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Note 12 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
(
1
2
)
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
 
The Company operates internationally and is exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates in the normal course of business. The Company, from time to time, uses derivatives to reduce exposure to market risks resulting from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
 
All financial instruments involve market and credit risks. The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the contracts. While there can be
no
assurance, the Company does
not
anticipate non-performance by these counterparties.
 
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
 
The Company periodically enters into foreign currency forward contracts to protect against currency fluctuations of forecasted cash flows and existing balance sheet exposures at its foreign operations, as deemed appropriate. The Company
may
or
may
not
elect to designate certain forward contracts for hedge accounting treatment.
 
For derivatives that are
not
designated for hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value are immediately recognized in earnings. This treatment has the potential to increase volatility of the Company’s earnings.
 
None
of the foreign currency forward contracts entered into during
2017
or
2016
were designated for hedge accounting treatment. The notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts were
$32,781,
$20,896,
and
$9,322
at
December 31, 2017,
2016,
and
2015,
respectively. The Company does
not
hold or purchase any foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes and
no
contractual term is greater than
twelve
months.
 
The fair value of the Company
’s foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was a gain of
$83
and
$125
at
December 31, 2017
and
2016,
respectively. This gain is reflected in the Company’s balance sheet under the caption “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”