Balchem (BCPC) 10-Q5 May 142014 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2014	1-May-14
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	'	30,417,372
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$207,330	$208,747
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $115 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	43,812	39,386
Inventories	24,860	24,824
Prepaid expenses	2,127	2,580
Prepaid income taxes	0	899
Deferred income taxes	887	893
Other current assets	5,866	445
Total current assets	284,882	277,774
Property, plant and equipment, net	54,394	54,916
Goodwill	28,515	28,515
Intangible assets with finite lives, net	14,158	15,126
Other assets	501	541
Total assets	382,450	376,872
Current liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts payable	13,236	12,395
Accrued expenses	12,605	10,732
Accrued compensation and other benefits	2,273	4,770
Dividends payable	0	7,856
Income taxes payable	225	0
Total current liabilities	28,339	35,753
Deferred income taxes	5,931	5,884
Other long-term obligations	3,977	3,877
Total liabilities	38,247	45,514
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; 30,368,219 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and 30,225,763 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,025	2,016
Additional paid-in capital	81,479	77,517
Retained earnings	260,521	251,627
Accumulated other comprehensive income	178	198
Total stockholders' equity	344,203	331,358
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$382,450	$376,872

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$115	$115
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)	30,368,219	30,225,763
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,368,219	30,225,763

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$85,995	$84,651
Cost of sales	62,780	60,419
Gross margin	23,215	24,232
Operating expenses:	'	'
Selling expenses	4,189	4,287
Research and development expenses	773	838
General and administrative expenses	4,898	3,242
Operating expenses	9,860	8,367
Earnings from operations	13,355	15,865
Other expenses (income):	'	'
Interest income	-46	-52
Interest expense	1	1
Other, net	28	53
Earnings before income tax expense	13,372	15,863
Income tax expense	4,478	4,975
Net earnings	$8,894	$10,888
Net earnings per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.37
Net earnings per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.36

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Net earnings	$8,894	$10,888
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:	'	'
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	-18	-507
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, net of taxes of $1 for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	-2	-5
Other comprehensive loss	-20	-512
Comprehensive income	$8,874	$10,376

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, taxes	$1	$1

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings	$8,894	$10,888
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,631	2,621
Stock compensation expense	988	1,076
Deferred income taxes	55	-623
Foreign currency transaction loss	36	48
Changes in assets and liabilities	'	'
Accounts receivable	-4,387	-3,983
Inventories	-50	-3,260
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	526	782
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	400	-3,715
Income taxes	1,123	550
Other	24	-31
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,240	4,353
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Deposit held in escrow	-5,500	0
Capital expenditures	-1,138	-3,400
Intangible assets acquired	-27	-33
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,665	-3,433
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayments of short-term obligations	-89	-89
Proceeds from stock options exercised	1,327	2,097
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	1,689	1,491
Dividends paid	-7,856	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-33	-27
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-4,962	3,472
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-30	-39
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,417	4,353
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period	208,747	144,737
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	$207,330	$149,090

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_FINANCI

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3 Months Ended
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2013 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, 2013. 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, 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for the full year or any interim period.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	Mar. 31, 2014
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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 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 March 31,
			2014				2013
	Cost of sales		$	148			$	152
	Operating expenses			840				924
	Net earnings			(653	)			(670	)

	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 March 31, 2014, the plans had 4,115,858 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below:

			Shares (000s)				Weighted					Weighted
							Average			Aggregate		Average
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014						Exercise			Intrinsic		Remaining
							Price			Value		Contractual
										($000s)		Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			1,893			$	20.94		$	71,465
	Granted			158				50.57
	Exercised			(125	)			10.6
	Forfeited			(13	)			43.1
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2014			1,913			$	23.92		$	53,946		5.6
	Exercisable as of March 31, 2014			1,504			$	19.28		$	49,392		4.7

			Shares (000s)				Weighted					Weighted
							Average			Aggregate		Average
	For the three months ended March 31, 2013						Exercise			Intrinsic		Remaining
							Price			Value		Contractual
										($000s)		Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			2,543			$	16.87		$	49,845
	Granted			166				38.1
	Exercised			(183	)			11.42
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2013			2,526			$	18.67		$	63,825		5.4
	Exercisable as of March 31, 2013			2,015			$	14.89		$	58,552		4.4

