Balchem (BCPC) 10-K 1 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 21, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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			$ 2,455,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,036,485
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 40,416	$ 38,643
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $431 and $489 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	91,226	83,252
Inventories	60,696	57,245
Prepaid expenses	4,774	4,110
Deferred income taxes	0	712
Other current assets	2,224	4,480
Total current assets	199,336	188,442
Property, plant and equipment, net	189,793	165,754
Goodwill	441,361	439,811
Intangible assets with finite lives, net	128,073	147,484
Other assets	5,073	7,135
Total assets	963,636	948,626
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	28,451	32,514
Accrued expenses	22,930	14,758
Accrued compensation and other benefits	8,531	6,648
Dividends payable	13,484	12,088
Current portion of long-term debt	35,000	35,000
Total current liabilities	108,396	101,008
Long-term debt	183,964	226,490
Revolving loan - long-term	0	19,000
Deferred income taxes	48,548	74,199
Other long-term obligations	5,847	6,896
Total liabilities	346,755	427,593
Commitments and contingencies (note 12)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $25 par value. Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.0667 par value. Authorized 120,000,000 shares; 32,019,605 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 31,757,861 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016	2,135	2,117
Additional paid-in capital	151,749	137,676
Retained earnings	464,639	388,089
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,642)	(6,849)
Total stockholders' equity	616,881	521,033
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 963,636	$ 948,626

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 431	$ 489
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)	32,019,605	31,757,861
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	32,019,605	31,757,861

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 594,790	$ 553,204	$ 552,492
Cost of sales	405,781	372,343	384,395
Gross margin	189,009	180,861	168,097
Operating expenses:
Selling expenses	54,720	55,172	46,255
Research and development expenses	9,305	7,325	5,990
General and administrative expenses	27,729	27,526	21,896
Total operating expenses	91,754	90,023	74,141
Earnings from operations	97,255	90,838	93,956
Other expenses (income):
Interest income	(12)	(9)	(9)
Interest expense	7,544	7,265	6,593
Other, net	1,235	648	309
Earnings before income tax expense	88,488	82,934	87,063
Income tax (benefit)/expense	(1,583)	26,962	27,341
Net earnings	$ 90,071	$ 55,972	$ 59,722
Basic net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.83	$ 1.78	$ 1.92
Diluted net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.79	$ 1.75	$ 1.89

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 90,071	$ 55,972	$ 59,722
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	5,404	(1,390)	(2,615)
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, net of taxes of $207, $49, and $72 at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively	(197)	(345)	152
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	5,207	(1,735)	(2,463)
Comprehensive income	$ 95,278	$ 54,237	$ 57,259

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, taxes	$ 207	$ 49	$ 72

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 at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 295,202	$ (2,651)	$ 2,058	$ 0	$ 97,289	$ 391,898
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			30,845,586	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
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 at Dec. 31, 2015	344,197	(5,114)	$ 2,102	$ (74)	122,594	463,705
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			31,528,449	(1,089)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	55,972	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	55,972
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(1,735)	0	0	0	(1,735)
Dividends	(12,080)	0	0	0	0	(12,080)
Treasury shares purchased	0	0	$ 0	$ (1,588)	0	(1,588)
Treasury shares purchased (in shares)			0	(24,912)
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit	0	0	$ 15	$ 1,662	15,082	16,759
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit (in shares)			229,412	26,001
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	388,089	(6,849)	$ 2,117	$ 0	137,676	521,033
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016			31,757,861	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	90,071	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	90,071
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(57)	5,207	0	0	0	5,150
Dividends	(13,464)	0	0	0	0	(13,464)
Treasury shares purchased	0	0	$ 0	$ (1,905)	0	(1,905)
Treasury shares purchased (in shares)			0	(23,182)
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit	0	0	$ 18	$ 1,905	14,073	15,996
Shares and options issued under stock plans and an income tax benefit (in shares)			261,744	23,182
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 464,639	$ (1,642)	$ 2,135	$ 0	$ 151,749	$ 616,881
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017			32,019,605	0

Consolidated Statements of Sto8

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.34	$ 0.42
Income tax benefit of shares and options issued under stock plans	$ 2,546	$ 7,009

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 90,071	$ 55,972	$ 59,722
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	44,379	46,202	39,964
Stock compensation expense	6,264	7,024	6,829
Deferred income taxes	(28,777)	(6,881)	(2,857)
Provision for doubtful accounts	69	258	(53)
Foreign currency transaction loss	340	(16)	25
Loss on disposal of assets	254	320	301
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired balances
Accounts receivable	(3,906)	(15,659)	10,809
Inventories	(319)	4,745	3,126
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(439)	240	1,233
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,511	17,841	(15,718)
Income taxes	449	(2,765)	633
Other	722	331	(188)
Net cash provided by operating activities	110,618	107,612	103,826
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(27,526)	(23,034)	(41,300)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(17,393)	(110,601)	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	22	4	34
Proceeds from insurance	2,792	1,000	0
Intangible assets acquired	(591)	(963)	(1,011)
Net cash used in investing activities	(42,696)	(133,594)	(42,277)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	(43,000)	(35,000)	(35,000)
Proceeds from revolving loan	25,000	72,500	0
Principal payments on revolving loan	(44,000)	(53,500)	0
Principal payment on acquired debt	(2,384)	(884)	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	9,732	7,192	12,605
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	0	2,546	7,009
Dividends paid	(12,069)	(10,720)	(9,251)
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,905)	(1,588)	(1,205)
Net cash used in by financing activities	(68,626)	(19,454)	(25,842)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,477	(716)	(1,199)
Increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,773	(46,152)	34,508
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period	38,643	84,795	50,287
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	$ 40,416	$ 38,643	$ 84,795

