Note 5 - Acquisition-related Items

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Business Combination Disclosure Acquisition Related Items [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure Acquisition Related Items [Text Block]

5. Acquisition-related items

Acquisition-related expense (income) comprises the following:

		2015		2014		2013
Transaction costs	$	5,301	$	9,103	$	2,903
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments		383		1,774		1,578
Contingent consideration compensation expense		915		226		6,182
Gain on revaluation of previously held equity investment (note 3)		-		-		(820	)
	$	6,599	$	11,103	$	9,843

Contingent consideration compensation expense and contingent consideration fair value adjustments relate to acquisitions made in the current year as well as acquisitions made in the preceding four years.