	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 0.6% and 0.5%; expected volatilities of 33% and 39%; risk-free interest rates of 1.7% and 0.9%; and expected lives of 5.6 and 5.0 years, in each case for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	15.98			$	12.85
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s)		$	5,418			$	5,097

	Non-vested restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below:

							Weighted
							Average Grant
							Date Fair
	Three months ended March 31, 2014		Shares (000s)				Value
	Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013			172			$	33.69
	Granted			20				50.49
	Vested			(2	)			35.79
Forfeited			(2	)			32.7
Non-vested balance as of March 31, 2014			188			$	35.42

						Weighted
						Average Grant
						Date Fair
Three months ended March 31, 2013		Shares (000s)				Value
Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012			258			$	26.88
Granted			21				38.1
Vested			(2	)			35.79
Non-vested balance as of March 31, 2013			277			$	27.66

As of March 31, 2014 and 2013, there was $8,259 and $8,924, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. As of March 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. The Company estimates that share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 will be approximately $4,000.

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 2,088,388 shares have been purchased, none of which remained in treasury at March 31, 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, a total of 654 shares have been purchased at an average cost of $49.84 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

	Inventories at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:

		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	9,135	$	8,454
	Work in progress		1,752		1,330
	Finished goods		13,973		15,040
	Total inventories	$	24,860	$	24,824

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	Mar. 31, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
	NOTE 4 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

	Property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	2,053	$	2,054
	Building		19,741		19,732
	Equipment		86,498		86,147
	Construction in progress		2,506		1,754
			110,798		109,687
	Less: accumulated depreciation		56,404		54,771
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	54,394	$	54,916

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	Mar. 31, 2014
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	NOTE 5 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

	The Company had goodwill in the amount of $28,515 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.”

	Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

				Gross				Gross
		Amortization		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
		Period		Amount at		Amortization		Amount at		Amortization
		(in years)		3/31/14		at 3/31/14		12/31/13		at 12/31/13
	Customer lists		10	$	37,142	$	25,462	$	37,142	$	24,552
	Regulatory registration costs		10-May		1,671		553		1,644		514
	Patents & trade secrets		15-17		1,593		870		1,593		849
	Trademarks & trade names		17		910		474		910		461
	Other		10-May		754		553		754		541
				$	42,070	$	27,912	$	42,043	$	26,917

	Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was approximately $995 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Assuming no change in the gross carrying value of identifiable intangible assets, the estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2014 is $3,000, approximately $4,000 for 2015, $3,700 for 2016, $1,400 for 2017 and $600 per annum for 2018 through 2019. At March 31, 2014, 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 three months ended March 31, 2014.

NET_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

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

Number of

Earnings

Per Share

Three months ended March 31, 2014

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding

8,894

30,146,705

0.3

Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock

932,299

Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock

8,894

31,079,004

0.29

Net

Number of

Earnings

Per Share

Three months ended March 31, 2013

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding

10,888

29,316,452

0.37

Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock

1,305,281

Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock

10,888

30,621,733

0.36

The Company had stock options covering 11,500 and 65,000 shares at March 31, 2014 and 2013, 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	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014, 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no significant change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $3,200 and $3,100, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which are 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $1,100 and $1,050, respectively, and is included in other long-term obligations.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION	Mar. 31, 2014
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
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Specialty Products	$	12,792		$	12,780
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		12,150			11,008
	Animal Nutrition & Health		61,053			60,863
	Total	$	85,995		$	84,651

	Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Specialty Products	$	4,806		$	4,909
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		2,601			2,507
	Animal Nutrition & Health		7,293			8,449
	Transaction Costs		(1,345	)		-
	Interest and other income (expense)		17			(2	)
	Total	$	13,372		$	15,863

	Transaction costs are primarily related to the definitive agreement to acquire Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Company (d/b/a SensoryEffects; see Note 14).