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMAR

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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., Albion Laboratories, Inc., BCP Ingredients, Inc., Aberco, Inc., Balchem BV, Balchem Italia Srl, Innovative Food Processors, Inc., 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, agricultural, 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. 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 net realizable 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 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 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 ASC 350, As of October 1, 2017 and 2016, 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 $441,361 and $439,811 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” Goodwill at January 1, 2017 $ 439,811 Goodwill as a result of the Acquisitions – see Note 2 1,550 Goodwill at December 31, 2017 $ 441,361 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Human Nutrition & Health $ 405,334 $ 404,187 Animal Nutrition & Health 12,137 11,734 Specialty Products 22,662 22,662 Industrial Products 1,228 1,228 Total $ 441,361 $ 439,811 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 Customer relationships and lists 10 Trademarks & trade names 5 - 17 Developed technology 5 Regulatory registration costs 5 - 10 Patents & trade secrets 15 - 17 Other 3 - 18 For the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no triggering events which required intangible asset impairment reviews. Income Taxes The Tax Reform Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Reform Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, we have not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Tax Reform Act, however, as described below, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we have determined that the $27.3 million of the deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the $1.4 million of current tax expense recorded in connection with the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of our deferred tax assets and liabilities and our historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax during the measurement period of up to one year following the December 2017 enactment of the Tax Reform Act. The FASB Staff also provided additional guidance to address the accounting for the effects of the Tax Reform Act provisions related to the taxation of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI"), noting that companies should make an accounting policy election to recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or to include the tax expense in the year it is incurred. We have not completed our analysis of the effects of the GILTI provisions and will further consider the accounting policy election within the measurement period as provided for under SAB 118. The Tax Reform Act also changed the individuals whose compensation is subject to a $1 million cap on deductibility under Section 162(m) and includes performance-based compensation such as stock options and stock appreciation rights in the calculation. The provision generally applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and provides a transition for compensation paid pursuant to a written binding contract that is in effect on November 2, 2017. The Company will need to carefully review the terms of its compensation plans and agreements to assess whether such plans and agreements are considered to be written binding contracts in effect on November 2, 2017. Due to the complexity of applying this new provision and the limited time to consider tax reform, the Company has not yet completed its analysis of these new provisions and will finalize its analysis during the measurement period provided under SAB 118. 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. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and would establish a valuation allowance if it believed that such assets may not be recovered, taking into consideration historical operating results, expectations of future earnings, changes in its operations and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. We account for uncertainty in income taxes utilizing ASC 740-10. ASC 740-10 clarifies whether or not to recognize assets or liabilities for tax positions taken that may be challenged by a tax authority. It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosures. The application of requires judgment related to the uncertainty in income taxes and could impact our effective tax rate. 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, 2017 and 2016 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. 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. 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 Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the new guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of a contract and all relevant facts and circumstances. The standard allows for several transition methods: (a) a full retrospective adoption in which the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or (b) a modified retrospective adoption in which the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative-effect adjustment reflected in retained earnings. The standard also requires expanded disclosures regarding the qualitative and quantitative information of an entity’s nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This new revenue recognition standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. We performed a detailed review of our contract portfolio representative of our different businesses and compared historical accounting policies and practices to the new standard. Because the standard will impact our business processes, systems and controls, we also developed a comprehensive change management project plan to guide the implementation. Over the course of 2017, we have conducted training sessions for those in our global organization that will be impacted by the new standard. Our primary business is the sale of products, and the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements. We adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective method. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption is not material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”), which addresses the recognition of assets and liabilities that arise from all leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize right-to-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business” (“ASU 2017-01”), which addresses the definition of what constitutes a business by providing clarification of the three elements that constitutes a business. The guidance is effective 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 January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”), which addresses changes to the testing for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the process. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards 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 net realizable value. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 on January 1, 2017 prospectively (prior periods have not been restated). There was no 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. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 on January 1, 2017 prospectively (prior periods have not been restated). There was no significant impact to the consolidated financial statements other than the decrease of current assets and long-term liabilities. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 prospectively (prior periods have not been restated). The primary impact of adoption was the recognition during the year ended December 31, 2017, of excess tax benefits of approximately $2,589 as a reduction to the provision for income taxes and the classification of these excess tax benefits in operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows instead of financing activities. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact to any of the periods presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows, since such cash flows have historically been presented in financing activities. The Company also elected to continue estimating forfeitures when determining the amount of stock-based compensation costs to be recognized in each period. No other provisions of ASU 2016-09 had a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”), to address the application of ASC 740 to certain provisions of the new tax reform legislation commonly known as Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). ASC 740 requires the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred assets and liabilities be included in income from continuing operations in the reporting period that contains the enactment date of the change. The guidance applies even in situations in which the tax effects were initially recognized directly in other comprehensive income at the previous rate, resulting in a stranded amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) related to the income tax rate differential. ASU 2018-02 requires the Company to reclassify the amount of stranded taxes in AOCI to retained earnings. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has elected the early adoption of this ASU as there was not a material impact to the financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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” or the “Acquisition”), 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 $116,400 on the acquisition date, amounting to approximately $110,600 to the former shareholders, adjustments for working capital acquired of $4,900, and approximately $900 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 micronutrient agricultural 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 has become a part of the Human Nutrition & Health reportable segment and the micronutrient agricultural business has become a part of the Specialty Products reportable segment. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Cash and cash equivalents $ $ 4,949 Accounts receivable 7,671 Inventories 15,989 Property, plant and equipment 7,217 Customer relationships 18,443 Developed technology 9,060 Trade name 7,224 Licensing agreements 6,658 Other assets 1,200 Trade accounts payable (1,104 ) Accrued expenses (2,788 ) Bank debt (884 ) Deferred income taxes (13,990 ) Goodwill 55,905 Amount paid to shareholders 115,550 Albion bank debt paid on purchase date 884 Total amount paid on acquisition date $ $ 116,434 The goodwill of $55,905 arising from the Acquisition consists largely of expected synergies, including the combined entities’ experience and technical problem solving capabilities, and acquired workforce. Goodwill of $40,403 and $15,502 is assigned to the Human Nutrition & Health and Specialty Products segments, respectively, and approximately $2,020 is tax deductible for income tax purposes. The valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on management’s estimates and assumptions. In preparing our fair value of the intangible assets and certain tangible assets acquired, management, among other things, consulted an independent advisor. Customer relationships are amortized over a 10-year period utilizing an accelerated method based on the estimated average customer attrition rate. Trade name, licensing agreements, and developed technology are amortized over 17 years, 8 years, and 5 years, respectively, utilizing the straight-line method as the consumption pattern of the related economic benefits cannot be reliably determined. Transaction and integration related costs included in selling, and general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are $8 and $1,499, respectively. The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015. Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Net Sales Net Earnings Net Sales Net Earnings Albion’s actual results included in the Company’s consolidated income statement $ $57,494 $ $ 11,648 $ $49,608 $ $ 2,938 Supplemental pro forma combined financial information $ $594,790 $ $ 90,080 $ $557,784 $ $ 60,840 Basic earnings per share $ $ 2.83 $ $ 1.93 Diluted earnings per share $ $ 2.79 $ $ 1.91 2017 supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017 exclude a working capital adjustment refund of $162 and acquisition-related costs incurred of $170. 2016 supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016 exclude $26,210 of acquisition-related costs incurred and $5,363 of non-recurring 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 Albion acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented and is not intended to be a projection of future results. Acquisition of Chol-Mix Kft On March 24, 2017, the Company, through its European subsidiary Balchem Italia SRL, entered into an agreement to purchase certain assets of Chol-Mix Kft (“Chol-Mix), a privately held manufacturer of dry choline chloride, with knowledge and technical know-how supporting the application of liquids on carriers, located in Hungary, for a purchase price of €1,500. As of December 31, 2017, approximately €1,150, translated to approximately $1,230, has been paid to Chol-Mix Kft with the remaining balance of approximately €350, translated to approximately $419, due at the end of a related manufacturing agreement. The acquisition of Chol-Mix’s assets will provide our Animal Nutrition & Health segment with additional dry choline chloride capacity in Europe, geographical expansion opportunities in Eastern Europe, and technical knowledge supporting the application of liquids on carriers. Management has completed its accounting for the acquisition. As a result, the fair values of the assets acquired have been determined and goodwill of $404 has been recorded. Transaction related costs included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 are $78. Acquisition of Innovative Food Processors, Inc. On June 1, 2017, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Innovative Food Processors, Inc. (“IFP”), a privately held manufacturer of agglomerated and microencapsulated food and nutrition ingredients, headquartered in Faribault, Minnesota. The Company made payments of approximately $22,975 on the acquisition date and $635 in September to true-up working capital, amounting to approximately $16,161 to the former shareholders, adjustments for working capital acquired of $5,065, and $2,384 to IFP’s lenders to pay off all IFP bank debt. The acquisition of IFP expands the Company’s Human Nutrition & Health segment’s processing technology and market reach, while bringing innovative and value-added systems to food, beverage, and nutrition customers. Management has completed its preliminary accounting for the acquisition. As a result, the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been determined and $1,146 of estimated goodwill has been recorded. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,065 Accounts receivable 2,860 Inventories 2,537 Prepaid expenses 186 Property, plant and equipment 12,219 Customer relationships 2,942 Developed technology 1,078 Trademark & trade name 1,388 Covenant not to compete 126 Goodwill 1,146 Trade accounts payable (844 ) Accrued expenses (1,416 ) Bank debt (2,384 ) Deferred income taxes (3,677 ) Amount paid to shareholders 21,226 IFP bank debt paid on purchase date 2,384 Total amount paid on acquisition date $ 23,610 The goodwill of $1,146 arising from the IFP 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 Human Nutrition & Health segment, and is not tax deductible for income tax purposes. The valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on management’s estimates and assumptions. In preparing our fair value of the intangible assets and certain tangible assets acquired, management, among other things, consulted an independent advisor. Additionally, certain intangible assets are not tax deductible and the related deferred tax liabilities are preliminary pending management’s final review. Customer relationships are amortized over a 10-year period utilizing an accelerated method based on the estimated average customer attrition rate. Trademark, trade name, covenant not to compete, and developed technology are amortized over 10 years, 5 years, 3 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. Indemnified tax liabilities will create an indemnification asset (receivable). At this time, an indemnification asset (receivable) balance has not been established. Transaction related costs included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 are $2,163. The Company has elected not to show pro forma information as this acquisition was immaterial to the overall financial results of the Company.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	NOTE 3 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION All share-based payments, including grants of stock options, are recognized in the income statement as an operating expense, based on their fair values. The Company has made an estimate of expected forfeitures, based on its historical experience, and is recognizing compensation cost only for those stock-based compensation awards expected to vest. The Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 reflected the following compensation cost and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings: Increase/(Decrease) for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Cost of sales $ 524 $ 1,040 $ 854 Operating expenses 5,736 5,984 5,975 Net earnings (3,990 ) (4,473 ) (4,395 ) On December 31, 2017, the Company had one share-based compensation plan under which awards may be granted, which is described below (the “2017 Plan”). In June 2017, the Company adopted the Balchem Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”) for officers, employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The 2017 Plan replaced the 1999 Stock Plan and amendments and restatements thereto (collectively to be referred to as the “1999 Plan’), which expires on April 9, 2018. No further awards will be made under the 1999 Plan, and the shares that remained available for grant under the 1999 Plan will only be used to settle outstanding awards granted under the 1999 Plan and will not become available under the 2017 Plan. The 2017 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The 2017 Plan provides as follows: i) for a termination date of June 13, 2027; (ii) to authorize 1,600,000 shares reserved for future grants, a reduction from the 6,000,000 shares authorized for grant under the 1999 Plan; (iii) for the making of grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards, as well as for the making of cash performance awards; (iv) except as provided in an employment agreement as in effect on the effective date of the 2017 Plan, no automatic acceleration of outstanding awards upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company; (v) certain annual limits on the number of shares and amount of cash that may be granted; (vii) for dividends or dividend equivalents otherwise payable on an unvested award to accrue and be paid only at such time as the vesting conditions applicable to the underlying award have been satisfied; (vii) for certain discretionary compensation recovery if the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements due to the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirements under the securities laws; and (viii) for compliance with the requirements of Section 409A 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, 2017, the 2017 Plan had 1,586,500 shares available for future awards. The Company had 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 were 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 was subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company and to restrictions on transfer until it vested 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. The fair value of each option award issued under the Company’s stock plans 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 Weighted Average Assumptions: 2017 December 31, 2016 2015 Expected Volatility 30.1 % 34.4 % 33.2 % Expected Term (in years) 4.6 5.0 5.5 Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.8 % 1.2 % 1.7 % Dividend Yield 0.5 % 0.5 % 0.6 % 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 rates of 1.5% and 0.88% dividend yields of 0.6% and 0.6%; volatilities of 32% and 32%; and initial TSR’s of 8.2% and -6.6% in each case for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 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 2017, 2016, and 2015 for all plans is as follows: 2017 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,066 $ 45.32 Granted 222 85.22 Exercised (268 ) 36.36 Forfeited (52 ) 72.29 Cancelled (22 ) 57.48 Outstanding at end of year 946 $ 55.44 Exercisable at end of year 493 $ 41.01 2016 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,017 $ 37.29 Granted 341 60.92 Exercised (236 ) 30.44 Forfeited (56 ) 58.23 Outstanding at end of year 1,066 $ 45.32 Exercisable at end of year 604 $ 34.77 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 The aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding stock options was $24,714, $41,161and $23,927 at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 6.3 years at December 31, 2017. Exercisable stock options at December 31, 2017 had an aggregate intrinsic value of $19,534 with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.6 years. Other information pertaining to option activity during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 23.20 $ 18.48 $ 18.35 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s) $ 11,900 $ 8,609 $ 24,047 Additional information related to stock options outstanding under all plans at December 31, 2017 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 $ 13.61 - $34.81 209 2.6 years $ 25.79 208 $ 25.79 38.10 - 59.95 278 5.6 years 51.34 219 49.47 60.01 - 85.40 459 8.0 years 71.37 66 60.99 946 6.3 years $ 55.44 493 $ 41.01 Non-vested restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 102 $ 54.18 Granted 21 83.43 Vested (53 ) 51.39 Forfeited (4 ) 55.45 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2017 66 $ 65.66 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 150 $ 47.46 Granted 19 61.22 Vested (66 ) 40.96 Forfeited (1 ) 56.77 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 102 $ 54.18 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 Non-vested performance share activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 34 $ 61.06 Granted 16 93.85 Vested - - Forfeited (11 ) 69.25 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2017 39 $ 72.62 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 20 $ 58.77 Granted 22 63.15 Vested - - Forfeited (8 ) 60.88 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 34 $ 61.06 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 As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there was $7,742, $8,260 and $7,705, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. As of December 31, 2017, the unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years. We estimate that share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 will be approximately $7,300. 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 2,174,017 shares have been purchased, of which none remained in treasury at December 31, 2017 or 2016. During 2017 and 2016, a total of 23,182 and 24,912 shares, respectively, have been purchased at an average cost of $82.19 and $63.76 per share, respectively. 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. The Company also repurchases shares from employees in connection with settlement of transactions under the Company’s equity incentive plans.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES Inventories at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following: 2017 2016 Raw materials $ 20,520 $ 20,751 Work in progress 6,308 3,225 Finished goods 33,868 33,269 Total inventories $ 60,696 $ 57,245 On a regular

