Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of financial statement presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, ventures, and partnerships in which a controlling interest is held. Inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting for companies where its ownership is less than or equal to 50% and significant influence exists. Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers cash and other instruments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company invests available funds in a manner to maximize returns, preserve investment principal, and maintain liquidity while seeking the highest yield available. Cash and cash equivalents held in non-domestic accounts were approximately $29,400 and $29,700 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included in non-domestic cash equivalents are investments in bank term deposits of approximately $16 and $1,939 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The carrying amounts approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments. Inventories Certain inventories are valued at the lower of the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market. Approximately 47% in 2016 and 43% in 2015 of the Company’s inventory is valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. Slow-moving inventory is reviewed and adjusted regularly, based upon product knowledge, physical inventory observation, and the age of the inventory. Property, plant, and equipment Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over 3 to 13 years, which represent the lives of the respective leases or the lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense is recorded within “cost of sales” and “selling and administrative” expenses based upon the particular asset’s use. The Company reviews a long-lived asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company impaired $14,956 of property, plant and equipment related to the test and inspection services division within the Tubular and Energy Services segment during the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no material asset impairments recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are charged to operations as incurred. Major renewals and betterments that substantially extend the useful life of the property are capitalized at cost. Upon sale or other disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in income. Allowance for doubtful accounts The allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to reflect the ultimate realization of the Company’s accounts receivable and includes assessment of the probability of collection and the credit-worthiness of certain customers. Reserves for uncollectible accounts are recorded as part of selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company reviews its accounts receivable aging and calculates an allowance through application of historic reserve factors to overdue receivables. This calculation is supplemented by specific account reviews performed by the Company’s credit department. As necessary, the application of the Company’s allowance rates to specific customers is reviewed and adjusted to more accurately reflect the credit risk inherent within that customer relationship. Investments Investments in companies in which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies (generally 20% to 50% ownership) are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and adjusted for dividends and undistributed earnings and losses. The equity method of accounting requires a company to recognize a loss in the value of an equity method investment that is other than a temporary decline. Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if there are indicators of impairment. The goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. This step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded as a component of operations. The Company performs its annual impairment tests as of October 1st. During 2016 and 2015, the Company identified certain triggering events that indicated an interim impairment test was required. As a result of the Company’s assessment, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $61,142 and $80,337 during 2016 and 2015, respectively. The 2016 charges related to the full impairment of the Chemtec Energy Services (“Chemtec”) and Protective Coatings divisions goodwill within the Tubular and Energy Services segment resulting from the Chemtec acquisition in 2014 and the 2013 acquisition of Ball Winch, LLC and a partial impairment of the Rail Technologies division goodwill within the Rail Products and Services segments, respectively. The 2015 impairment charge related to the goodwill resulting from the acquisition of IOS (or “test and inspection services”) and Chemtec within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. The measurement of goodwill impairment is a Level 3 fair value measurement, since the primary assumptions, including estimates of future revenue growth, gross margin, and EBITDA margin, are not market observable and require management to make judgements regarding future outcomes. Additional information concerning the impairments is set forth in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the financial statements. No additional charges were recorded as a result of the 2016 annual impairment test. No goodwill impairment was recognized during 2014. The Company has no indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company reviews a long-lived intangible asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. All intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 5 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 15 years, at December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a definite-lived intangible asset impairment of $59,786 related to Chemtec and test and inspection services within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. There were no definite-lived intangible asset impairments during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information regarding the Company’s intangible assets. Environmental remediation and compliance Environmental remediation costs are accrued when the liability is probable and costs are estimable. Environmental compliance costs, which principally include the disposal of waste generated by routine operations, are expensed as incurred. Capitalized environmental costs, when appropriate, are depreciated over their useful life. Reserves are not reduced by potential claims for recovery and are not discounted. Claims for recovery are recognized as agreements are reached with third parties or as amounts are received. Reserves are periodically reviewed throughout the year and adjusted to reflect current remediation progress, prospective estimates of required activity, and other factors that may be relevant, including changes in technology or regulations. See Note 19 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for additional information regarding the Company’s outstanding environmental and litigation reserves. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by using the weighted average of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock utilizing the treasury stock method. Revenue recognition The Company’s revenues are comprised of product and service sales as well as products and services provided under long-term contracts. For product and service sales, the Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria have been satisfied: persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; product delivery and transfer of title to the customer has occurred or services have been rendered; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, product title passes to the customer upon shipment. In limited cases, title does not transfer and revenue is not recognized until the customer has received the products at its physical location. Revenue is recorded net of returns, allowances, customer discounts, and incentives. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues) basis. