Balchem (BCPC) 10-K 29 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 22, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BALCHEM CORP
Entity Central Index Key	9,326
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 Public Float			$ 1,675,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,535,449
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 84,795	$ 50,287
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $235 and $288 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	60,485	71,982
Inventories	46,085	49,623
Prepaid expenses	3,208	4,545
Deferred income taxes	810	1,390
Other current assets	3,446	3,475
Total current assets	198,829	181,302
Property, plant and equipment, net	158,515	131,588
Goodwill	383,906	383,906
Intangible assets with finite lives, net	134,911	160,394
Other assets	5,062	4,341
Total assets	881,223	861,531
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	14,708	24,352
Accrued expenses	12,829	15,614
Accrued compensation and other benefits	5,128	9,137
Dividends payable	10,727	9,251
Income taxes payable	2,728	2,168
Current portion of long-term debt	35,000	35,000
Total current liabilities	81,120	95,522
Long-term debt	262,500	297,500
Deferred income taxes	67,215	70,661
Other long-term obligations	6,683	5,950
Total liabilities	$ 417,518	$ 469,633
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $25 par value. Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $.0667 par value. Authorized 120,000,000 shares; 31,528,449 shares issued and 31,527,360 outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 30,845,586 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,102	2,058
Additional paid-in capital	122,594	97,289
Retained earnings	344,197	295,202
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	(5,114)	(2,651)
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,089 and 0 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(74)	0
Total stockholders' equity	463,705	391,898
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 881,223	$ 861,531

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 235	$ 288
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)	$ 0.0667	$ 0.0667
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	31,528,449	30,845,586
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	31,527,360	30,845,586
Treasury stock (in shares)	1,089	0

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 552,492	$ 541,383	$ 337,173
Cost of sales	384,395	397,211	239,752
Gross margin	168,097	144,172	97,421
Operating expenses:
Selling expenses	46,255	35,758	15,920
Research and development expenses	5,990	4,810	3,622
General and administrative expenses	21,896	21,461	12,277
Total operating expenses	74,141	62,029	31,819
Earnings from operations	93,956	82,143	65,602
Other expenses (income):
Interest income	(9)	(64)	(277)
Interest expense	6,593	5,145	24
Other, net	309	10	37
Earnings before income tax expense	87,063	77,052	65,818
Income tax expense	27,341	24,226	20,944
Net earnings	$ 59,722	$ 52,826	$ 44,874
Basic net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.92	$ 1.74	$ 1.51
Diluted net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.89	$ 1.69	$ 1.45

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 59,722	$ 52,826	$ 44,874
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,615)	(2,972)	856
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, net of taxes of $72, $56, and $60 at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively	152	123	101
Other comprehensive income (loss)/income	(2,463)	(2,849)	957
Comprehensive income	$ 57,259	$ 49,977	$ 45,831

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax:
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, taxes	$ 72	$ 56	$ 60

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Total
Balance - beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 214,609	$ (759)	$ 1,964	$ 0	$ 57,198	$ 273,012
Balance - beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			29,454,171	0
Net earnings	44,874	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	44,874
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	957	0	0	0	957
Dividends	(7,856)	0	0	0	0	(7,856)
Treasury shares purchased	0	0	$ 0	$ (1,925)	0	(1,925)
Treasury shares purchased (in shares)			0	(33,566)
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit	0	0	$ 52	$ 1,925	20,319	22,296
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit (in shares)			771,592	33,566
Balance - end of year at Dec. 31, 2013	251,627	198	$ 2,016	$ 0	77,517	331,358
Balance - end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			30,225,763	0
Net earnings	52,826	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	52,826
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(2,849)	0	0	0	(2,849)
Dividends	(9,251)	0	0	0	0	(9,251)
Treasury shares purchased	0	0	$ 0	$ (1,068)	0	(1,068)
Treasury shares purchased (in shares)			0	(17,497)
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit	0	0	$ 42	$ 1,068	19,772	20,882
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit (in shares)			619,823	17,497
Balance - end of year at Dec. 31, 2014	295,202	(2,651)	$ 2,058	$ 0	97,289	391,898
Balance - end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			30,845,586	0
Net earnings	59,722	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	59,722
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(2,463)	0	0	0	(2,463)
Dividends	(10,727)	0	0	0	0	(10,727)
Treasury shares purchased	0	0	$ 0	$ (1,205)	0	(1,205)
Treasury shares purchased (in shares)			0	(20,692)
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit	0	0	$ 44	$ 1,131	25,305	26,480
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit (in shares)			682,863	19,603
Balance - end of year at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 344,197	$ (5,114)	$ 2,102	$ (74)	$ 122,594	$ 463,705
Balance - end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			31,528,449	(1,089)

Consolidated Statements of Sto8

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.30	$ 0.26
Income tax benefit of shares and options issued under stock plans	$ 7,009	$ 7,220	$ 9,397

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 59,722	$ 52,826	$ 44,874
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	39,964	30,524	10,474
Stock compensation expense	6,829	4,557	3,817
Deferred income taxes	(2,857)	(11,259)	(315)
Provision for doubtful accounts	(53)	238	0
Foreign currency transaction loss	25	105	92
Loss on disposal of assets	301	150	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired balances
Accounts receivable	10,809	(8,395)	2,958
Inventories	3,126	6,698	(3,942)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,233	(848)	495
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(15,718)	7,747	(2,770)
Income taxes	633	3,370	(620)
Other	(188)	(363)	629
Net cash provided by operating activities	103,826	85,350	55,692
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(41,300)	(13,199)	(8,187)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	0	(491,057)	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	34	1	40
Intangible assets acquired	(1,011)	(169)	(230)
Net cash used in investing activities	(42,277)	(504,424)	(8,377)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	350,000	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	(35,000)	(17,500)	0
Proceeds from revolving loan	0	50,000	0
Principal payments on revolving loan	0	(50,000)	0
Principal payment on acquired debt	0	(75,550)	0
Cash paid for financing costs	0	(2,593)	0
Repayments of short-term obligations	0	(89)	(89)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	12,605	9,106	9,082
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	7,009	7,220	9,397
Dividends paid	(9,251)	(7,856)	0
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,205)	(1,068)	(1,925)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(25,842)	261,670	16,465
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,199)	(1,056)	230
Increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	34,508	(158,460)	64,010
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period	50,287	208,747	144,737
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	$ 84,795	$ 50,287	$ 208,747

