Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 06, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001087294
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,652,356
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 66,029,460

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 45,412,868	$ 34,510,330
Marketable securities	4,672,476	15,622,111
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	8,395,112	7,330,127
Inventories, net	6,737,848	5,371,729
Prepaid and other current assets	3,466,541	2,710,967
Total current assets	68,684,845	65,545,264
Property and equipment, net	528,882	464,454
Intangible assets, net	21,444,545	22,154,176
Deferred tax assets, net	87,210	3,119,930
Other assets	2,486,830	2,120,742
Total assets	93,232,312	93,404,566
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	8,979,929	8,036,611
Other current liabilities	8,714,814	6,755,652
Total current liabilities	17,694,743	14,792,263
Revolving line of credit	9,800,000	4,100,000
Other long-term liabilities	1,815,968	1,391,484
Total liabilities	29,310,711	20,283,747
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock – no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 15,723,075 and 16,074,176 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	52,410,941	54,643,268
Retained earnings	11,709,222	18,604,931
Total shareholders’ equity	64,120,163	73,248,199
Noncontrolling interests	(198,562)	(127,380)
Total equity	63,921,601	73,120,819
Total liabilities and equity	$ 93,232,312	$ 93,404,566

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, no par value (dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, number of shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, number of shares issued	15,723,075	16,074,176
Common stock, number of shares outstanding	15,723,075	16,074,176

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Net product revenue	$ 40,376,563	$ 32,478,185	$ 33,013,184
Other revenue	773,568	547,375	505,867
Net revenues	41,150,131	33,025,560	33,519,051
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	7,370,585	5,958,660	4,968,170
Selling and marketing	21,492,937	14,553,481	13,994,768
Research and development	3,901,365	3,190,700	3,847,651
General and administrative	10,030,370	8,561,811	7,607,588
Amortization	2,436,222	2,194,039	1,989,264
Total costs and expenses	45,231,479	34,458,691	32,407,441
Operating income (loss)	(4,081,348)	(1,433,131)	1,111,610
Interest income	299,326	204,661	209,183
Interest expense	(92,904)	(106,392)	(73,856)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(3,874,926)	(1,334,862)	1,246,937
Income tax (expense) benefit	(4,174,889)	330,924	(575,829)
Net income (loss)	(8,049,815)	(1,003,938)	671,108
Net loss at subsidiary attributable to noncontrolling interests	71,182	59,255	60,243
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (7,978,633)	$ (944,683)	$ 731,351
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.04
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.04
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	15,911,577	16,236,525	16,715,970
Diluted (in shares)	15,911,577	16,236,525	17,094,754
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (7,978,633)	$ (944,683)	$ 731,351
Net loss at subsidiary attributable to noncontrolling interests	71,182	59,255	60,243
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ (8,049,815)	$ (1,003,938)	$ 671,108

