Inventories

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

4. INVENTORIES

Inventories, at LIFO (last-in, first-out) value, consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
Finished goods	$	21,655		$	32,756
Raw materials		20,599			16,290
Total FIFO (first-in, first-out) inventories		42,254			49,046
Reserve to adjust inventories to LIFO value		(25,299	)		(25,299	)
Total LIFO inventories	$	16,955		$	23,747

The Company utilizes the LIFO method of accounting for inventory, which generally provides for the matching of current costs with current revenues. However, under the LIFO method, reductions in annual inventory balances cause a portion of the Company’s cost of sales to be based on historical costs rather than current year costs (LIFO liquidation). Reductions in interim inventory balances expected to be replenished by year-end do not result in a LIFO liquidation. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based, in part, on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs which may differ from actual results. There were no LIFO inventory liquidations or related impact on cost of sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014. Since inventory levels and costs are subject to factors beyond management’s control, interim results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.