Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]	HBB provides a standard warranty to consumers for all of its products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product brand. In general, if a product is returned under warranty, a refund is provided to the consumer by HBB's customer, the retailer. Generally, the retailer returns those products to HBB for a credit. The Company estimates the costs which may be incurred under its standard warranty programs and records a liability for such costs at the time product revenue is recognized.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities (if any) at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances	Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances: Allowances for doubtful accounts are maintained against accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. These allowances are based on both recent trends of certain customers estimated to be a greater credit risk as well as general trends of the entire customer pool. Accounts are written off against the allowance when it becomes evident collection will not occur.
Inventories	Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The weighted average method is used for coal inventory. KC retail inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the retail inventory method. The first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method is used with respect to all other inventories. Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Upon a subsequent sale or disposal of the impaired inventory, the corresponding reserve for impaired value is relieved to ensure that the cost basis of the inventory reflects any write-downs.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net: Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation, depletion and amortization are provided in amounts sufficient to amortize the cost of the assets, including assets recorded under capital leases, over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Buildings and building improvements are depreciated using a 40 year life or, at NACoal, over the life of the mine, which is 30 years. Estimated lives for machinery and equipment range from three to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. The units-of-production method is used to amortize certain tooling for sourced products and certain coal-related assets based on estimated recoverable tonnages. Repairs and maintenance costs are generally expensed when incurred. Asset retirement costs associated with asset retirement obligations are capitalized with the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset's estimated useful life.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets: The Company periodically evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when changes in circumstances or the occurrence of certain events indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Upon identification of indicators of impairment, the Company evaluates the carrying value of the asset by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition with the asset's net carrying value. If the carrying value of an asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount that the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. Fair value is estimated as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Coal Supply Agreement and Other Intangibles, Net	Coal Supply Agreement: The coal supply agreement represents a long-term supply agreement with NACoal's customer and was recorded based on the fair value at the date of acquisition. The coal supply agreement is amortized based on units of production over the term of the agreement, which is estimated to be 30 years. The Company reviews identified intangible assets for impairment when changes in circumstances or the occurrence of certain events indicate potential impairment.
Self-insurance Liabilities	Self-insurance Liabilities: The Company is generally self-insured for product liability, environmental liability, medical claims, certain workers’ compensation claims and certain closed mine liabilities. For product liability, catastrophic insurance coverage is retained for potentially significant individual claims. An estimated provision for claims reported and for claims incurred but not yet reported under the self-insurance programs is recorded and revised periodically based on industry trends, historical experience and management judgment. In addition, industry trends are considered within management's judgment for valuing claims. Changes in assumptions for such matters as legal judgments and settlements, inflation rates, medical costs and actual experience could cause estimates to change in the near term.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition: Revenues are generally recognized when title transfers and risk of loss passes to the customer. Under its mining contracts, the Company recognizes revenue as the coal or limerock is delivered or services are performed. Revenues at HBB are recognized when customer orders are completed and shipped. Revenues at KC are recognized at the point of sale when payment is made and customers take possession of the merchandise in stores. The Company's products generally are not sold with the right of return. Based on the Company's historical experience, a portion of KC and HBB products sold are estimated to be returned due to reasons such as buyer remorse, duplicate gifts received, product failure and excess inventory stocked by the customer, which, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Company will agree to accept. The Company records estimated reductions to revenues at the time of the sale based upon this historical experience and the limited right of return provided to the Company's customers. The Company also records estimated reductions to revenues for customer programs and incentive offerings, including special pricing agreements, price competition, promotions and other volume-based incentives. At HBB, net sales represent gross sales less cooperative advertising, other volume-based incentives, estimated returns and allowances for defective products. Additionally, the Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenues are recognized. At KC, retail markdowns are incorporated into KC's retail method of accounting for cost of sales.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs: Advertising costs, except for direct response advertising, are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense was $20.4 million, $20.1 million and $16.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in these advertising costs are amounts related to cooperative advertising programs at HBB that are recorded as a reduction of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as related revenues are recognized. Direct response advertising, which consists primarily of costs to produce television commercials for HBB products, is capitalized and amortized over the expected period of future benefits. No assets related to direct response advertising were capitalized at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Product Development Costs	Product Development Costs: Expenses associated with the development of new products and changes to existing products are charged to expense as incurred. These costs amounted to $9.6 million, $8.1 million and $7.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs: Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recognized as revenue and shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of sales.
Tax Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities	Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities: The Company collects various taxes and fees as an agent in connection with the sale of products and remits these amounts to the respective taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are recorded as a liability until remitted to the respective taxing authority.