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (8,049,815)	$ (1,003,938)	$ 671,108
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	2,647,753	2,396,908	2,246,809
Deferred tax expense	4,206,753	619,580	490,227
Share-based compensation	1,115,063	852,102	622,503
Share-based compensation (foundation contribution)	372,500	0	0
Excess tax (benefit) expense derived from exercise of stock options	(91,109)	1,026,413	(90,982)
Noncash interest expense	77,911	84,539	46,422
Noncash investment gains	(52,012)	(74,015)	(77,155)
Net changes in assets and liabilities affecting operating activities:
Accounts receivable	(1,064,985)	(1,253,007)	(572,392)
Inventories	(1,366,118)	(1,101,586)	1,330,176
Prepaid, other current assets and other assets	(1,074,369)	(1,556,282)	(263,084)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	2,307,617	191,901	1,475,964
Other long-term liabilities	413,097	386,863	(2,731)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(557,714)	569,478	5,876,865
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(275,960)	(130,872)	(142,965)
Additions to intangible assets	(1,213,110)	(2,000,226)	(2,556,465)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	13,381,061	4,489,111	7,883,171
Purchases of marketable securities	(2,379,414)	(5,473,092)	(7,528,713)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	9,512,577	(3,115,079)	(2,344,972)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on line of credit	24,500,000	2,400,000	1,700,000
Repayments on line of credit	(18,800,000)	0	0
Repurchase of common shares	(3,724,375)	(2,520,715)	(5,338,967)
Payments of deferred equity offering costs	(27,950)	0	0
Cash settlement of contingent consideration	0	0	(1,668,252)
Exercise of stock options	0	0	21,366
Excess tax (expense) benefit derived from exercise of stock options	0	(1,026,413)	90,982
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,947,675	(1,147,128)	(5,194,871)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	10,902,538	(3,692,729)	(1,662,978)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	34,510,330	38,203,059	39,866,037
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	45,412,868	34,510,330	38,203,059
Net cash paid (refunded) during the year for:
Interest	14,993	21,853	27,434
Income taxes	18,000	(8,359)	52,238
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in unpaid invoices for purchases of intangibles	(513,481)	(1,179,394)	967,146
Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and other accrued expenses	$ 97,254	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($)	Total	Common stock	Retained earnings	Noncontrolling interest
Equity, common shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014		17,118,993
Equity, balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 80,752,791	$ 61,942,410	$ 18,818,263	$ (7,882)
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	731,351		731,351
Net loss at subsidiary attributable to noncontrolling interests	(60,243)			(60,243)
Net income (loss)	671,108
Share-based compensation, shares		86,102
Share-based compensation, amount	622,503	$ 622,503
Exercise of options and related tax benefit, shares		3,409
Exercise of options and related tax benefit	112,348	$ 112,348
Repurchase of common shares, shares		(829,003)
Repurchase of common shares	(5,338,967)	$ (5,338,967)
Equity, common shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2015		16,379,501
Equity, balance at Dec. 31, 2015	76,819,783	$ 57,338,294	19,549,614	(68,125)
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	(944,683)		(944,683)
Net loss at subsidiary attributable to noncontrolling interests	(59,255)			(59,255)
Net income (loss)	(1,003,938)
Share-based compensation, shares		223,987
Share-based compensation, amount	852,102	$ 852,102
Exercise of options and related tax benefit, shares		3,409
Exercise of options and related tax benefit	(1,026,413)	$ (1,026,413)
Repurchase of common shares, shares		(529,312)
Repurchase of common shares	$ (2,520,715)	$ (2,520,715)
Equity, common shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2016	16,074,176	16,074,176
Equity, balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 73,120,819	$ 54,643,268	18,604,931	(127,380)
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect from change in accounting principle (Note 12)	1,082,924		1,082,924
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (1,274,446)
Equity, common shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2016	16,074,176	16,074,176
Equity, balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 73,120,819	$ 54,643,268	18,604,931	(127,380)
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	(7,978,633)		(7,978,633)
Net loss at subsidiary attributable to noncontrolling interests	(71,182)			(71,182)
Net income (loss)	(8,049,815)
Share-based compensation, shares		146,275
Share-based compensation, amount	1,115,063	$ 1,115,063
Charitable contribution of shares, shares		50,000
Charitable contribution of shares	372,500	$ 372,500
Repurchase of common shares, shares		(547,376)
Repurchase of common shares	$ (3,719,890)		(3,719,890)
Equity, common shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2017	15,723,075	15,723,075
Equity, balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 63,921,601	$ 52,410,941	$ 11,709,222	$ (198,562)

