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Derivatives
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives
DERIVATIVES
 
General. Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, and we seek to mitigate a portion of these risks by entering into derivative contracts. The derivatives we use are an interest rate swap and foreign currency forward contracts. We recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, regardless of whether or not hedge accounting is applied. We report cash flows arising from our hedging instruments consistent with the classification of cash flows from the underlying hedged items. Accordingly, cash flows associated with our derivative programs are classified as operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

We formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting initially and on an ongoing basis. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For the ineffective portions of qualifying hedges, the change in fair value is recorded through earnings in the period of change. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in earnings throughout the term of the derivative instrument.

Interest Rate Swap. A portion of our debt bears interest at variable interest rates and therefore, we are subject to variability in the cash paid for interest expense. In order to mitigate a portion of this risk, we use a hedging strategy to reduce the variability of cash flows in the interest payments associated with a portion of the variable-rate debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement that is solely due to changes in the benchmark interest rate.

On December 19, 2012, we entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap having an initial notional amount of $150 million with Wells Fargo to fix the one-month LIBOR rate at 0.98%. The variable portion of the interest rate swap is tied to the one-month LIBOR rate (the benchmark interest rate). The interest rates under both the interest rate swap and the underlying debt reset, the swap is settled with the counterparty, and interest is paid, on a monthly basis. The notional amount of the interest rate swap is reduced quarterly by 50% of the minimum principal payment due under the terms of the Credit Agreement. The interest rate swap is scheduled to expire on December 19, 2017.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our interest rate swap qualified as a cash flow hedge. The fair value of our interest rate swap at December 31, 2014 was an asset of approximately $573,000, which was offset by approximately $223,000 in deferred taxes. The fair value of our interest rate swap at December 31, 2013 was an asset of approximately $1.2 million, which was offset by approximately $468,000 in deferred taxes.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings due to hedge effectiveness were included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and were not material.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts. On November 28, 2014, we forecasted a net exposure for December 31, 2014 (representing the difference between Euro and GBP-denominated receivables and Euro-denominated payables) of approximately 899,000 Euros and 572,000 GBPs. In order to partially offset such risks at November 28, 2014, we entered into a 30-day forward contract for the Euro and GBP with a notional amount of approximately 899,000 Euros and notional amount of 572,000 GBPs. On November 29, 2013, we forecasted a net exposure for December 31, 2013 (representing the difference between Euro and GBP-denominated receivables and Euro-denominated payables) of approximately 494,000 Euros and 847,000 GBPs. In order to partially offset such risks at November 29, 2013, we entered into a 30-day forward contract for the Euro and GBP with a notional amount of approximately 494,000 Euros and notional amount of 847,000 GBPs. We enter into similar transactions at various times during the year to partially offset exchange rate risks we bear throughout the year. These contracts are marked to market at each month-end. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded a net gain (loss) on all foreign currency transactions of approximately $36,000, $(202,000) and $(11,000), respectively, which is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The fair value of our open positions at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was not material.