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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE RESERVES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]  
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE RESERVES
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE RESERVES
 
The Company records a provision for uncollectible agency commissions, principally receivables from accommodations related to agency reservations.  The Company also accrues for costs associated with merchant transactions made on its websites by individuals using fraudulent credit cards and for other amounts "charged back" as a result of payment disputes.  Changes in accounts receivable reserves consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Balance, beginning of year
$
15,014

 
$
14,212

 
$
14,116

Provision charged to expense
46,241

 
24,324

 
22,990

Charge-offs and adjustments
(35,233
)
 
(22,682
)
 
(21,546
)
Currency translation adjustments
(457
)
 
(840
)
 
(1,348
)
Balance, end of year
$
25,565

 
$
15,014

 
$
14,212