SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Systemax Inc., through its subsidiaries, is primarily a direct marketer of brand name and private label products. The Company operates and is internally managed in two reportable segments - Industrial Products Group (“IPG”) and Europe Technology Products Group (“ETG”). Smaller business operations and corporate functions are aggregated and reported as the additional segment – Corporate and Other (“Corporate”). As previously disclosed in the second quarter of 2017 and for all periods presented, the Company modified the presentation of certain costs associated with operating our distribution centers as well as with our Purchasing and Product Development personnel. Historically these costs had been included as a component of cost of sales and are now included within Selling, Distribution and Administrative expenses ("SD&A"). For the year ended 2017, 2016 and 2015, the costs reclassified from cost of sales to SD&A, included within continuing operations, was $21.8 million, $38.9 million and $34.0 million, respectively, As disclosed in our Form 8-K dated March 31, 2017, on March 24, 2017, certain wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company executed a definitive securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain special purpose companies formed by Hilco Capital Limited (“Hilco” and together with its management team partners, “Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Purchaser acquired all of the Company’s interests in Systemax Europe SARL, which included its subsidiaries, Systemax Business Services K.F.T., Misco UK Limited, Systemax Italy S.R.L., Misco Iberia Computer Supplies S.L., Misco AB, Global Directmail B.V. and Misco Solutions B.V. (collectively, the “SARL Businesses”). The SARL businesses were reported within the Company's European Technology Products Group ("ETG") segment. The transaction closed immediately upon execution of the Purchase Agreement. The Company retained its France technology value added reseller business, which is conducted through its subsidiary, Inmac Wstore S.A.S., which was not part of the sale transaction. The SARL Businesses were sold on a cash-free, debt-free basis; proceeds were nominal. As part of the transaction, the Company retained a 5% residual equity position in the Purchaser’s acquiring entity, HUK 77 Limited, which is being accounted for on the cost method, to which no value was ascribed, a $3.3 million note receivable ($2.2 million balance at December 31, 2017 which was paid in full in January 2018) and provided limited transition services to Purchaser through December 19, 2017 under a transition services agreement. The note receivable is included in accounts receivable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2017. The sale of the SARL Businesses met the “strategic shift with major impact” criteria as defined under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which requires disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. Under ASU 2014-08 in order for a disposal to qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements, the disposal must be a "strategic shift" with a major impact for the reporting entity. If an entity meets this threshold, and other requirements, only the components that were in operation at the time of disposal are presented as discontinued operations. Therefore, the current year and prior year results of the SARL Businesses are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company sold certain assets of its Misco Germany business in 2016, which had been reported as part of its ETG segment. As this disposition was not a strategic shift with a major impact as defined under ASU 2014-08, prior year results of the Misco Germany operations are presented within continuing operations. Also in 2016, the Company sold its rebate processing business, which had been reported as part of its Corporate segment, and this disposition was also not a strategic shift with a major impact as defined under ASU 2014-08, prior year results of the rebate processing business are presented within continuing operations. In 2015, the Company announced a restructuring of its NATG business in March 2015. The NATG segment sold products categorized as Information and Communications Technology (“ICT”) and Consumer Electronics (“CE”) products. These products included computers, computer supplies and consumer electronics which were marketed in North America. The Company followed the guidance under Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-8, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which required disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. Under ASU 2014-8 in order for a disposal to qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements, the disposal must be a “strategic shift” with a major impact for the reporting entity. If the entity meets this threshold, only the components that were in operation at the time of disposal are presented as discontinued operations. The sale of the NATG business in December 2015 had a major impact on the Company and therefore met the strategic shift criteria. The NATG components in operation at the time of the sale were the B2B and Ecommerce businesses and three remaining retail stores. Accordingly, these components and the results of operations have been adjusted in the accompanying financial statements to reflect their presentation in discontinued operations. 