodity funds 0 16,594 0 16,594  Equity funds 530 124,407 0 124,937  Investments in the fair value hierarchy $ 530 $ 303,895 $ 0 $ 304,425  Interest in common/collective trusts (at NAV) 358,345  Venture capital and partnerships (at NAV) 86,745  Total pension plan assets $ 749,515   1 See Note 1 under the caption Fair Value Measurements for a description of the fair value hierarchy. 
Employer Contributions for Plan	   in thousands Pension  Employer Contributions  2015 $ 14,047  2016 9,576  2017 20,023  2018 (estimated) 109,477 
Benefit Payments Which Reflect Expected Future Service, Expected to be Paid	   in thousands Pension  Estimated Future Benefit Payments  2018 $ 56,227  2019 57,099  2020 58,382  2021 59,356  2022 60,948  2023-2027 309,844 
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined Funded Status of Plans and their Reconciliation with Related Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements	   in thousands 2017 2016  Change in Benefit Obligation  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 45,546 $ 48,605  Service cost 1,167 1,123  Interest cost 1,260 1,209  Actuarial loss (gain) 378 (111)  Benefits paid (4,871) (5,280)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 43,480 $ 45,546  Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets  Fair value of assets at beginning of year $ 0 $ 0  Actual return on plan assets 0 0  Fair value of assets at end of year $ 0 $ 0  Funded status $ (43,480) $ (45,546)  Net amount recognized $ (43,480) $ (45,546)  Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated  Balance Sheets  Current liabilities $ (5,624) $ (6,013)  Noncurrent liabilities (37,856) (39,533)  Net amount recognized $ (43,480) $ (45,546)  Amounts Recognized in Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial gain $ (20,757) $ (22,685)  Prior service credit (15,456) (19,692)  Total amount recognized $ (36,213) $ (42,377) 
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amounts Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income And Weighted Average Assumptions Of Plans	   dollars in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Components of Net Periodic Postretirement  Benefit Cost  Service cost $ 1,167 $ 1,123 $ 1,894  Interest cost 1,260 1,209 2,485  Amortization of prior service credit (4,236) (4,236) (4,232)  Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss (1,587) (1,751) 37  Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (3,396) $ (3,655) $ 184  Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit  Obligations Recognized in Other  Comprehensive Income  Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 342 $ (111) $ (35,209)  Reclassification of actuarial gain (loss) 1,587 1,751 (37)  Reclassification of prior service credit 4,236 4,236 4,232  Amount recognized in other comprehensive  income $ 6,165 $ 5,876 $ (31,014)  Amount recognized in net periodic  postretirement benefit cost and other  comprehensive income $ 2,769 $ 2,221 $ (30,830)  Assumptions  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine net periodic benefit cost for  years ended December 31  Discount rate — PBO 3.59% 3.69% 3.50%  Discount rate — service cost 3.96% 3.77% 3.50%  Discount rate — interest cost 2.89% 2.81% 3.50%  Weighted-average assumptions used to  determine benefit obligation at  December 31  Discount rate 3.33% 3.58% 3.69% 
Employer Contributions for Plan	   in thousands Postretirement  Employer Contributions  2015 $ 5,915  2016 5,280  2017 4,871  2018 (estimated) 5,624 
Benefit Payments Which Reflect Expected Future Service, Expected to be Paid	   in thousands Postretirement  Estimated Future Benefit Payments  2018 $ 5,624  2019 5,431  2020 5,201  2021 4,859  2022 4,523  2023–2027 17,359 
Contributions by Participants to Postretirement Benefit Plans	   in thousands Postretirement  Participants Contributions  2015 $ 2,031  2016 2,085  2017 2,025 

INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)

INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Aggregate Values For Distributed Restricted Share Awards	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Aggregate value of distributed  restricted shares $ 7,685 $ 0 $ 0 
Weighted-Average Fair Value And Weighted-Average Assumptions Used In Estimating Fair Value of Grants	   2017 2016 2015  SOSARs  Fair value $ 43.01 $ 29.20 $ 25.17  Risk-free interest rate 2.36% 1.66% 1.85%  Dividend yield 1.27% 1.39% 1.70%  Volatility 31.35% 30.42% 33.00%  Expected term 9.00 years 9.00 years 8.00 years 
Summary of Our Stock Option/SOSAR Activity	   Weighted-average  Remaining Aggregate  Number Weighted-average Contractual Intrinsic Value  of Shares Exercise Price Life (Years) (in thousands)  SOSARs  Outstanding at January 1, 2017 2,392,431 $ 51.80  Granted 79,200 122.60  Exercised (226,280) 64.75  Forfeited or expired (2,864) 74.62  Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,242,487 $ 52.95 3.73 $ 169,034  Vested and expected to vest 2,233,801 $ 52.89 3.72 $ 168,513  Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,957,871 $ 47.27 3.14 $ 158,700 
Aggregate Intrinsic Values of Options Exercised	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Aggregate intrinsic value of SOSARs/  stock options exercised $ 13,758 $ 27,705 $ 43,620 
Cash and Stock Consideration Received and Tax Benefit Realized from Stock Option/Sosar Exercises and Compensation Cost Recorded	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  SOSARs/Stock Options  Cash and stock consideration received  from exercises $ 0 $ 0 $ 72,884  Tax benefit from exercises 5,331 10,767 16,920  Compensation cost 3,723 2,744 2,221 
Performance Shares [Member]
Summary of Activity For Nonvested Performance Share Units	   Target Weighted-average  Number Grant Date  of Shares Fair Value  Performance Shares  Nonvested at January 1, 2017 667,096 $ 73.20  Granted 121,310 117.49  Vested (275,899) 63.42  Canceled/forfeited (13,528) 80.97  Nonvested at December 31, 2017 498,979 $ 89.16 
Aggregate Value of Performance Shares	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Aggregate value of distributed  performance shares $ 52,368 $ 60,443 $ 26,258 
Restricted Shares [Member]
Summary of Restricted Stock Units	   Weighted-average  Number Grant Date  of Shares Fair Value  Restricted Stock Units  Nonvested at January 1, 2017 135,430 $ 71.63  Granted 43,710 117.49  Vested (64,544) 56.74  Canceled/forfeited (5,294) 99.00  Nonvested at December 31, 2017 109,302 $ 97.43 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Commitments Due	   Unconditional  Purchase  in thousands Obligations  Property, Plant & Equipment  2018 $ 134,458  Thereafter 0  Total $ 134,458  Noncapital (primarily transportation and electricity contracts)  2018 $ 10,449  2019–2020 15,109  2021–2022 3,587  Thereafter 3,000  Total $ 32,145 
Minimum Royalties Under Mineral Leases	   Mineral  in thousands Leases  Minimum Royalties  2018 $ 22,531  2019–2020 34,022  2021–2022 22,703  Thereafter 132,176  Total $ 211,432 

EQUITY (Tables)

EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
EQUITY [Abstract]
Shares Purchased And Retired	    in thousands, except average cost 2017 2016 2015  Shares Purchased and Retired  Number 510 1,427 228  Total cost 1 $ 60,303 $ 161,463 $ 21,475  Average cost 1 $ 118.18 $ 113.18 $ 94.19   1 Excludes commissions of $0.02 per share. 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tab

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  AOCI  Cash flow hedges $ (11,438) $ (13,300) $ (14,494)  Pension and postretirement plans (138,028) (126,076) (105,575)  Total $ (149,466) $ (139,376) $ (120,069) 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	   Pension and  Cash Flow Postretirement  in thousands Hedges Benefit Plans Total  AOCI  Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (20,322) $ (141,392) $ (161,714)  Other comprehensive income (loss)  before reclassifications 0 23,832 23,832  Amounts reclassified from AOCI 5,828 11,985 17,813  Net OCI changes 5,828 35,817 41,645  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (14,494) $ (105,575) $ (120,069)  Other comprehensive income (loss)  before reclassifications 0 (20,583) (20,583)  Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,194 82 1,276  Net OCI changes 1,194 (20,501) (19,307)  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (13,300) $ (126,076) $ (139,376)  Other comprehensive income (loss)  before reclassifications 0 (14,106) (14,106)  Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,862 2,154 4,016  Net OCI changes 1,862 (11,952) (10,090)  Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (11,438) $ (138,028) $ (149,466) 
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Earnings	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow  Hedge Losses  Interest expense $ 3,070 $ 2,008 $ 9,759  Benefit from income taxes (1,208) (814) (3,931)  Total 1 $ 1,862 $ 1,194 $ 5,828  Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan  Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost  Cost of revenues $ 2,376 $ 109 $ 15,916  Selling, administrative and general expenses 539 25 3,608  Benefit from income taxes (761) (52) (7,539)  Total 2 $ 2,154 $ 82 $ 11,985  Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings $ 4,016 $ 1,276 $ 17,813   1 Totals for 2017 and 2015 include the acceleration of deferred losses on interest rate derivatives (see Note 5) referable to debt purchases (see Note 6). 2 Total for 2015 includes a one-time settlement loss resulting from a lump sum payment to a former employee (see Note 10). 

