Balchem (BCPC) 10-Q 5 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'BALCHEM CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000009326	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	30,142,754
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$190,179	$144,737
Accounts receivable, net	40,510	41,999
Inventories	24,748	20,693
Prepaid expenses	1,580	3,048
Prepaid income taxes	104	326
Deferred income taxes	1,020	593
Other current assets	321	513
Total current assets	258,462	211,909
Property, plant and equipment, net	54,784	52,725
Goodwill	28,515	28,515
Intangible assets with finite lives, net	16,104	18,858
Other assets	540	538
Total assets	358,405	312,545
Current liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts payable	9,338	14,276
Accrued expenses	12,177	11,820
Accrued compensation and other benefits	3,613	4,138
Customer deposits and other deferred revenue	235	0
Total current liabilities	25,363	30,234
Deferred income taxes	6,385	5,868
Other long-term obligations	3,776	3,431
Total liabilities	35,524	39,533
Commitments and contingencies (note 12)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $25 par value. Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.0667 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; 30,050,954 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 29,454,171 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,004	1,964
Additional paid-in capital	72,417	57,198
Retained earnings	248,736	214,609
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-276	-759
Total stockholders' equity	322,881	273,012
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$358,405	$312,545

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$25	$25
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.07
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	30,050,954	29,454,171
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,050,954	29,454,171

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$87,593	$75,116	$255,540	$230,333
Cost of sales	63,071	51,718	181,901	163,193
Gross margin	24,522	23,398	73,639	67,140
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling expenses	3,679	3,810	12,012	12,066
Research and development expenses	876	897	2,661	2,620
General and administrative expenses	2,991	2,451	9,509	7,714
Operating expenses	7,546	7,158	24,182	22,400
Earnings from operations	16,976	16,240	49,457	44,740
Other expenses (income):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	-65	-2	-178	-9
Interest expense	2	3	5	8
Other, net	-21	14	25	4
Earnings before income tax expense	17,060	16,225	49,605	44,737
Income tax expense	5,403	5,352	15,478	14,624
Net earnings	$11,657	$10,873	$34,127	$30,113
Net earnings per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.37	$1.16	$1.04
Net earnings per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.36	$1.11	$0.99

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$11,657	$10,873	$34,127	$30,113
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	749	326	484	-84
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, net of taxes of $-0- and $1 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and $1 and $4 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012	1	-4	-1	-15
Other comprehensive income (loss)	750	322	483	-99
Comprehensive income	$12,407	$11,195	$34,610	$30,014

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, taxes	$0	$1	$1	$4

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings	$34,127	$30,113
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	7,838	7,213
Stock compensation expense	2,887	2,933
Shares issued under employee benefit plans	0	310
Deferred income tax expense	73	-1,155
Foreign currency transaction loss	69	74
Changes in assets and liabilities	'	'
Accounts receivable	1,710	-2,759
Inventories	-3,965	-1,712
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,564	735
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-5,347	2,067
Income taxes	255	6,237
Customer deposits and other deferred revenue	233	0
Other	428	305
Net cash provided by operating activities	39,872	44,361
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-6,644	-7,493
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	40	0
Intangible assets acquired	-218	-11
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,822	-7,504
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	178
Principal payments on long-term debt	0	-1,377
Repayments of short-term obligations	-89	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	6,742	1,312
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	5,715	1,668
Dividends paid	0	-5,237
Purchase of treasury stock	-86	-964
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,282	-4,420
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	110	-36
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	45,442	32,401
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period	144,737	114,781
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	$190,179	$147,182