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 — Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to current year presentation. As previously disclosed, in the second quarter of 2017 and for all periods presented the Company modified the presentation of certain costs associated with operating our distribution centers as well as with our Purchasing and Product Development personnel. Historically these costs had been included as a component of cost of sales and are now included within Selling, Distribution and Administrative expenses ("SD&A"). For the year ended 2017, 2016 and 2015, the costs reclassified from cost of sales to SD&A, included within continuing operations, was $21.8 million, $38.9 million and $34.0 million, respectively, 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 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 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 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 — 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. In 2016, an impairment charge of approximately $1.7 million was recorded in the ETG segment discontinued operations in the United Kingdom as a result of negative cash flows in the business. . 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 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. Any excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over fair value would be charged to impairment expense. For non-amortizing intangibles the Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment exist, a fair market value analysis of the intangibles would be completed using a discounted cash flow model with inputs such as projected sales growth, gross margin percentages, new business opportunities, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and selling, distribution and administrative expense. Any excess of book carrying value over the fair market value of the intangible asset determined in the analysis would be charged to impairment expense. In December 2016, the Company conducted an evaluation of the intangible assets in its ETG discontinued operations segment and IPG segment and concluded that assets were impaired in the United Kingdom and Mexico operations and impairment charges of approximately $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, was recorded in the fourth quarter. 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 —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— The Company recognizes shipping and handling costs in cost of sales. 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. Net advertising expenses were $67.0 million, $71.4 million and $74.4 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations within continuing and discontinued operations. Of the previously mentioned amounts, ETG discontinued operations net advertising expenses totaled $0.6 million during 2017 and $2.5 million during 2016 and 2015. NATG discontinued operations net advertising expenses totaled $0.3 million, $1.5 million and $7.5 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For 2017 and 2016 NATG advertising expense was primarily related to the wind down of outstanding accounts. The Company utilizes advertising programs to drive traffic to its websites, support vendors, including catalogs, internet and magazine advertising, and receives payments and credits from vendors, including consideration pursuant to volume incentive programs and cooperative marketing programs. The Company accounts for consideration from vendors as a reduction of cost of sales unless certain conditions are met showing that the funds are used for specific, incremental, identifiable costs, in which case the consideration is accounted for as a reduction in the related expense category, such as advertising expense. The amount of vendor consideration recorded as a reduction of selling, distribution and administrative expenses totaled $5.8 million, $6.4 million and $20.2 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Of the previously mentioned amounts, ETG discontinued operations amount of vendor consideration was $0.4 million, $2.6 million and $3.3 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. NATG discontinued operations vendor consideration for 2016 was $0.9 million in costs due primarily to vendor balance reconciliations and for 2015, NATG operations vendor consideration of $12.1 million was recorded as a reduction of selling, distribution and administrative expenses primarily in discontinued operations. 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 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. The weighted average number of stock options outstanding included in the computation of diluted earnings per share was 0.4 million and the weighted average number of restricted stock awards included in the computation of diluted earnings per share was 0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Shares used in calculating basic and diluted net loss per share was the same for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as the inclusion of all potential shares of common stock of the Company outstanding would have been anti‑dilutive. The weighted average number of stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share was 0.04 million shares, 1.3 million shares, and 1.0 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. 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. Aggregate expense to the Company for contributions to the plan was approximately $0.7 million in 2017, $0.4 million in 2016 and $0.9 million in 2015, respectively and of these amounts, NATG operations expense was zero in each of 2017 and 2016 and $0.4 million in 2015. 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 - 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. The Company purchases substantially all of our products and components directly from manufacturers and large wholesale distributors. Two vendors accounted for 10% of more of our purchases in continuing operations in 2017: one vendor accounted for 16.0% and another vendor accounted for 12.0%. In 2016, two vendors accounted for 10% or more of our purchases: each vendor accounted for 13.6% of our purchases and in 2015, one vendor accounted for 11.2% and another accounted for 11.1% of our purchases. 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