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
Segment Financial Disclosure	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Total Revenues  Aggregates 1 $ 3,096,094 $ 2,961,835 $ 2,777,758  Asphalt 622,074 512,310 530,692  Concrete 417,745 330,125 299,252  Calcium 7,740 8,860 8,596  Segment sales $ 4,143,653 $ 3,813,130 $ 3,616,298  Aggregates intersegment sales (253,357) (220,463) (194,117)  Total revenues $ 3,890,296 $ 3,592,667 $ 3,422,181  Gross Profit  Aggregates $ 860,021 $ 873,118 $ 755,666  Asphalt 91,948 97,682 78,225  Concrete 46,117 26,543 20,152  Calcium 2,475 3,474 3,490  Total $ 1,000,561 $ 1,000,817 $ 857,533  Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization (DDA&A)  Aggregates $ 245,151 $ 236,472 $ 228,466  Asphalt 25,400 16,797 16,378  Concrete 13,822 12,129 11,374  Calcium 677 774 679  Other 20,915 18,768 17,926  Total $ 305,965 $ 284,940 $ 274,823  Capital Expenditures 2  Aggregates $ 421,989 $ 297,737 $ 269,014  Asphalt 12,970 29,002 8,111  Concrete 25,176 10,047 19,053  Calcium 78 534 0  Corporate 4,020 7,621 7,846  Total $ 464,233 $ 344,941 $ 304,024  Identifiable Assets 3  Aggregates $ 8,409,505 $ 7,589,225 $ 7,540,273  Asphalt 426,575 259,514 251,716  Concrete 271,818 192,673 198,193  Calcium 4,428 4,959 5,509  Total identifiable assets $ 9,112,326 $ 8,046,371 $ 7,995,691  General corporate assets 245,919 157,085 20,731  Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 146,646 268,019 285,210  Total assets $ 9,504,891 $ 8,471,475 $ 8,301,632   1 Includes product sales, as well as freight, delivery and transportation revenues, and other revenues related to aggregates. 2 Capital expenditures include capitalized replacements of and additions to property, plant & equipment, including capitalized leases, renewals and betterments. Capital expenditures exclude property, plant & equipment obtained by business acquisitions. 3 Certain temporarily idled assets are included within a segment's Identifiable Assets but the associated DDA&A is shown within Other in the DDA&A section above as the related DDA&A is excluded from segment gross profit. 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM44

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Supplemental Information Referable to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  Cash Payments  Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized) $ 285,801 $ 135,039 $ 208,288  Income taxes 125,135 102,849 53,623  Noncash Investing and Financing Activities  Accrued liabilities for purchases of property,  plant & equipment $ 31,267 $ 26,676 $ 31,883  Amounts referable to business acquisitions  Liabilities assumed 3,876 798 2,645  Consideration payable to seller 9,681 0 0  Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged 9,900 0 20,000 

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (T

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs	   in thousands 2017 2016 2015  ARO Operating Costs  Accretion $ 11,415 $ 11,059 $ 11,474  Depreciation 6,302 6,353 6,515  Total $ 17,717 $ 17,412 $ 17,989 
Reconciliations of Asset Retirement Obligations	   in thousands 2017 2016  Asset Retirement Obligations  Balance at beginning of year $ 223,872 $ 226,594  Liabilities incurred 1,920 505  Liabilities settled (21,477) (17,114)  Accretion expense 11,415 11,059  Revisions, net 2,387 2,828  Balance at end of year $ 218,117 $ 223,872 

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	     in thousands Aggregates Asphalt Concrete Calcium Total  Goodwill  Total as of December 31, 2015 $ 3,003,191 $ 91,633 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,094,824  Total as of December 31, 2016 $ 3,003,191 $ 91,633 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,094,824  Goodwill of acquired businesses 1 27,497 0 0 0 27,497  Total as of December 31, 2017 $ 3,030,688 $ 91,633 $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,122,321   1 See Note 19 for a summary of the current year acquisitions . 
Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization by Major Intangible Asset Class	   in thousands 2017 2016  Gross Carrying Amount  Contractual rights in place $ 1,050,816 $ 742,085  Noncompetition agreements 7,067 6,757  Favorable lease agreements 9,479 9,479  Permitting, permitting compliance and zoning rights 119,002 112,058  Other 1 4,616 4,171  Total gross carrying amount $ 1,190,980 $ 874,550  Accumulated Amortization  Contractual rights in place $ (94,534) $ (77,515)  Noncompetition agreements (2,440) (1,118)  Favorable lease agreements (3,179) (2,822)  Permitting, permitting compliance and zoning rights (24,352) (21,701)  Other 1 (2,845) (2,342)  Total accumulated amortization $ (127,350) $ (105,498)  Total Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, net $ 1,063,630 $ 769,052  Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives 0 0  Total Intangible Assets, net $ 1,063,630 $ 769,052  Amortization Expense for the Year $ 23,765 $ 17,565   1 Includes customer relationships and tradenames and trademarks. 
Estimated Amortization Expense	   in thousands  Estimated Amortization Expense for Five Subsequent Years  2018 $ 26,447  2019 25,585  2020 25,375  2021 24,257  2022 23,016 

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income Actual Results	   in thousands 2017  Actual Results  Total revenues $ 162,462  Net earnings 11,830 
Supplemental Pro Forma Results	   in thousands 2017 2016  Supplemental Pro Forma Results  Total revenues $ 4,015,891 $ 3,882,257  Net earnings $ 610,494 $ 433,431 
Schedule Of Business Acquisitions	   in thousands 2017  Fair Value of Purchase Consideration  Cash $ 1,072,978  Payable to seller 7,837  Total fair value of purchase consideration $ 1,080,815  Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed  Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 14,955  Inventories 21,679  Other current assets 608  Investments 3,590  Property, plant & equipment 433,606  Other intangible assets  Contractual rights in place 295,482  Liabilities assumed (3,894)  Net identifiable assets acquired and retained $ 766,026  Goodwill $ 27,497  Net Assets Divested Immediately Upon Acquisition $ 287,292 

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (T

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA [Abstract]
Summary of Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	   2017  Three Months Ended  in thousands, except per share data March 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31  Total revenues $ 787,328 $1,030,763 $ 1,094,715 $ 977,490  Gross profit 159,979 291,775 305,516 243,291  Operating earnings 72,400 193,987 229,487 151,234  Earnings from continuing operations 43,523 111,749 110,150 327,969  Net earnings 44,921 120,139 108,579 327,546  Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.33 $ 0.84 $ 0.83 $ 2.47  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.32 $ 0.83 $ 0.82 $ 2.43  Basic net earnings per share $ 0.34 $ 0.91 $ 0.82 $ 2.47  Diluted net earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.89 $ 0.81 $ 2.43      2016  Three Months Ended  in thousands, except per share data March 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31  Total revenues $ 754,728 $ 956,825 $ 1,008,140 $ 872,974  Gross profit 164,718 292,184 304,209 239,706  Operating earnings 64,921 213,786 227,076 173,799  Earnings from continuing operations 41,965 127,241 145,137 108,063  Net earnings 40,158 124,709 142,024 112,600  Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.95 $ 1.09 $ 0.82  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.93 $ 1.07 $ 0.80  Basic net earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.93 $ 1.07 $ 0.85  Diluted net earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.92 $ 1.05 $ 0.83 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN49

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)stateitemfactor	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
State of incorporation	New Jersey
Number of states | state	20
Number of demographic factors | factor	3
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$ 0	$ 0	$ 18,376
Net gains of the Rabbi Trust investments	2,441	2,741	(1,517)
Unrealized net gains (losses) of the Rabbi Trust investments	$ (3,618)	1,599	(1,769)
Number of Rabbi Trust estabished | item	2
Number of Facilities | item	8
Income tax receivables	$ 106,980	10,201
Bad debt expense	812	(1,190)	1,450
Write-offs of accounts receivables	1,384	1,544	1,483
Capitalized software costs	4,446	4,732
Capitalized software costs during the year	1,988	152	1,482
Goodwill	3,122,321	3,094,824	3,094,824
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets	$ 0	10,506	5,190
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring		$ 0
Percentage of goodwill in total assets	33.00%	37.00%
Percentage of net property, plant & equipment in total assets	41.00%
Percentage of net other intangible assets in total assets	11.00%
Number of Reporting Units | item	17
Proceeds from sale of future production				$ 226,926
Amortization term of proceeds from sale of future production	25 years
Stripping costs	$ 65,944	$ 55,987	50,409
Capitalized pre-production stripping costs	81,241	70,227
Spread between the amount accrued and the maximum environmental loss	3,105
Maximum self-insurance coverage per occurrence for losses related to workers' compensation	2,000
Maximum self-insurance coverage per occurrence for automotive and general/product liability	$ 3,000
Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 - Income Taxes recognition threshold for uncertain tax positions	50.00%
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	0	0
Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities	503,440	(304,585)	(67,009)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation			18,376
Investing cash flows	(1,269,491)	(357,194)	(308,592)
Asset Retirement Obligation	$ 218,117	223,872	226,594
Goodwill [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units | item	9
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Tax reduction from net excess tax benefits from share based compensation	$ 22,962	24,847
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation			18,115
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Federal [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Tax reduction from net excess tax benefits from share based compensation	20,740	22,443
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | State [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Tax reduction from net excess tax benefits from share based compensation	2,222	$ 2,404
ASU 2015-11 [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
LIFO method used for percentage of inventory		66.00%
ASU 2017-07 [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
All other components	$ (8,102)	$ (13,715)	11,339
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated service lives	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated service lives	7 years
Minimum [Member] | Land Improvements [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated service lives	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated service lives	35 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated service lives	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Land Improvements [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated service lives	20 years
Forecast [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated deferred revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months					$ 8,080
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Investing cash flows	$ 4,033	$ (7,883)	(1,150)
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Gross Excess Tax Benefits Reclassified [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation			$ 18,376

