DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including businesses acquired since their respective dates of acquisition. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including but not limited to those related to product returns, provisions for bad debt, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, investments, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") expense, income taxes, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents - Cash equivalents include short-term investments in money market funds and certificates of deposit with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We determine our allowance by both specific identification of customer accounts where appropriate and the application of historical loss experience to non-specific accounts.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations – We account for business combinations by recognizing the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions specified in the accounting literature. Acquisition-related costs, including restructuring costs, are recognized separately from the acquisition and will generally be expensed as incurred.

Effects of Foreign Currency

Effects of Foreign Currency – In non-U.S. locations that are not considered highly inflationary, we translate the balance sheets at the end of period exchange rates with translation adjustments accumulated in stockholders' equity on our consolidated balance sheets. We translate the statements of operations at the average exchange rates during the applicable period. The Company incurred net realized and unrealized currency exchange gains (losses) of $5.1 million, $4.3 million and ($0.6) million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which were included in net earnings.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk - Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable and temporary cash investments. We grant credit to customers that are primarily original equipment manufacturers and to subcontractors of original equipment manufacturers based on an evaluation of the customer's financial condition, without requiring collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally dependent on each customer's financial condition. We control our exposure to credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures and establish allowances for anticipated losses. See Note 12, "Segments," for disclosures regarding significant customers.

We place temporary cash investments with quality financial institutions and commercial issuers of short-term paper and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure in any one financial instrument.

Inventories

Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted-average cost or market. Costs related to inventories include raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead which are included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company utilizes the average cost method in determining amounts to be removed from inventory.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized when the product has been delivered and title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, collection of the resulting receivable is deemed reasonably assured by management, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed and determinable. Substantially all of our shipments are FCA (free carrier), which provides for title to pass upon delivery to the customer's freight carrier. Some product is shipped DDP/DDU with title passing when the product arrives at the customer's dock. DDP is defined as Delivered Duty Paid by the Company and DDU is Delivered Duty Unpaid by the Company.

For certain customers, we provide consigned inventory, either at the customer's facility or at a third-party warehouse. Sales of consigned inventory are recorded when the customer withdraws inventory from consignment.

The Company is not contractually obligated to accept returns except for defective product or in instances where the product does not meet the Company's product specifications. However, the Company may permit its customers to return product for other reasons. In these instances, the Company would generally require a significant cancellation penalty payment by the customer. The Company estimates such returns, where applicable, based upon management's evaluation of historical experience, market acceptance of products produced and known negotiations with customers. Such estimates are deducted from sales and provided for at the time revenue is recognized.

Product Warranties

Product Warranties – Warranties vary by product line and are competitive for the markets in which the Company operates. Warranties generally extend for one to three years from the date of sale. The Company reviews its warranty liability quarterly based on an analysis of actual expenses and failure rates accompanied with estimated future costs and projected failure rate trends. Factors taken into consideration when evaluating our warranty reserve are (i) historical claims for each product, (ii) volume increases, (iii) life of warranty, (iv) historical warranty repair costs and (v) other factors. To the extent that actual experience differs from our estimate, the provision for product warranties will be adjusted in future periods. Actual warranty repair costs are charged against the reserve balance as incurred. See Note 11, "Accrued Expenses."

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets – Intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets– Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the following (1) consideration transferred, (2) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and, (3) if the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair value of our previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

We evaluate goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of October 1 or more frequently if impairment indicators arise in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other".

The Company tests goodwill for impairment using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and reviewed regularly by management. Our reporting units are geographical in nature and are North America, Asia and Europe. Assets and liabilities of the Company have been assigned to the reporting units to the extent they are employed in or are considered a liability related to the operations of the reporting unit and are considered in determining the fair value of the reporting unit. Reporting units with similar economic characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the goodwill impairment test.

The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test, used to measure the amount of impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of goodwill associated with each reporting unit with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill associated with a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. No impairment was recognized as a result of the October 1, 2015 and 2014 testing. See Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."

The Company tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment using the relief-from-royalty method (a form of the income approach). No impairment was recognized as a result of the October 1, 2015 testing. See Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."

Evaluation of Long-lived Assets

Evaluation of Long-lived Assets – Management reviews long-lived assets for potential impairment whenever significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, the resulting writedown would be the difference between fair market value of the long-lived asset and the related net book value.

