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11. Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements

FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC 820 are described as follows:

 

Level 1. Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.

 

Level 2. Inputs to the valuation methodology include the following:

 

·Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
·Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
·Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
·Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3. Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The asset or liability's fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There have been no changes in the methodologies used as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

The majority of the Company's fair value measurements for investments are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company's Level 1 fair value measurements, which include mutual funds and common stock, is based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical securities. The Company's Level 2 fair value measurements, which include corporate bonds and preferred securities, is based on quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets. The Company's level 3 fair value measurements which include other than temporarily impaired bonds are based on the present value of the estimated proceeds expected to be received at maturity of the bond. Those bonds were reclassified to level 3 from level 2 during 2015.

 

The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Company believes the valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

 

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2015. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:

 

   Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
                 
Mutual Funds  $26   $   $   $26 
Common Stocks & ETF's   613            613 
Preferred Securities       104        104 
Corporate Bonds       1,187    161    1,348 

 

The Company's financial assets and liabilities which are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable for which carrying value approximates fair value.