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN50

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 250,835	$ 238,237	$ 228,866
Depletion	19,342	17,812	18,177
Accretion	11,415	11,059	11,474
Amortization of leaseholds	608	267	688
Amortization of intangible	23,765	17,565	15,618
Total	$ 305,965	$ 284,940	$ 274,823

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN51

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis) (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value, recurring	$ 20,348	$ 16,916
Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value, recurring	20,348	6,883
Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value, recurring	0	10,033
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value, recurring	1,203	1,705
Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value, recurring	$ 1,203	$ 1,705

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN52

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Fair Value Measurement on Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, plant & equipment, net, Impairment Charges	$ 0	$ 1,359
Other intangible assets, net, Impairment Charges	0	8,180
Other assets, Impairment Charges	0	967
Totals		0
Totals, Impairment Charges	0	10,506	$ 5,190
Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, plant & equipment, net	0	0
Other intangible assets, net	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Totals	$ 0	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN53

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Reconciliation of Deferred Revenue Balances) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 206,468	$ 214,060	$ 219,968
Amortization of deferred revenue	(6,912)	(7,592)	(5,908)
Balance at end of period	$ 199,556	$ 206,468	$ 214,060

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN54

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Unrecognized Compensation Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense, Total/weighted-average	$ 28,291
Expected Weighted-average Recognition (Years)	1 year 10 months 24 days
SOSARs And Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense, SOSARs	$ 4,623	[1]
Expected Weighted-average Recognition (Years)	1 year 6 months	[1]
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense, shares	$ 18,424
Expected Weighted-average Recognition (Years)	1 year 9 months 18 days
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense, shares	$ 5,244
Expected Weighted-average Recognition (Years)	2 years 7 months 6 days
[1]	Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Rights (SOSARs)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN55

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Pretax Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Income tax benefits	$ 6,226	$ 6,925	$ 6,347
Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units, And Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax compensation expense	$ 24,367	$ 17,823	$ 16,362

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN56

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Liabilities Under Self-Insurance Program) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Self-insured liabilities (undiscounted)	$ 58,216	$ 49,310
Insured liabilities (undiscounted)	$ 7,892	$ 72,644
Discount Rate	1.93%	1.40%
Other accounts and notes receivables	$ 6,158	$ 67,631
Investments and long-term receivables	7,246	16,133
Other current liabilities	(20,036)	(69,549)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(41,792)	(49,074)
Net liabilities (discounted)	$ (48,424)	$ (34,859)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN57

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Estimated Payments (Undiscounted) Under Self-Insurance Program) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
2,018	$ 22,697
2,019	11,874
2,020	7,856
2,021	4,709
2,022	$ 3,088

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN58

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	132,513	133,205	133,210
Dilutive effect of SOSARs	1,295	1,339	1,027
Dilutive effect of Other stock compensation plans	1,070	1,246	856
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	134,878	135,790	135,093

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN59

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Antidilutive Common Stock Equivalents) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Antidilutive common stock equivalents	79	97	544

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Narrat

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Revenues from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Pretax losses from discontinued operations	$ 12,959	$ (4,877)	$ (19,326)

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Result

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Results from Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Pretax earnings (loss)	$ 12,959	$ (4,877)	$ (19,326)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(5,165)	1,962	7,589
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 7,794	$ (2,915)	$ (11,737)

INVENTORIES (Narrative) (Detail

INVENTORIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Inventory classified as long-term assets (other noncurrent assets)	$ 11,810	$ 15,285
Inventories valued under the LIFO method	252,808	239,187
Decrease in cost of revenues due to the effect of the LIFO liquidation	2,714	3,956	$ 3,284
Increase in net earnings due to the effect of the LIFO liquidation	1,662	2,419	2,010
Excess of estimated current cost over LIFO cost	168,829	155,576
Approximate effect on net earnings due to the adoption of the LIFO method	$ 8,092	$ (8,338)	$ (7,614)

INVENTORIES (Inventories) (Deta

INVENTORIES (Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Finished products	[1]	$ 327,711	$ 293,619
Raw materials		27,152	22,648
Products in process		1,827	1,480
Operating supplies and other		27,648	27,869
Total		384,338	345,616
Encumbered inventories		$ 2,808	$ 2,841
[1]	Includes inventories encumbered by volumetric production payments (see Note 1, caption Deferred Revenue), as follows: December 31, 2017 - $2,808 thousand and December 31, 2016 - $2,841 thousand.

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Pr

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross		$ 7,969,312	$ 7,185,818
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion and amortization		4,050,381	3,924,380
Total, net		3,918,931	3,261,438
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross	[1]	2,742,285	2,374,051
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross		135,655	127,369
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross		4,740,212	4,316,243
Leaseholds [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross		17,354	17,595
Deferred Asset Retirement Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross		172,631	168,258
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross		161,175	182,302
Depletable Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, gross		$ 1,606,303	$ 1,327,402
[1]	Includes depletable land, as follows: December 31, 2017 - $1,606,303 thousand and December 31, 2016 - $1,327,402 thousand.

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Ca

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Capitalized Interest Costs and Total Interest Costs Incurred) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Capitalized interest cost	$ 5,177	$ 7,468	$ 2,930
Total interest cost incurred before recognition of the capitalized amount	$ 300,699	$ 141,544	$ 223,518

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Narrati

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007USD ($)agreement	Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)agreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of forward starting interest rate swap agreements | agreement					15	2
Cash payments for interest rate swap agreements					$ 89,777,000
Amortized deferred gain		$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,036,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate swap agreements					$ 1,500,000,000
Estimated amount of pretax loss in AOCI reclassified to earnings for the next 12-month period		399,000
Loss reclassified from AOCI		3,070,000	$ 2,008,000	9,759,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Debt [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss reclassified from AOCI		$ 1,405,000		$ 7,208,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from interest rate swap agreements	$ 25,382,000
Fixed-Rate Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed-rate notes issued						$ 650,000,000
Fixed-Rate Notes [Member] | 10.125% notes due 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate						10.125%

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Effects

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Effects of Changes in Fair Values of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss reclassified from AOCI (effective portion)	$ (3,070)	$ (2,008)	$ (9,759)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Deferre

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Deferred Gain Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]
Amortized to earnings as a reduction to interest expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,036

DEBT (Narrative) (Details)