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold. Revenues for products and services under long-term contracts are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Sales and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to estimated total project costs. Sales and gross profit are adjusted prospectively for revisions in estimated total project costs and contract values. For certain products and services, the percentage of completion is based upon actual labor costs as a percentage of estimated total labor costs. At the time a loss contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Costs in excess of billings are classified as work-in-process inventory. Projects with billings in excess of costs are recorded within deferred revenue. Revenue recognition involves judgments, including assessments of expected returns, the likelihood of nonpayment, and estimates of expected costs and profits on long-term contracts. In determining when to recognize revenue, the Company analyzes various factors, including the specifics of the transaction, historical experience, creditworthiness of the customer, and current market and economic conditions. Changes in judgments on these factors could impact the timing and amount of revenue recognized with a resulting impact on the timing and amount of associated income. Deferred revenue Deferred revenue consists of customer payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met as well as billings in excess of costs on percentage of completion projects. Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts with respect to which the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the project, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title, ownership, and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Fair value of financial instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, interest rate swap agreements, and debt. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2016 and 2015 approximate fair value. See Note 18 Fair Value Measurements, for additional information. Stock-based compensation The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation. Under the guidance, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award. See Note 15 Share-based Compensation, for additional information. Product warranty The Company maintains a current warranty liability for the repair or replacement of defective products. For certain manufactured products, an accrual is made on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales based upon historical experience. For long-lived construction products, a warranty is established when the claim is known and quantifiable. The product warranty accrual is periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims or due to changes in the Company’s historical warranty experience. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the product warranty reserve was $10,154 and $8,755, respectively. See Note 19 Commitments and Contingencies for additional information regarding the product warranty. Income taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. The Company makes judgments regarding the recognition of deferred tax assets and the future realization of these assets. As prescribed by FASB ASC 740 “Income Taxes” and applicable guidance, valuation allowances must be provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not (a likelihood more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The guidance requires the Company to evaluate positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of deferred tax assets. The determination of whether the positive evidence outweighs the negative evidence and quantification of the valuation allowance requires the Company to make estimates and judgments of future financial results. The Company evaluates all tax positions taken on its federal, state, and foreign tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, the largest amount of benefit to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined on a cumulative probability basis. A previously recognized tax position is derecognized when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the expected tax benefit is based on judgment, historical experience, and various other assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. Foreign currency translation The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency and are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts are translated at the weighted-average rates of exchange during the year. The translation adjustment is accumulated as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in determining net income. Included in net income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were foreign currency transaction (losses) gains of approximately ($12), $1,616, and $422, respectively. Research and development The Company expenses research and development costs as costs are incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, research and development expenses were $3,511, $3,937, and $3,096, respectively, and were principally related to the Company’s friction management and railroad monitoring system products. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recently issued accounting guidance In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718).” This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation, and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue, cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company continues to evaluate the impacts that this standard will have on the Company's financial statements. The Company anticipates using the modified retrospective approach at adoption as it relates to ASU 2014-09. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The new accounting requirements include the accounting for, presentation of, and classification of leases. The guidance will result in most leases being capitalized as a right of use asset with a related liability on our balance sheets. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our financial position and results of operations. The Company has a significant number of leases, and, as a result, expects this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet, the impact of which is currently being evaluated. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740),” which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The ASU is effective on January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this standard will have on the Company’s financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350),” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, an entity will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. This standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating its implementation approach and assessing the impact of ASU 2017-04 on our financial position and results of operations. Recently adopted accounting guidance In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40)”. This standard requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, ending after December 15, 2016. Accordingly, the Company has adopted this ASU and evaluated the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as well as the need for related footnote disclosure. The Company has concluded no disclosure is necessary regarding the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Note 1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of financial statement presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, ventures, and partnerships in which a controlling interest is held. Inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting for companies where its ownership is less than or equal to 50% and significant influence exists.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers cash and other instruments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company invests available funds in a manner to maximize returns, preserve investment principal, and maintain liquidity while seeking the highest yield available.