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 Land $ 7,262 $ 4,208 Building 63,224 45,735 Equipment 201,341 177,841 Construction in progress 13,860 17,357 285,687 245,141 Less: Accumulated depreciation 95,894 79,387 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 189,793 $ 165,754 Depreciation expense was $17,121, $15,907 and $12,895 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 6 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS The Company had goodwill in the amount of $441,361 and $439,811 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had identifiable intangible assets as follows: Amortization Period (In years) 2017 Gross Carrying Amount 2017 Accumulated Amortization 2016 Gross Carrying Amount 2016 Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships & lists 10 $ 190,061 $ 105,573 $ 185,885 $ 86,338 Trademarks & trade names 5-17 40,630 12,895 39,241 9,260 Developed technology 5 13,338 5,936 12,260 3,358 Other 3-18 13,466 5,018 12,713 3,659 $ 257,495 $ 129,422 $ 250,099 $ 102,615 Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was $26,784, $29,768 and $26,467 for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Assuming no change in the gross carrying value of identifiable intangible assets, the estimated amortization expense is approximately $24,593 in 2018, $22,479 in 2019, $20,442 in 2020, $17,234 in 2021, and $15,776 in 2022. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 2017 and 2016. 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 other in the table above.

EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT

EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT [Abstract]
EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT	NOTE 7 – EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT In 2013, the Company and Eastman Chemical Company (formerly Taminco Corporation) formed a joint venture (66.66% / 33.34% ownership), St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC, to design, develop, and construct an expansion of the Company’s St. Gabriel aqueous choline chloride plant. The Company contributed the St. Gabriel plant, at cost, and expansion will be funded by the owners. The joint venture became operational as of July 1, 2016. St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC is a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) because the total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the joint venture to finance its own activities without additional subordinated financial support. Additionally, voting rights (2 votes each) are not proportionate to the owners’ obligation to absorb expected losses or receive the expected residual returns of the joint venture. The Company will receive up to 2/3 of the production offtake capacity and absorbs operating expenses approximately proportional to the actual percentage of offtake. The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting since the Company is not the primary beneficiary, because it does not have the power to direct the activities of the joint venture that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company recognized a loss of $546 and $293 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, relating to its portion of the joint venture’s expenses in other expense. The carrying value of the joint venture at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is $4,804 and $4,553, respectively, and is recorded in other assets.

LONG TERM DEBT

LONG TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
LONG TERM DEBT [Abstract]
LONG TERM DEBT	NOTE 8 – 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”). On February 1, 2016, $65,000 of the revolving loan was used to fund the Albion International, Inc. acquisition (see Note 2). In addition, on June 1, 2017, $20,000 of the revolving loan was used to fund the Innovative Food Processors, Inc. acquisition (see Note 2). At December 31, 2017, the Company had a total of $219,500 of debt outstanding. The term loan is payable in quarterly installments of $8,750 which commenced on September 30, 2014, with the outstanding principal due on the maturity date. The Company may draw on the revolving loan at its discretion. 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 3.07% at December 31, 2017. The Company has $100,000 of undrawn revolving loan at December 31, 2017 that is subject to a commitment fee, which is based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as defined in the loan agreement. 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, 2017, 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, 2017: Year Term loan Revolving loan Total 2018 $ 35,000 $ - $ 35,000 2019 184,500 - 184,500 Future principle payments 219,500 - 219,500 Less unamortized debt financing costs 536 - 536 Less current portion of long-term debt 35,000 - 35,000 Total long-term debt $ 183,964 $ - $ 183,964 Costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments are capitalized as debt discount 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 $536 at December 31, 2017 and are shown net against outstanding principle on the accompanying balance sheet. Amortization expense pertaining to these costs totaled $474 and $526 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES On December 22, 2017, the Tax Reform Act was signed into law by President Trump. The Tax Reform Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax regime by lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, while also repealing the deduction for domestic production activities, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. U.S. GAAP requires that the impact of tax legislation be recognized in the period in which the law was enacted. The FASB Staff also provided additional guidance to address the accounting for the effects of the Tax Reform Act provisions related to the taxation of GILTI, noting that companies should make an accounting policy election to recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or to include the tax expense in the year it is incurred. We have not completed our analysis of the effects of the GILTI provisions and will further consider the accounting policy election within the measurement period as provided for under SAB 118. The Tax Reform Act also changed the individuals whose compensation is subject to a $1 million cap on deductibility under Section 162(m) and includes performance-based compensation such as stock options and stock appreciation rights in the calculation. The provision generally applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and provides a transition for compensation paid pursuant to a written binding contract that is in effect on November 2, 2017. The Company will need to carefully review the terms of its compensation plans and agreements to assess whether such plans and agreements are considered to be written binding contracts in effect on November 2, 2017. Due to the complexity of applying this new provision and the limited time to consider tax reform, the Company has not yet completed its analysis of these new provisions and will finalize its analysis during the measurement period provided under SAB 118. Income tax expense consists of the following: 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 20,102 $ 28,765 $ 29,638 Foreign 3,015 2,670 3,021 State 2,790 2,483 2,982 Deemed Repatriation 1,389 - - Deferred: Federal (1,302 ) (7,114 ) (6,815 ) Foreign 62 52 58 State (384 ) 106 (1,543 ) Federal Rate Change (27,255 ) - - Total income tax provision $ (1,583 ) $ 26,962 $ 27,341 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: 2017 2016 2015 Income tax at Federal statutory rate $ 30,971 $ 29,027 30,471 State income taxes, net of Federal income taxes 708 1,510 556 Federal Rate Change (27,255 ) - - Stock Options (2,927 ) - - Deemed Repatriation 1,389 - - Domestic production activities deduction (2,382 ) (3,299 ) (2,709 ) Other (2,087 ) (276 ) (977 ) Total income tax provision $ (1,583 ) $ 26,962 27,341 The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Inventories $ 1,297 $ 2,378 Restricted stock and stock options 3,248 5,100 Other 1,764 2,629 Total deferred tax assets 6,309 10,107 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization $ 31,311 $ 56,111 Depreciation 22,172 27,435 Other 1,374 48 Total deferred tax liabilities 54,857 83,594 Net deferred tax liability $ 48,548 $ 73,487 There is no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016. 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: 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 6,637 $ 6,570 $ 5,205 Increases for tax positions of prior years 393 332 943 Decreases for tax positions of prior years (2,711 ) (406 ) (120 ) Increases for tax positions related to current year 462 141 542 Balance at end of period $ 4,781 $ 6,637 $ 6,570 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, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized approximately $94, $94 and $138 in interest and penalties, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, accrued interest and penalties were $1,882 and $2,486, 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 2013. 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, 2017
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE [Abstract]
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	NOTE 10 - 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: 2017 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 90,071 31,838,641 $ 2.83 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares 391,165 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 90,071 32,229,806 $ 2.79 2016 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 55,972 31,521,667 $ 1.78 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares 400,971 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 55,972 31,922,638 $ 1.75 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, restricted stock, and performance shares 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 The Company had 199,010, 2,500, and 194,372 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2017
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS During 2017, the Company sponsored two 401(k) savings plans for eligible employees. The plans allow participants to make pretax contributions and the Company matches certain percentages of those pretax contributions. The plans have a discretionary profit sharing portion and one of the plans matches 401k contributions with shares of the Company’s Common Stock. All amounts contributed to the plans are deposited into a trust fund administered by independent trustees. These plans were merged in January 2018. The merged plan allows participants to make pretax contributions and the Company matches certain percentages of those contributions which is made with shares of the Company’s stock. Additionally, this plan has a discretionary profit sharing portion. The Company provided for profit sharing contributions and matching 401(k) savings plan contributions of $395 and $2,594 in 2017, $712 and $2,248 in 2016, and $738 and $1,886 in 2015, 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 underfunded 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. In addition, during 2016 the Company adopted an unfunded postretirement medical plan for Named Executive Officers. The actuarial recorded liabilities for such unfunded postretirement benefits are as follows: Change in benefit obligation: 2017 2016 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,411 $ 958 Initial adoption of new plan - 444 Service cost with interest to end of year 67 66 Interest cost 46 48 Participant contributions 28 5 Benefits paid (58 ) (9 ) Actuarial (gain)/loss 78 (101 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 1,573 $ 1,411 Change in plan assets: 2017 2016 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ - $ - Employer (reimbursement)/contributions 30 4 Participant contributions 28 5 Benefits paid (58 ) (9 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ - Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet: 2017 2016 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ (1,573 ) $ (1,411 ) Fair value of plan assets - - Funded status (1,573 ) (1,411 ) 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) $ 1,573 $ 1,411 Accrued postretirement benefit cost (included in other long-term obligations) $ N/A $ N/A Components of net periodic benefit cost: 2017 2016 2015 Service cost with interest to end of year $ 67 $ 66 $ 54 Interest cost 46 48 36 Amortization of prior service credit/(cost) 74 57 (18 ) Amortization of (gain)/loss (15 ) (10 ) - Total net periodic benefit cost $ 172 $ 161 $ 72 Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments are as follows: Year 2018 $ 132 2019 139 2020 93 2021 91 2022 109 Years 2023-2027 559 Assumed health care cost trend rates have been used in the valuation of postretirement health insurance benefits. The trend rate is 6.53% in 2018 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, 2017 by $143 and the net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2017 by $16. 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, 2017 by $125 and the net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2017 by $13. The weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 2.90% in 2017 and 3.40% in 2016. 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, 2017 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 2017 and 2016 was affected by a 4.0% increase in the 2017 contribution rate. There have been no other significant changes that affect the comparability of 2017 and 2016 contributions. The Company does not represent more than 5% of the contributions to this pension fund. Pension Fund EIN/Pension Plan Number FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented Surcharge Imposed Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement Pension Plan Protection Act Zone Status Contributions of Balchem Corporation 2017 2016 2017 2016 2015 Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund 36-6044243 Red as of 1/1/2017 Red as of 1/1/2016 Implemented $594 $576 $515 No 7/11/2020