Stock Compensation	Stock Compensation: The Company maintains long-term incentive programs at all of its subsidiaries. The parent company has stock compensation plans that allow the grant of shares of Class A common stock, subject to restrictions, as a means of retaining and rewarding selected employees for long-term performance and to increase ownership in the Company. Shares awarded under the plans are fully vested and entitle the stockholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that shares may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred during the restriction period. In general, the restriction period ends at the earliest of (i) five years after the participant's retirement date, (ii) ten years from the award date, or (iii) the participant's death or permanent disability. Pursuant to the plans, the Company issued 32,591 and 16,123 shares related to the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. After the issuance of these shares, there were 201,168 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under these plans. Compensation expense related to these share awards was $1.8 million ($1.2 million net of tax), $0.9 million ($0.6 million net of tax) and $4.4 million ($2.8 million net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Compensation expense represents fair value based on the market price of the shares of Class A common stock at the grant date. The Company also has a stock compensation plan for non-employee directors of the Company under which a portion of the non-employee directors’ annual retainer is paid in restricted shares of Class A common stock. For the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $69,000 of the non-employee directors’ annual retainer of $125,000 was paid in restricted shares of Class A common stock. Shares awarded under the plan are fully vested and entitle the stockholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that shares may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred during the restriction period. In general, the restriction period ends at the earliest of (i) ten years from the award date, (ii) the date of the director's death or permanent disability, (iii) five years (or earlier with the approval of the Board of Directors) after the director's date of retirement from the Board of Directors, or (iv) the date of the participant's retirement from the Board of Directors and the director has reached 70 years of age. Pursuant to this plan, the Company issued 10,446, 9,472 and 8,944 shares related to the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition to the mandatory retainer fee received in restricted stock, directors may elect to receive shares of Class A common stock in lieu of cash for up to 100% of the balance of their annual retainer, meeting attendance fees, committee retainer and any committee chairman's fees. These voluntary shares are not subject to any restrictions. Total shares issued under voluntary elections were 1,335 in 2014, 1,300 in 2013, and 1,991 in 2012. After the issuance of these shares, there were 61,261 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under this plan. Compensation expense related to these awards was $0.6 million ($0.4 million net of tax), $0.6 million ($0.4 million net of tax) and $0.8 million ($0.5 million net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Compensation expense represents fair value based on the market price of the shares of Class A common stock at the grant date.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency: Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the fiscal year-end exchange rate. The related translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses of all foreign operations are translated using average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the year.
Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments: Financial instruments held by the Company include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, revolving credit agreements, long-term debt, interest rate swap agreements and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments or derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company uses forward foreign currency exchange contracts to partially reduce risks related to transactions denominated in foreign currencies. The Company offsets fair value amounts related to foreign currency exchange contracts executed with the same counterparty. These contracts hedge firm commitments and forecasted transactions relating to cash flows associated with sales and purchases denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies. Changes in the fair value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are effective as hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Deferred gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the same period as the gains or losses from the underlying transactions are recorded and are generally recognized in cost of sales. The ineffective portion of derivatives that are classified as hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and generally recognized in cost of sales. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to partially reduce risks related to floating rate financing agreements that are subject to changes in the market rate of interest. Terms of the interest rate swap agreements require the Company to receive a variable interest rate and pay a fixed interest rate. The Company's interest rate swap agreements and its variable rate financings are predominately based upon the three-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements that are effective as hedges are recorded in AOCI. Deferred gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the same period as the gains or losses from the underlying transactions are recorded and are generally recognized in interest expense. The ineffective portion of derivatives that are classified as hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and included on the line “Other” in the “Other income (expense)” section of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest rate swap agreements and forward foreign currency exchange contracts held by the Company have been designated as hedges of forecasted cash flows. The Company does not currently hold any nonderivative instruments designated as hedges or any derivatives designated as fair value hedges. The Company periodically enters into foreign currency exchange contracts that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. These derivatives are used to reduce the Company's exposure to foreign currency risk related to forecasted purchase or sales transactions or forecasted intercompany cash payments or settlements. Gains and losses on these derivatives are included on the line “Other” in the “Other income (expense)” section of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash flows from hedging activities are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same classification as the hedged item, generally as a component of cash flows from operations. See Note 9 for further discussion of derivative financial instruments.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements: The Company accounts for the fair value measurement of its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Described below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. See Note 10 for further discussion of fair value measurements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Accounting Standards Adopted in 2014: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity," which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations - that is, a major effect on the organization's operations and financial results - should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. Additionally, the ASU requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2014. The adoption did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows or related disclosures. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of implementing this guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows and related disclosures. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Preparation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern," to provide guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term “substantial doubt,” (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have an effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows or related disclosures.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]

