Note 4. Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Schedule of Investments [Abstract]

Note 4. Investments

Investments consisted of the following.

	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Cost	$	23,172	$	22,508
Gross unrealized gains		49		24
Gross unrealized losses		—		(235	)
Fair value	$	23,221	$	22,297

Investment gains/losses are recognized when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or as otherwise required by GAAP. The timing of realized gains and losses from sales can have a material effect on periodic earnings. However, such realized gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total shareholders’ equity because the investments are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains/losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. We believe that realized investment gains/losses are often meaningless in terms of understanding reported results. Short-term investment gains/losses have caused and may continue to cause volatility in our results.

Investments in equity securities and a related put option of $4,463 are included in other assets and recorded at fair value.