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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. There is a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. In fair value, measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:
 
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.

When measuring fair value, the Company maximizes use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.

Fair value measurements are classified to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation. A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.

The carrying values of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying value of our debt approximates the fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, as the floating rates on our outstanding balances approximate current market rates. This conclusion was made based on Level 2 inputs. Other than the investments held by the retirement benefit plans, as described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company does not have any other significant financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Fair value measurements are also used in connection with nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with impairment assessments and acquisition accounting. In completing the analysis of the fair values of certain assets acquired as part of business acquisitions, discounted cash flow models were used, which were principally based upon internal assumptions. In valuing certain of the acquired intangible assets, we used an excess earnings methodology, which is a form of a discounted cash flow analysis.

All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.