	The following table summarizes domestic (U.S.) and foreign sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Domestic	$	56,144		$	55,440
	Foreign		29,851			29,211
	Total	$	85,995		$	84,651

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
	NOTE 9 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

	Cash paid during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 for income taxes and interest is as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
			2014		2013
	Income taxes		$	1,640	$	3,662
	Interest		$	-	$	10

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	3 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	Mar. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
	NOTE 10 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(18	)	$	(507	)

	Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)
	Amortization of prior service credit		(5	)		(5	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		2			(1	)
	Total before tax		(3	)		(6	)
	Tax		1			1
	Net of tax		(2	)		(5	)

	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(20	)	$	(512	)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLAN

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	3 Months Ended
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	Mar. 31, 2014
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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 was as follows:

		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	14		$	13
	Interest cost		12			10
	Amortization of prior service credit		(5	)		(5	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		2			(1	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	23		$	17

	The amount recorded for this obligation on the Company’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is $1,179 and $1,152, respectively, and 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 aggregated approximately $269 and $254, respectively. Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under all non-cancelable operating leases at March 31, 2014 are as follows:

	Year
	April 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014	$	693
	2015		822
	2016		754
	2017		714
	2018		461
	2019		143
	Thereafter		111
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,698

	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	3 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying condensed 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 March 31, 2014 include $109,000 in certificates of deposit and $50,769 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.”

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	Mar. 31, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

	On March 31, 2014, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Company (d/b/a SensoryEffects), a privately held supplier of customized food and beverage ingredient systems, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri for a purchase price of $567 million in cash. The transaction consideration is subject to certain adjustments as provided in the definitive agreement and a substantial portion of the purchase price will be debt financed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2014. In February 2014, the Company deposited $5.5 million with an escrow agent pursuant to the terms of a Letter of Intent to secure negotiation exclusivity for a specific period of time. As of March 31, 2014, the deposit was included in other current assets and was considered an investing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The funds in escrow were released upon signing the definitive agreement and received by the Company in April.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Effect of compensation cost on earnings	'
	The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” The Company’s results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 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 March 31,
			2014				2013
	Cost of sales		$	148			$	152
	Operating expenses			840				924
	Net earnings			(653	)			(670	)
Summary of stock option activity	'
	Option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below:

			Shares (000s)				Weighted					Weighted
							Average			Aggregate		Average
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014						Exercise			Intrinsic		Remaining
							Price			Value		Contractual
										($000s)		Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			1,893			$	20.94		$	71,465
	Granted			158				50.57
	Exercised			(125	)			10.6
	Forfeited			(13	)			43.1
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2014			1,913			$	23.92		$	53,946		5.6
	Exercisable as of March 31, 2014			1,504			$	19.28		$	49,392		4.7

			Shares (000s)				Weighted					Weighted
							Average			Aggregate		Average
	For the three months ended March 31, 2013						Exercise			Intrinsic		Remaining
							Price			Value		Contractual
										($000s)		Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			2,543			$	16.87		$	49,845
	Granted			166				38.1
	Exercised			(183	)			11.42
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2013			2,526			$	18.67		$	63,825		5.4
	Exercisable as of March 31, 2013			2,015			$	14.89		$	58,552		4.4
Other information pertaining to stock option activity	'
	Other information pertaining to option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	15.98			$	12.85
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s)		$	5,418			$	5,097
Non-vested restricted stock activity	'
	Non-vested restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below:

							Weighted
							Average Grant
							Date Fair
	Three months ended March 31, 2014		Shares (000s)				Value
	Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013			172			$	33.69
	Granted			20				50.49
	Vested			(2	)			35.79
	Forfeited			(2	)			32.7
	Non-vested balance as of March 31, 2014			188			$	35.42

							Weighted
							Average Grant
							Date Fair
	Three months ended March 31, 2013		Shares (000s)				Value
	Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012			258			$	26.88
	Granted			21				38.1
	Vested			(2	)			35.79
	Non-vested balance as of March 31, 2013			277			$	27.66

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:

		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	9,135	$	8,454
	Work in progress		1,752		1,330
	Finished goods		13,973		15,040
	Total inventories	$	24,860	$	24,824

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	2,053	$	2,054
	Building		19,741		19,732
	Equipment		86,498		86,147
	Construction in progress		2,506		1,754
			110,798		109,687
	Less: accumulated depreciation		56,404		54,771
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	54,394	$	54,916

