SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Systemax Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Systemax”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications — Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year — The Company’s fiscal year ends at midnight on the Saturday closest to December 31. For clarity of presentation herein, all fiscal years are referred to as if they ended on December 31. The fiscal year is divided into four fiscal quarters that each end at midnight on a Saturday. Fiscal quarters will typically include 13 weeks, but the fourth quarter will include 14 weeks in a 53 week fiscal year. For clarity of presentation herein, all fiscal quarters are referred to as if they ended on the traditional calendar month. The full year of 2017 and 2016 included 52 weeks compared to 2015 which had 53 weeks.
Use of Estimates In Financial Statements	Use of Estimates In Financial Statements — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current business factors, and various other assumptions that the Company believes are necessary to consider to form a basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities, the recorded amounts of revenue and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company is subject to uncertainties such as the impact of future events, economic and political factors, and changes in the Company’s business environment, therefore, actual results could differ from these estimates. Changes in estimates are made when circumstances warrant. Such changes in estimates and refinements in estimation methodologies are reflected in reported results of operations; if material, the effects of changes in estimates are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions by management affect the allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and allowances, inventory reserves, allowances for cooperative advertising, vendor drop shipments, the carrying value of long‑lived assets (including goodwill and intangible assets), capitalization and amortization of software development costs, the provision for income taxes and related deferred tax accounts, certain accrued liabilities, revenue recognition, contingencies, sub-rental lease income, litigation and related legal accruals and the value attributed to employee stock options and other stock‑based awards.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation — The Company has operations in numerous foreign countries. The functional currency of each foreign country is the local currency. The financial statements of the Company’s foreign entities are translated into U.S. dollars, the reporting currency, using year-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, year to date average exchange rates for the statement of operations items and historical rates for equity accounts. Translation gains or losses are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.
Cash	Cash — The Company considers amounts held in money market accounts and other short-term investments, including overnight bank deposits, with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash. Cash overdrafts are classified in accounts payable.
Inventories	Inventories — Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by using the first-in, first-out method except in ETG where an average cost is used.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Furniture, fixtures and equipment, including equipment under capital leases, are depreciated using the straight-line or accelerated method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful lives or the term of the respective leases. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period realized.
Internal-Use Software	Internal-Use Software - Internal‑use software is included in fixed assets and is amortized on a straight‑line basis over 3 years. The Company capitalizes costs incurred during the application development stage. Costs related to minor upgrades, minor enhancements and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred.
Evaluation of Long-lived Assets	Evaluation of Long-lived Assets — Long lived assets are assets used in the Company’s operations and include, definite-lived intangible assets, leasehold improvements, warehouse and similar property used to generate sales and cash flows. Long lived assets are tested for impairment utilizing a recoverability test. The recoverability test compares the carrying value of an asset group to the undiscounted cash flows directly attributable to the asset group over the life of the primary asset. If the undiscounted cash flows of an asset group is less than the carrying value of the asset group, the fair value of the asset group is then measured. If the fair value is also determined to be less than the carrying value of the asset group, the asset group is impaired.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations — The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred and liabilities assumed by the Company to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets — Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired assets over the fair value of assets acquired. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment shows that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the company is not required to complete the annual two step goodwill impairment test. If a quantitative analysis is required to be performed for goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned is determined using a discounted cash flow model. A discounted cash flow model is also used to determine fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles using projected cash flows of the intangible. Unobservable inputs related to these discounted cash flow models include projected sales growth, gross margin percentages, new business opportunities, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and growth in selling, distribution and administrative expense.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and tax credit carry forwards and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and a valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not expected to be realized. The Company recognizes and measures uncertain tax positions using a two‑step approach. The first step is to evaluate the tax position taken or expected to be taken by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained in an audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Significant judgment is required to evaluate uncertain tax positions. The Company evaluates its uncertain tax positions on a regular basis. Its evaluations are based on a number of factors, including changes in facts and circumstances, changes in tax law, correspondence with tax authorities during the course of audit and effective settlement of audit issues. The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable	Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers to transfer goods and services. The new revenue recognition standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018. The new standard is required to be adopted using either a full-retrospective or a modified-retrospective approach. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified-retrospective approach beginning in 2018. The Company has completed an impact assessment and has determined that there will be no material impact to total revenues in our consolidated statements of income, accounting policies, business processes, internal controls or disclosures. The Company recognizes sales of products, including shipping revenue, when persuasive evidence of an order arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Generally, these criteria are met at the time the product is received by the customers when title and risk of loss have transferred except in our Industrial Products segment where title and risk pass at time of shipment. Allowances for estimated subsequent customer returns, rebates and sales incentives are provided when revenues are recorded. Revenues exclude sales tax collected. The Company evaluates collectability of accounts receivable based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers and their credit rating and provides a reserve for accounts that are potentially uncollectible. Trade receivables are generally written off once all collection efforts have been exhausted. Accounts receivable are shown in the consolidated balance sheets net of allowances for doubtful collections and subsequent customer returns.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs— The Company recognizes shipping and handling costs in cost of sales.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs — Expenditures for internet, television, local radio and newspaper advertising are expensed in the period the advertising takes place. Catalog preparation, printing and postage expenditures are amortized over the period of catalog distribution during which the benefits are expected, generally one to four months.