HBB provides a standard warranty to consumers for all of its products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product brand. In general, if a product is returned under warranty, a refund is provided to the consumer by HBB's customer, the retailer. Generally, the retailer returns those products to HBB for a credit. The Company estimates the costs which may be incurred under its standard warranty programs and records a liability for such costs at the time product revenue is recognized.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities (if any) at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances

Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances: Allowances for doubtful accounts are maintained against accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. These allowances are based on both recent trends of certain customers estimated to be a greater credit risk as well as general trends of the entire customer pool. Accounts are written off against the allowance when it becomes evident collection will not occur.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The weighted average method is used for coal inventory. KC retail inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the retail inventory method. The first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method is used with respect to all other inventories. Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Upon a subsequent sale or disposal of the impaired inventory, the corresponding reserve for impaired value is relieved to ensure that the cost basis of the inventory reflects any write-downs.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net: Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation, depletion and amortization are provided in amounts sufficient to amortize the cost of the assets, including assets recorded under capital leases, over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Buildings and building improvements are depreciated using a 40 year life or, at NACoal, over the life of the mine, which is 30 years. Estimated lives for machinery and equipment range from three to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. The units-of-production method is used to amortize certain tooling for sourced products and certain coal-related assets based on estimated recoverable tonnages. Repairs and maintenance costs are generally expensed when incurred. Asset retirement costs associated with asset retirement obligations are capitalized with the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset's estimated useful life.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets: The Company periodically evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when changes in circumstances or the occurrence of certain events indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Upon identification of indicators of impairment, the Company evaluates the carrying value of the asset by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition with the asset's net carrying value. If the carrying value of an asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount that the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. Fair value is estimated as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Coal Supply Agreement and Other Intangibles, Net

Coal Supply Agreement: The coal supply agreement represents a long-term supply agreement with NACoal's customer and was recorded based on the fair value at the date of acquisition. The coal supply agreement is amortized based on units of production over the term of the agreement, which is estimated to be 30 years. The Company reviews identified intangible assets for impairment when changes in circumstances or the occurrence of certain events indicate potential impairment.

Self-insurance Liabilities

Self-insurance Liabilities: The Company is generally self-insured for product liability, environmental liability, medical claims, certain workers’ compensation claims and certain closed mine liabilities. For product liability, catastrophic insurance coverage is retained for potentially significant individual claims. An estimated provision for claims reported and for claims incurred but not yet reported under the self-insurance programs is recorded and revised periodically based on industry trends, historical experience and management judgment. In addition, industry trends are considered within management's judgment for valuing claims. Changes in assumptions for such matters as legal judgments and settlements, inflation rates, medical costs and actual experience could cause estimates to change in the near term.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition: Revenues are generally recognized when title transfers and risk of loss passes to the customer. Under its mining contracts, the Company recognizes revenue as the coal or limerock is delivered or services are performed. Revenues at HBB are recognized when customer orders are completed and shipped. Revenues at KC are recognized at the point of sale when payment is made and customers take possession of the merchandise in stores.

The Company's products generally are not sold with the right of return. Based on the Company's historical experience, a portion of KC and HBB products sold are estimated to be returned due to reasons such as buyer remorse, duplicate gifts received, product failure and excess inventory stocked by the customer, which, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Company will agree to accept. The Company records estimated reductions to revenues at the time of the sale based upon this historical experience and the limited right of return provided to the Company's customers.

The Company also records estimated reductions to revenues for customer programs and incentive offerings, including special pricing agreements, price competition, promotions and other volume-based incentives. At HBB, net sales represent gross sales less cooperative advertising, other volume-based incentives, estimated returns and allowances for defective products. Additionally, the Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenues are recognized. At KC, retail markdowns are incorporated into KC's retail method of accounting for cost of sales.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs, except for direct response advertising, are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense was $20.4 million, $20.1 million and $16.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in these advertising costs are amounts related to cooperative advertising programs at HBB that are recorded as a reduction of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as related revenues are recognized. Direct response advertising, which consists primarily of costs to produce television commercials for HBB products, is capitalized and amortized over the expected period of future benefits. No assets related to direct response advertising were capitalized at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Product Development Costs

Product Development Costs: Expenses associated with the development of new products and changes to existing products are charged to expense as incurred. These costs amounted to $9.6 million, $8.1 million and $7.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs: Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recognized as revenue and shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of sales.

Tax Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities: The Company collects various taxes and fees as an agent in connection with the sale of products and remits these amounts to the respective taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are recorded as a liability until remitted to the respective taxing authority.