Depreciation

Depreciation - Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. The estimated useful lives primarily range from 3 to 39 years for buildings and leasehold improvements, and from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. We have established valuation allowances for deferred tax assets that are not likely to be realized. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, we would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We establish reserves for tax contingencies when, despite the belief that our tax return positions are fully supported, it is probable that certain positions may be challenged and may not be fully sustained. The tax contingency reserves are analyzed on a quarterly basis and adjusted based upon changes in facts and circumstances, such as the conclusion of federal and state audits, expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of tax, case law and emerging legislation. Our effective tax rate includes the effect of tax contingency reserves and changes to the reserves as considered appropriate by management.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share – We utilize the two-class method to report our earnings per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, states that Class B common shares are entitled to dividends at least 5% greater than dividends paid to Class A common shares, resulting in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. In computing earnings per share, the Company has allocated dividends declared to Class A and Class B based on amounts actually declared for each class of stock and 5% more of the undistributed earnings have been allocated to Class B shares than to the Class A shares on a per share basis. Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share, for each class of common stock, are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period. There were no potential common shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013 which would have had a dilutive effect on earnings per share.

The earnings and weighted average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

	2015		2014		2013
Numerator:
Net earnings	$	19,197	$	8,603	$	15,908
Less dividends declared:
Class A		522		522		522
Class B		2,713		2,665		2,576
Undistributed earnings	$	15,962	$	5,416	$	12,810

Undistributed earnings allocation - basic and diluted:
Class A undistributed earnings	$	2,809	$	970	$	2,346
Class B undistributed earnings		13,153		4,446		10,464
Total undistributed earnings	$	15,962	$	5,416	$	12,810

Net earnings allocation - basic and diluted:
Class A net earnings	$	3,331	$	1,492	$	2,868
Class B net earnings		15,866		7,111		13,040
Net earnings	$	19,197	$	8,603	$	15,908


Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Class A - basic and diluted		2,175		2,175		2,175
Class B - basic and diluted		9,698		9,491		9,240

Net earnings per share:
Class A - basic and diluted	$	1.53	$	0.69	$	1.32
Class B - basic and diluted	$	1.64	$	0.75	$	1.41

Research and Development ("R&D")

Research and Development ("R&D") - Our engineering groups are strategically located around the world to facilitate communication with and access to customers' engineering personnel. This collaborative approach enables partnerships with customers for technical development efforts. On occasion, we execute non-disclosure agreements with our customers to help develop proprietary, next generation products destined for rapid deployment. R&D costs are expensed as incurred, and are included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, R&D is performed internally for the benefit of the Company. R&D costs include salaries, building maintenance and utilities, rents, materials, administration costs and miscellaneous other items. R&D expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $27.7 million, $21.5 million and $14.1 million, respectively. The majority of the increase over the past two years relates to the inclusion of R&D expenses of the 2013 and 2014 Acquired Companies, which have been included in Bel's results since their respective acquisition dates.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements - We utilize the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures for all financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis or on a nonrecurring basis during the reporting period. The fair value is an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants based upon the best use of the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The accounting guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers are defined as follows:

Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs about which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions

For financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturities of such instruments. See Note 5, "Fair Value Measurements," for additional disclosures related to fair value measurements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance for the reporting of discontinued operations, which also contains new disclosure requirements for both discontinued operations and other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This guidance was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2015. The effects of this guidance will depend on future disposals by the Company.

In November 2014, the FASB issued guidance on pushdown accounting for business combinations. This amendment provides an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. This amendment was effective on November 18, 2014. The effects of this standard will depend on any future events whereby we obtain control of an entity and elect to apply pushdown accounting.

In July 2013, the FASB issued revised guidance to address the diversity in practice related to the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2014, on a prospective basis. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance to provide a new comprehensive model for lease accounting. Under this guidance, lessees and lessors should apply a "right-of-use" model in accounting for all leases (including subleases) and eliminate the concept of operating leases and off-balance sheet leases. This guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance which will require entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet. The guidance simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as current and noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet. This guidance may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for measurement period adjustments related to business combinations, which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement period adjustments retrospectively. Under this guidance, acquirers must recognize measurement period adjustments in the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amount they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Measurement period adjustments of any future acquisitions will be accounted for under this new guidance.

In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein. Early application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements, if any.

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs. The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. In August 2015, the FASB amended this guidance for debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements to reflect that the SEC would not object to the deferral and presentation of debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequent amortization of debt issuance costs over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, whether or not there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. Management does not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Extraordinary items are events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence. Eliminating the extraordinary classification simplifies income statement presentation by altogether removing the concept of extraordinary items from consideration. This amendment is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of financial statements when there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The amendment requires that an entity's management evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, additional disclosure is required to enable users of the financial statements to understand the conditions or events, management's evaluation of the significance of those conditions and events and management's plans that are intended to alleviate or management's plans that have alleviated substantial doubt. The amendment is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. Management does not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have any material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance on stock compensation. The amendment requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Management does not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for revenue from contracts with customers that will supersede most existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods and 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. In addition, the guidance requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. This guidance allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. On July 9, 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of this guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, however, early adoption as of the original effective date will be permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements, if any, including which transition method it will adopt.