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In 2012, the Company entered into a six (6) year lease extension for approximately 20,000 square feet of office space. The office space serves as the Company’s general offices and as a laboratory facility. The Company leases most of its vehicles and office equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire at various times through 2029. Rent expense charged to operations under such lease agreements for 2017, 2016 and 2015 aggregated approximately $3,417, $3,134 and $2,414, respectively. Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2017 are as follows: Year 2018 $ 3,277 2019 2,193 2020 1,842 2021 1,257 2022 1,350 Thereafter 8,358 Total minimum lease payments $ 18,277 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”). Based on NYDEC requirements, the Company cleaned the area and removed soil from the drum burial site. 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 was conducted by the prior owner under the oversight of the EPA and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (“MDNR”). 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, 2017
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	NOTE 13 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company has a number of financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes. The Company estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value, and, accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The 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, which are carried at cost and approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 and 2016 includes $782 and $776 in money market funds. The money market funds are valued using level one inputs, as defined by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	NOTE 14 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net foreign currency translation adjustment $ 5,404 $ (1,390 ) $ (2,615 ) Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) Initial adoption of new plan - (444 ) - Net gain/(loss) arising during the period (49 ) 101 242 Amortization of prior service credit/(cost) 74 57 (18 ) Amortization of (gain)/loss (15 ) (10 ) - Total before tax 10 (296 ) 224 Tax (207 ) (49 ) (72 ) Net of tax (197 ) (345 ) 152 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,207 $ (1,735 ) $ (2,463 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) at December 31, 2017 consisted of the following: Foreign currency translation adjustment Postretirement benefit plan Total Balance December 31, 2016 $ (6,707 ) $ (142 ) $ (6,849 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/gain 5,404 (197 ) 5,207 Balance December 31, 2017 $ (1,303 ) $ (339 ) $ (1,642 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	NOTE 15 - SEGMENT INFORMATION Human Nutrition & Health Our Human Nutrition & Health 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 nutrients and mineral amino acid chelated 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. Our mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts, and mineral complexes are used as raw materials for inclusion in premier human nutrition products. Science and patented technology have been combined to create an organic molecule in a form the body can readily assimilate. 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, and 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 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. Our micronutrient agricultural nutrition business sells chelated minerals primarily into high value crops. We have a unique and patented two-step approach to solving mineral deficiency in plants to optimize health, yield and shelf-life. First, we determine optimal mineral balance for plant health. We then have a foliar applied Metalosate product range, utilizing patented amino acid chelate technology. Our products quickly and efficiently deliver mineral nutrients. As a result, the farmer/grower gets healthier crops that are more resistant to disease and pests, larger yields and healthier food for the consumer with extended shelf life for produce being shipped long distances. Industrial Products 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: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 315,796 $ 297,134 $ 278,288 Animal Nutrition & Health 157,688 161,119 165,763 Specialty Products 73,355 70,126 54,236 Industrial Products 47,951 24,825 54,205 Total $ 594,790 $ 553,204 $ 552,492 Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 44,010 $ 38,156 $ 38,302 Animal Nutrition & Health 22,292 28,686 27,851 Specialty Products 24,949 22,862 23,995 Industrial Products 6,413 1,949 5,594 Unallocated equity compensation - - (1,462 ) Transaction costs, integration costs and legal settlement (409 ) (815 ) (324 ) Interest and other income, net (8,767 ) (7,904 ) (6,893 ) Total $ 88,488 $ 82,934 $ 87,063 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 aforementioned definitive agreements (see Note 2). Depreciation/Amortization: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 33,384 $ 33,796 $ 30,537 Animal Nutrition & Health 5,618 7,243 6,573 Specialty Products 4,097 3,787 1,225 Industrial Products 806 850 1,027 Total $ 43,905 $ 45,676 $ 39,362 Business Segment Assets: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 719,010 $ 709,337 $ 642,929 Animal Nutrition & Health 118,418 121,860 107,459 Specialty Products 63,141 64,030 24,769 Industrial Products 18,471 10,477 16,191 Other Unallocated 44,596 42,922 88,338 Total $ 963,636 $ 948,626 $ 879,686 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: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 20,580 $ 14,470 $ 21,361 Animal Nutrition & Health 4,424 6,577 17,854 Specialty Products 1,306 1,286 940 Industrial Products 1,216 701 1,145 Total $ 27,526 $ 23,034 $ 41,300 Geographic Revenue Information: 2017 2016 2015 United States $ 460,599 $ 420,821 $ 441,664 Foreign Countries 134,191 132,383 110,828 Total $ 594,790 $ 553,204 $ 552,492 Geographic Area Data – Long-Lived Assets (excluding intangible assets): 2017 2016 2015 North America $ 175,027 $ 154,007 $ 148,209 Europe 14,766 11,747 10,306 Total $ 189,793 $ 165,754 $ 158,515

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	NOTE 16 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid during the year for: 2017 2016 2015 Income taxes $ 25,845 $ 30,741 $ 19,551 Interest $ 7,021 $ 6,669 $ 5,987 Non-cash financing activities: 2017 2016 2015 Dividends payable $ 13,484 $ 12,088 $ 10,727

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	NOTE 17 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Net sales $ 137,728 $ 147,082 $ 150,716 $ 159,264 $ 135,141 $ 138,794 $ 138,509 $ 140,760 Gross profit 44,429 46,761 46,181 51,638 42,824 46,449 44,656 46,932 Earnings before income taxes 20,710 22,560 20,697 24,522 17,981 21,383 20,771 22,799 Net earnings 15,518 16,536 16,043 41,975 11,886 14,150 14,012 15,924 Basic net earnings per common share $ .49 $ .52 $ .50 $ 1.31 $ .38 $ .45 $ .44 $ .51 Diluted net earnings per common share $ .48 $ .51 $ .50 $ 1.30 $ .37 $ .44 $ .44 $ .50

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	NOTE 18 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company provides services on a contractual agreement to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC. These services include accounting, information technology, quality control, and purchasing services, as well as operation of the St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC plant. The Company also sold raw materials to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC. In return, St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC provides choline chloride finished goods. The services the Company provided amounted to $3,445 and $1,837, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The raw materials sold amounted to $23,459 and $7,480, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. These services and raw materials are primarily recorded, net of the finished goods received from St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC of $20,827 and $8,619, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, in cost of goods sold. At December 31, 2017, the Company had a receivable of $6,190, recorded in accounts receivable from St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC for services rendered and raw materials sold and a payable of $4,112 for finished goods received. In addition, the Company had a payable in the amount of $363 related to non-contractual monies owed to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC, recorded in accrued expenses.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	BALCHEM CORPORATION Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (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, 2017 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 489 $ 126 $ (184 ) (a) $ 431 Inventory reserve 2,546 538 (769 ) (a) 2,315 Year ended December 31, 2016 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 235 $ 417 $ (163 ) (a) $ 489 Inventory reserve 1,823 905 (182 ) (a) 2,546 Year ended December 31, 2015 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 288 $ (1 ) $ (52 ) (a) $ 235 Inventory reserve 1,682 369 (228 ) (a) 1,823 (a) represents write-offs.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM29