Cash and cash equivalents held in non-domestic accounts were approximately $29,400 and $29,700 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included in non-domestic cash equivalents are investments in bank term deposits of approximately $16 and $1,939 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The carrying amounts approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Inventories

Certain inventories are valued at the lower of the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market. Approximately 47% in 2016 and 43% in 2015 of the Company’s inventory is valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. Slow-moving inventory is reviewed and adjusted regularly, based upon product knowledge, physical inventory observation, and the age of the inventory.

Property, plant, and equipment

Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over 3 to 13 years, which represent the lives of the respective leases or the lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense is recorded within “cost of sales” and “selling and administrative” expenses based upon the particular asset’s use. The Company reviews a long-lived asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company impaired $14,956 of property, plant and equipment related to the test and inspection services division within the Tubular and Energy Services segment during the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no material asset impairments recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are charged to operations as incurred. Major renewals and betterments that substantially extend the useful life of the property are capitalized at cost. Upon sale or other disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in income.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to reflect the ultimate realization of the Company’s accounts receivable and includes assessment of the probability of collection and the credit-worthiness of certain customers. Reserves for uncollectible accounts are recorded as part of selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company reviews its accounts receivable aging and calculates an allowance through application of historic reserve factors to overdue receivables. This calculation is supplemented by specific account reviews performed by the Company’s credit department. As necessary, the application of the Company’s allowance rates to specific customers is reviewed and adjusted to more accurately reflect the credit risk inherent within that customer relationship.

Investments

Investments in companies in which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies (generally 20% to 50% ownership) are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and adjusted for dividends and undistributed earnings and losses. The equity method of accounting requires a company to recognize a loss in the value of an equity method investment that is other than a temporary decline.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if there are indicators of impairment. The goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. This step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded as a component of operations. The Company performs its annual impairment tests as of October 1st.

During 2016 and 2015, the Company identified certain triggering events that indicated an interim impairment test was required. As a result of the Company’s assessment, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $61,142 and $80,337 during 2016 and 2015, respectively. The 2016 charges related to the full impairment of the Chemtec Energy Services (“Chemtec”) and Protective Coatings divisions goodwill within the Tubular and Energy Services segment resulting from the Chemtec acquisition in 2014 and the 2013 acquisition of Ball Winch, LLC and a partial impairment of the Rail Technologies division goodwill within the Rail Products and Services segments, respectively. The 2015 impairment charge related to the goodwill resulting from the acquisition of IOS (or “test and inspection services”) and Chemtec within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. The measurement of goodwill impairment is a Level 3 fair value measurement, since the primary assumptions, including estimates of future revenue growth, gross margin, and EBITDA margin, are not market observable and require management to make judgements regarding future outcomes. Additional information concerning the impairments is set forth in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the financial statements. No additional charges were recorded as a result of the 2016 annual impairment test. No goodwill impairment was recognized during 2014.

The Company has no indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company reviews a long-lived intangible asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. All intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 5 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 15 years, at December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a definite-lived intangible asset impairment of $59,786 related to Chemtec and test and inspection services within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. There were no definite-lived intangible asset impairments during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information regarding the Company’s intangible assets.

Environmental remediation and compliance

Environmental remediation costs are accrued when the liability is probable and costs are estimable. Environmental compliance costs, which principally include the disposal of waste generated by routine operations, are expensed as incurred. Capitalized environmental costs, when appropriate, are depreciated over their useful life. Reserves are not reduced by potential claims for recovery and are not discounted. Claims for recovery are recognized as agreements are reached with third parties or as amounts are received. Reserves are periodically reviewed throughout the year and adjusted to reflect current remediation progress, prospective estimates of required activity, and other factors that may be relevant, including changes in technology or regulations. See Note 19 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for additional information regarding the Company’s outstanding environmental and litigation reserves.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by using the weighted average of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock utilizing the treasury stock method.