Systemax Inc., through its subsidiaries, is primarily a direct marketer of brand name and private label products. The Company operates and is internally managed in two reportable segments - Industrial Products Group (“IPG”) and Europe Technology Products Group (“ETG”). Smaller business operations and corporate functions are aggregated and reported as the additional segment – Corporate and Other (“Corporate”). As previously disclosed in the second quarter of 2017 and for all periods presented, the Company modified the presentation of certain costs associated with operating our distribution centers as well as with our Purchasing and Product Development personnel. Historically these costs had been included as a component of cost of sales and are now included within Selling, Distribution and Administrative expenses ("SD&A"). For the year ended 2017, 2016 and 2015, the costs reclassified from cost of sales to SD&A, included within continuing operations, was $21.8 million, $38.9 million and $34.0 million, respectively,

As disclosed in our Form 8-K dated March 31, 2017, on March 24, 2017, certain wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company executed a definitive securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain special purpose companies formed by Hilco Capital Limited (“Hilco” and together with its management team partners, “Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Purchaser acquired all of the Company’s interests in Systemax Europe SARL, which included its subsidiaries, Systemax Business Services K.F.T., Misco UK Limited, Systemax Italy S.R.L., Misco Iberia Computer Supplies S.L., Misco AB, Global Directmail B.V. and Misco Solutions B.V. (collectively, the “SARL Businesses”). The SARL businesses were reported within the Company's European Technology Products Group ("ETG") segment. The transaction closed immediately upon execution of the Purchase Agreement.

The Company retained its France technology value added reseller business, which is conducted through its subsidiary, Inmac Wstore S.A.S., which was not part of the sale transaction.

The SARL Businesses were sold on a cash-free, debt-free basis; proceeds were nominal. As part of the transaction, the Company retained a 5% residual equity position in the Purchaser’s acquiring entity, HUK 77 Limited, which is being accounted for on the cost method, to which no value was ascribed, a $3.3 million note receivable ($2.2 million balance at December 31, 2017 which was paid in full in January 2018) and provided limited transition services to Purchaser through December 19, 2017 under a transition services agreement. The note receivable is included in accounts receivable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2017.

The sale of the SARL Businesses met the “strategic shift with major impact” criteria as defined under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which requires disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. Under ASU 2014-08 in order for a disposal to qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements, the disposal must be a "strategic shift" with a major impact for the reporting entity. If an entity meets this threshold, and other requirements, only the components that were in operation at the time of disposal are presented as discontinued operations. Therefore, the current year and prior year results of the SARL Businesses are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The Company sold certain assets of its Misco Germany business in 2016, which had been reported as part of its ETG segment. As this disposition was not a strategic shift with a major impact as defined under ASU 2014-08, prior year results of the Misco Germany operations are presented within continuing operations. Also in 2016, the Company sold its rebate processing business, which had been reported as part of its Corporate segment, and this disposition was also not a strategic shift with a major impact as defined under ASU 2014-08, prior year results of the rebate processing business are presented within continuing operations.

In 2015, the Company announced a restructuring of its NATG business in March 2015. The NATG segment sold products categorized as Information and Communications Technology (“ICT”) and Consumer Electronics (“CE”) products. These products included computers, computer supplies and consumer electronics which were marketed in North America. The Company followed the guidance under Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-8, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which required disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. Under ASU 2014-8 in order for a disposal to qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements, the disposal must be a “strategic shift” with a major impact for the reporting entity. If the entity meets this threshold, only the components that were in operation at the time of disposal are presented as discontinued operations. The sale of the NATG business in December 2015 had a major impact on the Company and therefore met the strategic shift criteria. The NATG components in operation at the time of the sale were the B2B and Ecommerce businesses and three remaining retail stores. Accordingly, these components and the results of operations have been adjusted in the accompanying financial statements to reflect their presentation in discontinued operations.