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_FINANCI

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [Abstract]	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	'
	NOTE 1 – CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the accounting policies described in its December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes, which appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. References in this report to the “Company” mean either Balchem Corporation or Balchem Corporation and its subsidiaries, including BCP Ingredients, Inc., Aberco, Inc., Balchem BV, Balchem Trading BV, and Balchem Italia Srl, on a consolidated basis, as the context requires.
	In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements furnished in this Form 10-Q include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) governing interim financial statements and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and therefore do not include some information and notes necessary to conform to annual reporting requirements. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for the full year or any interim period.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	NOTE 2 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” The Company’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 reflected the following stock-based compensation cost, and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings:
		Increase/(Decrease) for the
		Three Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012
	Cost of sales		$	152			$	144
	Operating expenses			754				843
	Net earnings			(556	)			(627	)
			Increase/(Decrease) for the
			Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012
	Cost of sales		$	456			$	433
	Operating expenses			2,431				2,500
	Net earnings			(1,799	)			(1,858	)
	As required by ASC 718, the Company has made an estimate of expected forfeitures based on its historical experience and is recognizing compensation cost only for those stock-based compensation awards expected to vest.
	The Company’s stock incentive plans allow for the granting of restricted stock awards and options to purchase common stock. Both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options can be awarded under the plans. No option will be exercisable for longer than ten years after the date of grant. The Company has approved and reserved a number of shares to be issued upon exercise of the outstanding options that is adequate to cover all exercises. As of September 30, 2013, the plans had 4,292,652 shares available for future awards. Compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, generally three years for stock options, ninety days to four years for employee restricted stock awards, and four to seven years for non-employee director restricted stock awards. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans) or other qualifying events.
	Option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below:
			Shares (000s)				Weighted				Aggregate			Weighted
							Average				Intrinsic			Average
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013						Exercise				Value			Remaining
							Price				($000s)			Contractual
														Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			2,543			$	16.87			$	49,845
	Granted			175				38.58
	Exercised			(602	)			11.21
	Forfeited			(31	)			33.9
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013			2,085			$	20.08			$	66,048			5.3
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2013			1,604			$	15.97			$	57,399			4.3
			Shares (000s)				Weighted				Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000s)			Weighted
							Average							Average
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2012						Exercise							Remaining
							Price							Contractual
														Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011			2,514			$	14.68			$	65,043
	Granted			226				29.14
	Exercised			(150	)			8.73
	Forfeited			(5	)			28.87
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2012			2,585			$	16.26			$	52,983			5.3
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2012			2,010			$	12.66			$	48,402			4.3
	ASC 718 requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yields of 0.5% and 0.5%; expected volatilities of 39% and 41%; risk-free interest rates of 1.0% and 0.8%; and expected lives of 5.0 and 4.6 years, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company used a projected expected life for each award granted based on historical experience of employees’ exercise behavior. Expected volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility levels. Dividend yields are based on the Company’s historical dividend yields. Risk-free interest rates are based on the implied yields currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life.
	Other information pertaining to option activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	17.83			$	11.5			$	13.02		$	9.76
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s)		$	8,260			$	1,659			$	20,244		$	4,249
	Non-vested restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below:
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013						Weighted
			Shares (000s)				Average Grant
							Date Fair
							Value
	Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012			258			$	26.88
	Granted			21				38.1
	Vested			(5	)			35.79
	Forfeited			(24	)			31.97
	Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2013			250			$	27.11
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012						Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
			Shares (000s)
	Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2011			354			$	18.77
	Granted			54				30.6
	Vested			(80	)			13.72
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2012			328			$	21.96
As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, there was $6,185 and $6,267 respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. As of September 30, 2013, the unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The Company estimates that share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 will be approximately $3,800.
REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK
The Company has an approved stock repurchase program. The total authorization under this program is 3,763,038 shares. Since the inception of the program in June 1999, a total of 2,056,050 shares have been purchased, none of which remained in treasury at September 30, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a total of 1,882 shares have been purchased at an average cost of $45.47 per share. The Company intends to acquire shares from time to time at prevailing market prices if and to the extent it deems it advisable to do so based on its assessment of corporate cash flow, market conditions and other factors.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES
	Inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	9,193	$	8,982
	Work in progress		1,275		1,720
	Finished goods		14,280		9,991
	Total inventories	$	24,748	$	20,693

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
	NOTE 4 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land	$	2,029	$	1,998
	Building		19,659		16,526
	Equipment		83,796		70,859
	Construction in progress		2,365		11,446
			107,849		100,829
	Less: accumulated depreciation		53,065		48,104
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	54,784	$	52,725