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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.
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 net realizable 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 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 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 ASC 350, As of October 1, 2017 and 2016, 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 $441,361 and $439,811 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” Goodwill at January 1, 2017 $ 439,811 Goodwill as a result of the Acquisitions – see Note 2 1,550 Goodwill at December 31, 2017 $ 441,361 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Human Nutrition & Health $ 405,334 $ 404,187 Animal Nutrition & Health 12,137 11,734 Specialty Products 22,662 22,662 Industrial Products 1,228 1,228 Total $ 441,361 $ 439,811 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 Customer relationships and lists 10 Trademarks & trade names 5 - 17 Developed technology 5 Regulatory registration costs 5 - 10 Patents & trade secrets 15 - 17 Other 3 - 18 For the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no triggering events which required intangible asset impairment reviews.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Tax Reform Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Reform Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, we have not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Tax Reform Act, however, as described below, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we have determined that the $27.3 million of the deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the $1.4 million of current tax expense recorded in connection with the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of our deferred tax assets and liabilities and our historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax during the measurement period of up to one year following the December 2017 enactment of the Tax Reform Act. The FASB Staff also provided additional guidance to address the accounting for the effects of the Tax Reform Act provisions related to the taxation of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI"), noting that companies should make an accounting policy election to recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or to include the tax expense in the year it is incurred. We have not completed our analysis of the effects of the GILTI provisions and will further consider the accounting policy election within the measurement period as provided for under SAB 118. The Tax Reform Act also changed the individuals whose compensation is subject to a $1 million cap on deductibility under Section 162(m) and includes performance-based compensation such as stock options and stock appreciation rights in the calculation. The provision generally applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and provides a transition for compensation paid pursuant to a written binding contract that is in effect on November 2, 2017. The Company will need to carefully review the terms of its compensation plans and agreements to assess whether such plans and agreements are considered to be written binding contracts in effect on November 2, 2017. Due to the complexity of applying this new provision and the limited time to consider tax reform, the Company has not yet completed its analysis of these new provisions and will finalize its analysis during the measurement period provided under SAB 118. 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. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and would establish a valuation allowance if it believed that such assets may not be recovered, taking into consideration historical operating results, expectations of future earnings, changes in its operations and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. We account for uncertainty in income taxes utilizing ASC 740-10. ASC 740-10 clarifies whether or not to recognize assets or liabilities for tax positions taken that may be challenged by a tax authority. It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosures. The application of requires judgment related to the uncertainty in income taxes and could impact our effective tax rate.
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, 2017 and 2016 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.
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.
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 Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the new guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of a contract and all relevant facts and circumstances. The standard allows for several transition methods: (a) a full retrospective adoption in which the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or (b) a modified retrospective adoption in which the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative-effect adjustment reflected in retained earnings. The standard also requires expanded disclosures regarding the qualitative and quantitative information of an entity’s nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This new revenue recognition standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. We performed a detailed review of our contract portfolio representative of our different businesses and compared historical accounting policies and practices to the new standard. Because the standard will impact our business processes, systems and controls, we also developed a comprehensive change management project plan to guide the implementation. Over the course of 2017, we have conducted training sessions for those in our global organization that will be impacted by the new standard. Our primary business is the sale of products, and the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements. We adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective method. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption is not material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”), which addresses the recognition of assets and liabilities that arise from all leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize right-to-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business” (“ASU 2017-01”), which addresses the definition of what constitutes a business by providing clarification of the three elements that constitutes a business. The guidance is effective 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 January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”), which addresses changes to the testing for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the process. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Although, early adoption is permitted, the Company has elected not to adopt early as this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards 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 net realizable value. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 on January 1, 2017 prospectively (prior periods have not been restated). There was no 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. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 on January 1, 2017 prospectively (prior periods have not been restated). There was no significant impact to the consolidated financial statements other than the decrease of current assets and long-term liabilities. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 prospectively (prior periods have not been restated). The primary impact of adoption was the recognition during the year ended December 31, 2017, of excess tax benefits of approximately $2,589 as a reduction to the provision for income taxes and the classification of these excess tax benefits in operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows instead of financing activities. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact to any of the periods presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows, since such cash flows have historically been presented in financing activities. The Company also elected to continue estimating forfeitures when determining the amount of stock-based compensation costs to be recognized in each period. No other provisions of ASU 2016-09 had a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”), to address the application of ASC 740 to certain provisions of the new tax reform legislation commonly known as Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). ASC 740 requires the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred assets and liabilities be included in income from continuing operations in the reporting period that contains the enactment date of the change. The guidance applies even in situations in which the tax effects were initially recognized directly in other comprehensive income at the previous rate, resulting in a stranded amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) related to the income tax rate differential. ASU 2018-02 requires the Company to reclassify the amount of stranded taxes in AOCI to retained earnings. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has elected the early adoption of this ASU as there was not a material impact to the financial statements.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM30

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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
Summary of Goodwill	The Company had goodwill in the amount of $441,361 and $439,811 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” Goodwill at January 1, 2017 $ 439,811 Goodwill as a result of the Acquisitions – see Note 2 1,550 Goodwill at December 31, 2017 $ 441,361 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Human Nutrition & Health $ 405,334 $ 404,187 Animal Nutrition & Health 12,137 11,734 Specialty Products 22,662 22,662 Industrial Products 1,228 1,228 Total $ 441,361 $ 439,811
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 Customer relationships and lists 10 Trademarks & trade names 5 - 17 Developed technology 5 Regulatory registration costs 5 - 10 Patents & trade secrets 15 - 17 Other 3 - 18

ACQUISITION (Tables)

ACQUISITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of Unaudited Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015. Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Net Sales Net Earnings Net Sales Net Earnings Albion’s actual results included in the Company’s consolidated income statement $ $57,494 $ $ 11,648 $ $49,608 $ $ 2,938 Supplemental pro forma combined financial information $ $594,790 $ $ 90,080 $ $557,784 $ $ 60,840 Basic earnings per share $ $ 2.83 $ $ 1.93 Diluted earnings per share $ $ 2.79 $ $ 1.91
Albion Laboratories, Inc. (formerly known as Albion International, Inc.) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Cash and cash equivalents $ $ 4,949 Accounts receivable 7,671 Inventories 15,989 Property, plant and equipment 7,217 Customer relationships 18,443 Developed technology 9,060 Trade name 7,224 Licensing agreements 6,658 Other assets 1,200 Trade accounts payable (1,104 ) Accrued expenses (2,788 ) Bank debt (884 ) Deferred income taxes (13,990 ) Goodwill 55,905 Amount paid to shareholders 115,550 Albion bank debt paid on purchase date 884 Total amount paid on acquisition date $ $ 116,434
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,065 Accounts receivable 2,860 Inventories 2,537 Prepaid expenses 186 Property, plant and equipment 12,219 Customer relationships 2,942 Developed technology 1,078 Trademark & trade name 1,388 Covenant not to compete 126 Goodwill 1,146 Trade accounts payable (844 ) Accrued expenses (1,416 ) Bank debt (2,384 ) Deferred income taxes (3,677 ) Amount paid to shareholders 21,226 IFP bank debt paid on purchase date 2,384 Total amount paid on acquisition date $ 23,610

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Effect of Compensation Cost on Earnings	The Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 reflected the following compensation cost and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings: Increase/(Decrease) for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Cost of sales $ 524 $ 1,040 $ 854 Operating expenses 5,736 5,984 5,975 Net earnings (3,990 ) (4,473 ) (4,395 )
Assumptions used in the Valuation of Option Awards	The fair value of each option award issued under the Company’s stock plans 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 Weighted Average Assumptions: 2017 December 31, 2016 2015 Expected Volatility 30.1 % 34.4 % 33.2 % Expected Term (in years) 4.6 5.0 5.5 Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.8 % 1.2 % 1.7 % Dividend Yield 0.5 % 0.5 % 0.6 %
Summary of Stock Option Activity	A summary of stock option plan activity for 2017, 2016, and 2015 for all plans is as follows: 2017 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,066 $ 45.32 Granted 222 85.22 Exercised (268 ) 36.36 Forfeited (52 ) 72.29 Cancelled (22 ) 57.48 Outstanding at end of year 946 $ 55.44 Exercisable at end of year 493 $ 41.01 2016 # of Shares (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 1,017 $ 37.29 Granted 341 60.92 Exercised (236 ) 30.44 Forfeited (56 ) 58.23 Outstanding at end of year 1,066 $ 45.32 Exercisable at end of year 604 $ 34.77 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
Other Information Pertaining to Stock Option Activity	Other information pertaining to option activity during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 23.20 $ 18.48 $ 18.35 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s) $ 11,900 $ 8,609 $ 24,047
Additional Information Relating to Stock Options Outstanding	Additional information related to stock options outstanding under all plans at December 31, 2017 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 $ 13.61 - $34.81 209 2.6 years $ 25.79 208 $ 25.79 38.10 - 59.95 278 5.6 years 51.34 219 49.47 60.01 - 85.40 459 8.0 years 71.37 66 60.99 946 6.3 years $ 55.44 493 $ 41.01
Non-vested Restricted Stock Activity	Non-vested restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 102 $ 54.18 Granted 21 83.43 Vested (53 ) 51.39 Forfeited (4 ) 55.45 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2017 66 $ 65.66 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 150 $ 47.46 Granted 19 61.22 Vested (66 ) 40.96 Forfeited (1 ) 56.77 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 102 $ 54.18 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
Non-vested Performance Share Activity	Non-vested performance share activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below: Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 34 $ 61.06 Granted 16 93.85 Vested - - Forfeited (11 ) 69.25 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2017 39 $ 72.62 Shares (000s) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015 20 $ 58.77 Granted 22 63.15 Vested - - Forfeited (8 ) 60.88 Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2016 34 $ 61.06 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

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following: 2017 2016 Raw materials $ 20,520 $ 20,751 Work in progress 6,308 3,225 Finished goods 33,868 33,269 Total inventories $ 60,696 $ 57,245

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 Land $ 7,262 $ 4,208 Building 63,224 45,735 Equipment 201,341 177,841 Construction in progress 13,860 17,357 285,687 245,141 Less: Accumulated depreciation 95,894 79,387 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 189,793 $ 165,754

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Intangible Assets with Finite Lives	As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had identifiable intangible assets as follows: Amortization Period (In years) 2017 Gross Carrying Amount 2017 Accumulated Amortization 2016 Gross Carrying Amount 2016 Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships & lists 10 $ 190,061 $ 105,573 $ 185,885 $ 86,338 Trademarks & trade names 5-17 40,630 12,895 39,241 9,260 Developed technology 5 13,338 5,936 12,260 3,358 Other 3-18 13,466 5,018 12,713 3,659 $ 257,495 $ 129,422 $ 250,099 $ 102,615

LONG TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
LONG TERM DEBT [Abstract]
Future Minimum Debt Payments	The following table summarizes the future minimum debt payments as of December 31, 2017: Year Term loan Revolving loan Total 2018 $ 35,000 $ - $ 35,000 2019 184,500 - 184,500 Future principle payments 219,500 - 219,500 Less unamortized debt financing costs 536 - 536 Less current portion of long-term debt 35,000 - 35,000 Total long-term debt $ 183,964 $ - $ 183,964