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)		Feb. 23, 2018	Feb. 20, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017		Jul. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net interest expense											$ 143,226,000		$ 125,748,000
Discounts and debt issuance costs											9,808,000		4,418,000
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 2,881,529,000						2,881,529,000		2,004,065,000
Long term debt					2,854,865,000						2,854,865,000		1,982,889,000
Repayments of long term debt							$ 565,560,000				1,463,308,000		130,000		$ 695,060,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt											2,200,000,000		0		400,000,000
Net noncash expense					4,228,000		3,029,000				7,257,000				7,274,000
Purchase amount					1,087,401,000						1,087,401,000
Repayments of debt											1,087,536,000		130,000		530,923,000
Cost of debt purchase											(140,772,000)		0		(67,075,000)
Premium for repayments of debt							43,020,000				139,187,000				59,293,000
Transaction costs for repayments of debt							$ 28,000				1,586,000				508,000
Combined charge, component of interest expense											148,030,000				$ 67,075,000
Total short-term debt					0						$ 0		0
Term Loan Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued, term											6 months
Total short-term debt					$ 350,000,000						$ 350,000,000
Debt Exchange Offer, March 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 350,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			0
LIBOR [Member] | Term Loan Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate					1.25%
3.90% notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net proceeds									$ 345,450,000
7.50% notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value					$ 564,889,000						$ 564,889,000
Repayments of debt					662,613,000
Premium for repayments of debt					96,167,000
Transaction costs for repayments of debt					1,558,000
7.50% notes due 2021 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value				$ 35,111,000
Repayments of debt				40,719,000
Premium for repayments of debt				$ 5,608,000
Bank Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity													750,000,000
Commitment fee											0.15%
Available borrowing capacity					456,761,000						$ 456,761,000
Total long-term debt - face value													235,000,000
Long term debt					250,000,000						$ 250,000,000
Bank Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate											1.25%
Bank Line of Credit [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate											0.25%
Bank Line of Credit [Member] | Maximum, Upon Certain Acquisitions [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to EBITDA ratio											3.75
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding standby letters of credit					43,239,000						$ 43,239,000
Period of standby letters of credit											1 year
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate											0.175%
Minimum [Member] | Bank Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
EBITDA to net cash interest expense ratio											3
Commitment fee											0.10%
Minimum [Member] | Bank Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate											1.00%
Minimum [Member] | Bank Line of Credit [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate											0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Bank Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to EBITDA ratio											3.5
Commitment fee											0.25%
Maximum [Member] | Bank Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate											1.75%
Maximum [Member] | Bank Line of Credit [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on borrowing rate											0.75%
Term Loan Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value	[1],[2]				350,000,000						$ 350,000,000		0
Maturity year											2,018
Term Loan Due 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long term debt		$ 350,000,000
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					2,631,529,000						$ 2,631,529,000
Face value								$ 1,000,000,000
Net proceeds								989,512,000
Notes [Member] | 3.90% notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 400,000,000						$ 400,000,000		0
Maturity year											2,027
Face value								$ 400,000,000
Interest rate					3.90%			3.90%	3.90%		3.90%
Notes [Member] | 3.90% notes due 2027 [Member] | June 2017 Issuance [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value								$ 50,000,000
Notes [Member] | 3.90% notes due 2027 [Member] | March 2017 Issuance [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value									$ 350,000,000
Notes [Member] | Delayed draw term loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 250,000,000	[1]		250,000,000			$ 250,000,000	[1]	0	[1]
Maturity year											2,021
Notes [Member] | Delayed draw term loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long term debt		$ 250,000,000
Notes [Member] | Delayed draw term loan [Member] | Quarters 5 - 8 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required periodic principal payment											$ 1,562,500
Notes [Member] | Delayed draw term loan [Member] | Quarters 9 - 12 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required periodic principal payment											3,125,000
Notes [Member] | Delayed draw term loan [Member] | Quarters 13 - 19 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required periodic principal payment											4,687,500
Notes [Member] | Delayed draw term loan [Member] | Quarter 20 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required periodic principal payment											$ 198,437,500
Notes [Member] | 10.125% notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year											2,015
Repayments of long term debt										$ 150,000,000
Interest rate										10.125%					10.125%
Notes [Member] | 6.40% notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year											2,017
Interest rate										6.40%					6.40%
Purchase amount										$ 218,633,000					$ 218,633,000
Principal percentage															100.00%
Notes [Member] | 6.50% notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year											2,016
Interest rate										6.50%					6.50%
Purchase amount										$ 125,001,000					$ 125,001,000
Principal percentage															100.00%
Notes [Member] | Investment-Grade Type Covenants Governed [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					2,031,299,000						$ 2,031,299,000
Notes [Member] | 4.50% notes due 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 700,000,000						$ 700,000,000		0
Maturity year											2,047
Face value								$ 700,000,000
Interest rate					4.50%			4.50%			4.50%
Notes [Member] | 4.50% notes due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 400,000,000						$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Maturity year											2,025
Face value										$ 400,000,000					$ 400,000,000
Interest rate					4.50%					4.50%	4.50%		4.50%		4.50%
Net proceeds															$ 395,207,000
Notes [Member] | Floating-Rate Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 250,000,000						$ 250,000,000		$ 0
Maturity year											2,020
Face value								$ 250,000,000
Notes [Member] | 10.375% notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					0			$ 250,000,000			$ 0		$ 250,000,000
Maturity year											2,018
Interest rate								10.375%					10.375%
Notes [Member] | 7.00% notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					0			$ 272,512,000			$ 0		$ 272,512,000
Maturity year											2,018
Interest rate								7.00%		7.00%			7.00%		7.00%
Purchase amount										$ 127,488,000					$ 127,488,000
Principal percentage															33.00%
Notes [Member] | 7.50% notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 35,111,000						$ 35,111,000		$ 600,000,000
Maturity year											2,021
Interest rate					7.50%						7.50%		7.50%
Notes [Member] | 4.70% notes due 2048 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,048
Face value		$ 350,000,000
Interest rate		4.70%
Notes [Member] | Floating-Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year		2,021
Face value		$ 500,000,000
Notes [Member] | 7.15% notes due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value					$ 240,188,000						$ 240,188,000		$ 240,188,000
Maturity year											2,037
Interest rate					7.15%						7.15%		7.15%
Notes [Member] | 7.15% notes due 2037 [Member] | Debt Exchange Offer, March 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value			$ 240,188,000
Industrial Revenue Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year											2,022
Repayments of long term debt															$ 14,000,000
Bank Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date											Dec. 31, 2021
Total long-term debt - face value	[1],[3]				$ 250,000,000						$ 250,000,000		$ 235,000,000
Bank Line of Credit [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long term debt		$ 250,000,000
[1]	Non-publicly traded debt.
[2]	This short-term loan was refinanced on a long-term basis in February 2018 as discussed below
[3]	Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term debt if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term debt otherwise.

DEBT (Debt) (Details)

DEBT (Debt) (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt		$ 0				$ 0
Total long-term debt - face value		2,881,529,000				2,004,065,000
Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs		(26,664,000)				(21,176,000)
Total long-term debt - book value		2,854,865,000				1,982,889,000
Less current maturities		41,383,000				138,000
Total long-term debt - reported value		2,813,482,000				1,982,751,000
Estimated fair value of long-term debt		2,983,419,000				2,243,213,000
Bank Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total short-term debt	[1],[2]	0				0
Bank Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value	[1],[2]	$ 250,000,000				235,000,000
Maturity date		Dec. 31, 2021
Effective interest rate	[1],[2]	1.25%
Term Loan Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value	[2],[3]	$ 350,000,000				0
Maturity year		2,018
Effective interest rate	[2],[3]	2.96%
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 2,631,529,000
Notes [Member] | 10.125% notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate								10.125%
Maturity year		2,015
Notes [Member] | 7.00% notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 0		$ 272,512,000		$ 272,512,000
Interest rate				7.00%		7.00%		7.00%
Maturity year		2,018
Notes [Member] | 10.375% notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 0		$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Interest rate				10.375%		10.375%
Maturity year		2,018
Notes [Member] | Floating-Rate Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 250,000,000				$ 0
Maturity year		2,020
Effective interest rate		2.22%
Notes [Member] | 7.50% notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 35,111,000				$ 600,000,000
Interest rate		7.50%				7.50%
Maturity year		2,021
Effective interest rate		7.75%
Notes [Member] | 8.85% notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 6,000,000				$ 6,000,000
Interest rate		8.85%				8.85%
Maturity year		2,021
Effective interest rate		8.88%
Notes [Member] | Delayed draw term loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 250,000,000	[2]	$ 250,000,000		$ 0	[2]
Maturity year		2,021
Effective interest rate	[2]	2.75%
Notes [Member] | 4.50% notes due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 400,000,000				$ 400,000,000
Interest rate		4.50%				4.50%		4.50%
Maturity year		2,025
Effective interest rate		4.65%
Notes [Member] | 3.90% notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 400,000,000				$ 0
Interest rate		3.90%		3.90%	3.90%
Maturity year		2,027
Effective interest rate		4.00%
Notes [Member] | 7.15% notes due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 240,188,000				$ 240,188,000
Interest rate		7.15%				7.15%
Maturity year		2,037
Effective interest rate		8.05%
Notes [Member] | 4.50% notes due 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value		$ 700,000,000				$ 0
Interest rate		4.50%		4.50%
Maturity year		2,047
Effective interest rate		4.59%
Other Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt - face value	[2]	$ 230,000				$ 365,000
Effective interest rate	[2]	6.46%
[1]	Borrowings on the bank line of credit are classified as short-term debt if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term debt otherwise.
[2]	Non-publicly traded debt.
[3]	This short-term loan was refinanced on a long-term basis in February 2018 as discussed below

DEBT (Schedule of Principal and

DEBT (Schedule of Principal and Interest Debt Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
DEBT [Abstract]
2018, Total	$ 493,801
2019, Total	111,068
2020, Total	363,480
2021, Total	308,537
2022, Total	82,309
2018, Principal	391,383
2019, Principal	12,523
2020, Principal	268,775
2021, Principal	218,526
2022, Principal	28
2018, Interest	102,418
2019, Interest	98,545
2020, Interest	94,705
2021, Interest	90,011
2022, Interest	$ 82,281

DEBT (Standby Letters of Credit

DEBT (Standby Letters of Credit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Risk management insurance	$ 58,216	$ 49,310
Reclamation/restoration requirements	218,117	$ 223,872	$ 226,594
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Risk management insurance	38,111
Reclamation/restoration requirements	5,128
Total	$ 43,239

OPERATING LEASES (Rental Expens

OPERATING LEASES (Rental Expense From Continuing Operations Under Nomineral Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]
Minimum rentals	$ 59,536	$ 52,713	$ 49,461
Contingent rentals (based principally on usage)	50,822	57,278	60,380
Total	$ 110,358	$ 109,991	$ 109,841

OPERATING LEASES (Future Minimu

OPERATING LEASES (Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]
2,018	$ 36,358
2,019	33,986
2,020	30,888
2,021	27,331
2,022	20,880
Thereafter	106,351
Total	$ 255,794

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIA75

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS [Abstract]
Long-term portion of accrued environmental remediation costs	$ 12,760	$ 12,655