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMAR

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 1 - BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business Description Balchem Corporation (including, unless the context otherwise requires, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, SensoryEffects, Inc., SensoryEffects Cereal Systems, Inc., BCP Ingredients, Inc., Aberco, Inc., Balchem BV, Balchem Italia Srl, and Balchem LTD (“Balchem” or the “Company”)), incorporated in the State of Maryland in 1967, is engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of specialty performance ingredients and products for the food, nutritional, feed, pharmaceutical and medical sterilization industries. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Retrospective Revision of Certain Prior Period Information During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, information that our chief operating decision maker regularly reviews for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance changed, and as a result, the Company changed its communication to external investors. Therefore, beginning in fiscal year 2015, we are reporting our financial performance based on our new segments described in Note 14 – Segment Information. We have retrospectively revised certain prior period amounts to conform to the way we internally managed and monitored segment performance during the current fiscal year. This change impacted Note 6 – Intangible Assets and Note 14 – Segment Information, with no impact on consolidated net income or cash flows. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company completed its review of the acquired tax balances associated with the SensoryEffects acquisition. As a result, the following December 31, 2014 balances were retrospectively revised as follows: goodwill and deferred income taxes were increased by $260. The revision is measured as of the acquisition date and considers adjustments that would have been recognized had the deferred taxes been recorded as of the acquisition date. There was no impact on consolidated net income or cash flows. Revenue Recognition Revenue for each of our business segments is recognized upon product shipment, passage of title and risk of loss, and when collection is reasonably assured. The Company reports amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling as revenue and includes costs incurred for shipping and handling in cost of sales. Amounts received for unshipped merchandise are not recognized as revenue but rather they are recorded as customer deposits and are included in current liabilities. In instances of shipments made on consignment, revenue is deferred until a customer indicates to the Company that it has used the Company’s products. The Company does not charge its customers rental fees on cylinders or drums used to ship its products. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has Accounts Receivable Credit terms are granted in the normal course of business to our customers. On-going credit evaluations are performed on our customers and credit limits are adjusted based upon payment history and the customer's current credit worthiness, as determined through review of their current credit information. Collections and payments from customers are continuously monitored and allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments are maintained. Estimated losses are based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues identified. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out or average) or market value and have been reduced by an allowance for excess or obsolete inventories. Cost elements include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Buildings 15-25 Equipment 2-28 years Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. Alterations and major overhauls that extend the lives or increase the capacity of plant assets are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resultant gain or loss is included in earnings. Business Concentrations Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable, certificates of deposit and money market investments. Investments are managed within established guidelines to mitigate risks. Accounts receivable subject the Company to credit risk partially due to the concentration of amounts due from customers. The Company extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition and credit histories. The majority of the Company’s customers are major national or international corporations. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total net sales. Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting for a business combination and defines an intangible asset. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but are instead assessed for impairment annually and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350. The Company performs its annual test as of October 1. ASC 350 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. In accordance with ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”) As of October 1, 2015 and 2014, the Company opted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceeded directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. We assessed the fair values of our reporting units by utilizing the income approach, based on a discounted cash flow valuation model as the basis for our conclusions, as well as market approaches for certain reporting units. Our estimates of future cash flows included significant management assumptions such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, estimated terminal values and future economic and market conditions. Our assessment concluded that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, including goodwill. Accordingly, the goodwill of the reporting units is not considered impaired. The Company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in subsequent periods. The Company had goodwill in the amount of $383,906 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, subject to the provisions of ASC 350. Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as follows: 2015 2014 SensoryEffects $ 363,784 $ 363,784 Animal Nutrition and Health 11,734 11,734 Specialty Products 7,160 7,160 Industrial Products 1,228 1,228 Total $ 383,906 $ 383,906 The following intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost and are amortized either on an accelerated basis or on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: Amortization Period (in years) Customer relationships and lists 10 Trademarks & trade names 17 Developed technology 5 Regulatory registration costs 5 - 10 Patents & trade secrets 15 - 17 Other 5 - 10 For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no triggering events which required intangible asset impairment reviews. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Use of Estimates Management of the Company is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 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 carrying value of debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is based on market and the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company’s financial instruments also includes cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Cost of Sales Cost of sales are primarily comprised of raw materials and supplies consumed in the manufacture of product, as well as manufacturing labor, maintenance labor, depreciation expense, and direct overhead expense necessary to convert purchased materials and supplies into finished product. Cost of sales also includes inbound freight costs, outbound freight costs for shipping products to customers, warehousing costs, quality control and obsolescence expense. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefit costs, amortization of customer relationships and lists, trade promotions, advertising, commissions and other marketing costs. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and benefit costs, occupancy and operating costs of corporate offices, depreciation and amortization expense on non-manufacturing assets, information systems costs and other miscellaneous administrative costs. In 2014, general and administrative expenses were reduced by a $2.9 million net legal settlement. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Net Earnings Per Common Share Basic net earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings per common share is calculated in a manner consistent with basic net earnings per common share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding also includes the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding, unvested restricted stock, and unvested performance shares (using the treasury stock method). Stock-based Compensation The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 3. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” which requires all share-based payments, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in the income statement as an operating expense, based on their fair values. The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes based option-pricing model. Estimates of and assumptions about forfeiture rates, terms, volatility, interest rates and dividend yields are used to calculate stock-based compensation. A significant change to these estimates could materially affect the Company’s operating results. Impairment of Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally based on discounted cash flows. New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which addresses revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces almost all existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, in current U.S. GAAP. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost” (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”), which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and new realizable value. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”), to simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. The ASU requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”), to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The ASU requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation with no impact on net earnings or stockholders’ equity.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS Acquisition of Albion International, Inc. On February 1, 2016, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Albion International, Inc. (Albion), a privately held manufacturer of mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts and mineral complexes, headquartered in Clearfield, Utah. The Company made payments of approximately $116.4 million on the acquisition date, amounting to approximately $110.6 million to the former shareholders, adjustments for working capital acquired of $4.9 million, and approximately $0.9 million to Albion’s lenders to pay off all Albion bank debt. Albion has been a world leader and innovator in the manufacture of superior organic mineral compounds for sixty years and leverages scientific expertise in the areas of human and plant nutrition. Albion’s products are renowned in the supplement industry for technologically advanced, unparalleled bioavailability. The acquisition of Albion continues to expand the Company’s science based human health and wellness solutions and will immediately increase our product offerings in the nutritional ingredient market. Additionally, the Company will also benefit from a broader geographic footprint and a stronger position as a technological leader in spray-drying and ingredient delivery solutions. Albion’s human nutrition business will become a part of the SensoryEffects reportable segment and the plant nutrition business will become a part of the Specialty Products reportable segment. Due to the timing of the acquisition, management has not completed its initial accounting for the acquisition. As a result, the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have not been determined; including the estimated goodwill and the related tax deductibility of the goodwill. Additionally, the unaudited pro forma combined financial information has not been completed as the initial accounting is not complete. Transaction related costs included in general and administrative expenses for the year ending December 31, 2015 are $324. Acquisition of Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Company (d/b/a SensoryEffects) On May 7, 2014, the Company acquired 100 percent (the “Acquisition”) of the outstanding common shares of Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Company (d/b/a SensoryEffects), a privately held supplier of customized food and ingredient systems, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The Company made payments of approximately $569 million on the acquisition date, amounting to approximately $494 million to the former shareholders, including adjustments for working capital acquired, and approximately $75 million to SensoryEffects’ lenders to pay off all SensoryEffects bank debt. SensoryEffects is a leader in powder, solid and liquid flavor systems, creamer and specialty emulsified powders, cereal-based products and other functional ingredient food and beverage delivery systems. The Acquisition of SensoryEffects accelerates the Company’s growth into the health and wellness markets. SensoryEffects was merged with the Company’s Food, Pharma & Nutrition segment, strengthening its market leadership position, and the segment was renamed SensoryEffects. The goodwill of $355,391 arising from the Acquisition consists largely of expected synergies, including the combined entities experience and technical problem solving capabilities, and acquired workforce. The goodwill is assigned to the SensoryEffects segment and $20,466 is tax deductible for income tax purposes. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,635 Accounts receivable 25,674 Inventories 32,000 Property, plant and equipment 75,850 Customer relationships 130,300 Trade names 31,100 Developed technology 3,200 Other assets 3,955 Indemnification asset 1,650 Trade accounts payable (10,427 ) Accrued expenses (6,326 ) Bank debt (75,550 ) Deferred income taxes (75,760) Goodwill 355,391 Amount paid to shareholders 493,692 SensoryEffects bank debt paid on purchase date 75,550 Total amount paid on acquisition date $ 569,242 During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company completed its review of the acquired tax balances associated with the SensoryEffects acquisition. As a result, the following December 31, 2014 balances were retrospectively revised as follows: goodwill and deferred income taxes were increased by $260. The revision is measured as of the acquisition date and considers adjustments that would have been recognized had the deferred taxes been recorded as of the acquisition date. There was no impact on consolidated net income or cash flows. Customer relationships are amortized over a 10-year period utilizing an accelerated method based on the estimated average customer attrition rate. Trade names and developed technology are amortized over 10 years and 5 years, respectively, utilizing the straight-line method as the consumption pattern of the related economic benefits cannot be reliably determined. The Company is indemnified for tax liabilities prior to the Acquisition date. The indemnification asset balance increased by $716 from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 to $2,638. Transaction and integration related costs included in selling, general, and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $3,652. The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013. Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Net Sales Net Earnings Net Sales Net Earnings SensoryEffects actual results included in the Company’s consolidated income statement $ $226,021 $ 16,512 $ 156,192 $ 6,632 Supplemental pro forma combined financial information $ $552,492 $ 59,722 $ 625,400 $ 61,730 Basic earnings per share $ 1.92 $ 2.03 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.89 $ 1.98 2014 supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014 exclude $17,248 of acquisition-related costs incurred and $4,735 of nonrecurring expenses related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventory. The pro forma information presented does not purport to be indicative of the results that actually would have been attained if the SensoryEffects acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented and is not intended to be a projection of future results.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	NOTE 3 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION In accordance with ASC 718, all share-based payments, including grants of stock options, are recognized in the income statement as an operating expense, based on their fair values. 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. Additionally excess tax benefits related to stock compensation are presented as a cash inflow from financing activities. The change had the effect of decreasing cash flows from operating activities and increasing cash flows from financing activities by $7,009, $7,220 and $9,397 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflected the following compensation cost as a result of adopting ASC 718 and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings: Increase/(Decrease) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cost of sales $ 854 $ 593 $ 607 Operating expenses 5,975 3,964 3,210 Net earnings (4,395 ) (2,926 ) (2,370 ) On December 31, 2015, the Company had one share-based compensation plan, which is described below (the “1999 Stock Plan”). In June 1999, the Company adopted the Balchem Corporation 1999 Stock Plan for officers, directors, directors emeritus and employees of and consultants to the Company and its subsidiaries. The 1999 Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. Under the plan, options and rights to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock are granted at prices established at the time of grant. Option grants generally become exercisable 20% after 1 year, 60% after 2 years and 100% after 3 years from the date of grant for employees and are fully exercisable on the date of grant for directors. Other option grants are either fully exercisable on the date of grant or become exercisable thereafter in such installments as the Committee may specify. Options granted under the 1999 Stock Plan expire ten years from the date of grant. The 1999 Stock Plan initially reserved an aggregate of 600,000 shares (unadjusted for the stock splits) of Common Stock for issuance under the Plan. In April 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted and stockholders subsequently approved, the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Plan (the “Amended Plan”) which amended the 1999 Stock Plan by: (i) increasing the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 1999 Stock Plan by 600,000 shares (unadjusted for the stock splits), to a total of 1,200,000 shares (unadjusted for the stock splits) of Common Stock; and (ii) confirming the right of the Company to grant awards of Common Stock (“Awards”) in addition to the other Stock Rights available under the 1999 Stock Plan, and providing certain language changes relating thereto. The Amended Plan was scheduled to expire in April, 2009. In April, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted and stockholders subsequently approved, the adoption of an amendment and restatement of the Amended Plan (collectively to be referred to as the “Second Amended Plan”), which provides as follows: (i) for a termination date of April 9, 2018; (ii) to authorize 6,000,000 shares reserved for future grants under the Second Amended Plan; (iii) for the making of grants of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards; (iv) for immediate acceleration of vesting of awards issued under the plan in the event of a change in control of the Company; and (v) for compliance with the requirements of Sections 409A and 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code” or the “Code”). The shares to be issued upon exercise of the outstanding options have been approved, reserved and are adequate to cover all exercises. As of December 31, 2015, the plans had 3,793,007 shares available for future awards. The Company has Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements (the “RSP Agreements”) with its non-employee directors and certain employees of the Company to purchase the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to the Company’s 1999 Stock Plan. Under the RSP Agreements, certain shares have been purchased, ranging from 1,000 shares to 20,250 shares, of the Company’s Common Stock at purchase prices ranging from approximately $.02 per share to $.07 per share. The purchased stock is subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company and to restrictions on transfer until it vests in accordance with the provisions of the RSP Agreements. In 2011, the Company discontinued the use of RSP Agreements and replaced them with Restricted Stock Grant Agreements for the Company’s non-employee directors and certain employees. Under the Restricted Stock Grant Agreements, certain shares of the Company’s Common Stock have been granted, ranging from 500 shares to 54,000 shares, to its non-employee directors and certain employees, subject to time-based vesting requirements. The Company also has performance share (“PS”) awards, which provide the recipients the right to receive a certain number of shares of the Company’s common stock in the future, subject to an (1) EBITDA performance hurdle, where vesting is dependent upon the Company achieving a certain EBITDA percentage growth over the performance period, and (2) relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) where vesting is dependent upon the Company’s TSR performance over the performance period relative to a comparator group consisting of the Russell 2000 index constituents established at January 1, 2015. The fair value of each option award issued under the 1999 Stock Plan is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes based option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected term of the options is based on the Company’s historical experience of employees’ exercise behavior. 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. Years Ended December 31, Weighted Average Assumptions: 2015 2014 2013 Expected Volatility 33.2 % 33.7 % 39.2 % Expected Term (in years) 5.5 5.6 5.0 Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.7 % 1.8 % 1.0 % Dividend Yield 0.6 % 0.5 % 0.5 % The value of the restricted shares is based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. PS expense is measured based on the fair value at the date of grant utilizing a Black-Scholes methodology to produce a Monte-Carlo simulation model which allows for the incorporation of the performance hurdles that must be met before the PS vests. The assumptions used in the fair value determination were: risk free interest rate: 1.00%; dividend yield: 0.5%; volatility: 34% and initial TSR -6.9%. Expense is based on the estimated number of shares expected to vest, assuming the requisite service period is rendered and the probable outcome of the performance condition is achieved. The estimate is revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of shares likely to vest differs from previous estimates. Expense is ultimately adjusted based on the actual achievement of service and performance targets. The PS will cliff vest 100% at the end of the third year following the grant in accordance with the performance metrics set forth. Compensation expense for stock options and stock awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, generally three years for stock options, four years for employee restricted stock awards, three years for employee performance share awards, and four years for non-employee director restricted stock awards. A summary of stock option plan activity for 2015, 2014, and 2013 for all plans is as follows: 2015 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,470 $ 27.35 Granted 209 58.34 Exercised (627 ) 20.16 Forfeited (35 ) 52.97 Outstanding at end of year 1,017 $ 37.29 Exercisable at end of year 667 $ 29.19 2014 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,893 $ 20.94 Granted 313 53.38 Exercised (610 ) 14.92 Forfeited (126 ) 56.03 Outstanding at end of year 1,470 $ 27.35 Exercisable at end of year 1,066 $ 21.52 2013 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 2,543 $ 16.87 Granted 177 38.73 Exercised (796 ) 11.40 Forfeited (31 ) 33.90 Outstanding at end of year 1,893 $ 20.94 Exercisable at end of year 1,516 $ 17.64 The aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding stock options was $23,927, $57,742 and $71,465 at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 5.8 years at December 31, 2015. Exercisable stock options at December 31, 2015 had an aggregate intrinsic value of $21,100 with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.4 years. Other information pertaining to option activity during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 18.35 $ 17.36 $ 13.07 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s) $ 24,047 $ 25,224 $ 28,776 Additional information related to stock options outstanding under all plans at December 31, 2015 is as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Shares Outstanding (000s) Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 11.87 - $22.34 254 2.9 years $ 17.47 254 $ 17.47 29.06 - 41.67 389 5.6 years 33.43 339 32.74 46.12 - 60.01 374 7.9 years 54.78 74 53.23 1,017 5.8 years $ 37.29 667 $ 29.19 Non-vested restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 134 $ 38.13 Granted 77 55.77 Vested (61 ) 37.35 Forfeited - - Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 150 $ 47.46 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 172 $ 33.69 Granted 33 54.86 Vested (65 ) 34.19 Forfeited (6 ) 45.32 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 134 $ 38.13 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012 258 $ 26.88 Granted 32 44.69 Vested (94 ) 19.31 Forfeited (24 ) 31.97 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 172 $ 33.69 Non-vested performance share activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 - $ - Granted 29 58.77 Vested - - Forfeited (9 ) 58.77 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 20 $ 58.77 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 - $ - Granted - - Vested - - Forfeited - - Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 - $ - Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012 - $ - Granted - - Vested - - Forfeited - - Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 - $ - As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there was $7,705, $5,981 and $5,947, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. As of December 31, 2015, the unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years. We estimate that share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 will be approximately $4,500. 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 2,125,923 shares have been purchased, of which 1,089 and -0- remained in treasury at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2015, a total of 20,692 shares have been purchased at an average cost of $58.24 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES Inventories at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 16,786 $ 19,822 Work in progress 1,807 1,989 Finished goods 27,492 27,812 Total inventories $ 46,085 $ 49,623 On a regular