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	NOTE 5 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company had goodwill in the amount of $28,515 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.”
	Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:
		Amortization		Gross		Accumulated Amortization at		Gross		Accumulated Amortization at
		Period		Carrying		9/30/13		Carrying		12/31/12
		(in years)		Amount at 9/30/13				Amount at 12/31/12
	Customer lists		10	$	37,142	$	23,642	$	37,142	$	20,912
	Regulatory registration costs		10-May		1,633		475		1,411		361
	Patents & trade secrets		15-17		1,587		828		1,581		765
	Trademarks & trade names		17		910		448		909		408
	Other		10-May		754		529		754		493
				$	42,026	$	25,922	$	41,797	$	22,939
	Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was approximately $2,982 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Assuming no change in the gross carrying value of identifiable intangible assets, the estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2013 is $995, approximately $4,000 per annum for 2014 through 2016, $1,400 in 2017 and $600 in 2018. At September 30, 2013, there were no identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as defined by ASC 350. Identifiable intangible assets are reflected in “Intangible assets with finite lives, net” in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. There were no changes to the useful lives of intangible assets subject to amortization during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

NET_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	NOTE 6 – NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following presents a reconciliation of the net earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted net earnings per share:
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Three months ended September 30, 2013	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	11,657		29,708,370	$	0.39
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,215,240
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	11,657		30,923,610	$	0.38
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Three months ended September 30, 2012	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	10,873		29,000,657	$	0.37
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,416,067
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	10,873		30,416,724	$	0.36
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	34,127		29,509,991	$	1.16
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,268,110
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	34,127		30,778,101	$	1.11
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	30,113		28,960,802	$	1.04
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,379,180
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	30,113		30,339,982	$	0.99
	The Company had stock options covering 8,800 and 239,647 shares at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future periods that were not included in diluted earnings per share because their effect on the period presented was anti-dilutive.
	The Company has some share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable dividend rights. These awards are restricted shares and they participate on a one-for-one basis with holders of common stock. These awards have an immaterial impact as participating securities with regard to the calculation using the two-class method for determining earnings per share.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES
	The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.”  ASC 740-10 clarifies whether or not to recognize assets or liabilities for tax positions taken that may be challenged by a tax authority. All of the unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized in future periods, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various states and foreign countries. As of September 30, 2013, in the major jurisdictions where the Company operates, it is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, there was no significant change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $2,800 and $2,300, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which is included in other long-term obligations on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not anticipate any material change in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to occur within the next twelve months. The Company includes interest expense or income as well as potential penalties on unrecognized tax positions as a component of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was approximately $900 and $600, respectively, and is included in other long-term obligations.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	NOTE 8 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company's reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer products and services to different markets. Presently, the Company has three segments: Specialty Products; Food, Pharma & Nutrition; and Animal Nutrition & Health.
	Business Segment Net Sales:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Specialty Products	$	12,420	$	12,318		$	38,419	$	37,032
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		12,348		10,893			35,502		33,406
	Animal Nutrition & Health		62,825		51,905			181,619		159,895
	Total	$	87,593	$	75,116		$	255,540	$	230,333
	Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Specialty Products	$	4,848	$	5,245		$	15,036	$	14,823
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		2,760		2,898			8,536		8,996
	Animal Nutrition & Health		9,368		8,097			25,885		20,921
	Interest and other income (expense)		84		(15	)		148		(3	)
	Total	$	17,060	$	16,225		$	49,605	$	44,737
	The following table summarizes domestic (U.S.) and foreign sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Domestic	$	60,742	$	50,673		$	173,855	$	154,426
	Foreign		26,851		24,443			81,685		75,907
	Total	$	87,593	$	75,116		$	255,540	$	230,333

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
	NOTE 9 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	Cash paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for income taxes and interest is as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
			2013		2012
	Income taxes		$	9,274	$	9,259
	Interest		$	22	$	7

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT	'
	NOTE 10 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). This guidance is the culmination of the FASB’s deliberation on reporting reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The amendments in ASU 2013-02 do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income. However, the amendments require disclosure of amounts reclassified out of AOCI in its entirety, by component, on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes thereto. Amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income must be cross-referenced to other disclosures that provide additional detail. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Other than the additional disclosure requirements (see below), the adoption of these changes had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$	749		$	326
	Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)
	Amortization of prior service credit		(5	)		(4	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		6			(1	)
	Total before tax		1			(5	)
	Tax		-			1
	Net of tax		1			(4	)
	Total other comprehensive income		750			322
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$	484		$	(84	)
	Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)
	Amortization of prior service credit		(14	)		(14	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		12			(5	)
	Total before tax		(2	)		(19	)
	Tax		1			4
	Net of tax		(1	)		(15	)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	483		$	(99	)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLAN

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	'
	NOTE 11 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
	The Company currently provides postretirement benefits in the form of a retirement medical plan under a collective bargaining agreement covering eligible retired employees of its Verona, Missouri facility.
	Net periodic benefit cost for such retirement medical plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was as follows:
		2013			2012
	Service cost	$	51		$	40
	Interest cost		32			31
	Amortization of prior service credit		(14	)		(14	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		12			(5	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	81		$	52
	The amount recorded on the Company’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 for this obligation is $1,381, and it is included in other long-term obligations. The plan is unfunded and approved claims are paid from Company funds. Historical cash payments made under such plan have typically been less than $100 per year.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	NOTE 12 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	In 2012, the Company entered into a six (6) year lease extension for approximately 20,000 square feet of office space. The office space serves as the Company’s general offices and as a laboratory facility. The Company leases most of its vehicles and office equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which primarily expire at various times through 2022.
	Rent expense charged to operations under such lease agreements for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 aggregated approximately $771 and $708, respectively. Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under all non-cancelable operating leases at September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Year
	October 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013	$	257
	2014		925
	2015		845
	2016		772
	2017		704
	2018		416
	Thereafter		267
	Total minimum lease payments	$	4,186
	In 1982, the Company discovered and thereafter removed a number of buried drums containing unidentified waste material from the Company’s site in Slate Hill, New York. The Company thereafter entered into a Consent Decree to evaluate the drum site with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYDEC”) and performed a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study that was approved by NYDEC in February 1994. Based on NYDEC requirements, the Company cleaned the area and removed soil from the drum burial site, which was completed in 1996. The Company continues to be involved in discussions with NYDEC to evaluate test results and determine what, if any, additional actions will be required on the part of the Company to close out the remediation of this site. Additional actions, if any, would likely require the Company to continue monitoring the site. The cost of such monitoring has been less than $5 per year for the period 2004 to date.
	The Company’s Verona, Missouri facility, while held by a prior owner, was designated by the EPA as a Superfund site and placed on the National Priorities List in 1983, because of dioxin contamination on portions of the site. Remediation conducted by the prior owner under the oversight of the EPA and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (“MDNR”) included removal of dioxin contaminated soil and equipment, capping of areas of residual contamination in four relatively small areas of the site separate from the manufacturing facilities, and the installation of wells to monitor groundwater and surface water contamination by organic chemicals. No ground water or surface water treatment was required. The Company believes that remediation of the site is complete. In 1998, the EPA certified the work on the contaminated soils to be complete. In February 2000, after the conclusion of two years of monitoring groundwater and surface water, the former owner submitted a draft third party risk assessment report to the EPA and MDNR recommending no further action. The prior owner is awaiting the response of the EPA and MDNR to the draft risk assessment.
	While the Company must maintain the integrity of the capped areas in the remediation areas on the site, the prior owner is responsible for completion of any further Superfund remedy. The Company is indemnified by the sellers under its May 2001 asset purchase agreement covering its acquisition of the Verona, Missouri facility for potential liabilities associated with the Superfund site and one of the sellers, in turn, has the benefit of certain contractual indemnification by the prior owner that is implementing the above-described Superfund remedy.
	From time to time, the Company is a party to various litigation, claims and assessments. Management believes that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	NOTE 13 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The Company has a number of financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes. The Company estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value, and, accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The Company’s financial instruments, principally cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, are carried at cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2013 include $66,000 in certificates of deposit and $50,757 in money market funds. The certificates of deposit and the money market funds are valued using level two and level one inputs, respectively, as defined by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Effect of compensation cost on earnings	'
	The Company’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 reflected the following stock-based compensation cost, and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings:
		Increase/(Decrease) for the
		Three Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012
	Cost of sales		$	152			$	144
	Operating expenses			754				843
	Net earnings			(556	)			(627	)
			Increase/(Decrease) for the
			Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012
	Cost of sales		$	456			$	433
	Operating expenses			2,431				2,500
	Net earnings			(1,799	)			(1,858	)
Summary of stock option activity	'
	Option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below:
			Shares (000s)				Weighted				Aggregate			Weighted
							Average				Intrinsic			Average
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013						Exercise				Value			Remaining
							Price				($000s)			Contractual
														Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			2,543			$	16.87			$	49,845
	Granted			175				38.58
	Exercised			(602	)			11.21
	Forfeited			(31	)			33.9
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013			2,085			$	20.08			$	66,048			5.3
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2013			1,604			$	15.97			$	57,399			4.3
			Shares (000s)				Weighted				Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000s)			Weighted
							Average							Average
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2012						Exercise							Remaining
							Price							Contractual
														Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011			2,514			$	14.68			$	65,043
	Granted			226				29.14
	Exercised			(150	)			8.73
	Forfeited			(5	)			28.87
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2012			2,585			$	16.26			$	52,983			5.3
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2012			2,010			$	12.66			$	48,402			4.3
Other information pertaining to stock option activity	'
	Other information pertaining to option activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	17.83			$	11.5			$	13.02		$	9.76
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s)		$	8,260			$	1,659			$	20,244		$	4,249
Non-vested restricted stock activity	'
	Non-vested restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below:
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013						Weighted
			Shares (000s)				Average Grant
							Date Fair
							Value
	Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012			258			$	26.88
	Granted			21				38.1
	Vested			(5	)			35.79
	Forfeited			(24	)			31.97
	Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2013			250			$	27.11
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012						Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
			Shares (000s)
	Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2011			354			$	18.77
	Granted			54				30.6
	Vested			(80	)			13.72
	Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2012			328			$	21.96

