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ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]  
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The following table shows the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands of dollars):
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at beginning of period
$
22,121

 
$
20,096

Provision for uncollectible accounts
10,181

 
12,945

Write-off of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries
(10,495
)
 
(9,628
)
Business acquisitions, foreign currency and other
481

 
(1,292
)
Balance at end of period
$
22,288

 
$
22,121