Revenue recognition

The Company’s revenues are comprised of product and service sales as well as products and services provided under long-term contracts. For product and service sales, the Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria have been satisfied: persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; product delivery and transfer of title to the customer has occurred or services have been rendered; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, product title passes to the customer upon shipment. In limited cases, title does not transfer and revenue is not recognized until the customer has received the products at its physical location. Revenue is recorded net of returns, allowances, customer discounts, and incentives. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues) basis. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold.

Revenues for products and services under long-term contracts are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Sales and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to estimated total project costs. Sales and gross profit are adjusted prospectively for revisions in estimated total project costs and contract values. For certain products and services, the percentage of completion is based upon actual labor costs as a percentage of estimated total labor costs. At the time a loss contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Costs in excess of billings are classified as work-in-process inventory. Projects with billings in excess of costs are recorded within deferred revenue.

Revenue recognition involves judgments, including assessments of expected returns, the likelihood of nonpayment, and estimates of expected costs and profits on long-term contracts. In determining when to recognize revenue, the Company analyzes various factors, including the specifics of the transaction, historical experience, creditworthiness of the customer, and current market and economic conditions. Changes in judgments on these factors could impact the timing and amount of revenue recognized with a resulting impact on the timing and amount of associated income.

Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue consists of customer payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met as well as billings in excess of costs on percentage of completion projects. Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts with respect to which the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the project, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title, ownership, and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

Fair value of financial instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, interest rate swap agreements, and debt.

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2016 and 2015 approximate fair value. See Note 18 Fair Value Measurements, for additional information.

Stock-based compensation

The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation. Under the guidance, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award. See Note 15 Share-based Compensation, for additional information.

Product warranty

The Company maintains a current warranty liability for the repair or replacement of defective products. For certain manufactured products, an accrual is made on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales based upon historical experience. For long-lived construction products, a warranty is established when the claim is known and quantifiable. The product warranty accrual is periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims or due to changes in the Company’s historical warranty experience. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the product warranty reserve was $10,154 and $8,755, respectively. See Note 19 Commitments and Contingencies for additional information regarding the product warranty.

Income taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of the change.

The Company makes judgments regarding the recognition of deferred tax assets and the future realization of these assets. As prescribed by FASB ASC 740 “Income Taxes” and applicable guidance, valuation allowances must be provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not (a likelihood more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The guidance requires the Company to evaluate positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of deferred tax assets. The determination of whether the positive evidence outweighs the negative evidence and quantification of the valuation allowance requires the Company to make estimates and judgments of future financial results.

The Company evaluates all tax positions taken on its federal, state, and foreign tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, the largest amount of benefit to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined on a cumulative probability basis. A previously recognized tax position is derecognized when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the expected tax benefit is based on judgment, historical experience, and various other assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes.

Foreign currency translation

The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency and are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts are translated at the weighted-average rates of exchange during the year. The translation adjustment is accumulated as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in determining net income. Included in net income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were foreign currency transaction (losses) gains of approximately ($12), $1,616, and $422, respectively.

Research and development

The Company expenses research and development costs as costs are incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, research and development expenses were $3,511, $3,937, and $3,096, respectively, and were principally related to the Company’s friction management and railroad monitoring system products.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently issued accounting guidance

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718).” This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation, and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue, cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company continues to evaluate the impacts that this standard will have on the Company's financial statements. The Company anticipates using the modified retrospective approach at adoption as it relates to ASU 2014-09.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The new accounting requirements include the accounting for, presentation of, and classification of leases. The guidance will result in most leases being capitalized as a right of use asset with a related liability on our balance sheets. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our financial position and results of operations. The Company has a significant number of leases, and, as a result, expects this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet, the impact of which is currently being evaluated.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740),” which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The ASU is effective on January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this standard will have on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350),” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, an entity will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. This standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating its implementation approach and assessing the impact of ASU 2017-04 on our financial position and results of operations.

Recently adopted accounting guidance

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40)”. This standard requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, ending after December 15, 2016. Accordingly, the Company has adopted this ASU and evaluated the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as well as the need for related footnote disclosure. The Company has concluded no disclosure is necessary regarding the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.