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense	Income tax expense consists of the following: 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 20,102 $ 28,765 $ 29,638 Foreign 3,015 2,670 3,021 State 2,790 2,483 2,982 Deemed Repatriation 1,389 - - Deferred: Federal (1,302 ) (7,114 ) (6,815 ) Foreign 62 52 58 State (384 ) 106 (1,543 ) Federal Rate Change (27,255 ) - - Total income tax provision $ (1,583 ) $ 26,962 $ 27,341
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: 2017 2016 2015 Income tax at Federal statutory rate $ 30,971 $ 29,027 30,471 State income taxes, net of Federal income taxes 708 1,510 556 Federal Rate Change (27,255 ) - - Stock Options (2,927 ) - - Deemed Repatriation 1,389 - - Domestic production activities deduction (2,382 ) (3,299 ) (2,709 ) Other (2,087 ) (276 ) (977 ) Total income tax provision $ (1,583 ) $ 26,962 27,341
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, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Inventories $ 1,297 $ 2,378 Restricted stock and stock options 3,248 5,100 Other 1,764 2,629 Total deferred tax assets 6,309 10,107 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization $ 31,311 $ 56,111 Depreciation 22,172 27,435 Other 1,374 48 Total deferred tax liabilities 54,857 83,594 Net deferred tax liability $ 48,548 $ 73,487
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: 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 6,637 $ 6,570 $ 5,205 Increases for tax positions of prior years 393 332 943 Decreases for tax positions of prior years (2,711 ) (406 ) (120 ) Increases for tax positions related to current year 462 141 542 Balance at end of period $ 4,781 $ 6,637 $ 6,570

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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: 2017 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 90,071 31,838,641 $ 2.83 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares 391,165 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 90,071 32,229,806 $ 2.79 2016 Earnings (Numerator) Number of Shares (Denominator) Per Share Amount Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding $ 55,972 31,521,667 $ 1.78 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares 400,971 Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options and restricted stock $ 55,972 31,922,638 $ 1.75 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, restricted stock, and performance shares 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

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
Change in Benefit Obligation	The actuarial recorded liabilities for such unfunded postretirement benefits are as follows: Change in benefit obligation: 2017 2016 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,411 $ 958 Initial adoption of new plan - 444 Service cost with interest to end of year 67 66 Interest cost 46 48 Participant contributions 28 5 Benefits paid (58 ) (9 ) Actuarial (gain)/loss 78 (101 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 1,573 $ 1,411
Change in Plan Assets	Change in plan assets: 2017 2016 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ - $ - Employer (reimbursement)/contributions 30 4 Participant contributions 28 5 Benefits paid (58 ) (9 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ -
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet: 2017 2016 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ (1,573 ) $ (1,411 ) Fair value of plan assets - - Funded status (1,573 ) (1,411 ) 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) $ 1,573 $ 1,411 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: 2017 2016 2015 Service cost with interest to end of year $ 67 $ 66 $ 54 Interest cost 46 48 36 Amortization of prior service credit/(cost) 74 57 (18 ) Amortization of (gain)/loss (15 ) (10 ) - Total net periodic benefit cost $ 172 $ 161 $ 72
Estimated Future Employer Contributions and Benefit Payments	Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments are as follows: Year 2018 $ 132 2019 139 2020 93 2021 91 2022 109 Years 2023-2027 559
Pension Fund Disclosure	Pension Fund EIN/Pension Plan Number FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented Surcharge Imposed Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement Pension Plan Protection Act Zone Status Contributions of Balchem Corporation 2017 2016 2017 2016 2015 Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund 36-6044243 Red as of 1/1/2017 Red as of 1/1/2016 Implemented $594 $576 $515 No 7/11/2020

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 are as follows: Year 2018 $ 3,277 2019 2,193 2020 1,842 2021 1,257 2022 1,350 Thereafter 8,358 Total minimum lease payments $ 18,277

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI41

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 Net foreign currency translation adjustment $ 5,404 $ (1,390 ) $ (2,615 ) Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) Initial adoption of new plan - (444 ) - Net gain/(loss) arising during the period (49 ) 101 242 Amortization of prior service credit/(cost) 74 57 (18 ) Amortization of (gain)/loss (15 ) (10 ) - Total before tax 10 (296 ) 224 Tax (207 ) (49 ) (72 ) Net of tax (197 ) (345 ) 152 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,207 $ (1,735 ) $ (2,463 )
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) at December 31, 2017 consisted of the following: Foreign currency translation adjustment Postretirement benefit plan Total Balance December 31, 2016 $ (6,707 ) $ (142 ) $ (6,849 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/gain 5,404 (197 ) 5,207 Balance December 31, 2017 $ (1,303 ) $ (339 ) $ (1,642 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Business Segment Net Sales: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 315,796 $ 297,134 $ 278,288 Animal Nutrition & Health 157,688 161,119 165,763 Specialty Products 73,355 70,126 54,236 Industrial Products 47,951 24,825 54,205 Total $ 594,790 $ 553,204 $ 552,492 Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 44,010 $ 38,156 $ 38,302 Animal Nutrition & Health 22,292 28,686 27,851 Specialty Products 24,949 22,862 23,995 Industrial Products 6,413 1,949 5,594 Unallocated equity compensation - - (1,462 ) Transaction costs, integration costs and legal settlement (409 ) (815 ) (324 ) Interest and other income, net (8,767 ) (7,904 ) (6,893 ) Total $ 88,488 $ 82,934 $ 87,063 Depreciation/Amortization: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 33,384 $ 33,796 $ 30,537 Animal Nutrition & Health 5,618 7,243 6,573 Specialty Products 4,097 3,787 1,225 Industrial Products 806 850 1,027 Total $ 43,905 $ 45,676 $ 39,362 Business Segment Assets: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 719,010 $ 709,337 $ 642,929 Animal Nutrition & Health 118,418 121,860 107,459 Specialty Products 63,141 64,030 24,769 Industrial Products 18,471 10,477 16,191 Other Unallocated 44,596 42,922 88,338 Total $ 963,636 $ 948,626 $ 879,686 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: 2017 2016 2015 Human Nutrition & Health $ 20,580 $ 14,470 $ 21,361 Animal Nutrition & Health 4,424 6,577 17,854 Specialty Products 1,306 1,286 940 Industrial Products 1,216 701 1,145 Total $ 27,526 $ 23,034 $ 41,300
Geographic Revenue Information	Geographic Revenue Information: 2017 2016 2015 United States $ 460,599 $ 420,821 $ 441,664 Foreign Countries 134,191 132,383 110,828 Total $ 594,790 $ 553,204 $ 552,492
Geographic Area Data - Long-Lived Assets (Excluding Intangible Assets)	Geographic Area Data – Long-Lived Assets (excluding intangible assets): 2017 2016 2015 North America $ 175,027 $ 154,007 $ 148,209 Europe 14,766 11,747 10,306 Total $ 189,793 $ 165,754 $ 158,515

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM43

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Cash paid during the year for: 2017 2016 2015 Income taxes $ 25,845 $ 30,741 $ 19,551 Interest $ 7,021 $ 6,669 $ 5,987 Non-cash financing activities: 2017 2016 2015 Dividends payable $ 13,484 $ 12,088 $ 10,727

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI44

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	(In thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Net sales $ 137,728 $ 147,082 $ 150,716 $ 159,264 $ 135,141 $ 138,794 $ 138,509 $ 140,760 Gross profit 44,429 46,761 46,181 51,638 42,824 46,449 44,656 46,932 Earnings before income taxes 20,710 22,560 20,697 24,522 17,981 21,383 20,771 22,799 Net earnings 15,518 16,536 16,043 41,975 11,886 14,150 14,012 15,924 Basic net earnings per common share $ .49 $ .52 $ .50 $ 1.31 $ .38 $ .45 $ .44 $ .51 Diluted net earnings per common share $ .48 $ .51 $ .50 $ 1.30 $ .37 $ .44 $ .44 $ .50

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM45

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM46

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$ 439,811
Goodwill as a result of the Acquisitions - see Note 2	1,550
Goodwill, end of period	441,361
Human Nutrition & Health [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	404,187
Goodwill, end of period	405,334
Animal Nutrition & Health [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	11,734
Goodwill, end of period	12,137
Specialty Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	22,662
Goodwill, end of period	22,662
Industrial Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	1,228
Goodwill, end of period	$ 1,228
Customer Relationships and Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period	10 years
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period	5 years
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [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	3 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period	18 years

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM47

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Federal corporate tax rate		35.00%
Deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities		$ (27,255)	$ 0	$ 0
Current tax expense recorded in connection with transition tax on mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings		1,389	$ 0	$ 0
Cap on deductibility on compensation of individual		$ 1,000
Plan [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Federal corporate tax rate	21.00%

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMM48

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Provision for income tax	$ (1,583)	$ 26,962	$ 27,341
ASU 2016-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Provision for income tax	$ (2,589)

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details) $ / shares in Units, € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 24, 2017EUR (€)	Feb. 01, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill					$ 441,361	$ 439,811
Unaudited pro forma information [Abstract]
Albion's actual results included in the Company's consolidated income statement, net sales					57,494	49,608
Albion actual results included in the Company's consolidated income statement, net earnings					11,648	2,938
Supplemental pro forma combined financial information, net sales					594,790	557,784
Supplemental pro forma combined financial information, net earnings					$ 90,080	$ 60,840
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 2.83	$ 1.93
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 2.79	$ 1.91
Human Nutrition & Health [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill					$ 405,334	$ 404,187
Specialty Products [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill					$ 22,662	22,662
Albion International, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage owned of the "Acquisition"			100.00%
Amount paid to former shareholders			$ 110,600
Working capital acquired			$ 4,900
Period of being leader and innovator in manufacture of superior organic mineral compounds			60 years		60 years
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 4,949
Accounts receivable			7,671
Inventories			15,989
Property, plant and equipment			7,217
Other assets			1,200
Trade accounts payable			(1,104)
Accrued expenses			(2,788)
Bank debt			(884)
Deferred income taxes			(13,990)
Goodwill			55,905
Amount paid to shareholders			115,550
Bank debt paid on purchase date			884
Total amount paid on acquisition date			116,434
Tax deductible for income tax purposes			2,020
Unaudited pro forma information [Abstract]
Working capital adjustment refund					$ 162
Acquisition-related costs					170	26,210
Non-recurring expenses related to the fair value adjustments to acquisition-date inventory						5,363
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Transaction and integration related costs					$ 8	$ 1,499
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Human Nutrition & Health [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill			40,403
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Specialty Products [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill			15,502
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets			18,443
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					10 years
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets			9,060
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					5 years
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Trade Name [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets			7,224
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					17 years
Albion International, Inc [Member] | Licensing Agreements [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets			$ 6,658
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					8 years
Chol-Mix Kft [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill					$ 404
Unaudited pro forma information [Abstract]
Purchase price of acquisition | €		€ 1,500
Cumulative amount of payment made for purchase.					1,230		€ 1,150
Remaining payment to be made for purchase					419		€ 350
Chol-Mix Kft [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Transaction and integration related costs					78
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage owned of the "Acquisition"	100.00%
Payment made on acquisition date	$ 22,975
Amount paid to former shareholders	16,161
Working capital acquired	5,065
Payments made to true-up working capital				$ 635
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	5,065
Accounts receivable	2,860
Inventories	2,537
Prepaid expenses	186
Property, plant and equipment	12,219
Trade accounts payable	(844)
Accrued expenses	(1,416)
Bank debt	(2,384)
Deferred income taxes	(3,677)
Goodwill	1,146
Amount paid to shareholders	21,226
Bank debt paid on purchase date	2,384
Total amount paid on acquisition date	23,610
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Transaction and integration related costs					$ 2,163
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets	2,942
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					10 years
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets	1,078
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					5 years
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member] | Trademarks & Trade Name [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets	1,388
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member] | Trademark [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					10 years
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member] | Trade Name [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					5 years
Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member] | Covenant Not to Compete [Member]
Estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible assets	$ 126
Useful life of intangible assets acquired					3 years