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows: 2015 2014 Land $ 3,247 $ 3,130 Building 33,051 31,030 Equipment 153,682 150,170 Construction in progress 39,525 10,969 229,505 195,299 Less: Accumulated depreciation 70,990 63,711 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 158,515 $ 131,588 Depreciation expense was $12,895, $10,599 and $6,498 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 6 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS The Company had goodwill in the amount of $383,906 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had identifiable intangible assets as follows: Amortization Period (In years) 2015 Gross Carrying Amount 2015 Accumulated Amortization 2014 Gross Carrying Amount 2014 Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships & lists 10 $ 167,442 $ 63,578 $ 167,442 $ 41,238 Trademarks & trade names 17 32,014 5,704 32,014 2,540 Developed technology 5 3,200 1,057 3,200 420 Regulatory registration costs 5-10 2,601 849 1,704 667 Patents & trade secrets 15-17 1,742 1,022 1,665 933 Other 5-10 759 637 754 587 $ 207,758 $ 72,847 $ 206,779 $ 46,385 Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was $26,467, $19,468 and $3,976 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Assuming no change in the gross carrying value of identifiable intangible assets, the estimated amortization expense is approximately $24,380 in 2016, $20,430 in 2017, $18,175 in 2018, $16,390 in 2019 and $14,625 in 2020. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as defined by ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” Identifiable intangible assets are reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets under Intangible assets with finite lives, net. There were no changes to the useful lives of intangible assets subject to amortization in 2015 and 2014. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, (“FIFRA”), a health and safety statute, requires that certain products within our specialty products segment must be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) because they are considered pesticides. Costs of such registration are included as regulatory registration costs in the table above.

LONG TERM DEBT

LONG TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
LONG TERM DEBT [Abstract]
LONG TERM DEBT	NOTE 7 – LONG TERM DEBT On May 7, 2014, the Company and a bank syndicate entered into a loan agreement providing for a senior secured term loan of $350,000 and revolving loan of $100,000 (collectively referred to as the “loans”). The term loan and $50,000 of the revolving loan were used to fund the Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Company acquisition (see Note 2) and for general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2015, the Company had a total of $297,500 of debt outstanding. The term loan is payable in quarterly installments of $8,750 commencing on September 30, 2014, with the outstanding principal due on the maturity date. The Company may draw on the revolving loan at its discretion and the revolving loan does not have installments and all outstanding amounts are due on the maturity date. The loans may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty and have a maturity date of May 7, 2019. The loans are subject to an interest rate equal to LIBOR or a fluctuating rate as defined by the loan agreement, at the Company’s discretion, plus an applicable rate. The applicable rate is based upon the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the loan agreement, and the interest rate was 1.73% at December 31, 2015. The Company has $100,000 of undrawn revolving loan at December 31, 2015 that is subject to a commitment fee; which is based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as defined in the loan agreement. As previously noted, on February 1, 2016, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Albion International, Inc. (Albion). The Company made payments of approximately $116.4 million on the acquisition date, of which $65 million was funded from the revolving line of credit and remaining was funded from the Company’s existing cash balances. The loan agreement contains quarterly covenants requiring the consolidated leverage ratio to be less than a certain maximum ratio and the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio to exceed a certain minimum ratio. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. Indebtedness under the Company’s loan agreements are secured by assets of the company. The following table summarizes the future minimum debt payments as of December 31, 2015: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Current portion of long-term debt $ 35,000 - - - - Long-term debt - $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 192,500 - Total $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 192,500 $ - Costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the respective financing arrangements using the effective interest method. If debt is retired early, the related unamortized costs are expensed in the period the debt is retired. Capitalized costs net of accumulated amortization total $1,537 at December 31, 2015, of which $537 is included in other current assets and $1,000 is included in other assets. Amortization expense pertaining to these costs totaled $603 and $457 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES Income tax expense consists of the following: 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 29,638 $ 25,937 $ 18,366 Foreign 3,021 2,141 1,418 State 2,982 2,412 1,475 Deferred: Federal (6,815 ) (5,772 ) (75 ) Foreign 58 85 74 State (1,543 ) (577 ) (314 ) Total income tax provision $ 27,341 $ 24,226 $ 20,944 The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the Federal statutory rate of 35% to earnings before income tax expense due to the following: 2015 2014 2013 Income tax at Federal statutory rate $ 30,471 $ 26,968 $ 23,036 State income taxes, net of Federal income taxes 556 1,182 908 Domestic production activities deduction (2,709 ) (2,567 ) (1,804 ) Other (977 ) (1,357 ) (1,196 ) Total income tax provision $ 27,341 $ 24,226 $ 20,944 The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Inventories $ 1,432 $ 1,774 Restricted stock and stock options 4,956 4,716 Other 807 4,019 Total deferred tax assets 7,195 10,509 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization $ 49,726 $ 60,056 Depreciation 22,464 17,969 Prepaid expense 658 932 Other 752 563 Total deferred tax liabilities 73,600 79,520 Net deferred tax liability $ 66,405 $ 69,011 There is no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. The amount of deferred tax asset realizable, however, could change if management’s estimate of future taxable income should change. Provisions of ASC 740-10 clarify whether or not to recognize assets or liabilities for tax positions taken that may be challenged by a tax authority. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which is included in other long-term obligations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 5,205 $ 3,076 2,292 Increases for tax positions of prior years 943 1,922 445 Decreases for tax positions of prior years (120 ) (417 ) (166 ) Increases for tax positions related to current year 542 624 505 Balance at end of period $ 6,570 $ 5,205 3,076 All of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized in future periods, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate in such future periods. The Company recognizes both interest and penalties as part of the income tax provision. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized approximately $138, $37 and $130 in interest and penalties, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, accrued interest and penalties were $2,405 and $1,643, respectively. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various states and foreign countries. In the major jurisdictions where the Company operates, it is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. The Company does not anticipate any material change in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to occur within the next twelve months.