Organization	12 Months Ended
Organization	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Cumberland," the "Company," or as used in the context "our" or "we") is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of branded prescription products. The Company's primary target markets are hospital acute care, gastroenterology, and oncology supportive care. These medical specialties are characterized by relatively concentrated prescriber bases that the Company believes can be penetrated effectively by small, targeted sales forces. Cumberland is dedicated to providing innovative products that improve quality of care for patients and address unmet or poorly met medical needs. Cumberland focuses its resources on maximizing the commercial potential of its products, as well as developing new product candidates, and has both internal development and commercial capabilities. The Company’s products are manufactured by third parties, which are overseen by Cumberland’s quality control and manufacturing professionals. The Company works closely with its third-party distribution partner to make its products available in the United States. In order to build a pipeline of early-stage product candidates, the Company formed a subsidiary, Cumberland Emerging Technologies, Inc. ("CET"), which teams with universities and other research organizations to help advance scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace. The Company’s ownership in CET is 80%. In 2014, the Company organized equity financing to recapitalize and strengthen the financial position of CET. This financing included an investment of approximately $1.0 million from Gloria Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (“Gloria”). As a result, Gloria received shares in CET and joined the CET ownership group. As noted above, the ownership interests of CET includes Gloria and Cumberland, while the remaining interest is owned by Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation. The operating results of CET allocated to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations were approximately $71,182, $59,255 and $60,243 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Effective January 1, 2007, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Cumberland Pharma Sales Corp. ("CPSC"). CPSC is the subsidiary that employs the Company's hospital and field sales force personnel.

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are stated in U.S. dollars and are prepared using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. The Company's most significant estimates include: (1) its allowances for chargebacks and accruals for rebates and product returns and (2) the allowances for obsolescent or unmarketable inventory.

Segment Reporting

The Company has one operating segment which is specialty pharmaceutical products. Management has chosen to organize the Company based on the type of products sold. Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company, which uses consolidated financial information in determining how to allocate resources and assess performance, evaluated that our specialty pharmaceutical products compete in similar economic markets and similar circumstances. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are located in the United States. Total revenues are primarily attributable to U.S. customers. Net revenues from customers outside the United States were approximately $1.6 million, $2.0 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. The Company's fair value measurements follow the appropriate rules as well as the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop the measurements. It applies whenever other guidance requires (or permits) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value and gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

A summary of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels is described below:


Level 1 -	Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


Level 2 -	Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.


Level 3 -	Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

We maintain policies and procedures to value instruments using the best and most relevant data available. The following section describes the valuation methodologies we use to measure different financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis.

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and a revolving line of credit. The carrying values for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. The revolving line of credit has a variable interest rate, which approximates the current market rate.

The Company's fair values of marketable securities are determined based on valuations provided by a third-party pricing service, as derived from such services' pricing models, and are considered either Level 1 or Level 2 measurements, depending on the nature of the investment. The Company has no marketable securities in which the fair value is determined based on Level 3. The level of management judgment required in evaluating fair value for Level 1 investments is minimal. Similarly, there is little subjectivity or judgment required for Level 2 investments valued using valuation models that are standard across the industry and whose parameter inputs are quoted in active markets. Inputs to the models may include, but are not limited to, reported trades, executable bid and ask prices, broker/dealer quotations, prices or yields of securities with similar characteristics, benchmark curves or information pertaining to the issuer, as well as industry and economic events. Based on the information available, the Company believes that the valuations provided by the third-party pricing service, as derived from such services' pricing models, are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds.

Marketable Securities

The Company invests in marketable debt securities in order to maximize its return on cash. Marketable securities primarily consist of U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, U.S. Government Agency notes. At the time of purchase, the Company classifies marketable securities as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities, depending on the intent at that time. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, marketable securities were comprised solely of trading securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized as a component of interest income in the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The Company records allowances for amounts that could become uncollectible in the future based on historical experience, including amounts related to chargebacks, cash discounts and credits for damaged product. The Company reviews each customer balance to assess collectibility.

The majority of the Company’s products are distributed through independent pharmaceutical wholesalers. Net product revenues and accounts receivable take into account the sale of the product at the wholesale acquisition cost, and accruals are recorded to reflect the difference between the wholesale acquisition cost and the estimated average end-user contract price. These accruals are calculated on a product-specific basis and are based on the estimated number of outstanding units sold to wholesalers that will ultimately be sold to end-users. When the wholesaler sells the product to the end-user at the agreed upon end-user contract price, the wholesaler charges the Company for the difference between the wholesale acquisition price and the end-user contract price and this is offset against the initial accrual balance.

Cash discounts are reductions to invoiced amounts offered to customers for payment within a specified period of time from the date of the invoice.

