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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS POLICIES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS POLICIES [Abstract]  
Schedule of Changes in Allowance
Changes in this allowance for 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands):

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2017
  
2016
  
2015
 
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
8,160
  
$
9,364
  
$
8,713
 
Charged to costs and expenses
  
3,367
   
180
   
2,014
 
Charged to other accounts
  
22
3 
  
(17
)2
  
1,255
2 
Deductions
  
(2,534
)1
  
(1,367
)1
  
(2,618
)1
Balance at end of year
 
$
9,015
  
$
8,160
  
$
9,364
 

(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries
(2) Includes allowance for doubtful accounts from acquisitions and divestiture
(3) Primarily due to translation adjustments
Principal Estimated Useful Lives Used in Determining Depreciation
The principal estimated useful lives used in determining depreciation are as follows:

Buildings
20-39 years
Building improvements
10-20 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
3-20 years
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of estimated useful life or related lease term