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE [Abstract]
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	NOTE 9 - 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 common share: 2015 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 59,722 31,158,142 $ 1.92 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock 477,496 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 59,722 31,635,638 $ 1.89 2014 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 52,826 30,381,310 $ 1.74 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock 790,412 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 52,826 31,171,722 $ 1.69 2013 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 44,874 29,623,952 $ 1.51 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock 1,223,183 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 44,874 30,847,135 $ 1.45 The Company had 194,372, 56,500 and 10,000 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 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.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	NOTE 10 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS During 2014, the Company sponsored two 401(k) savings plans for eligible employees. The plans allows participants to make pretax contributions and the Company matches certain percentages of those pretax contributions. One of the plans has a discretionary profit sharing portion and the Company match is made with shares of the Company’s Common Stock. All amounts contributed to the plans are deposited into a trust fund administered by independent trustees. The plans were merged in January 2015. The merged plan allows participants to make pretax contributions and the Company matches certain percentages of those contributions. Additionally, the plan has a discretionary profit sharing portion which is made with shares of the Company’s stock. The Company provided for profit sharing contributions and matching 401(k) savings plan contributions of $1,886 and $738 in 2015, $938 and $804 in 2014, and $918 and $525 in 2013, respectively. The Company also provides postretirement benefits in the form of an unfunded retirement medical plan under a collective bargaining agreement covering eligible retired employees of the Verona facility. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement medical plan. In accordance with ASC 715, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits,” the Company is required to recognize the over funded or under funded status of a defined benefit post retirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position, and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The actuarial recorded liabilities for such unfunded postretirement benefit is as follows: Change in benefit obligation: 2015 2014 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,111 $ 1,152 Service cost with interest to end of year 54 57 Interest cost 36 48 Participant contributions 5 3 Benefits paid* (6 ) 42 Actuarial gain (242 ) (191 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 958 $ 1,111 Change in plan assets: 2015 2014 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ - $ - Employer (reimbursement)/contributions* 1 (45 ) Participant contributions 5 3 Benefits paid* (6 ) 42 Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ - *Stop loss reimbursement credit received in 2014. Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet: 2015 2014 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ (958 ) $ (1,111 ) Fair value of plan assets - - Funded status (958 ) (1,111 ) Unrecognized prior service cost N/A N/A Unrecognized net (gain)/loss N/A N/A Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet (after ASC 715) (included in other long-term obligations) $ 958 $ 1,111 Accrued postretirement benefit cost (included in other long-term obligations) $ N/A $ N/A Components of net periodic benefit cost: 2015 2014 2013 Service cost with interest to end of year $ 54 $ 57 $ 67 Interest cost 36 48 42 Amortization of prior service credit (18 ) (18 ) (18 ) Amortization of gain - 6 17 Total net periodic benefit cost $ 72 $ 93 $ 108 Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments are as follows: Year 2016 $ 46 2017 48 2018 71 2019 86 2020 77 Years 2021-2025 335 Assumed health care cost trend rates have been used in the valuation of postretirement health insurance benefits. The trend rate is 7.07% in 2015 declining to 4.50% in 2038 and thereafter. A one percentage point increase in health care cost trend rates in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015 by $93 and the net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2015 by $15. A one percentage point decrease in health care cost trend rates in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015 by $82 and the net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2015 by $12. The weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 3.70% in 2015 and 3.30% in 2014. The Company contributes to one multiemployer defined benefit plan under the terms of a collective-bargaining agreement covering its union-represented employees of the Verona facility. The risks of participation in this multiemployer plan are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: (a) assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers, (b) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, and (c) if the Company chooses to stop participating in its multiemployer plan, the Company will be required to pay that plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as the withdrawal liability. The Company’s participation in this plan for the annual period ended December 31, 2015 is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN). The zone status is based on information that the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date of the collective-bargaining agreement to which the plan is subject. Finally, the period-to-period comparability of the contributions for 2015 and 2014 was affected by a 4.0% increase in the 2015 contribution rate. There have been no other significant changes that affect the comparability of 2015 and 2014 contributions. The Company does not represent more than 5% of the contributions to this pension fund. Pension EIN/Pension Plan Pension Plan Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/ Contributions of Balchem Corporation Surcharge Expiration Date Fund Number 2015 2014 Implemented 2015 2014 2013 Imposed Agreement Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund 36-6044243 Red as of 1/1/2015 Red as of 1/1/2014 Implemented $ 515 $ 498 $ 451 No 5/31/2017

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 11 - 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 expire at various times through 2029. Rent expense charged to operations under such lease agreements for 2015, 2014 and 2013 aggregated approximately $2,414, $1,595 and $1,040, respectively. Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Year 2016 $ 2,279 2017 1,856 2018 1,473 2019 1,129 2020 784 Thereafter 2,908 Total minimum lease payments $ 10,429 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 INSTRUM

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	NOTE 12 – 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 December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 carrying value of debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is based on market and the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company’s financial instruments also include cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2015 and 2014, includes $773 and $772 in money market funds, respectively. The money market funds and certificates of deposit are valued using level one and level two inputs, respectively, as defined by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	NOTE 13 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net foreign currency translation adjustment $ (2,615 ) $ (2,972 ) $ 856 Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) Net gain arising during the period 242 191 162 Amortization of prior service credit (18 ) (18 ) (18 ) Amortization of gain - 6 17 Total before tax 224 179 161 Tax (72 ) (56 ) (60 ) Net of tax 152 123 101 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (2,463 ) $ (2,849 ) $ 957 Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) at December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: Foreign currency translation adjustment Postretirement benefit plan Total Balance December 31, 2014 $ (2,702 ) $ 51 $ (2,651 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/gain (2,615 ) 152 (2,463 ) Balance December 31, 2015 $ (5,317 ) $ 203 $ (5,114 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	NOTE 14 - SEGMENT INFORMATION During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, information that our chief operating decision maker regularly reviews for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance changed, and as a result, the Company changed its communication to external investors. Therefore, beginning in fiscal year 2015, we are reporting our financial performance based on our new segments; SensoryEffects, Animal Nutrition & Health, Specialty Products, and Industrial Products. We have retrospectively revised certain prior period amounts to conform to the way we internally manage and monitor segment performance during the current fiscal year. Our reportable segments are described below. SensoryEffects Our SensoryEffects segment supplies ingredients in the food and beverage industry; providing customized solutions in powder, solid and liquid flavor delivery systems, spray dried emulsified powder systems, and cereal systems. Our products include creamer systems, dairy replacers, powdered fats, nutritional beverage bases, beverages, juice & dairy bases, chocolate systems, ice cream bases & variegates, ready-to-eat cereals, grain based snacks, and cereal based ingredients. Additionally, we provide microencapsulation solutions to a variety of applications in food, pharmaceutical and nutritional ingredients to enhance performance of nutritional fortification, processing, mixing, and packaging applications and shelf-life. Major product applications are baked goods, refrigerated and frozen dough systems, processed meats, seasoning blends, confections, and nutritional supplements. We also produce and market human grade choline nutrient products through this segment for wellness applications. Choline is recognized to play a key role in the development and structural integrity of brain cell membranes in infants, processing dietary fat, reproductive development and neural functions, such as memory and muscle function. Animal Nutrition & Health Our Animal Nutrition & Health (“ANH”) segment provides nutritional products derived from our microencapsulation and chelation technologies in addition to basic choline chloride. For ruminant animals, our microencapsulated products boost health and milk production, delivering nutrient supplements that are biologically available, providing required nutritional levels. Our proprietary chelation technology provides enhanced nutrient absorption for various species of production and companion animals and is marketed for use in animal feed throughout the world. ANH also manufactures and supplies choline chloride, an essential nutrient for monogastric animal health, predominantly to the poultry, pet and swine industries. Choline, which is manufactured and sold in both dry and aqueous forms, plays a vital role in the metabolism of fat. Choline deficiency can result in reduced growth and perosis in poultry; fatty liver, kidney necrosis and general poor health condition in swine. Sales of specialty products for the animal nutrition and health industry are highly dependent on dairy industry economics as well as the ability of the Company to leverage the results of university and field research on the animal health benefits of the Company’s products. Management believes that success in the commodity-oriented basic choline chloride marketplace is highly dependent on the Company’s ability to maintain its strong reputation for excellent product quality and customer service. The Company continues to increase production efficiencies in order to maintain its competitive-cost position to effectively compete in a competitive global marketplace. Specialty Products Our Specialty Products segment operates commercially as ARC Specialty Products. Ethylene oxide, at the 100% level, is sold as a sterilant gas, primarily for use in the health care industry. It is used to sterilize a wide range of medical devices because of its versatility and effectiveness in treating hard or soft surfaces, composites, metals, tubing and different types of plastics without negatively impacting the performance of the device being sterilized. Our 100% ethylene oxide product is distributed in uniquely designed, recyclable, double-walled, stainless steel drums to assure compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards as outlined by the EPA and the DOT. Our inventory of these specially built drums, along with our two filling facilities, represents a significant capital investment. Contract sterilizers and medical device manufacturers are principal customers for this product. We also sell single use canisters with 100% ethylene oxide for use in sterilizing re-usable devices typically processed in autoclave units in hospitals. As a fumigant, ethylene oxide blends are highly effective in killing bacteria, fungi, and insects in spices and other seasoning materials. Propylene oxide is marketed and sold as a fumigant to aid in the control of insects and microbiological spoilage; and to reduce bacterial and mold contamination in certain shell and processed nut meats, processed spices, cacao beans, cocoa powder, raisins, figs and prunes. We distribute our propylene oxide product primarily in recyclable, single-walled, carbon steel cylinders according to standards outlined by the EPA and the DOT. Our inventory of these cylinders also represents a significant capital investment. Propylene oxide is also sold to customers seeking smaller (as opposed to bulk) quantities and whose requirements include utilization in various chemical synthesis applications, such as increasing paint durability and manufacturing specialty starches and textile coatings. Industrial Products (formerly included in Animal Nutrition & Health) Certain derivatives of choline chloride are manufactured and sold into industrial applications predominately as a component for hydraulic fracturing of shale natural gas wells. Our products offer an attractive, effective and more environmentally responsible alternative than other clay stabilizers. Industrial grade Choline Bicarbonate is completely chloride free and our Choline Chloride reduces the amount of chlorides released into the environment up to 75% when compared to potassium chloride. The Industrial Products segment also includes the manufacture and sale of methylamines. Methylamines are a primary building block for the manufacture of choline products and are produced at our Italian operation and sold for a wide range of industrial applications in Europe. Business Segment Net Sales: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 278,288 $ 206,101 $ 47,569 Animal Nutrition & Health 165,763 176,477 155,727 Specialty Products 54,236 54,053 51,086 Industrial Products 54,205 104,752 82,791 Total $ 552,492 $ 541,383 $ 337,173 Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 38,302 $ 21,260 $ 11,233 Animal Nutrition & Health 27,851 23,687 18,244 Specialty Products 23,995 21,316 20,224 Industrial Products 5,594 16,532 15,901 Unallocated equity compensation (1,462 ) - - Transaction costs, integration costs and legal settlement (324 ) (652 ) - Interest and other income, net (6,893 ) (5,091 ) 216 Total $ 87,063 $ 77,052 $ 65,818 Unallocated equity compensation expense was related to the accelerated vesting of previously-granted unvested options to purchase Company common stock, and removal of the restrictions on previously-granted Restricted Stock. Transaction and integration costs were primarily related to the definitive agreement to acquire Albion International, Inc. in 2015 and Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Company (d/b/a SensoryEffects) in 2014. See Note 2. Depreciation/Amortization: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 30,537 $ 20,873 $ 1,216 Animal Nutrition & Health 6,573 6,026 5,896 Specialty Products 1,225 1,385 1,431 Industrial Products 1,027 1,783 1,931 Total $ 39,362 $ 30,067 $ 10,474 Business Segment Assets: 2015 2014 2013 Sensory Effects $ 642,929 $ 656,130 $ 22,343 Animal Nutrition & Health 107,459 90,650 100,531 Specialty Products 24,769 24,913 24,850 Industrial Products 16,191 32,330 16,179 Other Unallocated 89,875 57,508 212,969 Total $ 881,223 $ 861,531 $ 376,872 Other unallocated assets consist of certain cash, receivables, prepaid expenses, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation, and deferred income taxes, which the Company does not allocate to its individual business segments. Capital Expenditures: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 21,361 $ 3,475 $ 1,342 Animal Nutrition & Health 17,854 7,383 5,365 Specialty Products 940 896 724 Industrial Products 1,145 1,445 756 Total $ 41,300 $ 13,199 $ 8,187 Geographic Revenue Information: 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 441,664 $ 420,324 $ 227,651 Foreign Countries 110,828 121,059 109,522 Total $ 552,492 $ 541,383 $ 337,173 Geographic Area Data – Long-Lived Assets (excluding intangible assets): 2015 2014 2013 North America $ 148,209 $ 121,090 $ 43,078 Europe 10,306 10,498 11,838 Total $ 158,515 $ 131,588 $ 54,916