At the time a transaction is recognized as a sale, the Company records a reduction in revenues for estimates of damaged and expired products in the shipment that are expected to be returned. The Company’s estimate of the allowance for damaged and expired product is based upon historical experience of claims made its damaged product.

Inventories

The Company works closely with third parties to manufacture and package finished goods for sale. Based on the customer relationship with the manufacturer or packager, the Company will either take title to finished goods at the time of shipment or at the time of arrival from the manufacturer. The Company then warehouses such goods until distribution and sale. As discussed below, effective January 1, 2017, inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method.

Prepaid and Other Current Assets

Prepaid and other current assets consist of deferred offering costs, prepaid insurance premiums, prepaid consulting services, deposits and annual fees paid to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). The Company expenses all prepaid and other current asset amounts as used or over the period of benefit primarily on a straight-line basis, as applicable.

Deferred offering costs are expenses directly related to the Form S-3 or Shelf Registration filed with the SEC on November 11, 2017 and declared effective on January 16, 2018. These costs consist of legal, accounting, printing, and filing fees that the Company has capitalized. Deferred costs associated with the Shelf Registration will be reclassified to additional paid in capital on a pro-rata basis as the Company completes sales of shares offerings under the Shelf Registration, with any remaining deferred offering costs to be charged to the results of operations at the end of the three-year life of the Shelf Registration. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company has not expensed any deferred offering costs associated with the Shelf Registration.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the initial lease term plus renewal options, if reasonably assured, or the remaining useful life of the asset. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, any gain or loss is reflected as a component of operating income (loss) in the consolidated statement of operations. Improvements that extend an asset’s useful life are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets consist of capitalized costs related to product and license rights, patents and trademarks.

The cost of acquiring product and license rights are capitalized at fair value at the date of acquisition for products that are approved by the FDA for commercial use. These costs are amortized ratably over the estimated economic life of the product. The economic life is estimated based upon the term of the license agreement, patent life or market exclusivity of the product and based on management's assessment of future sales and profitability of the product. This estimate is evaluated on a regular basis during the amortization period and adjusted if appropriate. If there are any changes made to the useful life of the product and license rights, the costs associated with such a change, if any, will be capitalized and amortized over the revised useful life.

Capitalized patent costs consist of outside legal costs associated with obtaining and protecting patents on products that have been approved for marketing by the FDA. If it becomes probable that a patent will not be issued or a patent has been declared invalid, related costs associated with the patent application are expensed at the time such determination is made. All costs associated with obtaining patents for products that have not been approved for marketing by the FDA are expensed as incurred.

Amortization expense is recognized ratably over the following periods:



Product rights		Estimated economic life
License rights		Term of license agreement
Patents		Life of patent

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If events or circumstances arise that require a long-lived asset to be tested for potential impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including quoted market prices, third-party independent appraisals and discounted cash flow models. The Company recorded no impairment charges during 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable; and collectibility of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred upon either shipment of the product or arrival at its destination, depending upon the shipping terms of the transaction.

Product Revenues

The Company’s net product revenue reflects the reduction from gross product revenue for estimated allowances for chargebacks, discounts and damaged goods, and reflects sales related accruals for rebates, coupons, product returns, and certain administrative and service fees.

As discussed in accounts receivable, the allowances against accounts receivable for chargebacks, discounts, expired and damaged goods are determined on a product-by-product basis, and established by management as the Company’s best estimate at the time of sale based on each product’s historical experience adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that impact such allowances. These allowances are established based on the contractual terms with direct and indirect customers and analyses of historical levels of chargebacks, discounts and credits claimed for damaged and expired product.

Other organizations, such as managed care providers, pharmacy benefit management companies and government agencies, may receive rebates from the Company based on either negotiated contracts to carry the Company’s products or reimbursements for filled prescriptions. These entities are considered indirect customers of the Company. In addition, the Company may provide rebates to end-user customers. In conjunction with recognizing a sale to a wholesaler, sales revenues are reduced and accrued liabilities are increased by the Company’s estimate of the rebate that may be claimed.

