Inventories	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Inventories	Note 4. Inventories Our inventories are primarily stated on the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, which is not in excess of market. We use the LIFO method of inventory valuation because it results in a better matching of costs and revenues. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, cost on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method exceeded the LIFO value of inventories by $143.1 million and $88.6 million, respectively. Inventories of $305.9 million and $206.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were stated on the FIFO method, which is not in excess of market. Cost increases in 2014 for the majority of our products were the primary cause of the $54.5 million increase in the LIFO valuation reserve, which increased cost of sales. Cost decreases in 2013 and 2012 for the majority of our products were the primary cause of the $50.2 million and $64.1 million reductions in the LIFO valuation reserve, respectively, which lowered cost of sales. There were insignificant liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Note 4. Inventories

Our inventories are primarily stated on the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, which is not in excess of market. We use the LIFO method of inventory valuation because it results in a better matching of costs and revenues. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, cost on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method exceeded the LIFO value of inventories by $143.1 million and $88.6 million, respectively. Inventories of $305.9 million and $206.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were stated on the FIFO method, which is not in excess of market.

Cost increases in 2014 for the majority of our products were the primary cause of the $54.5 million increase in the LIFO valuation reserve, which increased cost of sales. Cost decreases in 2013 and 2012 for the majority of our products were the primary cause of the $50.2 million and $64.1 million reductions in the LIFO valuation reserve, respectively, which lowered cost of sales. There were insignificant liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities in 2014, 2013 and 2012.