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Intangible assets with finite lives	'
	Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

				Gross				Gross
		Amortization		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
		Period		Amount at		Amortization		Amount at		Amortization
		(in years)		3/31/14		at 3/31/14		12/31/13		at 12/31/13
	Customer lists		10	$	37,142	$	25,462	$	37,142	$	24,552
	Regulatory registration costs		10-May		1,671		553		1,644		514
	Patents & trade secrets		15-17		1,593		870		1,593		849
	Trademarks & trade names		17		910		474		910		461
	Other		10-May		754		553		754		541
				$	42,070	$	27,912	$	42,043	$	26,917

NET_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
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		Number of
		Earnings		Shares		Per Share
	Three months ended March 31, 2014	(Numerator)		(Denominator)		Amount
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	8,894		30,146,705	$	0.3

	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				932,299

	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	8,894		31,079,004	$	0.29

		Net		Number of
		Earnings		Shares		Per Share
	Three months ended March 31, 2013	(Numerator)		(Denominator)		Amount
	Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding	$	10,888		29,316,452	$	0.37

	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock				1,305,281

	Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock	$	10,888		30,621,733	$	0.36

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Business Segment Net Sales:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Specialty Products	$	12,792		$	12,780
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		12,150			11,008
	Animal Nutrition & Health		61,053			60,863
	Total	$	85,995		$	84,651

	Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Specialty Products	$	4,806		$	4,909
	Food, Pharma & Nutrition		2,601			2,507
	Animal Nutrition & Health		7,293			8,449
	Transaction Costs		(1,345	)		-
	Interest and other income (expense)		17			(2	)
	Total	$	13,372		$	15,863
Geographic Revenue Information	'
	The following table summarizes domestic (U.S.) and foreign sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Domestic	$	56,144		$	55,440
	Foreign		29,851			29,211
	Total	$	85,995		$	84,651

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Cash paid during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 for income taxes and interest is as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
			2014		2013
	Income taxes		$	1,640	$	3,662
	Interest		$	-	$	10

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(18	)	$	(507	)

	Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)
	Amortization of prior service credit		(5	)		(5	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		2			(1	)
	Total before tax		(3	)		(6	)
	Tax		1			1
	Net of tax		(2	)		(5	)

	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(20	)	$	(512	)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLAN_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN (Tables)	3 Months Ended
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	Net periodic benefit cost for such retirement medical plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 was as follows:

		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	14		$	13
	Interest cost		12			10
	Amortization of prior service credit		(5	)		(5	)
	Amortization of loss/(gain)		2			(1	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	23		$	17

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014 are as follows:

	Year
	April 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014	$	693
	2015		822
	2016		754
	2017		714
	2018		461
	2019		143
	Thereafter		111
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,698

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares available for future awards (in shares)	4,115,858	'
Weighted average grant date fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested shares	$8,259	$8,924
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'
Estimated share-based compensation expense for current fiscal year	4,000	'
Stock splits and repurchase of common stock	'	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	3,763,038	'
Number of shares acquired under the stock repurchase plan and subsequently reissued (in shares)	2,088,388	'
Number of shares acquired under stock repurchase plan (in shares)	654	'
Treasury stock acquired, average cost (in dollars per share)	$49.84	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Impact of compensation cost on net earnings	-653	-670
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Impact of compensation cost on earnings component	148	152
Operating Expenses [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Impact of compensation cost on earnings component	840	924
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]	'	'
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.60%	0.50%
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	33.00%	39.00%
Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	1.70%	0.90%
Expected term	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'5 years
Vesting period	'3 years	'
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,893,000	2,543,000
Granted (in shares)	158,000	166,000
Exercised (in shares)	-125,000	-183,000
Forfeited (in shares)	-13,000	'
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,913,000	2,526,000
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	1,504,000	2,015,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$20.94	$16.87
Granted (in dollars per share)	$50.57	$38.10
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$10.60	$11.42
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$43.10	'
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.92	$18.67
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$19.28	$14.89
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, beginning of period	71,465	49,845
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, end of period	53,946	63,825
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable, end of period	49,392	58,552
Weighted average remaining contractual term, outstanding	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'5 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable	'4 years 8 months 12 days	'4 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$15.98	$12.85
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$5,418	$5,097
Non-vested restricted stock [Roll Forward]	'	'
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in shares)	172,000	258,000
Granted (in shares)	20,000	21,000
Vested (in shares)	-2,000	-2,000
Forfeited (in shares)	-2,000	'
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in shares)	188,000	277,000
Weighted average grant date fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$33.69	$26.88
Granted (in dollars per share)	$50.49	$38.10
Vested (in dollars per share)	$35.79	$35.79
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$32.70	'
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in dollars per share)	$35.42	$27.66
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 $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$9,135	$8,454
Work in progress	1,752	1,330
Finished goods	13,973	15,040
Total inventories	$24,860	$24,824

