Balance Sheet Components



	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
RECEIVABLES
Customers	$	297,796	$	275,250
Other	4,134		5,641
Total	301,930		280,891
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	7,764		8,078
Total receivables — net	$	294,166	$	272,813
INVENTORIES
Raw materials and components parts	$	169,676	$	154,278
Work in process	33,668		34,832
Finished goods	56,380		63,749
Total	$	259,724	$	252,859
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and improvements	$	32,984	$	33,883
Buildings and improvements	175,467		169,261
Machinery, equipment and other	356,728		328,779
Office and transportation equipment	96,541		98,355
Construction in progress	14,715		10,373
Total	676,435		640,651
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	418,085		392,835
Total property, plant and equipment — net	$	258,350	$	247,816
ACCRUED EXPENSES
Payroll and related items	$	75,869	$	67,600
Management incentive compensation	24,320		16,339
Income taxes payable	28,033		8,808
Insurance	9,424		9,416
Warranty	6,281		5,628
Deferred revenue	11,031		12,607
Restructuring	4,180		3,893
Liability for uncertain tax positions	1,745		1,366
Accrued interest	1,759		1,663
Other	22,063		25,532
Total accrued expenses	$	184,705	$	152,852
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Pension and retiree medical obligations	$	99,646	$	93,604
Transition tax payable	27,877		—
Liability for uncertain tax positions	1,047		2,623
Deferred revenue	3,297		2,442
Other	23,818		22,561
Total other noncurrent liabilities	$	155,685	$	121,230

The valuation and qualifying account activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:



	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS ⁽¹⁾
Beginning balance January 1	$	8,078		$	7,812		$	6,961
Charged to costs and expenses, net of recoveries	720			1,425			1,556
Utilization	(1,418		)	(1,585		)	(1,009		)
Currency translation and other	384			426			304
Ending balance December 31	$	7,764		$	8,078		$	7,812


(1)	Includes provision for doubtful accounts, sales returns and sales discounts granted to customers.