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIA76

ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS (Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	$ 32,488	$ 19,852
Continuing Operations [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	21,784	9,136
Retained From Former Chemicals Business [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs	$ 10,704	$ 10,716

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
U.S. federal corporate income tax rate						35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, percent of immediate deductibility of certain capital investments						100.00%
State net operating loss carryforwards		$ 73,083,000	$ 54,498,000			$ 73,083,000	$ 54,498,000
Decrease in valuation allowance		(28,827,000)	(4,791,000)	$ (4,655,000)
Deferred tax asset						(30,052,000)	(6,647,000)	$ (4,888,000)
Income tax receivables		106,980,000	10,201,000			106,980,000	10,201,000
Interest and penalties recognized as income tax expense (benefit)						420,000	266,000	138,000
Balance of accrued interest and penalties included in lliability for unrecognized income tax benefits		1,789,000	1,369,000			1,789,000	1,369,000	1,103,000
Unrecognized income tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized		10,673,000	$ 9,884,000			10,673,000	9,884,000	7,614,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax benefit						301,567,000
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, decrease to net deferred income tax liability						301,567,000	0	0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, incomplete accounting, provisional transition tax, foreign repatriation						12,301,000	$ 0	$ 0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, incomplete accounting, provisional expense, deferred tax assets, executive compensation						1,403,000
Federal [Member] | Tax Year 2017 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax receivables		106,000,000				106,000,000
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance		29,698,000				29,698,000
Forecast [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Release of unrecognized ax benefit liability	$ 6,920,000
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
U.S. federal corporate income tax rate					21.00%
Alabama [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards		$ 67,455,000				67,455,000
Deferred tax asset						$ 38,273,000

INCOME TAXES (Components Of Ear

INCOME TAXES (Components Of Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 346,668	$ 513,721	$ 293,547
Foreign	14,648	33,536	34,310
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 361,316	$ 547,257	$ 327,857

INCOME TAXES (Provision (Benefi

INCOME TAXES (Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes from Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Current, Federal	$ (7,416)	$ 72,506	$ 67,521
Current, State and local	4,661	14,774	14,035
Current, Foreign	3,109	6,974	7,784
Current, Total	354	94,254	89,340
Deferred, Federal	(202,184)	37,246	11,192
Deferred, State and local	(30,052)	(6,647)	(4,888)
Deferred, Foreign	(193)	(2)	(701)
Deferred, Total	(232,429)	30,597	5,603
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ (232,075)	$ 124,851	$ 94,943

INCOME TAXES (Sources and Tax E

INCOME TAXES (Sources and Tax Effects of Differences Between Benefit from Income Taxes and Amount Computed by Applying Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Losses from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income tax expense at the federal statutory tax rate of 35%		$ 126,461	$ 191,540	$ 114,750
Statutory depletion		(28,995)	(32,230)	(27,702)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		8,115	10,074	10,600
U.S. production deduction		2,452	(8,790)	(5,099)
Foreign tax credit carryforward		0	(6,513)	6,486
Share-based compensation	[1]	(20,740)	(22,443)	0
Permanently reinvested foreign earnings		(2,211)	(4,578)	(6,396)
Foreign repatriation		12,301	0	0
Revaluation - deferred tax balances		(301,567)	0	0
Al NOL valuation allowance release		(28,827)	(4,791)	(4,655)
Other, net		936	2,582	6,959
Total income tax expense (benefit)		$ (232,075)	$ 124,851	$ 94,943
Income tax expense at the federal statutory tax rate of 35%, Rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Statutory depletion, Rate		(8.00%)	(5.90%)	(8.40%)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit, Rate		2.20%	1.90%	3.20%
U.S. production deduction, Rate		0.70%	(1.60%)	(1.60%)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards impairment, Rate		0.00%	(1.20%)	2.00%
Share-based compensation, Rate	[1]	(5.70%)	(4.10%)	(0.00%)
Permanently reinvested foreign earnings, Rate		(0.60%)	(0.80%)	(2.00%)
Foreign repatriation, Rate		3.40%	0.00%	0.00%
Revaluation - deferred tax balances, rate		(83.50%)	0.00%	0.00%
Al NOL valuation allowance release, Rate		(8.00%)	(0.90%)	(1.40%)
Other, net, Rate		0.30%	0.40%	2.20%
Effective tax rate		(64.20%)	22.80%	29.00%
[1]	As discussed in Note 1 (under the caption Share-based Compensation), we early adopted ASU 2016-09 as of December 31, 2016.

INCOME TAXES (Components of Net

INCOME TAXES (Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Employee benefits	$ 29,547	$ 85,123
Asset retirement obligations & other reserves	47,116	63,617
Deferred compensation	59,010	103,947
State net operating losses	73,083	54,498
Federal credit carryforwards	51,284	18,139
Other	37,518	44,843
Total gross deferred tax assets	297,558	370,167
Valuation allowance	(29,723)	(44,237)
Total net deferred tax assets	267,835	325,930
Property, plant & equipment	490,459	664,763
Goodwill/other intangible assets	216,039	327,666
Other	25,418	36,355
Total deferred tax liabilities	731,916	1,028,784
Net deferred tax liability	$ 464,081	$ 702,854

INCOME TAXES (Changes in Unreco

INCOME TAXES (Changes in Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$ 10,828	$ 8,447	$ 7,057
Increases for tax positions related to Prior years	27	1,368	491
Increases for tax positions related to Current year	1,039	1,040	942
Decreases for tax positions related to Prior years	(204)	0	0
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	0	0
Expiration of applicable statute of limitations	(47)	(27)	(43)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$ 11,643	$ 10,828	$ 8,447

BENEFIT PLANS (Narrative) (Deta

BENEFIT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)employeeShareBasedCompensationPlanitem	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number Of Defined Contribution Plans | ShareBasedCompensationPlan	2
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%
Contributions to multiemployer pension plans	$ 9,253	$ 10,435	$ 9,800
Percentage of contributions to individual multiemployer pension funds	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Percentage of domestic hourly labor force covered by collective bargaining agreements	12.40%
Percentage of domestic hourly labor force covered by collective bargaining agreements expiring in 2017	4.30%
Number of unfunded supplemental retirement plans | item	1	1
Accrued costs for supplemental retirement plan	$ 1,252	$ 1,320
Amount plan assets of Chemical Plan exceeds accumulated benefit obligation	5,346	277
Expense recognized related to defined contribution plans	$ 44,562	45,295	$ 36,085
Mexico [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of employees | employee	310
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of funded, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans | ShareBasedCompensationPlan	3
Normal retirement age	65 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	$ 0	0	(2,031)
Projected benefit obligation	1,091,223	1,006,674	$ 988,453
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,090,482	$ 1,006,001
Estimated net actuarial loss expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income	9,782
Estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 1,339
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%	7.50%	7.50%
Employer contributions	$ 20,023	$ 9,576	$ 14,047
Estimated employer contribution in 2018	$ 109,477
Discount rate	3.72%	4.29%	4.54%
Estimated weighted-average discount rate to measure service cost	4.63%	4.68%
Estimated weighted-average discount rate to measure interest cost	3.63%	3.79%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Qualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discretionary qualified plan contribution	$ 10,600
Employer contributions		$ 0	$ 0
Estimated employer contribution in 2018	$ 100,000
Pension Benefits [Member] | Nonqualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of unfunded, nonqualified pension plans | ShareBasedCompensationPlan	3
Projected benefit obligation	$ 82,136	85,021
Accumulated benefit obligation	82,136	85,021
Employer contributions	9,423	9,576	14,047
Estimated employer contribution in 2018	$ 9,477
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Normal retirement age	65 years
Projected benefit obligation	$ 43,480	$ 45,546	$ 48,605
Estimated net actuarial loss expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,525)
Estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income	(3,962)
Estimated employer contribution in 2018	$ 5,624
Discount rate	3.33%	3.58%	3.69%
Estimated weighted-average discount rate to measure service cost	3.96%	3.77%
Estimated weighted-average discount rate to measure interest cost	2.89%	2.81%
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.24%	3.43%
Minimum [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	15.00%
Minimum [Member] | Specialty Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Commodities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Cash Reserves [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	0.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.79%	4.41%
Maximum [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	77.00%
Maximum [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	27.00%
Maximum [Member] | Specialty Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	20.00%
Maximum [Member] | Commodities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	6.00%
Maximum [Member] | Cash Reserves [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation ranges for plan assets	5.00%

BENEFIT PLANS (Combined Funded

BENEFIT PLANS (Combined Funded Status of Plans and their Reconciliation with Related Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements) (Details) - Pension Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year		$ 1,006,674	$ 988,453
Service cost		6,715	5,343	$ 4,851
Interest cost		36,230	36,505	44,065
Plan amendment	[1]	10,869	0
Actuarial (gain) loss		81,969	24,675
Benefits paid		(51,234)	(48,302)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		1,091,223	1,006,674	988,453
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		749,515	745,686
Actual return on plan assets		122,597	42,555
Employer contributions		20,023	9,576	14,047
Benefits paid		(51,234)	(48,302)
Fair value of assets at end of year		840,901	749,515	$ 745,686
Funded status		(250,322)	(257,159)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Noncurrent assets		4,605	0
Current liabilities		(9,478)	(9,375)
Noncurrent liabilities		(245,449)	(247,784)
Net amount recognized		(250,322)	(257,159)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial loss		250,581	250,099
Prior service cost (credit)		9,167	(361)
Total amount recognized		$ 259,748	$ 249,738
[1]	Effective January 2017, we amended the Construction Materials Hourly Plan to increase the multiplier for years of service.