Stock Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation — In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which modifies certain accounting aspects for share-based payments to employees including, among other elements, the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as classifications in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017 and its adoption did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations when implemented in the first quarter of 2017. Under this guidance, a company recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement rather than paid-in capital, which is a change required to be applied on a prospective basis in accordance with the new guidance. We adopted the cash flow presentation that requires presentation of excess tax benefits within operating activities on a prospective basis. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded discrete income tax benefits in the consolidated statement of operations of approximately $0.8 million, for excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. Additional amendments to the accounting for income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements had no impact on our results of operations. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares is disclosed in our consolidated statement of cash flows and has been applied retrospectively, Cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares was immaterial for 2016 and 2015. The fair value of employee share options is recognized in expense over the vesting period of the options, using the graded attribution method. The fair value of employee share options is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company has used historical volatility in its estimate of expected volatility. The expected life represents the period of time (in years) for which the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve. Stock-based compensation expense includes an estimate for forfeitures and is recognized over the expected term of the award.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share – Net income per common share - basic is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods presented using the two class method of computing earnings per share. The two class method was used as the Company has outstanding restricted stock with rights to dividend participation for unvested shares. Net income per common share - diluted was calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and included the equivalent shares for dilutive options outstanding during the respective periods, including unvested options. The dilutive effect of outstanding options and restricted stock issued by the Company is reflected in net income per share - diluted using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, options will only have a dilutive effect when the average market price of common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans - The Company’s U.S. subsidiaries participate in a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all U.S. employees. Employees may invest 1% or more of their eligible compensation, limited to maximum amounts as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company provides a matching contribution to the plan, determined as a percentage of the employees’ contributions.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements - Financial instruments consist primarily of investments in cash, trade accounts receivable, debt and accounts payable. The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments based on interest rates available to the Company. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. Cash is classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s debt is considered to be representative of its fair value because of its variable interest rate. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 4.7%, 4.7% and 4.3%, in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value of goodwill, non-amortizing intangibles and long lived assets is measured in connection with the Company’s annual impairment testing as discussed above.
Significant Concentrations	Significant Concentrations - Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and accounts receivable. The Company’s excess cash balances are invested with money center banks. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers and their geographic dispersion comprising the Company’s customer base. The Company also performs on-going credit evaluations and maintains allowances for potential losses as warranted.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Public companies in the United States are subject to the accounting and reporting requirements of various authorities, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These authorities issue numerous pronouncements, most of which are not applicable to the Company’s current or reasonably foreseeable operating structure. Below are the new authoritative pronouncements that management believes are relevant to Company’s current operations. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers to transfer goods and services. The new revenue recognition standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018. The new standard is required to be adopted using either a full-retrospective or a modified-retrospective approach. The Company will adopt these standards using the modified-retrospective approach beginning on January 1, 2018. The Company has completed an impact assessment and has determined that there will be no material impact to total revenues in our consolidated statements of income, accounting policies, business processes, internal controls or disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-2 related to leases that outlines a comprehensive lease accounting model and supersedes the current lease guidance. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. The new guidance must be adopted using the modified retrospective approach and will be effective for the Company starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which modifies certain accounting aspects for share-based payments to employees including, among other elements, the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as classifications in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017 and its adoption did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations when implemented in the first quarter of 2017. Under this guidance, a company recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement rather than paid-in capital, which is a change required to be applied on a prospective basis in accordance with the new guidance. We adopted the cash flow presentation that requires presentation of excess tax benefits within operating activities on a prospective basis. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded discrete income tax benefits in the consolidated statement of operations of approximately $0.8 million, for excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. Additional amendments to the accounting for income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements had no impact on our results of operations. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares is disclosed in our consolidated statement of cash flows and has been applied retrospectively, Cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares was immaterial for 2016 and 2015. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the second step from the goodwill impairment test. An entity should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, but the loss cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this pronouncement.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Systemax Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Systemax”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications — Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year — The Company’s fiscal year ends at midnight on the Saturday closest to December 31. For clarity of presentation herein, all fiscal years are referred to as if they ended on December 31. The fiscal year is divided into four fiscal quarters that each end at midnight on a Saturday. Fiscal quarters will typically include 13 weeks, but the fourth quarter will include 14 weeks in a 53 week fiscal year. For clarity of presentation herein, all fiscal quarters are referred to as if they ended on the traditional calendar month. The full year of 2017 and 2016 included 52 weeks compared to 2015 which had 53 weeks.