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	9,193	$	8,982
	Work in progress		1,275		1,720
	Finished goods		14,280		9,991
	Total inventories	$	24,748	$	20,693

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land	$	2,029	$	1,998
	Building		19,659		16,526
	Equipment		83,796		70,859
	Construction in progress		2,365		11,446
			107,849		100,829
	Less: accumulated depreciation		53,065		48,104
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	54,784	$	52,725

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'
	Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:
		Amortization		Gross		Accumulated Amortization at		Gross		Accumulated Amortization at
		Period		Carrying		9/30/13		Carrying		12/31/12
		(in years)		Amount at 9/30/13				Amount at 12/31/12
	Customer lists		10	$	37,142	$	23,642	$	37,142	$	20,912
	Regulatory registration costs		10-May		1,633		475		1,411		361
	Patents & trade secrets		15-17		1,587		828		1,581		765
	Trademarks & trade names		17		910		448		909		408
	Other		10-May		754		529		754		493
				$	42,026	$	25,922	$	41,797	$	22,939

NET_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of the Numerator and Denominator Used in Calculating Basic and Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share	'
	The following presents a reconciliation of the net earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted net earnings per share:
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Three months ended September 30, 2013	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	11,657		29,708,370	$	0.39
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,215,240
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	11,657		30,923,610	$	0.38
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Three months ended September 30, 2012	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	10,873		29,000,657	$	0.37
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,416,067
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	10,873		30,416,724	$	0.36
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	34,127		29,509,991	$	1.16
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,268,110
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	34,127		30,778,101	$	1.11
		Net Earnings		Number of Shares		Per Share Amount
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012	(Numerator)		(Denominator)
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	30,113		28,960,802	$	1.04
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,379,180
	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	30,113		30,339,982	$	0.99

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Business Segment Net Sales:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Specialty Products	$	12,420	$	12,318		$	38,419	$	37,032
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		12,348		10,893			35,502		33,406
	Animal Nutrition & Health		62,825		51,905			181,619		159,895
	Total	$	87,593	$	75,116		$	255,540	$	230,333
	Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Specialty Products	$	4,848	$	5,245		$	15,036	$	14,823
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		2,760		2,898			8,536		8,996
	Animal Nutrition & Health		9,368		8,097			25,885		20,921
	Interest and other income (expense)		84		(15	)		148		(3	)
	Total	$	17,060	$	16,225		$	49,605	$	44,737
Geographic Revenue Information	'
	The following table summarizes domestic (U.S.) and foreign sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Domestic	$	60,742	$	50,673		$	173,855	$	154,426
	Foreign		26,851		24,443			81,685		75,907
	Total	$	87,593	$	75,116		$	255,540	$	230,333