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid during the year for: 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes $ 19,551 $ 25,304 $ 12,096 Interest $ 5,987 $ 4,685 $ 40 Non-cash financing activities: 2015 2014 2013 Dividends payable $ 10,727 $ 9,251 $ 7,856

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	NOTE 16 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Net sales $ 144,862 $ 134,773 $ 140,128 $ 132,729 $ 85,995 $ 132,230 $ 160,490 $ 162,668 Gross profit 43,130 41,867 43,174 39,926 23,215 32,335 44,487 44,135 Earnings before income taxes 23,085 22,167 21,189 20,623 13,372 15,291 23,209 25,180 Net earnings 15,172 14,916 13,976 15,659 8,894 9,732 15,178 19,022 Basic net earnings per common share $ .49 $ .48 $ .45 $ .50 $ .30 $ .32 $ .50 $ .62 Diluted net earnings per common share $ .48 $ .47 $ .44 $ .49 $ .29 $ .31 $ .49 $ .61

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	BALCHEM CORPORATION Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (In thousands) Description Balance at Beginning of Year Additions Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses Deductions Balance at End of Year Year ended December 31, 2015 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 288 $ (1 ) $ (52 ) (a) $ 235 Inventory reserve 1,682 369 (228 ) (a) 1,823 Year ended December 31, 2014 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 115 $ 238 $ (65 ) (a) $ 288 Inventory reserve 181 2,073 (572 ) (a) 1,682 Year ended December 31, 2013 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 115 $ - $ - $ 115 Inventory reserve 236 97 (152 ) (a) 181 (a) represents write-offs.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM27

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Retrospective Revision of Certain Prior Period Information	Retrospective Revision of Certain Prior Period Information During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, information that our chief operating decision maker regularly reviews for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance changed, and as a result, the Company changed its communication to external investors. Therefore, beginning in fiscal year 2015, we are reporting our financial performance based on our new segments described in Note 14 – Segment Information. We have retrospectively revised certain prior period amounts to conform to the way we internally managed and monitored segment performance during the current fiscal year. This change impacted Note 6 – Intangible Assets and Note 14 – Segment Information, with no impact on consolidated net income or cash flows. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company completed its review of the acquired tax balances associated with the SensoryEffects acquisition. As a result, the following December 31, 2014 balances were retrospectively revised as follows: goodwill and deferred income taxes were increased by $260. The revision is measured as of the acquisition date and considers adjustments that would have been recognized had the deferred taxes been recorded as of the acquisition date. There was no impact on consolidated net income or cash flows.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue for each of our business segments is recognized upon product shipment, passage of title and risk of loss, and when collection is reasonably assured. The Company reports amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling as revenue and includes costs incurred for shipping and handling in cost of sales. Amounts received for unshipped merchandise are not recognized as revenue but rather they are recorded as customer deposits and are included in current liabilities. In instances of shipments made on consignment, revenue is deferred until a customer indicates to the Company that it has used the Company’s products. The Company does not charge its customers rental fees on cylinders or drums used to ship its products.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Credit terms are granted in the normal course of business to our customers. On-going credit evaluations are performed on our customers and credit limits are adjusted based upon payment history and the customer's current credit worthiness, as determined through review of their current credit information. Collections and payments from customers are continuously monitored and allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments are maintained. Estimated losses are based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues identified.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out or average) or market value and have been reduced by an allowance for excess or obsolete inventories. Cost elements include material, labor and manufacturing overhead.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Buildings 15-25 Equipment 2-28 years Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. Alterations and major overhauls that extend the lives or increase the capacity of plant assets are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resultant gain or loss is included in earnings.
Business Concentrations	Business Concentrations Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable, certificates of deposit and money market investments. Investments are managed within established guidelines to mitigate risks. Accounts receivable subject the Company to credit risk partially due to the concentration of amounts due from customers. The Company extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition and credit histories. The majority of the Company’s customers are major national or international corporations. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total net sales.
Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting for a business combination and defines an intangible asset. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but are instead assessed for impairment annually and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350. The Company performs its annual test as of October 1. ASC 350 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. In accordance with ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”) As of October 1, 2015 and 2014, the Company opted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceeded directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. We assessed the fair values of our reporting units by utilizing the income approach, based on a discounted cash flow valuation model as the basis for our conclusions, as well as market approaches for certain reporting units. Our estimates of future cash flows included significant management assumptions such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, estimated terminal values and future economic and market conditions. Our assessment concluded that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, including goodwill. Accordingly, the goodwill of the reporting units is not considered impaired. The Company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in subsequent periods. The Company had goodwill in the amount of $383,906 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, subject to the provisions of ASC 350. Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as follows: 2015 2014 SensoryEffects $ 363,784 $ 363,784 Animal Nutrition and Health 11,734 11,734 Specialty Products 7,160 7,160 Industrial Products 1,228 1,228 Total $ 383,906 $ 383,906 The following intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost and are amortized either on an accelerated basis or on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: Amortization Period (in years) Customer relationships and lists 10 Trademarks & trade names 17 Developed technology 5 Regulatory registration costs 5 - 10 Patents & trade secrets 15 - 17 Other 5 - 10 For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no triggering events which required intangible asset impairment reviews.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates Management of the Company is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 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 carrying value of debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is based on market and the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company’s financial instruments also includes cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales are primarily comprised of raw materials and supplies consumed in the manufacture of product, as well as manufacturing labor, maintenance labor, depreciation expense, and direct overhead expense necessary to convert purchased materials and supplies into finished product. Cost of sales also includes inbound freight costs, outbound freight costs for shipping products to customers, warehousing costs, quality control and obsolescence expense.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefit costs, amortization of customer relationships and lists, trade promotions, advertising, commissions and other marketing costs. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and benefit costs, occupancy and operating costs of corporate offices, depreciation and amortization expense on non-manufacturing assets, information systems costs and other miscellaneous administrative costs. In 2014, general and administrative expenses were reduced by a $2.9 million net legal settlement.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Net Earnings Per Common Share	Net Earnings Per Common Share Basic net earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings per common share is calculated in a manner consistent with basic net earnings per common share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding also includes the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding, unvested restricted stock, and unvested performance shares (using the treasury stock method).
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 3. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” which requires all share-based payments, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in the income statement as an operating expense, based on their fair values. The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes based option-pricing model. Estimates of and assumptions about forfeiture rates, terms, volatility, interest rates and dividend yields are used to calculate stock-based compensation. A significant change to these estimates could materially affect the Company’s operating results.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	Impairment of Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally based on discounted cash flows.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which addresses revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces almost all existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, in current U.S. GAAP. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost” (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”), which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and new realizable value. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”), to simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. The ASU requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”), to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The ASU requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation with no impact on net earnings or stockholders’ equity.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM28

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Buildings 15-25 Equipment 2-28 years
Unamortized goodwill allocated to reportable segments	Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as follows: 2015 2014 SensoryEffects $ 363,784 $ 363,784 Animal Nutrition and Health 11,734 11,734 Specialty Products 7,160 7,160 Industrial Products 1,228 1,228 Total $ 383,906 $ 383,906
Intangible assets, estimated useful lives	The following intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost and are amortized either on an accelerated basis or on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: Amortization Period (in years) Customer relationships and lists 10 Trademarks & trade names 17 Developed technology 5 Regulatory registration costs 5 - 10 Patents & trade secrets 15 - 17 Other 5 - 10

ACQUISITION (Tables)

ACQUISITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,635 Accounts receivable 25,674 Inventories 32,000 Property, plant and equipment 75,850 Customer relationships 130,300 Trade names 31,100 Developed technology 3,200 Other assets 3,955 Indemnification asset 1,650 Trade accounts payable (10,427 ) Accrued expenses (6,326 ) Bank debt (75,550 ) Deferred income taxes (75,760) Goodwill 355,391 Amount paid to shareholders 493,692 SensoryEffects bank debt paid on purchase date 75,550 Total amount paid on acquisition date $ 569,242
Acquisition of unaudited pro forma information	The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013. Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Net Sales Net Earnings Net Sales Net Earnings SensoryEffects actual results included in the Company’s consolidated income statement $ $226,021 $ 16,512 $ 156,192 $ 6,632 Supplemental pro forma combined financial information $ $552,492 $ 59,722 $ 625,400 $ 61,730 Basic earnings per share $ 1.92 $ 2.03 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.89 $ 1.98