Use of Estimates In Financial Statements

Use of Estimates In Financial Statements — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current business factors, and various other assumptions that the Company believes are necessary to consider to form a basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities, the recorded amounts of revenue and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company is subject to uncertainties such as the impact of future events, economic and political factors, and changes in the Company’s business environment, therefore, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Changes in estimates are made when circumstances warrant. Such changes in estimates and refinements in estimation methodologies are reflected in reported results of operations; if material, the effects of changes in estimates are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions by management affect the allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and allowances, inventory reserves, allowances for cooperative advertising, vendor drop shipments, the carrying value of long‑lived assets (including goodwill and intangible assets), capitalization and amortization of software development costs, the provision for income taxes and related deferred tax accounts, certain accrued liabilities, revenue recognition, contingencies, sub-rental lease income, litigation and related legal accruals and the value attributed to employee stock options and other stock‑based awards.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation — The Company has operations in numerous foreign countries. The functional currency of each foreign country is the local currency. The financial statements of the Company’s foreign entities are translated into U.S. dollars, the reporting currency, using year-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, year to date average exchange rates for the statement of operations items and historical rates for equity accounts. Translation gains or losses are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Cash

Cash — The Company considers amounts held in money market accounts and other short-term investments, including overnight bank deposits, with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash. Cash overdrafts are classified in accounts payable.

Inventories

Inventories — Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by using the first-in, first-out method except in ETG where an average cost is used.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Furniture, fixtures and equipment, including equipment under capital leases, are depreciated using the straight-line or accelerated method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful lives or the term of the respective leases.

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period realized.

Internal-Use Software

Internal-Use Software - Internal‑use software is included in fixed assets and is amortized on a straight‑line basis over 3 years. The Company capitalizes costs incurred during the application development stage. Costs related to minor upgrades, minor enhancements and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred.

Evaluation of Long-lived Assets

Evaluation of Long-lived Assets — Long lived assets are assets used in the Company’s operations and include, definite-lived intangible assets, leasehold improvements, warehouse and similar property used to generate sales and cash flows. Long lived assets are tested for impairment utilizing a recoverability test. The recoverability test compares the carrying value of an asset group to the undiscounted cash flows directly attributable to the asset group over the life of the primary asset. If the undiscounted cash flows of an asset group is less than the carrying value of the asset group, the fair value of the asset group is then measured. If the fair value is also determined to be less than the carrying value of the asset group, the asset group is impaired.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations — The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred and liabilities assumed by the Company to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets — Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired assets over the fair value of assets acquired. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment shows that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the company is not required to complete the annual two step goodwill impairment test. If a quantitative analysis is required to be performed for goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned is determined using a discounted cash flow model. A discounted cash flow model is also used to determine fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles using projected cash flows of the intangible. Unobservable inputs related to these discounted cash flow models include projected sales growth, gross margin percentages, new business opportunities, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and growth in selling, distribution and administrative expense.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and tax credit carry forwards and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

The Company assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and a valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not expected to be realized.

The Company recognizes and measures uncertain tax positions using a two‑step approach. The first step is to evaluate the tax position taken or expected to be taken by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained in an audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Significant judgment is required to evaluate uncertain tax positions. The Company evaluates its uncertain tax positions on a regular basis. Its evaluations are based on a number of factors, including changes in facts and circumstances, changes in tax law, correspondence with tax authorities during the course of audit and effective settlement of audit issues. The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers to transfer goods and services. The new revenue recognition standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018. The new standard is required to be adopted using either a full-retrospective or a modified-retrospective approach. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified-retrospective approach beginning in 2018. The Company has completed an impact assessment and has determined that there will be no material impact to total revenues in our consolidated statements of income, accounting policies, business processes, internal controls or disclosures.