BENEFIT PLANS (Combined Funde85

BENEFIT PLANS (Combined Funded Status of Plans and their Reconciliation with Related Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements II) (Details) - Postretirement Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 45,546	$ 48,605
Service cost	1,167	1,123	$ 1,894
Interest cost	1,260	1,209	2,485
Actuarial loss (gain)	378	(111)
Benefits paid	(4,871)	(5,280)	(5,915)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	43,480	45,546	48,605
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Fair value of assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	(43,480)	(45,546)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current liabilities	(5,624)	(6,013)
Noncurrent liabilities	(37,856)	(39,533)
Net amount recognized	(43,480)	(45,546)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial gain	(20,757)	(22,685)
Prior service credit	(15,456)	(19,692)
Total amount recognized	$ (36,213)	$ (42,377)

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Ne

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost- Pension Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 6,715	$ 5,343	$ 4,851
Interest cost	36,230	36,505	44,065
Expected return on plan assets	(48,506)	(51,562)	(54,736)
Settlement charge	0	0	2,031
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1,340	(43)	48
Amortization of actuarial loss	7,397	6,163	21,641
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	3,176	(3,594)	17,900
Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial loss (gain)	7,879	33,682	(3,615)
Prior service cost	10,868	0	0
Reclassification of actuarial gain (loss)	(7,397)	(6,163)	(23,672)
Reclassification of prior service (cost) credit	(1,340)	43	(48)
Amount recognized in other comprehensive income	10,010	27,562	(27,335)
Amount recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ 13,186	$ 23,968	$ (9,435)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31
Discount rate — PBO	4.29%	4.55%	4.14%
Discount rate — service cost	4.63%	4.68%	4.14%
Discount rate — interest cost	3.63%	3.79%	4.14%
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%	7.50%	7.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at December 31
Discount rate	3.72%	4.29%	4.54%

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of 87

BENEFIT PLANS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost- Other Postretirement Benefits) (Details) - Postretirement Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 1,167	$ 1,123	$ 1,894
Interest cost	1,260	1,209	2,485
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(4,236)	(4,236)	(4,232)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	(1,587)	(1,751)	37
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	(3,396)	(3,655)	184
Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial loss (gain)	342	(111)	(35,209)
Reclassification of actuarial gain (loss)	1,587	1,751	(37)
Reclassification of prior service (cost) credit	4,236	4,236	4,232
Amount recognized in other comprehensive income	6,165	5,876	(31,014)
Amount recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ 2,769	$ 2,221	$ (30,830)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31
Discount rate — PBO	3.59%	3.69%	3.50%
Discount rate — service cost	3.96%	3.77%	3.50%
Discount rate — interest cost	2.89%	2.81%	3.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at December 31
Discount rate	3.33%	3.58%	3.69%

BENEFIT PLANS (Fair values of P

BENEFIT PLANS (Fair values of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets		$ 840,901	$ 749,515	$ 745,686
Interest In Common/Collective Trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets		416,397	358,345
Venture Capital And Partnerships [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets		84,852	86,745
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets		339,652	304,425
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets		178,512	162,894
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Commodity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets		17,041	16,594
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets		144,099	124,937
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	1,089	530
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	0	0
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	0	0
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	1,089	530
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	338,563	303,895
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	178,512	162,894
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	17,041	16,594
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	143,010	124,407
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	0	0
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	0	0
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	0	0
Investments In The Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets	[1]	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	See Note 1 under the caption Fair Value Measurements for a description of the fair value hierarchy.

BENEFIT PLANS (Employer Contrib

BENEFIT PLANS (Employer Contributions for Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 4,871	$ 5,280	$ 5,915
2018 (estimated)	5,624
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	20,023	9,576	$ 14,047
Employer contributions	51,234	$ 48,302
2018 (estimated)	$ 109,477

BENEFIT PLANS (Benefit Payments

BENEFIT PLANS (Benefit Payments Which Reflect Expected Future Service, Expected to be Paid) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	$ 56,227
2,019	57,099
2,020	58,382
2,021	59,356
2,022	60,948
2023-2027	309,844
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	5,624
2,019	5,431
2,020	5,201
2,021	4,859
2,022	4,523
2023-2027	$ 17,359

BENEFIT PLANS (Contributions by

BENEFIT PLANS (Contributions by Participants to Postretirement Benefit Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Participants Contributions	$ 2,025	$ 2,085	$ 2,031

INCENTIVE PLANS (Narrative) (De

INCENTIVE PLANS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Officers And Key Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense provision under cash-based compensation plans	$ 24,403,000	$ 32,169,000	$ 26,325,000
Division Key Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense provision under cash-based compensation plans	10,877,000	14,589,000	11,687,000
Non-Incentive Eligible Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense provision under cash-based compensation plans	6,716,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax compensation expense	$ 16,272,000	$ 12,074,000	$ 13,159,000
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 117.49	$ 87.73	$ 74.85
SOSARs And Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax compensation expense	$ 3,723,000	$ 2,744,000	$ 2,221,000
Share-based compensation plans vesting period (in years)	4 years
Share-based compensation plans expiration period (in years)	10 years
SOSARs And Stock Options [Member] | 2017 Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation plans vesting period (in years)	3 years
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax compensation expense	$ 4,371,000	$ 3,004,000	$ 982,000
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 117.49
Restricted Shares [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted		$ 87.77	$ 74.85
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax compensation expense	$ 2,260,000	$ 2,848,000	$ 1,886,000
Deferred Stock Units [Member] | 2015 Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation plans vesting period (in years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units paid target range	0.00%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares that may be issued	8,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units paid target range	200.00%

INCENTIVE PLANS (Summary Of Act

INCENTIVE PLANS (Summary Of Activity For Nonvested Performance/Restricted Share Units) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target Number of Shares, Beginning Balance	667,096
Target Number of Shares, Granted	121,310
Target Number of Shares, Vested	(275,899)
Target Number of Shares, Canceled/forfeited	(13,528)
Target Number of Shares, Ending Balance	498,979	667,096
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 73.20
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	117.49	$ 87.73	$ 74.85
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	63.42
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Canceled/forfeited	80.97
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$ 89.16	$ 73.20
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target Number of Shares, Beginning Balance	135,430
Target Number of Shares, Granted	43,710
Target Number of Shares, Vested	(64,544)
Target Number of Shares, Canceled/forfeited	(5,294)
Target Number of Shares, Ending Balance	109,302	135,430
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 71.63
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	117.49
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	56.74
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Canceled/forfeited	99
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$ 97.43	$ 71.63

INCENTIVE PLANS (Aggregate Valu

INCENTIVE PLANS (Aggregate Value of Performance Shares) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate value of distributed awards	$ 52,368	$ 60,443	$ 26,258
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate value of distributed awards	$ 7,685	$ 0	$ 0

INCENTIVE PLANS (Weighted-Avera

INCENTIVE PLANS (Weighted-Average Fair Value And Weighted-Average Assumptions Used In Estimating Fair Value of Grants) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
INCENTIVE PLANS [Abstract]
Fair value	$ 43.01	$ 29.20	$ 25.17
Risk-free interest rate	2.36%	1.66%	1.85%
Dividend yield	1.27%	1.39%	1.70%
Volatility	31.35%	30.42%	33.00%
Expected term	9 years	9 years	8 years

INCENTIVE PLANS (Summary of Our

INCENTIVE PLANS (Summary of Our Stock Option/SOSAR Activity) (Details) - SOSARs And Stock Options [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding at January 1, 2017 | shares	2,392,431
Number of Shares, Granted | shares	79,200
Number of Shares, Exercised | shares	(226,280)
Number of Shares, Forfeited or expired | shares	(2,864)
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | shares	2,242,487
Number of Shares, Vested and expected to vest | shares	2,233,801
Number of Shares, Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | shares	1,957,871
Weighted-average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 51.80
Weighted-average Exercise Price, Granted | $ / shares	122.60
Weighted-average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	64.75
Weighted-average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired | $ / shares	74.62
Weighted-average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | $ / shares	52.95
Weighted-average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest | $ / shares	52.89
Weighted-average Exercise Price, Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 47.27
Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Outstanding	3 years 8 months 23 days
Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Vested and expected to vest	3 years 8 months 19 days
Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable at December 31, 2017	3 years 1 month 21 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | $	$ 169,034
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest | $	168,513
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $	$ 158,700

INCENTIVE PLANS (Aggregate Intr

INCENTIVE PLANS (Aggregate Intrinsic Values Of Options Exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SOSARs And Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of SOSARs/stock options exercised	$ 13,758	$ 27,705	$ 43,620