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Effect of compensation cost on earnings	The Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflected the following compensation cost as a result of adopting ASC 718 and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings: Increase/(Decrease) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cost of sales $ 854 $ 593 $ 607 Operating expenses 5,975 3,964 3,210 Net earnings (4,395 ) (2,926 ) (2,370 )
Assumptions used in the valuation of option awards	The fair value of each option award issued under the 1999 Stock Plan is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes based option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected term of the options is based on the Company’s historical experience of employees’ exercise behavior. 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. Years Ended December 31, Weighted Average Assumptions: 2015 2014 2013 Expected Volatility 33.2 % 33.7 % 39.2 % Expected Term (in years) 5.5 5.6 5.0 Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.7 % 1.8 % 1.0 % Dividend Yield 0.6 % 0.5 % 0.5 %
Summary of stock option activity	A summary of stock option plan activity for 2015, 2014, and 2013 for all plans is as follows: 2015 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,470 $ 27.35 Granted 209 58.34 Exercised (627 ) 20.16 Forfeited (35 ) 52.97 Outstanding at end of year 1,017 $ 37.29 Exercisable at end of year 667 $ 29.19 2014 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,893 $ 20.94 Granted 313 53.38 Exercised (610 ) 14.92 Forfeited (126 ) 56.03 Outstanding at end of year 1,470 $ 27.35 Exercisable at end of year 1,066 $ 21.52 2013 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 2,543 $ 16.87 Granted 177 38.73 Exercised (796 ) 11.40 Forfeited (31 ) 33.90 Outstanding at end of year 1,893 $ 20.94 Exercisable at end of year 1,516 $ 17.64
Other information pertaining to stock option activity	Other information pertaining to option activity during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 18.35 $ 17.36 $ 13.07 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s) $ 24,047 $ 25,224 $ 28,776
Additional information relating to stock options outstanding	Additional information related to stock options outstanding under all plans at December 31, 2015 is as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Shares Outstanding (000s) Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 11.87 - $22.34 254 2.9 years $ 17.47 254 $ 17.47 29.06 - 41.67 389 5.6 years 33.43 339 32.74 46.12 - 60.01 374 7.9 years 54.78 74 53.23 1,017 5.8 years $ 37.29 667 $ 29.19
Non-vested restricted stock activity	Non-vested restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 134 $ 38.13 Granted 77 55.77 Vested (61 ) 37.35 Forfeited - - Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 150 $ 47.46 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 172 $ 33.69 Granted 33 54.86 Vested (65 ) 34.19 Forfeited (6 ) 45.32 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 134 $ 38.13 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012 258 $ 26.88 Granted 32 44.69 Vested (94 ) 19.31 Forfeited (24 ) 31.97 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 172 $ 33.69 Non-vested performance share activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 - $ - Granted 29 58.77 Vested - - Forfeited (9 ) 58.77 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 20 $ 58.77 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 - $ - Granted - - Vested - - Forfeited - - Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014 - $ - Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2012 - $ - Granted - - Vested - - Forfeited - - Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2013 - $ -

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 16,786 $ 19,822 Work in progress 1,807 1,989 Finished goods 27,492 27,812 Total inventories $ 46,085 $ 49,623

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows: 2015 2014 Land $ 3,247 $ 3,130 Building 33,051 31,030 Equipment 153,682 150,170 Construction in progress 39,525 10,969 229,505 195,299 Less: Accumulated depreciation 70,990 63,711 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 158,515 $ 131,588

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Intangible assets with finite lives	As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had identifiable intangible assets as follows: Amortization Period (In years) 2015 Gross Carrying Amount 2015 Accumulated Amortization 2014 Gross Carrying Amount 2014 Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships & lists 10 $ 167,442 $ 63,578 $ 167,442 $ 41,238 Trademarks & trade names 17 32,014 5,704 32,014 2,540 Developed technology 5 3,200 1,057 3,200 420 Regulatory registration costs 5-10 2,601 849 1,704 667 Patents & trade secrets 15-17 1,742 1,022 1,665 933 Other 5-10 759 637 754 587 $ 207,758 $ 72,847 $ 206,779 $ 46,385

LONG TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
LONG TERM DEBT [Abstract]
Future minimum debt payments	The following table summarizes the future minimum debt payments as of December 31, 2015: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Current portion of long-term debt $ 35,000 - - - - Long-term debt - $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 192,500 - Total $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 192,500 $ -

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income tax expense	Income tax expense consists of the following: 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 29,638 $ 25,937 $ 18,366 Foreign 3,021 2,141 1,418 State 2,982 2,412 1,475 Deferred: Federal (6,815 ) (5,772 ) (75 ) Foreign 58 85 74 State (1,543 ) (577 ) (314 ) Total income tax provision $ 27,341 $ 24,226 $ 20,944
Income tax reconciliation	The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the Federal statutory rate of 35% to earnings before income tax expense due to the following: 2015 2014 2013 Income tax at Federal statutory rate $ 30,471 $ 26,968 $ 23,036 State income taxes, net of Federal income taxes 556 1,182 908 Domestic production activities deduction (2,709 ) (2,567 ) (1,804 ) Other (977 ) (1,357 ) (1,196 ) Total income tax provision $ 27,341 $ 24,226 $ 20,944
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Inventories $ 1,432 $ 1,774 Restricted stock and stock options 4,956 4,716 Other 807 4,019 Total deferred tax assets 7,195 10,509 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization $ 49,726 $ 60,056 Depreciation 22,464 17,969 Prepaid expense 658 932 Other 752 563 Total deferred tax liabilities 73,600 79,520 Net deferred tax liability $ 66,405 $ 69,011
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which is included in other long-term obligations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 5,205 $ 3,076 2,292 Increases for tax positions of prior years 943 1,922 445 Decreases for tax positions of prior years (120 ) (417 ) (166 ) Increases for tax positions related to current year 542 624 505 Balance at end of period $ 6,570 $ 5,205 3,076

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the net earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted net earnings per share	The following presents a reconciliation of the net earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted net earnings per common share: 2015 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 59,722 31,158,142 $ 1.92 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock 477,496 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 59,722 31,635,638 $ 1.89 2014 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 52,826 30,381,310 $ 1.74 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock 790,412 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 52,826 31,171,722 $ 1.69 2013 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 44,874 29,623,952 $ 1.51 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and restricted stock 1,223,183 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 44,874 30,847,135 $ 1.45

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
Change in benefit obligation	The actuarial recorded liabilities for such unfunded postretirement benefit is as follows: Change in benefit obligation: 2015 2014 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,111 $ 1,152 Service cost with interest to end of year 54 57 Interest cost 36 48 Participant contributions 5 3 Benefits paid* (6 ) 42 Actuarial gain (242 ) (191 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 958 $ 1,111
Change in plan assets	Change in plan assets: 2015 2014 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ - $ - Employer (reimbursement)/contributions* 1 (45 ) Participant contributions 5 3 Benefits paid* (6 ) 42 Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ - *Stop loss reimbursement credit received in 2014.
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet: 2015 2014 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ (958 ) $ (1,111 ) Fair value of plan assets - - Funded status (958 ) (1,111 ) Unrecognized prior service cost N/A N/A Unrecognized net (gain)/loss N/A N/A Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet (after ASC 715) (included in other long-term obligations) $ 958 $ 1,111 Accrued postretirement benefit cost (included in other long-term obligations) $ N/A $ N/A
Components of net periodic benefit cost	Components of net periodic benefit cost: 2015 2014 2013 Service cost with interest to end of year $ 54 $ 57 $ 67 Interest cost 36 48 42 Amortization of prior service credit (18 ) (18 ) (18 ) Amortization of gain - 6 17 Total net periodic benefit cost $ 72 $ 93 $ 108
Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments	Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments are as follows: Year 2016 $ 46 2017 48 2018 71 2019 86 2020 77 Years 2021-2025 335
Pension fund disclosure	Pension EIN/Pension Plan Pension Plan Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/ Contributions of Balchem Corporation Surcharge Expiration Date Fund Number 2015 2014 Implemented 2015 2014 2013 Imposed Agreement Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund 36-6044243 Red as of 1/1/2015 Red as of 1/1/2014 Implemented $ 515 $ 498 $ 451 No 5/31/2017

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases	Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Year 2016 $ 2,279 2017 1,856 2018 1,473 2019 1,129 2020 784 Thereafter 2,908 Total minimum lease payments $ 10,429

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI39

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net foreign currency translation adjustment $ (2,615 ) $ (2,972 ) $ 856 Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) Net gain arising during the period 242 191 162 Amortization of prior service credit (18 ) (18 ) (18 ) Amortization of gain - 6 17 Total before tax 224 179 161 Tax (72 ) (56 ) (60 ) Net of tax 152 123 101 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (2,463 ) $ (2,849 ) $ 957 Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) at December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: Foreign currency translation adjustment Postretirement benefit plan Total Balance December 31, 2014 $ (2,702 ) $ 51 $ (2,651 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/gain (2,615 ) 152 (2,463 ) Balance December 31, 2015 $ (5,317 ) $ 203 $ (5,114 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
Segment reporting information, by segment	Business Segment Net Sales: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 278,288 $ 206,101 $ 47,569 Animal Nutrition & Health 165,763 176,477 155,727 Specialty Products 54,236 54,053 51,086 Industrial Products 54,205 104,752 82,791 Total $ 552,492 $ 541,383 $ 337,173 Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 38,302 $ 21,260 $ 11,233 Animal Nutrition & Health 27,851 23,687 18,244 Specialty Products 23,995 21,316 20,224 Industrial Products 5,594 16,532 15,901 Unallocated equity compensation (1,462 ) - - Transaction costs, integration costs and legal settlement (324 ) (652 ) - Interest and other income, net (6,893 ) (5,091 ) 216 Total $ 87,063 $ 77,052 $ 65,818 Depreciation/Amortization: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 30,537 $ 20,873 $ 1,216 Animal Nutrition & Health 6,573 6,026 5,896 Specialty Products 1,225 1,385 1,431 Industrial Products 1,027 1,783 1,931 Total $ 39,362 $ 30,067 $ 10,474 Business Segment Assets: 2015 2014 2013 Sensory Effects $ 642,929 $ 656,130 $ 22,343 Animal Nutrition & Health 107,459 90,650 100,531 Specialty Products 24,769 24,913 24,850 Industrial Products 16,191 32,330 16,179 Other Unallocated 89,875 57,508 212,969 Total $ 881,223 $ 861,531 $ 376,872 Other unallocated assets consist of certain cash, receivables, prepaid expenses, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation, and deferred income taxes, which the Company does not allocate to its individual business segments. Capital Expenditures: 2015 2014 2013 SensoryEffects $ 21,361 $ 3,475 $ 1,342 Animal Nutrition & Health 17,854 7,383 5,365 Specialty Products 940 896 724 Industrial Products 1,145 1,445 756 Total $ 41,300 $ 13,199 $ 8,187
Geographic revenue information	Geographic Revenue Information: 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 441,664 $ 420,324 $ 227,651 Foreign Countries 110,828 121,059 109,522 Total $ 552,492 $ 541,383 $ 337,173
Geographic area data - long-lived assets (excluding intangible assets)	Geographic Area Data – Long-Lived Assets (excluding intangible assets): 2015 2014 2013 North America $ 148,209 $ 121,090 $ 43,078 Europe 10,306 10,498 11,838 Total $ 158,515 $ 131,588 $ 54,916

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM41

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Cash paid during the year for: 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes $ 19,551 $ 25,304 $ 12,096 Interest $ 5,987 $ 4,685 $ 40 Non-cash financing activities: 2015 2014 2013 Dividends payable $ 10,727 $ 9,251 $ 7,856