The Company recognizes sales of products, including shipping revenue, when persuasive evidence of an order arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Generally, these criteria are met at the time the product is received by the customers when title and risk of loss have transferred except in our Industrial Products segment where title and risk pass at time of shipment. Allowances for estimated subsequent customer returns, rebates and sales incentives are provided when revenues are recorded. Revenues exclude sales tax collected. The Company evaluates collectability of accounts receivable based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers and their credit rating and provides a reserve for accounts that are potentially uncollectible. Trade receivables are generally written off once all collection efforts have been exhausted. Accounts receivable are shown in the consolidated balance sheets net of allowances for doubtful collections and subsequent customer returns.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs— The Company recognizes shipping and handling costs in cost of sales.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs — Expenditures for internet, television, local radio and newspaper advertising are expensed in the period the advertising takes place. Catalog preparation, printing and postage expenditures are amortized over the period of catalog distribution during which the benefits are expected, generally one to four months.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation — In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which modifies certain accounting aspects for share-based payments to employees including, among other elements, the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as classifications in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017 and its adoption did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations when implemented in the first quarter of 2017. Under this guidance, a company recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement rather than paid-in capital, which is a change required to be applied on a prospective basis in accordance with the new guidance. We adopted the cash flow presentation that requires presentation of excess tax benefits within operating activities on a prospective basis. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded discrete income tax benefits in the consolidated statement of operations of approximately $0.8 million, for excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. Additional amendments to the accounting for income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements had no impact on our results of operations. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares is disclosed in our consolidated statement of cash flows and has been applied retrospectively, Cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares was immaterial for 2016 and 2015.

The fair value of employee share options is recognized in expense over the vesting period of the options, using the graded attribution method. The fair value of employee share options is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company has used historical volatility in its estimate of expected volatility. The expected life represents the period of time (in years) for which the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve. Stock-based compensation expense includes an estimate for forfeitures and is recognized over the expected term of the award.

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share – Net income per common share - basic is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods presented using the two class method of computing earnings per share. The two class method was used as the Company has outstanding restricted stock with rights to dividend participation for unvested shares. Net income per common share - diluted was calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and included the equivalent shares for dilutive options outstanding during the respective periods, including unvested options. The dilutive effect of outstanding options and restricted stock issued by the Company is reflected in net income per share - diluted using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, options will only have a dilutive effect when the average market price of common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans - The Company’s U.S. subsidiaries participate in a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all U.S. employees. Employees may invest 1% or more of their eligible compensation, limited to maximum amounts as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company provides a matching contribution to the plan, determined as a percentage of the employees’ contributions.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements - Financial instruments consist primarily of investments in cash, trade accounts receivable, debt and accounts payable. The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments based on interest rates available to the Company. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. Cash is classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s debt is considered to be representative of its fair value because of its variable interest rate. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 4.7%, 4.7% and 4.3%, in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The fair value of goodwill, non-amortizing intangibles and long lived assets is measured in connection with the Company’s annual impairment testing as discussed above.

Significant Concentrations

Significant Concentrations - Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and accounts receivable. The Company’s excess cash balances are invested with money center banks. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers and their geographic dispersion comprising the Company’s customer base. The Company also performs on-going credit evaluations and maintains allowances for potential losses as warranted.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Public companies in the United States are subject to the accounting and reporting requirements of various authorities, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These authorities issue numerous pronouncements, most of which are not applicable to the Company’s current or reasonably foreseeable operating structure. Below are the new authoritative pronouncements that management believes are relevant to Company’s current operations.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers to transfer goods and services. The new revenue recognition standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018. The new standard is required to be adopted using either a full-retrospective or a modified-retrospective approach. The Company will adopt these standards using the modified-retrospective approach beginning on January 1, 2018. The Company has completed an impact assessment and has determined that there will be no material impact to total revenues in our consolidated statements of income, accounting policies, business processes, internal controls or disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-2 related to leases that outlines a comprehensive lease accounting model and supersedes the current lease guidance. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. The new guidance must be adopted using the modified retrospective approach and will be effective for the Company starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which modifies certain accounting aspects for share-based payments to employees including, among other elements, the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as classifications in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017 and its adoption did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations when implemented in the first quarter of 2017. Under this guidance, a company recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement rather than paid-in capital, which is a change required to be applied on a prospective basis in accordance with the new guidance. We adopted the cash flow presentation that requires presentation of excess tax benefits within operating activities on a prospective basis. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded discrete income tax benefits in the consolidated statement of operations of approximately $0.8 million, for excess tax benefits related to equity compensation. Additional amendments to the accounting for income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements had no impact on our results of operations. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares is disclosed in our consolidated statement of cash flows and has been applied retrospectively, Cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares was immaterial for 2016 and 2015.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the second step from the goodwill impairment test. An entity should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, but the loss cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this pronouncement.