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Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

3. Fair Value Measurements


ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement, among other things, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. ASC 820-10 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the pronouncement establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.


Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the market approach, which uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.


The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings), excluding long-term borrowings, approximates the fair value of these instruments based upon their short-term nature. The fair value of long-term borrowings, including amounts classified as current, which have an aggregate carrying value of $1,032,326, was approximately $1,027,164 (Level 2) at March 31, 2015, as calculated based on independent valuations whose inputs and significant value drivers are observable.


For the fair value of the assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, see the fair value table in Note 2, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The fair value of all derivative contracts is classified as Level 2. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of derivative contracts, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, were based on quoted market prices or model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. The fair value of derivative contracts above considers the Company’s credit risk in accordance with ASC 820-10.