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Cash paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for income taxes and interest is as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
			2013		2012
	Income taxes		$	9,274	$	9,259
	Interest		$	22	$	7

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$	749		$	326
	Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)
	Amortization of prior service credit		(5	)		(4	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		6			(1	)
	Total before tax		1			(5	)
	Tax		-			1
	Net of tax		1			(4	)
	Total other comprehensive income		750			322
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$	484		$	(84	)
	Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)
	Amortization of prior service credit		(14	)		(14	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		12			(5	)
	Total before tax		(2	)		(19	)
	Tax		1			4
	Net of tax		(1	)		(15	)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	483		$	(99	)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLAN_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	Net periodic benefit cost for such retirement medical plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was as follows:
		2013			2012
	Service cost	$	51		$	40
	Interest cost		32			31
	Amortization of prior service credit		(14	)		(14	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		12			(5	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	81		$	52

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
Aggregate Future Minimum Rental Payments Required Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases	'
	Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under all non-cancelable operating leases at September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Year
	October 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013	$	257
	2014		925
	2015		845
	2016		772
	2017		704
	2018		416
	Thereafter		267
	Total minimum lease payments	$	4,186

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares available for future awards (in shares)	4,292,652	'	4,292,652	'
Weighted average grant date fair value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested shares	$6,185	$6,267	$6,185	$6,267
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost	'	'	'1 year 6 months	'
Estimated share-based compensation expense for current fiscal year	3,800	'	3,800	'
Stock splits and repurchase of common stock	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	3,763,038	'	3,763,038	'
Number of shares acquired under the stock repurchase plan and subsequently reissued (in shares)	'	'	2,056,050	'
Number of shares acquired under stock repurchase plan (in shares)	1,882	'	1,882	'
Treasury stock acquired, average cost (in dollars per share)	'	'	$45.47	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impact of compensation cost on net earnings	-556	-627	-1,799	-1,858
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impact of compensation cost on earnings component	152	144	456	433
Operating Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impact of compensation cost on earnings component	754	843	2,431	2,500
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	'	'	0.50%	0.50%
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	'	'	39.00%	41.00%
Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	1.00%	0.80%
Expected term	'	'	'5 years	'4 years 7 months 6 days
Vesting period	'	'	'3 years	'
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	2,543,000	2,514,000
Granted (in shares)	'	'	175,000	226,000
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	-602,000	-150,000
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	-31,000	-5,000
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	2,085,000	2,585,000	2,085,000	2,585,000
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	1,604,000	2,010,000	1,604,000	2,010,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$16.87	$14.68
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$38.58	$29.14
Exercised (in dollars per share)	'	'	$11.21	$8.73
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$33.90	$28.87
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$20.08	$16.26	$20.08	$16.26
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$15.97	$12.66	$15.97	$12.66
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, beginning of period	'	'	49,845	65,043
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, end of period	66,048	52,983	66,048	52,983
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable, end of period	57,399	48,402	57,399	48,402
Weighted average remaining contractual term, outstanding	'	'	'5 years 3 months 18 days	'5 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable	'	'	'4 years 3 months 18 days	'4 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$17.83	$11.50	$13.02	$9.76
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$8,260	$1,659	$20,244	$4,249
Non-vested restricted stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in shares)	'	'	258,000	354,000
Granted (in shares)	'	'	21,000	54,000
Vested (in shares)	'	'	-5,000	-80,000
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	-24,000	'
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in shares)	250,000	328,000	250,000	328,000
Weighted average grant date fair value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in dollars per share)	'	'	$26.88	$18.77
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$38.10	$30.60
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	$35.79	$13.72
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$31.97	'
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in dollars per share)	$27.11	$21.96	$27.11	$21.96
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'90 days	'
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-employee Director [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'4 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'4 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-employee Director [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'7 years	'
ISO Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expiration period of options granted	'	'	'10 years	'

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$9,193	$8,982
Work in progress	1,275	1,720
Finished goods	14,280	9,991
Total inventories	$24,748	$20,693

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$107,849	$100,829
Less: accumulated depreciation	53,065	48,104
Net property, plant and equipment	54,784	52,725
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,029	1,998
Building [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	19,659	16,526
Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	83,796	70,859
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$2,365	$11,446