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$110,798	$109,687
Less: accumulated depreciation	56,404	54,771
Net property, plant and equipment	54,394	54,916
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,053	2,054
Building [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	19,741	19,732
Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	86,498	86,147
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$2,506	$1,754

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Details

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	$28,515	$28,515
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	42,070	42,043
Accumulated Amortization	27,912	26,917
Amortization of identifiable finite-lived intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets	995	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense [Abstract]	'	'
Remainder of 2014	3,000	'
2015	4,000	'
2016	3,700	'
2017	1,400	'
2018	600	'
2019	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	25,462	24,552
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,671	1,644
Accumulated Amortization	553	514
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	1,593	1,593
Accumulated Amortization	870	849
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	910
Accumulated Amortization	474	461
Other [Member]	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	754	754
Accumulated Amortization	$553	$541
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
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Earnings (Numerator) [Abstract]	'	'
Basic EPS - Net earnings	$8,894	$10,888
Diluted EPS - Net earnings	$8,894	$10,888
Number of Shares (Denominator) [Abstract]	'	'
Basic EPS - Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	30,146,705	29,316,452
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	932,299	1,305,281
Diluted EPS - Weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	31,079,004	30,621,733
Per Share Amount [Abstract]	'	'
Basic EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.37
Diluted EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.36
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)	11,500	65,000

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$3,200	$3,100
Accrued interest and penalties	$1,100	$1,050

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Segment	Mar. 31, 2013
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'
Number of operating segments	3	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$85,995	$84,651
Earnings before income taxes	13,372	15,863
Transaction Costs	-1,345	0
Interest and other income (expense)	17	-2
Domestic	56,144	55,440
Foreign	29,851	29,211
Net sales	85,995	84,651
Specialty Products [Member]	'	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	12,792	12,780
Earnings before income taxes	4,806	4,909
Net sales	12,792	12,780
Food, Pharma and Nutrition [Member]	'	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	12,150	11,008
Earnings before income taxes	2,601	2,507
Net sales	12,150	11,008
Animal Nutrition and Health [Member]	'	'
Segment information [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	61,053	60,863
Earnings before income taxes	7,293	8,449
Net sales	$61,053	$60,863

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash paid during the period [Abstract]	'	'
Income taxes	$1,640	$3,662
Interest	$0	$10

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income [Abstract]	'	'
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	($18)	($507)
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 11 for further information)	'	'
Amortization of prior service credit	-5	-5
Amortization of loss/(gain)	2	-1
Total before tax	-3	-6
Tax	1	1
Net of tax	-2	-5
Other comprehensive loss	($20)	($512)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLAN_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	$14	$13	'
Interest cost	12	10	'
Amortization of prior service credit	-5	-5	'
Amortization of loss/(gain)	2	-1	'
Net periodic benefit cost	23	17	'
Amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet for benefit obligations (included in other long-term obligations)	$1,179	'	$1,152
Historical cash payments for retirement medical plan claims per year	'less than $100	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

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

Seller

sqft

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

$269

$254

Future minimum rental payments required under all non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract]

April 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014

693

2015

822

2016

754

2017

714

2018

461

2019

143

Thereafter

111

Total minimum lease payments

3,698

Slate Hill, New York site [Abstract]

Annual monitoring costs, maximum

Verona, Missouri facility [Abstract]

Number of areas of the site in which capping of areas of residual contamination was performed

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

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Certificates of Deposit [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$109,000
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$50,769

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Purchase consideration	$567
Deposit held in escrow	$5.50