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Stock-bas

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Stock-based Compensation (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Plan$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Impact of stock-based compensation cost on net earnings | $	$ (3,990)	$ (4,473)	$ (4,395)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based compensation plans | Plan	1
2017 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for grants (in shares)	1,600,000
2017 Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future awards (in shares)	1,586,500
1999 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for grants (in shares)	6,000,000
Expiration period of options granted	10 years
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] | 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
Cost of Sales [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation cost | $	$ 524	1,040	854
Operating Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation cost | $	$ 5,736	$ 5,984	$ 5,975

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Assumptio

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Assumptions Used in Fair Value Determination (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected Volatility	30.10%	34.40%	33.20%
Expected Term	4 years 7 months 6 days	5 years	5 years 6 months
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.80%	1.20%	1.70%
Dividend Yield	0.50%	0.50%	0.60%
Vesting period	3 years
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] | Employee [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected Volatility	32.00%	32.00%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.50%	0.88%
Dividend Yield	0.60%	0.60%
Vesting period	3 years
Initial TSR	8.20%	(6.60%)
Cliff vest	100.00%

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Stock Opt

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Stock Option Activity (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	1,066	1,017	1,470
Granted (in shares)	222	341	209
Exercised (in shares)	(268)	(236)	(627)
Forfeited (in shares)	(52)	(56)	(35)
Cancelled (in shares)	(22)
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	946	1,066	1,017
Exercisable at end of year (in shares)	493	604	667
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 45.32	$ 37.29	$ 27.35
Granted (in dollars per share)	85.22	60.92	58.34
Exercised (in dollars per share)	36.36	30.44	20.16
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	72.29	58.23	52.97
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	57.48
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share)	55.44	45.32	37.29
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 41.01	$ 34.77	$ 29.19
Aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding stock options	$ 24,714	$ 41,161	$ 23,927
Weighted average remaining contractual term for outstanding stock options	6 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable stock options outstanding	$ 19,534
Weighted average remaining contractual term for exercisable stock options outstanding	4 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 23.20	$ 18.48	$ 18.35
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 11,900	$ 8,609	$ 24,047

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Informati

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Information Related to Stock Options Outstanding (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Shares Outstanding (in shares) | shares	946
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term of Options Outstanding	6 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 55.44
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares) | shares	493
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 41.01
$13.61 - $34.81 [Member]
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	13.61
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 34.81
Shares Outstanding (in shares) | shares	209
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term of Options Outstanding	2 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 25.79
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares) | shares	208
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 25.79
$38.10 - $59.95 [Member]
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	38.10
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 59.95
Shares Outstanding (in shares) | shares	278
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)	$ 51.34
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares) | shares	219
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 49.47
$60.01 - $80.26 [Member]
Stock options outstanding by price range [Abstract]
Range of Exercise Prices, Minimum (in dollars per share)	60.01
Range of Exercise Prices, Maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 85.40
Shares Outstanding (in shares) | shares	459
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term of Options Outstanding	8 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 71.37
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares) | shares	66
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 60.99

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Restricte

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Restricted Stock and Performance Share Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested shares	$ 7,742	$ 8,260	$ 7,705
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 7 months 6 days
Estimated share-based compensation expense for current fiscal year	$ 7,300
Restricted Stock [Member]
Non-vested Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in shares)	102	150	134
Granted (in shares)	21	19	77
Vested (in shares)	(53)	(66)	(61)
Forfeited (in shares)	(4)	(1)	0
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in shares)	66	102	150
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 54.18	$ 47.46	$ 38.13
Granted (in dollars per share)	83.43	61.22	55.77
Vested (in dollars per share)	51.39	40.96	37.35
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	55.45	56.77	0
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 65.66	$ 54.18	$ 47.46
Performance Shares [Member]
Non-vested Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in shares)	34	20	0
Granted (in shares)	16	22	29
Vested (in shares)	0	0	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(11)	(8)	(9)
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in shares)	39	34	20
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested balance as of beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 61.06	$ 58.77	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	93.85	63.15	58.77
Vested (in dollars per share)	0	0	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	69.25	60.88	58.77
Non-vested balance as of end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 72.62	$ 61.06	$ 58.77

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Repurchas

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, Repurchase of Common Stock (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Repurchase of common stock [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	3,763,038
Aggregate number of shares repurchased since inception (in shares)	2,174,017
Number of shares remaining in treasury (in shares)	0	0
Number of shares acquired under the stock repurchase plan and subsequently reissued (in shares)	23,182	24,912
Treasury stock acquired, average cost (in dollars per share)	$ 82.19	$ 63.76

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 20,520	$ 20,751
Work in progress	6,308	3,225
Finished goods	33,868	33,269
Total inventories	60,696	57,245
Reserve for inventory	$ 2,315	$ 2,546

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT57

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 285,687	$ 245,141
Less: Accumulated depreciation	95,894	79,387
Property, plant and equipment, net	189,793	165,754
Depreciation expense	17,121	15,907	$ 12,895
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	7,262	4,208
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	63,224	45,735
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	201,341	177,841
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 13,860	$ 17,357

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details)

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 441,361	$ 439,811
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	257,495	250,099
Accumulated Amortization	129,422	102,615
Amortization of identifiable finite-lived intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets	26,784	29,768	$ 26,467
Finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense [Abstract]
2,018	24,593
2,019	22,479
2,020	20,442
2,021	17,234
2,022	15,776
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 0	0
Customer Relationships & Lists [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 190,061	185,885
Accumulated Amortization	105,573	86,338
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	40,630	39,241
Accumulated Amortization	$ 12,895	9,260
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	5 years
Trademarks & Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	17 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	5 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 13,338	12,260
Accumulated Amortization	5,936	3,358
Other [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	13,466	12,713
Accumulated Amortization	$ 5,018	$ 3,659
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	3 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Amortization Period	18 years

EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT (Detai

EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of production offtake	66.66%
Percentage of operating expenses to be absorbed	66.66%
St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint venture	66.66%
Loss relating to joint venture's expenses	$ (546)	$ (293)
Carrying value of joint venture	$ 4,804	$ 4,553
St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC [Member] | Eastman Chemical Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint venture	33.34%

LONG TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2017	Feb. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 07, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan quarterly payment			$ 8,750
Maturity date			May 7, 2019
Term loan interest rate			3.07%
Undrawn revolving loan			$ 100,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Less current portion of long-term debt			35,000	$ 35,000
Total long-term debt			183,964	226,490
Capitalized costs net of accumulated amortization			536
Amortization expense pertaining to capitalized costs			474	$ 526
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 350,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2,018			35,000
2,019			184,500
Future principle payments			219,500
Less unamortized debt financing costs			536
Less current portion of long-term debt			35,000
Total long-term debt			183,964
Revolving Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 100,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2,018			0
2,019			0
Future principle payments			0
Less unamortized debt financing costs			0
Less current portion of long-term debt			0
Total long-term debt			0
Revolving Loan [Member] | Albion International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving loan used for funding of acquisition		$ 65,000
Revolving Loan [Member] | Innovative Food Processors, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving loan used for funding of acquisition	$ 20,000
Total Debt [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2,018			35,000
2,019			184,500
Future principle payments			219,500
Less unamortized debt financing costs			536
Less current portion of long-term debt			35,000
Total long-term debt			$ 183,964

INCOME TAXES, Components of Inc

INCOME TAXES, Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Federal corporate tax rate		35.00%
Cap on deductibility on compensation of individual		$ 1,000
Current [Abstract]
Federal		20,102	$ 28,765	$ 29,638
Foreign		3,015	2,670	3,021
State		2,790	2,483	2,982
Deemed repatriation		1,389	0	0
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal		(1,302)	(7,114)	(6,815)
Foreign		62	52	58
State		(384)	106	(1,543)
Federal rate change		(27,255)	0	0
Total income tax provision		$ (1,583)	$ 26,962	$ 27,341
Plan [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Federal corporate tax rate	21.00%

INCOME TAXES, Effective Income

INCOME TAXES, Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income tax reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax at Federal statutory rate	$ 30,971	$ 29,027	$ 30,471
State income taxes, net of Federal income taxes	708	1,510	556
Federal rate change	(27,255)	0	0
Stock options	(2,927)	0	0
Deemed repatriation	1,389	0	0
Domestic production activities deduction	(2,382)	(3,299)	(2,709)
Other	(2,087)	(276)	(977)
Total income tax provision	$ (1,583)	$ 26,962	$ 27,341

INCOME TAXES, Significant Porti

INCOME TAXES, Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Inventories	$ 1,297	$ 2,378
Restricted stock and stock options	3,248	5,100
Other	1,764	2,629
Total deferred tax assets	6,309	10,107
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization	31,311	56,111
Depreciation	22,172	27,435
Other	1,374	48
Total deferred tax liabilities	54,857	83,594
Net deferred tax liability	48,548	73,487
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$ 0	$ 0