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI42

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information	(In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Net sales $ 144,862 $ 134,773 $ 140,128 $ 132,729 $ 85,995 $ 132,230 $ 160,490 $ 162,668 Gross profit 43,130 41,867 43,174 39,926 23,215 32,335 44,487 44,135 Earnings before income taxes 23,085 22,167 21,189 20,623 13,372 15,291 23,209 25,180 Net earnings 15,172 14,916 13,976 15,659 8,894 9,732 15,178 19,022 Basic net earnings per common share $ .49 $ .48 $ .45 $ .50 $ .30 $ .32 $ .50 $ .62 Diluted net earnings per common share $ .48 $ .47 $ .44 $ .49 $ .29 $ .31 $ .49 $ .61

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM43

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
General and adminstrative, net of legal settlement		$ 2,900
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		383,906	$ 383,906
SensoryEffects [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		363,784	363,784
Animal Nutrition and Health [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		11,734	11,734
Specialty Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		7,160	7,160
Industrial Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 1,228	$ 1,228
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		15 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		25 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		2 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		28 years
Goodwill [Member]
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements [Abstract]
Increase in retrospectively revision from prior periods	$ 260
Deferred Taxes [Member]
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements [Abstract]
Increase in retrospectively revision from prior periods	$ 260
Customer Relationships and Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		10 years
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		17 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		5 years
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		5 years
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		10 years
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		15 years
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		17 years
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		5 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		10 years

ACQUISITION (Details)

ACQUISITION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	May. 07, 2014
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill		$ 383,906	$ 383,906
Unaudited pro forma information [Abstract]
SensoryEffects actual results included in the Company's consolidated income statement, net sales		226,021	156,192
SensoryEffects actual results included in the Company's consolidated income statement, net earnings		16,512	6,632
Supplemental pro forma combined financial information, net sales		552,492	625,400
Supplemental pro forma combined financial information, net earnings		$ 59,722	$ 61,730
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 1.92	$ 2.03
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 1.89	$ 1.98
Performance Chemicals and Ingredients Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage owned of the "Acquisition"				100.00%
Transaction and integration related costs			$ 3,652
Tax deductible for income tax purposes				$ 20,466
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents				2,635
Accounts receivable				25,674
Inventories				32,000
Property, plant and equipment				75,850
Customer relationships				130,300
Trade names				31,100
Developed technology				3,200
Other assets				3,955
Indemnification asset				1,650
Trade accounts payable				(10,427)
Accrued expenses				(6,326)
Bank debt				(75,550)
Deferred income taxes				(75,760)
Goodwill				355,391
Amount paid to shareholders				493,692
SensoryEffects bank debt paid on purchase date				75,550
Total amount paid on acquisition date				569,242
Deferred income taxes and goodwill				$ 260
Unaudited pro forma information [Abstract]
Acquisition-related costs			17,248
Non-recurring expenses related to the fair value adjustments to acquisition-date inventory			$ 4,735
Performance Chemicals and Ingredients Company [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Increase in indemnification asset balance		$ 716
Performance Chemicals and Ingredients Company [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Increase in indemnification asset balance		$ 2,638
Performance Chemicals and Ingredients Company [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Useful life of intangible assets acquired		10 years
Performance Chemicals and Ingredients Company [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Useful life of intangible assets acquired		10 years
Performance Chemicals and Ingredients Company [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Useful life of intangible assets acquired		5 years
Albion International, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Term of expertise in leverages science	60 years
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage owned of the "Acquisition"	100.00%
Working capital acquired	$ 4,900
Transaction and integration related costs	324
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Bank debt	900
Amount paid to shareholders	110,600
Total amount paid on acquisition date	$ 116,400

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Plan$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in cash flows from financing activities , excess tax benefits related to stock compensation | $	$ 7,009	$ 7,220	$ 9,397
Number of share-based compensation plans | Plan	1
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated share-based compensation expense for current fiscal year | $	$ 4,500
Repurchase of common stock [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	3,763,038
Number of shares acquired under stock repurchase plan (in shares)	2,125,923
Treasury stock remaining (in shares)	1,089	0
Number of shares acquired under the stock repurchase plan and subsequently reissued (in shares)	20,692
Treasury stock acquired, average cost (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 58.24
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Impact of compensation cost on net earnings | $	$ (4,395)	$ (2,926)	$ (2,370)
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	1,017,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term of Options Outstanding	5 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 37.29
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	667,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 29.19
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future awards (in shares)	3,793,007
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected Volatility	33.20%	33.70%	39.20%
Expected Term	5 years 6 months	5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.70%	1.80%	1.00%
Dividend Yield	0.60%	0.50%	0.50%
Vesting period	3 years
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	1,470,000	1,893,000	2,543,000
Granted (in shares)	209,000	313,000	177,000
Exercised (in shares)	(627,000)	(610,000)	(796,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(35,000)	(126,000)	(31,000)
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	1,017,000	1,470,000	1,893,000
Exercisable at end of year (in shares)	667,000	1,066,000	1,516,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.35	$ 20.94	$ 16.87
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	58.34	53.38	38.73
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	20.16	14.92	11.40
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	52.97	56.03	33.90
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	37.29	27.35	20.94
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 29.19	$ 21.52	$ 17.64
Aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding stock options | $	$ 23,927	$ 57,742	$ 71,465
Weighted average remaining contractual term for outstanding stock options	5 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable stock options outstanding | $	$ 21,100
Weighted average remaining contractual term for exercisable stock options outstanding	4 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 18.35	$ 17.36	$ 13.07
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised | $	$ 24,047	$ 25,224	$ 28,776
Restricted Stock [Member]
Non-vested Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in shares)	134,000	172,000	258,000
Granted (in shares)	77,000	33,000	32,000
Vested (in shares)	(61,000)	(65,000)	(94,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	0	(6,000)	(24,000)
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in shares)	150,000	134,000	172,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 38.13	$ 33.69	$ 26.88
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	55.77	54.86	44.69
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	37.35	34.19	19.31
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0	45.32	31.97
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 47.46	$ 38.13	$ 33.69
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested shares | $	$ 7,705	$ 5,981	$ 5,947
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 6 months
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]
Vesting period	4 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-employee Director [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]
Vesting period	4 years
Performance Shares [Member]
Non-vested Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in shares)	0	0	0
Granted (in shares)	29,000	0	0
Vested (in shares)	0	0	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(9,000)	0	0
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in shares)	20,000	0	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	58.77	0	0
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0	0	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	58.77	0	0
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 58.77	$ 0	$ 0
Performance Shares [Member] | Employee [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected Volatility	34.00%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.00%
Dividend Yield	0.50%
Vesting period	3 years
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Initial TSR	(6.90%)
Cliff vest	100.00%
1999 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Initial number of common stock shares reserved for issuance (in shares)	600,000
Increase in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance (in shares)	600,000
1999 Stock Plan [Member] | Non-employee Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under restricted stock purchase agreements, minimum (in shares)	500
Shares purchased under restricted stock purchase agreements, maximum (in shares)	54,000
1999 Stock Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of option grants exercisable after one year	20.00%
Percentage of option grants exercisable after two years	60.00%
Percentage of option grants exercisable after three years	100.00%
Expiration period of options granted	10 years
1999 Stock Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased under restricted stock purchase agreements, minimum (in shares)	1,000
Shares purchased under restricted stock purchase agreements, maximum (in shares)	20,250
Shares purchased under restricted stock purchase agreements, purchase price, minimum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.02
Shares purchased under restricted stock purchase agreements, purchase price, maximum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.07
Amended 1999 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Initial number of common stock shares reserved for issuance (in shares)	1,200,000
Second Amended 1999 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Initial number of common stock shares reserved for issuance (in shares)	6,000,000
ISO Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period of options granted	10 years
Non-Qualified Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period of options granted	10 years
Cost of Sales [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Impact of compensation cost on earnings component | $	$ 854	$ 593	$ 607
Operating Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Impact of compensation cost on earnings component | $	$ 5,975	$ 3,964	$ 3,210
$9.21 - $22.34 [Member]
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.87
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.34
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	254,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term of Options Outstanding	2 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 17.47
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	254,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 17.47
$24.95 - $32.21 [Member]
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	29.06
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 41.67
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	389,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term of Options Outstanding	5 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 33.43
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	339,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 32.74
$33.81 - $58.42 [Member]
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	46.12
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 60.01
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	374,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term of Options Outstanding	7 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 54.78
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	74,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 53.23

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 16,786	$ 19,822
Work in progress	1,807	1,989
Finished goods	27,492	27,812
Total inventories	46,085	49,623
Reserve for inventory	$ 1,823	$ 1,682

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT47

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 229,505	$ 195,299
Less: Accumulated depreciation	70,990	63,711
Property, plant and equipment, net	158,515	131,588
Depreciation expense	12,895	10,599	$ 6,498
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,247	3,130
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	33,051	31,030
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	153,682	150,170
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 39,525	$ 10,969

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details)

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 383,906	$ 383,906
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	207,758	206,779
Accumulated Amortization	72,847	46,385
Amortization of identifiable finite-lived intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets	26,467	19,468	$ 3,976
Finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense [Abstract]
2,016	24,380
2,017	20,430
2,018	18,175
2,019	16,390
2,020	14,625
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 0	0
Customer Relationships and Lists [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 167,442	167,442
Accumulated Amortization	$ 63,578	41,238
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	17 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 32,014	32,014
Accumulated Amortization	$ 5,704	2,540
Developed Technology [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	5 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,200	3,200
Accumulated Amortization	1,057	420
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,601	1,704
Accumulated Amortization	$ 849	667
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	5 years
Regulatory Registration Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	10 years
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,742	1,665
Accumulated Amortization	$ 1,022	933
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	15 years
Patents & Trade Secrets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	17 years
Other [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 759	754
Accumulated Amortization	$ 637	$ 587
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	5 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	10 years

LONG TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2016	May. 07, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding			$ 297,500
Term loan quarterly payment			$ 8,750
Maturity date			May 7, 2019
Term loan interest rate			1.73%
Undrawn revolving loan			$ 100,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2,016			35,000
2,017			35,000
2,018			35,000
2,019			192,500
2,020			0
Capitalized costs net of accumulated amortization			1,537
Capitalized costs, other current assets			537
Capitalized costs, other assets			1,000
Amortization expense pertaining to Capitalized costs			603	$ 457
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding acquired common shares	100.00%
Payments to acquire businesses	$ 116,400
Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of loan		$ 350,000
Revolving Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of loan		100,000
Revolving loan used for funding of acquisition and general corporate purposes		$ 50,000
Revolving Loan [Member] | Albion International, Inc [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses	$ 65,000
Current Portion of Long-term Debt [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2,016			35,000
2,017			0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
Long-term Debt [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2,016			0
2,017			35,000
2,018			35,000
2,019			192,500
2,020			$ 0

