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ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017
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,
| 2017 |  | 2016
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 26,690 |  |  | $ | 22,288 |
Provision for uncollectible accounts | 16,376 |  |  | 16,216 |
Write-off of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries | (16,597 | ) |  | (11,248 | )
Foreign currency and other | 2,798 |  |  | (566 | )
Balance at end of period | $ | 29,267 |  |  | $ | 26,690 |

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- Definition ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract] + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Tabular disclosure of the various types of trade accounts and notes receivable and for each the gross carrying value, allowance, and net carrying value as of the balance sheet date. Presentation is categorized by current, noncurrent and unclassified receivables. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3,4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
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