INCOME TAXES, Income Tax Uncert

INCOME TAXES, Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 6,637	$ 6,570	$ 5,205
Increases for tax positions of prior years	393	332	943
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	(2,711)	(406)	(120)
Increases for tax positions related to current year	462	141	542
Balance at end of period	4,781	6,637	6,570
Interest and penalties	94	94	$ 138
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 1,882	$ 2,486

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE65

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings (Numerator) [Abstract]
Basic EPS - Net earnings									$ 90,071	$ 55,972	$ 59,722
Diluted EPS - Net earnings									$ 90,071	$ 55,972	$ 59,722
Number of Shares (Denominator) [Abstract]
Basic EPS - weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)									31,838,641	31,521,667	31,158,142
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares (in shares)									391,165	400,971	477,496
Diluted EPS - stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares (in shares)									32,229,806	31,922,638	31,635,638
Per Share Amount [Abstract]
Basic EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$ 1.31	$ 0.50	$ 0.52	$ 0.49	$ 0.51	$ 0.44	$ 0.45	$ 0.38	$ 2.83	$ 1.78	$ 1.92
Diluted EPS - Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	$ 0.50	$ 0.51	$ 0.48	$ 0.50	$ 0.44	$ 0.44	$ 0.37	$ 2.79	$ 1.75	$ 1.89
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)									199,010	2,500	194,372

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - 401(K)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - 401(K) Savings Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
Number of savings plan | Plan	2
Provision for profit sharing contributions	$ 395	$ 712	$ 738
Provision for matching 401(k) savings plan contributions	$ 2,594	$ 2,248	$ 1,886

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Change

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Changes in Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Type [Extensible List]	us-gaap:DefinedBenefitPostretirementHealthCoverageMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Funding Status [Extensible List]	us-gaap:UnfundedPlanMember
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$ 1,411	$ 958
Initial adoption of new plan	0	444
Service cost with interest to end of year	67	66	$ 54
Interest cost	46	48	36
Participant contributions	28	5
Benefits paid	(58)	(9)
Actuarial (gain)/loss	78	(101)
Benefit obligation at end of period	1,573	1,411	958
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer (reimbursement)/contributions	30	4
Participant contributions	28	5
Benefits paid	(58)	(9)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Amount

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ (1,573)	$ (1,411)
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	(1,573)	(1,411)
Unrecognized prior service cost
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss
Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet (after ASC 715) (included in other long-term obligations)	1,573	1,411
Accrued postretirement benefit cost (included in other long-term obligations)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Compon

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost with interest to end of year	$ 67	$ 66	$ 54
Interest cost	46	48	36
Amortization of prior service credit/(cost	74	57	(18)
Amortization of (gain)/loss	(15)	(10)	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	$ 172	$ 161	$ 72

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Estima

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Estimated Future Employer Contributions and Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments [Abstract]
2,018	$ 132
2,019	139
2,020	93
2,021	91
2,022	109
Years 2023-2027	$ 559

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assump

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assumptions Used in Calculations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Trend rate assumed for next fiscal year	6.53%
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	$ 143
Effect of one percentage point increase in health care cost trend rates on net periodic postretirement benefit cost	16
Effect of one percentage point decrease in health care cost trend rates on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	125
Effect of one percentage point decrease in health care cost trend rates on net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$ 13
Weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	2.90%	3.40%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Multie

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
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 contribution rate	4.00%
Significance of contributions by company	false
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
EIN/Pension plan number	366,044,243
Pension plan protection act zone status	Red	Red
Pension plan protection act zone status, date	Jan. 1, 2017	Jan. 1, 2016
FIP/RP status pending/ implemented	Implemented
Contributions of Balchem Corporation	$ 594	$ 576	$ 515
Surcharge imposed	No
Expiration date of collective-bargaining agreement	Jul. 11, 2020

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES73

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	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 ($)	Dec. 31, 2004USD ($)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Operating lease term	6 years
Office space subject to operating lease | ft²	20,000
Rent expense charged to operations	$ 3,417	$ 3,134	$ 2,414
Future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract]
2,018	3,277
2,019	2,193
2,020	1,842
2,021	1,257
2,022	1,350
Thereafter	8,358
Total minimum lease payments	18,277
Slate Hill, New York Site [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Annual monitoring costs	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR74

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 782	$ 776

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI75

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	$ 5,404	$ (1,390)	$ (2,615)
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 10 for further information) [Abstract]
Initial adoption of new plan	0	(444)	0
Net gain/(loss) arising during the period	(49)	101	242
Amortization of prior service credit/(cost)	74	57	(18)
Amortization of (gain)/loss	(15)	(10)	0
Total before tax	10	(296)	224
Tax	(207)	(49)	(72)
Net of tax	(197)	(345)	152
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	$ 5,207	$ (1,735)	$ (2,463)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI76

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 521,033	$ 463,705	$ 391,898
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain	5,207	(1,735)	(2,463)
Balance	616,881	521,033	463,705
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(6,849)	(5,114)	(2,651)
Balance	(1,642)	(6,849)	$ (5,114)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(6,707)
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain	5,404
Balance	(1,303)	(6,707)
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(142)
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain	(197)
Balance	$ (339)	$ (142)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Facility
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
Number of filing facilities	2
Percentage decrease of chlorides released in environment	75.00%

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Business

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Business Segment Net Sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 159,264	$ 150,716	$ 147,082	$ 137,728	$ 140,760	$ 138,509	$ 138,794	$ 135,141	$ 594,790	$ 553,204	$ 552,492
Human Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Net sales									315,796	297,134	278,288
Animal Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Net sales									157,688	161,119	165,763
Specialty Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Net sales									73,355	70,126	54,236
Industrial Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Net sales									$ 47,951	$ 24,825	$ 54,205

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Busines79

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Business Segment Earnings Before Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes	$ 24,522	$ 20,697	$ 22,560	$ 20,710	$ 22,799	$ 20,771	$ 21,383	$ 17,981	$ 88,488	$ 82,934	$ 87,063
Unallocated equity compensation									0	0	(1,462)
Transaction costs, integration costs and legal settlement									(409)	(815)	(324)
Interest and other income, net									(8,767)	(7,904)	(6,893)
Human Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes									44,010	38,156	38,302
Animal Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes									22,292	28,686	27,851
Specialty Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes									24,949	22,862	23,995
Industrial Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes									$ 6,413	$ 1,949	$ 5,594

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Depreciat

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Depreciation Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation/Amortization	$ 43,905	$ 45,676	$ 39,362
Human Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation/Amortization	33,384	33,796	30,537
Animal Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation/Amortization	5,618	7,243	6,573
Specialty Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation/Amortization	4,097	3,787	1,225
Industrial Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation/Amortization	$ 806	$ 850	$ 1,027

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Busines81

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Business Segment Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 963,636	$ 948,626	$ 879,686
Human Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	719,010	709,337	642,929
Animal Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	118,418	121,860	107,459
Specialty Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	63,141	64,030	24,769
Industrial Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	18,471	10,477	16,191
Other Unallocated [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 44,596	$ 42,922	$ 88,338

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Capital E

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Capital Expenditures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 27,526	$ 23,034	$ 41,300
Human Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	20,580	14,470	21,361
Animal Nutrition & Health [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	4,424	6,577	17,854
Specialty Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	1,306	1,286	940
Industrial Products [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 1,216	$ 701	$ 1,145

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Revenue a

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Revenue and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 159,264	$ 150,716	$ 147,082	$ 137,728	$ 140,760	$ 138,509	$ 138,794	$ 135,141	$ 594,790	$ 553,204	$ 552,492
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets	189,793				165,754				189,793	165,754	158,515
United States [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									460,599	420,821	441,664
Foreign Countries [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									134,191	132,383	110,828
North America [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets	175,027				154,007				175,027	154,007	148,209
Europe [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets	$ 14,766				$ 11,747				$ 14,766	$ 11,747	$ 10,306

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM84

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash paid during the year for [Abstract]
Income taxes	$ 25,845	$ 30,741	$ 19,551
Interest	7,021	6,669	5,987
Non-cash financing activities [Abstract]
Dividends payable	$ 13,484	$ 12,088	$ 10,727

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI85

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 159,264	$ 150,716	$ 147,082	$ 137,728	$ 140,760	$ 138,509	$ 138,794	$ 135,141	$ 594,790	$ 553,204	$ 552,492
Gross profit	51,638	46,181	46,761	44,429	46,932	44,656	46,449	42,824	189,009	180,861	168,097
Earnings before income taxes	24,522	20,697	22,560	20,710	22,799	20,771	21,383	17,981	88,488	82,934	87,063
Net earnings	$ 41,975	$ 16,043	$ 16,536	$ 15,518	$ 15,924	$ 14,012	$ 14,150	$ 11,886	$ 90,071	$ 55,972	$ 59,722
Basic net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.31	$ 0.50	$ 0.52	$ 0.49	$ 0.51	$ 0.44	$ 0.45	$ 0.38	$ 2.83	$ 1.78	$ 1.92
Diluted net earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	$ 0.50	$ 0.51	$ 0.48	$ 0.50	$ 0.44	$ 0.44	$ 0.37	$ 2.79	$ 1.75	$ 1.89

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Finished goods received from related party	$ 20,827	$ 8,619
Receivable from related party	6,190
Payable to related party	4,112
Related party payable recorded in accrued expenses	363
Services Provided [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related party	3,445	1,837
Raw Materials Sold [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues from related party	$ 23,459	$ 7,480

Valuation and Qualifying Acco87

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year		$ 489	$ 235	$ 288
Additions charged (credited) to costs and expenses		126	417	(1)
Deductions	[1]	(184)	(163)	(52)
Balance at end of year		431	489	235
Inventory Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year		2,546	1,823	1,682
Additions charged (credited) to costs and expenses		538	905	369
Deductions	[1]	(769)	(182)	(228)
Balance at end of year		$ 2,315	$ 2,546	$ 1,823
[1]	represents write-offs.