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Details

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	$28,515	$28,515
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	42,026	41,797
Accumulated Amortization	25,922	22,939
Amortization of identifiable finite-lived intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets	2,982	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense [Abstract]	'	'
Remainder of 2013	995	'
2014	4,000	'
2015	4,000	'
2016	4,000	'
2017	1,400	'
2018	600	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	0	'
Customer Lists [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'10 years	'10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	37,142	37,142
Accumulated Amortization	23,642	20,912
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,633	1,411
Accumulated Amortization	475	361
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'5 years	'5 years
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'10 years	'10 years
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,587	1,581
Accumulated Amortization	828	765
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'15 years	'15 years
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'17 years	'17 years
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'17 years	'17 years
Gross Carrying Amount	910	909
Accumulated Amortization	448	408
Other [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	754	754
Accumulated Amortization	$529	$493
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'5 years	'5 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization period	'10 years	'10 years

NET_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Earnings (Numerator) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic EPS - Net earnings	$11,657	$10,873	$34,127	$30,113
Diluted EPS - Net earnings	$11,657	$10,873	$34,127	$30,113
Number of Shares (Denominator) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic EPS - Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	29,708,370	29,000,657	29,509,991	28,960,802
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	1,215,240	1,416,067	1,268,110	1,379,180
Diluted EPS - Weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	30,923,610	30,416,724	30,778,101	30,339,982
Per Share Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.37	$1.16	$1.04
Diluted EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.36	$1.11	$0.99
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding, excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation (in shares)	'	'	8,800	239,647

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$2,800	$2,300
Accrued interest and penalties	$900	$600

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			Segment
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	3	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$87,593	$75,116	$255,540	$230,333
Earnings before income taxes	17,060	16,225	49,605	44,737
Interest and other income (expense)	84	-15	148	-3
Domestic	60,742	50,673	173,855	154,426
Foreign	26,851	24,443	81,685	75,907
Net sales	87,593	75,116	255,540	230,333
Specialty Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	12,420	12,318	38,419	37,032
Earnings before income taxes	4,848	5,245	15,036	14,823
Net sales	12,420	12,318	38,419	37,032
Food, Pharma and Nutrition [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	12,348	10,893	35,502	33,406
Earnings before income taxes	2,760	2,898	8,536	8,996
Net sales	12,348	10,893	35,502	33,406
Animal Nutrition and Health [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	62,825	51,905	181,619	159,895
Earnings before income taxes	9,368	8,097	25,885	20,921
Net sales	$62,825	$51,905	$181,619	$159,895

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash paid during the period [Abstract]	'	'
Income taxes	$9,274	$9,259
Interest	$22	$7

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$749	$326	$484	($84)
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service credit	-5	-4	-14	-14
Amortization of loss/(gain)	6	-1	12	-5
Total before tax	1	-5	-2	-19
Tax	0	1	1	4
Net of tax	1	-4	-1	-15
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$750	$322	$483	($99)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLAN_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN (Details) (Unfunded Retirement Medical Plan [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Unfunded Retirement Medical Plan [Member]	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'
Service cost	$51	$40
Interest cost	32	31
Amortization of prior service credit	-14	-14
Amortization of loss/(gain)	12	-5
Net periodic benefit cost	81	52
Amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet for benefit obligations (included in other long-term obligations)	$1,381	'
Historical cash payments for retirement medical plan claims per year	'less than $100	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2004
	Area
	sqft
	Seller
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating lease term	'6 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Office space subject to operating lease (in square feet)	20,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rent expense charged to operations	$771	$708	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum rental payments required under all non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
July 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013	257	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	925	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	845	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2016	772	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2017	704	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2018	416	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Thereafter	267	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum lease payments	4,186	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Slate Hill, New York site [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual monitoring costs, maximum	$5	'	$5	$5	$5	$5	$5	$5	$5	$5	$5
Verona, Missouri facility [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of areas of the site in which capping of areas of residual contamination was performed	4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Monitoring period for groundwater and surface water prior to submission of risk assessment report	'2 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of sellers who have the benefit of certain contractual indemnification by the prior owner	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$66,000
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$50,757