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 — Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to current year presentation. As previously disclosed, in the second quarter of 2017 and for all periods presented the Company modified the presentation of certain costs associated with operating our distribution centers as well as with our Purchasing and Product Development personnel. Historically these costs had been included as a component of cost of sales and are now included within Selling, Distribution and Administrative expenses ("SD&A"). For the year ended 2017, 2016 and 2015, the costs reclassified from cost of sales to SD&A, included within continuing operations, was $21.8 million, $38.9 million and $34.0 million, respectively,

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 — 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 — 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 — 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 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 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 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 — 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.

In 2016, an impairment charge of approximately $1.7 million was recorded in the ETG segment discontinued operations in the United Kingdom as a result of negative cash flows in the business. .

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 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. Any excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over fair value would be charged to impairment expense.

For non-amortizing intangibles the Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment exist, a fair market value analysis of the intangibles would be completed using a discounted cash flow model with inputs such as projected sales growth, gross margin percentages, new business opportunities, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and selling, distribution and administrative expense. Any excess of book carrying value over the fair market value of the intangible asset determined in the analysis would be charged to impairment expense.

In December 2016, the Company conducted an evaluation of the intangible assets in its ETG discontinued operations segment and IPG segment and concluded that assets were impaired in the United Kingdom and Mexico operations and impairment charges of approximately $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, was recorded in the fourth quarter.

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

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.

Net advertising expenses were $67.0 million, $71.4 million and $74.4 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations within continuing and discontinued operations. Of the previously mentioned amounts, ETG discontinued operations net advertising expenses totaled $0.6 million during 2017 and $2.5 million during 2016 and 2015. NATG discontinued operations net advertising expenses totaled $0.3 million, $1.5 million and $7.5 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For 2017 and 2016 NATG advertising expense was primarily related to the wind down of outstanding accounts. The Company utilizes advertising programs to drive traffic to its websites, support vendors, including catalogs, internet and magazine advertising, and receives payments and credits from vendors, including consideration pursuant to volume incentive programs and cooperative marketing programs. The Company accounts for consideration from vendors as a reduction of cost of sales unless certain conditions are met showing that the funds are used for specific, incremental, identifiable costs, in which case the consideration is accounted for as a reduction in the related expense category, such as advertising expense. The amount of vendor consideration recorded as a reduction of selling, distribution and administrative expenses totaled $5.8 million, $6.4 million and $20.2 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Of the previously mentioned amounts, ETG discontinued operations amount of vendor consideration was $0.4 million, $2.6 million and $3.3 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. NATG discontinued operations vendor consideration for 2016 was $0.9 million in costs due primarily to vendor balance reconciliations and for 2015, NATG operations vendor consideration of $12.1 million was recorded as a reduction of selling, distribution and administrative expenses primarily in discontinued operations.

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 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.

The weighted average number of stock options outstanding included in the computation of diluted earnings per share was 0.4 million and the weighted average number of restricted stock awards included in the computation of diluted earnings per share was 0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Shares used in calculating basic and diluted net loss per share was the same for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as the inclusion of all potential shares of common stock of the Company outstanding would have been anti‑dilutive. The weighted average number of stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share was 0.04 million shares, 1.3 million shares, and 1.0 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect.

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. Aggregate expense to the Company for contributions to the plan was approximately $0.7 million in 2017, $0.4 million in 2016 and $0.9 million in 2015, respectively and of these amounts, NATG operations expense was zero in each of 2017 and 2016 and $0.4 million in 2015.

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 - 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.

The Company purchases substantially all of our products and components directly from manufacturers and large wholesale distributors. Two vendors accounted for 10% of more of our purchases in continuing operations in 2017: one vendor accounted for 16.0% and another vendor accounted for 12.0%. In 2016, two vendors accounted for 10% or more of our purchases: each vendor accounted for 13.6% of our purchases and in 2015, one vendor accounted for 11.2% and another accounted for 11.1% of our purchases.

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.