INCENTIVE PLANS (Cash and Stock

INCENTIVE PLANS (Cash and Stock Consideration Received and Tax Benefit Realized from Stock Option/Sosar Exercises and Compensation Cost Recorded) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash and stock consideration received from exercises	$ 0	$ 0	$ 72,971
SOSARs And Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash and stock consideration received from exercises	0	0	72,884
Tax benefit from exercises	5,331	10,767	16,920
Compensation cost	$ 3,723	$ 2,744	$ 2,221

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES99

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	May 31, 2007entitymi	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Expenditures under the noncapital purchase commitments			$ 40,526,000	$ 60,591,000	$ 76,178,000
Commitments of minimum royalties under mineral leases	$ 211,432,000		211,432,000
Expenditures for mineral royalties under mineral leases			67,933,000	62,978,000	58,048,000
Asset Retirement Obligation	218,117,000		218,117,000	223,872,000	226,594,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 11,643,000		11,643,000	$ 10,828,000	$ 8,447,000	$ 7,057,000
Number of other companies to perform a Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study related to the Lower Passaic River Clean-Up lawsuit | entity		70
Number of miles of the River used in the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study | mi		17
Parent Company [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judge ruled allocation of fault among defendants, percentage	15.00%
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Unconditional purchase obligations	$ 134,458,000		134,458,000
Recorded unconditional purchase obligation in 2018	134,458,000		134,458,000
Noncapital [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Unconditional purchase obligations	32,145,000		32,145,000
Recorded unconditional purchase obligation in 2018	10,449,000		10,449,000
Ship Construction [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Recorded unconditional purchase obligation in 2018	$ 68,951,000		68,951,000
Occidental Chemical Co [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judge ruled allocation of fault among defendants, percentage	50.00%
Texas Brine [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judge ruled allocation of fault among defendants, percentage	35.00%
Maximum [Member] | EPA [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated implementation costs			1,380,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding standby letters of credit	$ 43,239,000		43,239,000
Hewitt Landfill Matter [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Increase in accrual of liability for claims and litigation			$ 15,239,000

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE100

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Commitments Due) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
2,018	$ 134,458
Thereafter	0
Total	134,458
Noncapital [Member]
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
2,018	10,449
2019-2020	15,109
2021–2022	3,587
Thereafter	3,000
Total	$ 32,145

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE101

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Minimum royalties under mineral leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
2,018	$ 22,531
2019–2020	34,022
2021–2022	22,703
Thereafter	132,176
Total	$ 211,432

EQUITY (Narrative) (Details)

EQUITY (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017item$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015shares
EQUITY [Abstract]
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 1	$ 1
Number of votes per common stock | item	1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000
Preferred stock issued	0
Treasury Stock Shares	0	0	0
Shares remaining under the current authorization repurchase program	9,489,717

EQUITY (Shares Purchased And Re

EQUITY (Shares Purchased And Retired) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
EQUITY [Abstract]
Shares Purchased and Retired, Number		510	1,427	228
Shares Purchased and Retired, Total cost	[1]	$ 60,303	$ 161,463	$ 21,475
Shares Purchased and Retired, Average cost	[1]	$ 118.18	$ 113.18	$ 94.19
Commissions, price per share		$ 0.02	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
[1]	1Excludes commissions of $0.02 per share.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Acc

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Cash flow hedges	$ (11,438)	$ (13,300)	$ (14,494)
Pension and postretirement plans	(138,028)	(126,076)	(105,575)
Total	$ (149,466)	$ (139,376)	$ (120,069)	$ (161,714)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Cha

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
AOCI, Beginning balance	$ (139,376)	$ (120,069)	$ (161,714)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(14,106)	(20,583)	23,832
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	4,016	1,276	17,813
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,090)	(19,307)	41,645
AOCI, Ending balance	(149,466)	(139,376)	(120,069)
Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow Hedge Losses [Member]
AOCI, Beginning balance	(13,300)	(14,494)	(20,322)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,862	1,194	5,828
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,862	1,194	5,828
AOCI, Ending balance	(11,438)	(13,300)	(14,494)
Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost [Member]
AOCI, Beginning balance	(126,076)	(105,575)	(141,392)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(14,106)	(20,583)	23,832
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	2,154	82	11,985
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,952)	(20,501)	35,817
AOCI, Ending balance	$ (138,028)	$ (126,076)	$ (105,575)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Amo

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense										$ 295,522	$ 134,076	$ 220,588
Cost of revenues										2,889,735	2,591,850	2,564,648
Selling, administrative and general expenses										323,918	314,986	286,844
Benefit from income taxes										(232,075)	124,851	94,943
Total		$ 327,546	$ 108,579	$ 120,139	$ 44,921	$ 112,600	$ 142,024	$ 124,709	$ 40,158	601,185	419,491	221,177
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total										4,016	1,276	17,813
Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow Hedge Losses [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense										3,070	2,008	9,759
Benefit from income taxes										(1,208)	(814)	(3,931)
Total	[1]									1,862	1,194	5,828
Amortization of Pension and Postretirement Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of revenues										2,376	109	15,916
Selling, administrative and general expenses										539	25	3,608
Benefit from income taxes										(761)	(52)	(7,539)
Total	[2]									2,154	82	11,985
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Loss reclassified from AOCI										3,070	$ 2,008	9,759
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Debt [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Loss reclassified from AOCI										$ 1,405		$ 7,208
[1]	Totals for 2017 and 2015 include the acceleration of deferred losses on interest rate derivatives (see Note 5) referable to debt purchases (see Note 6).
[2]	Total for 2015 includes a one-time settlement loss resulting from a lump sum payment to a former employee (see Note 10).

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)statesegmentmi	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Number of operating segments | segment	4
Number of reportable segments | segment	4
Radius for delivering product, minimum | mi	20
Radius for delivering product, maximum | mi	25
Aggregates [Member]
Number Of States In Which Segments Serve | state	20
Number Of Additional States Served | state	14
Equity method investments	$ 22,967	$ 22,965	$ 22,967
Asphalt [Member]
Number Of States In Which Segments Serve | state	5
Percentage of product weight attributable to Aggregates	95.00%
Concrete [Member]
Number Of States In Which Segments Serve | state	6
Percentage of product weight attributable to Aggregates	80.00%
United States [Member]
Revenues	$ 3,872,494	3,579,427	3,410,773
Nondomestic [Member]
Long-lived assets	211,282	188,652	160,125
Nondomestic [Member] | Aggregates [Member]
Product sales	17,802	13,240	11,408
Nondomestic [Member] | Asphalt, Concrete And Calcium [Member]
Product sales	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

SEGMENT REPORTING (Segment Fina

SEGMENT REPORTING (Segment Financial Disclosure) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues		$ 977,490	$ 1,094,715	$ 1,030,763	$ 787,328	$ 872,974	$ 1,008,140	$ 956,825	$ 754,728	$ 3,890,296	$ 3,592,667	$ 3,422,181
Gross profit		243,291	$ 305,516	$ 291,775	$ 159,979	239,706	$ 304,209	$ 292,184	$ 164,718	1,000,561	1,000,817	857,533
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization										305,965	284,940	274,823
Capital Expenditures	[1]									464,233	344,941	304,024
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		146,646				268,019				146,646	268,019	285,210	$ 141,273
Total assets		9,504,891				8,471,475				9,504,891	8,471,475	8,301,632
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										4,143,653	3,813,130	3,616,298
Total assets	[2]	9,112,326				8,046,371				9,112,326	8,046,371	7,995,691
Aggregates [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	[3]									3,096,094	2,961,835	2,777,758
Gross profit										860,021	873,118	755,666
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization										245,151	236,472	228,466
Capital Expenditures	[1]									421,989	297,737	269,014
Total assets	[2]	8,409,505				7,589,225				8,409,505	7,589,225	7,540,273
Aggregates [Member] | Intersegment sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(253,357)	(220,463)	(194,117)
Asphalt [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										622,074	512,310	530,692
Gross profit										91,948	97,682	78,225
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization										25,400	16,797	16,378
Capital Expenditures	[1]									12,970	29,002	8,111
Total assets	[2]	426,575				259,514				426,575	259,514	251,716
Concrete [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										417,745	330,125	299,252
Gross profit										46,117	26,543	20,152
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization										13,822	12,129	11,374
Capital Expenditures	[1]									25,176	10,047	19,053
Total assets	[2]	271,818				192,673				271,818	192,673	198,193
Calcium [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										7,740	8,860	8,596
Gross profit										2,475	3,474	3,490
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization										677	774	679
Capital Expenditures	[1]									78	534	0
Total assets	[2]	4,428				4,959				4,428	4,959	5,509
Other Segments [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization										20,915	18,768	17,926
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	[1]									4,020	7,621	7,846
Total assets		$ 245,919				$ 157,085				$ 245,919	$ 157,085	$ 20,731
[1]	Capital expenditures include capitalized replacements of and additions to property, plant & equipment, including capitalized leases, renewals and betterments. Capital expenditures exclude property, plant & equipment obtained by business acquisitions.
[2]	Certain temporarily idled assets are included within a segment's Identifiable Assets but the associated DDA&A is shown within Other in the DDA&A section above as the related DDA&A is excluded from segment gross profit.
[3]	Includes product sales, as well as freight, delivery and transportation revenues, and other revenues related to aggregates.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFOR109