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current [Abstract]
Federal	$ 29,638	$ 25,937	$ 18,366
Foreign	3,021	2,141	1,418
State	2,982	2,412	1,475
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal	(6,815)	(5,772)	(75)
Foreign	58	85	74
State	(1,543)	(577)	(314)
Total income tax provision	$ 27,341	24,226	20,944
Federal statutory rate	35.00%
Income tax reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax at Federal statutory rate	$ 30,471	26,968	23,036
State income taxes, net of Federal income taxes	556	1,182	908
Domestic production activities deduction	(2,709)	(2,567)	(1,804)
Other	(977)	(1,357)	(1,196)
Total income tax provision	27,341	24,226	20,944
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Inventories	1,432	1,774
Restricted stock and stock options	4,956	4,716
Other	807	4,019
Total deferred tax assets	7,195	10,509
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization	49,726	60,056
Depreciation	22,464	17,969
Prepaid expense	658	932
Other	752	563
Total deferred tax liabilities	73,600	79,520
Net deferred tax liability	66,405	69,011
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	0	0
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	5,205	3,076	2,292
Increases for tax positions of prior years	943	1,922	445
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	(120)	(417)	(166)
Increases for tax positions related to current year	542	624	505
Balance at end of period	6,570	5,205	3,076
Interest and penalties	138	37	$ 130
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 2,405	$ 1,643

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE51

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings (Numerator) [Abstract]
Basic EPS - Net earnings									$ 59,722	$ 52,826	$ 44,874
Diluted EPS - Net earnings									$ 59,722	$ 52,826	$ 44,874
Number of Shares (Denominator) [Abstract]
Basic EPS - Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)									31,158,142	30,381,310	29,623,952
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock (in shares)									477,496	790,412	1,223,183
Diluted EPS - Weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock (in shares)									31,635,638	31,171,722	30,847,135
Per Share Amount [Abstract]
Basic EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.45	$ 0.48	$ 0.49	$ 0.62	$ 0.50	$ 0.32	$ 0.30	$ 1.92	$ 1.74	$ 1.51
Diluted EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.44	$ 0.47	$ 0.48	$ 0.61	$ 0.49	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ 1.89	$ 1.69	$ 1.45
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)									194,372	56,500	10,000

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
Number of savings plan | Plan		2
Provision for profit sharing contributions		$ 1,886	$ 938	$ 918
Provision for matching 401(k) savings plan contributions		738	804	525
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		1,111	1,152
Service cost with interest to end of year		54	57	67
Interest cost		36	48	42
Participant contributions		5	3
Benefits paid	[1]	(6)	42
Actuarial gain		(242)	(191)
Benefit obligation at end of year		958	1,111	1,152
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		0	0
Employer (reimbursement)/contributions	[1]	1	(45)
Participant contributions		5	3
Benefits paid	[1]	(6)	42
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0	0
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation					$ (958)	$ (1,111)
Fair value of plan assets		0	0	0	0	0
Funded status					$ (958)	$ (1,111)
Unrecognized prior service cost
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss
Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet (after ASC 715) (included in other long-term obligations)					$ 958	$ 1,111
Accrued postretirement benefit cost (included in other long-term obligations)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost with interest to end of year		54	57	67
Interest cost		36	48	42
Amortization of prior service credit		(18)	(18)	(18)
Amortization of gain		0	6	17
Total net periodic benefit cost		$ 72	93	108
Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments [Abstract]
2,016					$ 46
2,017					48
2,018					71
2,019					86
2,020					77
Years 2021-2025					$ 335
Assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Trend rate assumed for next fiscal year		7.07%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate		4.50%
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate					2,038
Effect of one percentage point increase in health care cost trend rates on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		$ 93
Effect of one percentage point increase in health care cost trend rates on net periodic postretirement benefit cost		15
Effect of one percentage point decrease in health care cost trend rates on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		82
Effect of one percentage point decrease in health care cost trend rates on net periodic postretirement benefit cost		$ 12
Weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation					3.70%	3.30%
Pension fund [Abstract]
Percentage that plans in the red zone are generally funded, maximum		65.00%
Percentage that plans in the yellow zone are generally funded, maximum		80.00%
Percentage that plans in the green zone are generally funded, minimum		80.00%
Increase in the 2015 contribution rate		4.00%
Contributions to multiemployer pension fund as a percentage of total contributions to fund, maximum		5.00%
Contributions of Balchem Corporation		$ 515	$ 498	$ 451
Surcharge Imposed		$ 0
Expiration Date of collective-Bargaining Agreement		May 31, 2017
[1]	Stop loss reimbursement credit received in 2014.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES53

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ft²AreaSeller	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2006USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2005USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2004USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease term	6 years
Office space subject to operating lease | ft²	20,000
Rent expense charged to operations	$ 2,414	$ 1,595	$ 1,040
Future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract]
2,016	2,279
2,017	1,856
2,018	1,473
2,019	1,129
2,020	784
Thereafter	2,908
Total minimum lease payments	10,429
Slate Hill, New York site [Abstract]
Annual monitoring costs, maximum	$ 5	$ 5	$ 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 | Area	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 | Seller	1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR54

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 773	$ 772

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI55

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$ (2,615)	$ (2,972)	$ 856
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) [Abstract]
Net gain arising during the period	242	191	162
Amortization of prior service credit	(18)	(18)	(18)
Amortization of gain	0	6	17
Total before tax	224	179	161
Tax	(72)	(56)	(60)
Net of tax	152	123	101
Other comprehensive income (loss)/income	(2,463)	(2,849)	957
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), at beginning of period	(2,651)
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain	(2,463)	(2,849)	$ 957
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), at end of period	(5,114)	(2,651)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)/income	(2,615)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), at beginning of period	(2,702)
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain	(2,615)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), at end of period	(5,317)	(2,702)
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)/income	152
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), at beginning of period	51
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain	152
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), at end of period	$ 203	$ 51

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Facility	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
Number of filing facilities | Facility									2
Percentage decrease of chlorides released in environment									75.00%
Segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 132,729	$ 140,128	$ 134,773	$ 144,862	$ 162,668	$ 160,490	$ 132,230	$ 85,995	$ 552,492	$ 541,383	$ 337,173
Earnings before income taxes	20,623	$ 21,189	$ 22,167	$ 23,085	25,180	$ 23,209	$ 15,291	$ 13,372	87,063	77,052	65,818
Unallocated equity compensation									(1,462)	0	0
Transaction costs, integration costs and legal settlement									(324)	(652)	0
Interest and other income, net									(6,893)	(5,091)	216
Depreciation/Amortization									39,362	30,067	10,474
Assets	881,223				861,531				881,223	861,531	376,872
Capital expenditures									41,300	13,199	8,187
Specialty Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment information [Abstract]
Net sales									54,236	54,053	51,086
Earnings before income taxes									23,995	21,316	20,224
Depreciation/Amortization									1,225	1,385	1,431
Assets	24,769				24,913				24,769	24,913	24,850
Capital expenditures									940	896	724
SensoryEffects [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment information [Abstract]
Net sales									278,288	206,101	47,569
Earnings before income taxes									38,302	21,260	11,233
Depreciation/Amortization									30,537	20,873	1,216
Assets	642,929				656,130				642,929	656,130	22,343
Capital expenditures									21,361	3,475	1,342
Animal Nutrition and Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment information [Abstract]
Net sales									165,763	176,477	155,727
Earnings before income taxes									27,851	23,687	18,244
Depreciation/Amortization									6,573	6,026	5,896
Assets	107,459				90,650				107,459	90,650	100,531
Capital expenditures									17,854	7,383	5,365
Industrial Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment information [Abstract]
Net sales									54,205	104,752	82,791
Earnings before income taxes									5,594	16,532	15,901
Depreciation/Amortization									1,027	1,783	1,931
Assets	16,191				32,330				16,191	32,330	16,179
Capital expenditures									1,145	1,445	756
Other Unallocated [Member]
Segment information [Abstract]
Assets	$ 89,875				$ 57,508				$ 89,875	$ 57,508	$ 212,969

SEGMENT INFORMATION, Geographic

SEGMENT INFORMATION, Geographic Revenue Information and Geographic Area Data - Long-Lived Assets (Excluding Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 132,729	$ 140,128	$ 134,773	$ 144,862	$ 162,668	$ 160,490	$ 132,230	$ 85,995	$ 552,492	$ 541,383	$ 337,173
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets	158,515				131,588				158,515	131,588	54,916
United States [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									441,664	420,324	227,651
Foreign Countries [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									110,828	121,059	109,522
Europe [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets	10,306				10,498				10,306	10,498	11,838
North America [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets	$ 148,209				$ 121,090				$ 148,209	$ 121,090	$ 43,078

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM58

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash paid during the year for [Abstract]
Income taxes	$ 19,551	$ 25,304	$ 12,096
Interest	5,987	4,685	40
Non-cash financing activities [Abstract]
Dividends payable	$ 10,727	$ 9,251	$ 7,856

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI59

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 132,729	$ 140,128	$ 134,773	$ 144,862	$ 162,668	$ 160,490	$ 132,230	$ 85,995	$ 552,492	$ 541,383	$ 337,173
Gross profit	39,926	43,174	41,867	43,130	44,135	44,487	32,335	23,215	168,097	144,172	97,421
Earnings before income taxes	20,623	21,189	22,167	23,085	25,180	23,209	15,291	13,372	87,063	77,052	65,818
Net earnings	$ 15,659	$ 13,976	$ 14,916	$ 15,172	$ 19,022	$ 15,178	$ 9,732	$ 8,894	$ 59,722	$ 52,826	$ 44,874
Basic net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.45	$ 0.48	$ 0.49	$ 0.62	$ 0.50	$ 0.32	$ 0.30	$ 1.92	$ 1.74	$ 1.51
Diluted net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.44	$ 0.47	$ 0.48	$ 0.61	$ 0.49	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ 1.89	$ 1.69	$ 1.45

Valuation and Qualifying Acco60

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year		$ 288		$ 115		$ 115
Additions charged (credited) to costs and expenses		(1)		238		0
Deductions		(52)	[1]	(65)	[1]	0
Balance at end of year		235		288		115
Inventory Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year		1,682		181		236
Additions charged (credited) to costs and expenses		361		2,073		97
Deductions	[1]	(228)		(572)		(152)
Balance at end of year		$ 1,815		$ 1,682		$ 181
[1]	represents write-offs