Stock Compensation

Stock Compensation: The Company maintains long-term incentive programs at all of its subsidiaries. The parent company has stock compensation plans that allow the grant of shares of Class A common stock, subject to restrictions, as a means of retaining and rewarding selected employees for long-term performance and to increase ownership in the Company. Shares awarded under the plans are fully vested and entitle the stockholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that shares may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred during the restriction period. In general, the restriction period ends at the earliest of (i) five years after the participant's retirement date, (ii) ten years from the award date, or (iii) the participant's death or permanent disability. Pursuant to the plans, the Company issued 32,591 and 16,123 shares related to the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. After the issuance of these shares, there were 201,168 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under these plans. Compensation expense related to these share awards was $1.8 million ($1.2 million net of tax), $0.9 million ($0.6 million net of tax) and $4.4 million ($2.8 million net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Compensation expense represents fair value based on the market price of the shares of Class A common stock at the grant date.

The Company also has a stock compensation plan for non-employee directors of the Company under which a portion of the non-employee directors’ annual retainer is paid in restricted shares of Class A common stock. For the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $69,000 of the non-employee directors’ annual retainer of $125,000 was paid in restricted shares of Class A common stock. Shares awarded under the plan are fully vested and entitle the stockholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that shares may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred during the restriction period. In general, the restriction period ends at the earliest of (i) ten years from the award date, (ii) the date of the director's death or permanent disability, (iii) five years (or earlier with the approval of the Board of Directors) after the director's date of retirement from the Board of Directors, or (iv) the date of the participant's retirement from the Board of Directors and the director has reached 70 years of age. Pursuant to this plan, the Company issued 10,446, 9,472 and 8,944 shares related to the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition to the mandatory retainer fee received in restricted stock, directors may elect to receive shares of Class A common stock in lieu of cash for up to 100% of the balance of their annual retainer, meeting attendance fees, committee retainer and any committee chairman's fees. These voluntary shares are not subject to any restrictions. Total shares issued under voluntary elections were 1,335 in 2014, 1,300 in 2013, and 1,991 in 2012. After the issuance of these shares, there were 61,261 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under this plan. Compensation expense related to these awards was $0.6 million ($0.4 million net of tax), $0.6 million ($0.4 million net of tax) and $0.8 million ($0.5 million net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Compensation expense represents fair value based on the market price of the shares of Class A common stock at the grant date.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency: Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the fiscal year-end exchange rate. The related translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses of all foreign operations are translated using average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the year.

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments: Financial instruments held by the Company include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, revolving credit agreements, long-term debt, interest rate swap agreements and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments or derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company uses forward foreign currency exchange contracts to partially reduce risks related to transactions denominated in foreign currencies. The Company offsets fair value amounts related to foreign currency exchange contracts executed with the same counterparty. These contracts hedge firm commitments and forecasted transactions relating to cash flows associated with sales and purchases denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies. Changes in the fair value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are effective as hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Deferred gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the same period as the gains or losses from the underlying transactions are recorded and are generally recognized in cost of sales. The ineffective portion of derivatives that are classified as hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and generally recognized in cost of sales.

The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to partially reduce risks related to floating rate financing agreements that are subject to changes in the market rate of interest. Terms of the interest rate swap agreements require the Company to receive a variable interest rate and pay a fixed interest rate. The Company's interest rate swap agreements and its variable rate financings are predominately based upon the three-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements that are effective as hedges are recorded in AOCI. Deferred gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the same period as the gains or losses from the underlying transactions are recorded and are generally recognized in interest expense. The ineffective portion of derivatives that are classified as hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and included on the line “Other” in the “Other income (expense)” section of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Interest rate swap agreements and forward foreign currency exchange contracts held by the Company have been designated as hedges of forecasted cash flows. The Company does not currently hold any nonderivative instruments designated as hedges or any derivatives designated as fair value hedges.

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency exchange contracts that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. These derivatives are used to reduce the Company's exposure to foreign currency risk related to forecasted purchase or sales transactions or forecasted intercompany cash payments or settlements. Gains and losses on these derivatives are included on the line “Other” in the “Other income (expense)” section of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cash flows from hedging activities are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same classification as the hedged item, generally as a component of cash flows from operations.

See Note 9 for further discussion of derivative financial instruments.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements: The Company accounts for the fair value measurement of its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

A fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

Described below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available.

The hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement.

See Note 10 for further discussion of fair value measurements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2014: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity," which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations - that is, a major effect on the organization's operations and financial results - should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. Additionally, the ASU requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2014. The adoption did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows or related disclosures.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of implementing this guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows and related disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Preparation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern," to provide guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term “substantial doubt,” (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have an effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows or related disclosures.