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)	$ 285,801	$ 135,039	$ 208,288
Income taxes	125,135	102,849	53,623
Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant & equipment	31,267	26,676	31,883
Amounts referable to business acquisitions Liabilities assumed	3,876	798	2,645
Consideration payable to seller	9,681	0	0
Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities exchanged	$ 9,900	$ 0	$ 20,000

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (N

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)aproperty	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Reclamation activities	$ 21,477,000	$ 17,114,000
California [Member]
Reclamation activities	$ 11,578,000	$ 12,602,000
Adjacent aggregates sites | property	2
Property, acres | a	90

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (A

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Asset Retirement Obligations Operating Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Accretion	$ 11,415	$ 11,059	$ 11,474
Depreciation	6,302	6,353	6,515
Total	$ 17,717	$ 17,412	$ 17,989

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (R

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Reconciliations of Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 223,872	$ 226,594
Liabilities incurred	1,920	505
Liabilities settled	(21,477)	(17,114)
Accretion expense	11,415	11,059	$ 11,474
Revisions, net	2,387	2,828
Balance at end of period	$ 218,117	$ 223,872	$ 226,594

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSE113

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Number of Reportable Segments | segment	4
Other intangible assets, net, Impairment Charges	$ 0	$ 8,180
Calcium [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses	$ 252,664

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSE114

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 3,094,824		$ 3,094,824
Goodwill of acquired businesses	27,497	[1]
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,122,321		3,094,824
Aggregates [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	3,003,191		3,003,191
Goodwill of acquired businesses	27,497	[1]
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,030,688		3,003,191
Asphalt [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	91,633		91,633
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, Ending balance	91,633		91,633
Concrete [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	0		0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, Ending balance	0		0
Calcium [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	0		0
Goodwill of acquired businesses	0	[1]
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 0		$ 0
[1]	See Note 19 for a summary of the current year acquisitions

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSE115

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization by Major Intangible Asset Class) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount		$ 1,190,980	$ 874,550
Accumulated amortization		(127,350)	(105,498)
Total Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, net		1,063,630	769,052
Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives		0	0
Total Intangible Assets, net		1,063,630	769,052
Amortization Expense for the Year		23,765	17,565	$ 15,618
Contractual Rights In Place [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount		1,050,816	742,085
Accumulated amortization		(94,534)	(77,515)
Noncompetition Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount		7,067	6,757
Accumulated amortization		(2,440)	(1,118)
Favorable Lease Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount		9,479	9,479
Accumulated amortization		(3,179)	(2,822)
Permitting Permitting Compliance And Zoning Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount		119,002	112,058
Accumulated amortization		(24,352)	(21,701)
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	[1]	4,616	4,171
Accumulated amortization	[1]	$ (2,845)	$ (2,342)
[1]	Includes customer relationships and tradenames and trademarks.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSE116

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
2,018	$ 26,447
2,019	25,585
2,020	25,375
2,021	24,257
2,022	$ 23,016

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURE117

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)property		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)property
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Consideration transferred, net of assets divested				$ 793,523
Total consideration				1,080,815		$ 33,287	$ 47,198
Cash consideration				1,109,725		32,537	27,198
Consideration payable amount						750	20,000
Goodwill				27,497	[1]
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment				15,756		23,318	8,218
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses				17,827		15,431	$ 9,927
Aggregates USA [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amount of assets divested	$ 287,292			287,292
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	0
Virginia Plant Relocation [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment		$ 6,000
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses		4,335
Acquisitions 2017 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized				$ 309,112
Intangible assets amortization period, tax purposes				15 years
Goodwill, deductible for income tax purposes	27,497			$ 27,497
Acquisitions 2016 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						16,670
Acquisitions 2015 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						17,734
Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total consideration				48,490
Cash consideration				36,746
Consideration payable amount				1,844
Assets acquired	9,900			9,900
Arizona [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses	8,021
Assets divested, fair value	9,900			9,900
Assets divested, book value	$ 1,879			1,879
California [Member] | California ready-mixed concrete operations [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses			$ 5,886
California And Virginia [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment		19,185
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses		$ 11,871
Aggregates [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 27,497	[1]
Aggregates [Member] | Tennessee [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property							1
Aggregates [Member] | Tennessee [Member] | Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Aggregates [Member] | Arizona and New Mexico [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property							3
Aggregates [Member] | Texas [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property						1
Aggregates [Member] | New Mexico [Member] | Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Aggregates [Member] | Virginia [Member] | Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Aggregates [Member] | Georgia [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				3
Aggregates [Member] | Illinois [Member] | Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				2
Concrete [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 0	[1]
Concrete [Member] | Arizona and New Mexico [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property							7
Concrete [Member] | California [Member] | California ready-mixed concrete operations [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities divested | property							12
Concrete [Member] | Virginia [Member] | Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Asphalt [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 0	[1]
Asphalt [Member] | Arizona [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property							13
Asphalt [Member] | Arizona [Member] | Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Asphalt [Member] | New Mexico [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property						1
Distribution Business Assets [Member] | California [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Distribution Business Assets [Member] | Florida [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Distribution Business Assets [Member] | South Carolina [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Distribution Business Assets [Member] | Georgia [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				14		1
Construction Paving [Member] | Tennessee [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of facilities acquired | property				1
Contractual Rights In Place [Member] | Acquisitions 2017 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Intangible assets amortization period, tax purposes				15 years
Contractual Rights In Place [Member] | Acquisitions 2016 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						$ 15,213
Intangible assets amortization period, tax purposes				15 years
Contractual Rights In Place [Member] | Acquisitions 2015 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						17,484
Intangible assets amortization period, tax purposes				15 years
Contractual Rights In Place - Straight-Line Method [Member] | Acquisitions 2017 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized				$ 73,879
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets				19 years 3 months 18 days
Contractual Rights In Place - Straight-Line Method [Member] | Acquisitions 2016 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						6,798
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets				20 years
Contractual Rights In Place - Straight-Line Method [Member] | Acquisitions 2015 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						7,168
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets				20 years
Contractual Rights In Place - Units Of Sales [Member] | Acquisitions 2017 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized				$ 235,133
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets				54 years 8 months 12 days
Contractual Rights In Place - Units Of Sales [Member] | Acquisitions 2016 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						8,415
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets				20 years
Contractual Rights In Place - Units Of Sales [Member] | Acquisitions 2015 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						10,317
Estimated weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets				34 years
Noncompetition Agreements [Member] | Acquisitions 2016 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						1,457
Noncompetition Agreements [Member] | Acquisitions 2015 [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets recognized						$ 250
[1]	See Note 19 for a summary of the current year acquisitions

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURE118

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Comprehensive Income Actual Results) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 162,462
Net earnings	$ 11,830

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURE119

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Supplemental Pro Forma Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
Supplemental Pro Forma Results, Total revenues	$ 4,015,891	$ 3,882,257
Supplemental Pro Forma Results, Net earnings	$ 610,494	$ 433,431

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURE120

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Schedule Of Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES [Abstract]
Cash	$ 1,072,978
Payable to seller	7,837
Total fair value of purchase consideration	1,080,815		$ 33,287	$ 47,198
Accounts and notes receivable, net	14,955
Inventories	21,679
Other current assets	608
Investments	3,590
Property, plant & equipment	433,606
Contractual rights in place	295,482
Liabilities assumed	(3,894)
Net identifiable assets acquired and retained	766,026
Goodwill	27,497	[1]
Net Assets Divested Immediately Upon Acquisition	$ 287,292
[1]	See Note 19 for a summary of the current year acquisitions

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (D

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 977,490	$ 1,094,715	$ 1,030,763	$ 787,328	$ 872,974	$ 1,008,140	$ 956,825	$ 754,728	$ 3,890,296	$ 3,592,667	$ 3,422,181
Gross profit	243,291	305,516	291,775	159,979	239,706	304,209	292,184	164,718	1,000,561	1,000,817	857,533
Operating earnings	151,234	229,487	193,987	72,400	173,799	227,076	213,786	64,921	647,108	679,582	549,778
Earnings from continuing operations	327,969	110,150	111,749	43,523	108,063	145,137	127,241	41,965	593,391	422,406	232,914
Net earnings	$ 327,546	$ 108,579	$ 120,139	$ 44,921	$ 112,600	$ 142,024	$ 124,709	$ 40,158	$ 601,185	$ 419,491	$ 221,177
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$ 2.47	$ 0.83	$ 0.84	$ 0.33	$ 0.82	$ 1.09	$ 0.95	$ 0.31	$ 4.48	$ 3.17	$ 1.75
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	2.43	0.82	0.83	0.32	0.80	1.07	0.93	0.31	4.40	3.11	1.72
Basic net earnings per share	2.47	0.82	0.91	0.34	0.85	1.07	0.93	0.30	4.54	3.15	1.66
Diluted net earnings per share	$ 2.43	$ 0.81	$ 0.89	$ 0.33	$ 0.83	$ 1.05	$ 0.92	$ 0.30	$ 4.46	$ 3.09	$ 1.64