Consistent with industry practice, the Company maintains a return policy that allows customers to return product within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the expiration date. The Company’s estimate of the provision for returns is based upon historical experience. Any changes in the assumptions used to estimate the provision for returns are recognized in the period those assumptions are changed.

The Company has agreements with certain key wholesalers that include a fee for service costs. These costs are netted against product revenues.

Other Revenues

Other revenues primarily consist of income from grant funding programs, licensing agreements, leases and contract services. Revenue related to grants is recognized when all conditions related to such grants have been met. All other revenue is recognized when earned.

The Company is a party to several licensing arrangements to register and commercialize the Company's products in markets outside the U.S. Under these licensing arrangements, the third-party licensee has access to the Company's FDA registration dossier. Licensing arrangements typically include an up-front payment for gaining access to the dossier file, royalties and milestone payments upon the achievement of specific sales levels. The amounts received for access to the FDA registration file are evaluated and based on the evaluation, the resulting revenue is either recognized upfront or recognized over the term of the arrangement. Royalties and milestones are recognized as revenue when earned. For substantive milestones, the Company uses the milestone method of recognizing revenue if it is commensurate with either the performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item, it relates solely to past performance and it is reasonable relative to other milestones.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold consists principally of the cost to acquire each unit of product sold, including in-bound freight expense. Cost of products sold also includes expenses associated with the reduction in the net realizable value of slow-moving or expired product.

Selling and Marketing Expense

Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of expenses relating to the advertising, promotion, distribution and sale of products, including royalty expense, salaries and related costs.

Distribution Costs

Distribution costs are expensed as incurred and are included as a component of selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Distribution costs were as follows for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015

Distribution costs	$	621,142	$	703,353	$	839,450

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included as a component of selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Advertising costs were as follows for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015

Advertising costs	$	2,589,185	$	2,626,238	$	2,576,070

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development costs are comprised mainly of clinical trial expenses, salaries, wages and other related costs such as materials and supplies. Research and development expense includes activities performed by third-party providers participating in the Company’s clinical studies. The Company accounts for these costs based on estimates of work performed, patients enrolled or fixed fees for services over the period of time the clinical trials are performed.

Income Taxes

The Company provides for deferred taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, as well as differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company’s principal differences are related to the timing of deductibility of certain items, such as inventory, depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted statutory tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years such temporary differences are anticipated 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 of enactment. The Company only recognizes income tax benefits associated with an income tax position in which it is “more likely than not” that the position would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities.

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 existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties arising from income tax settlements is to recognize them as part of the provision for income taxes.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss) was comprised solely of net income (loss) for all periods presented.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Except where the result would be antidilutive to income from continuing operations, diluted earnings per share is calculated by assuming the vesting of unvested restricted stock and the exercise of stock options and warrants and unrecognized compensation costs.

Share-Based Payments

The Company recognizes compensation cost for all share-based payments issued, modified, repurchased or canceled. Depending on the nature of the vesting provisions, restricted stock awards are measured using either the fair value on the grant date or the fair value of common stock on the date the vesting provisions lapse. Prior to the lapse for those equity grants not valued on the grant date, the fair value is measured on the last day of the reporting period.

Collaborative Agreements

The Company is a party to several collaborative arrangements with certain research institutions to identify and pursue promising pre-clinical pharmaceutical product candidates. The Company has determined these collaborative agreements do not meet the criteria for accounting under Accounting Standards Codification 808, Collaborative Agreements. The agreements do not specifically designate each party's rights and obligations to each other under the collaborative arrangements. Except for patent defense costs, expenses incurred by one party are not required to be reimbursed by the other party. The funding for these programs is generally provided through private sector investments or federal Small Business Administration ("SBIR/STTR") grant programs. Expenses incurred under these collaborative agreements are included in research and development expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Funding received from private sector investments and grants are recorded as net revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recent Accounting Guidance

Recent Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released in the form of an Accounting Standards Update ("ASU"), "Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." The ASU includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. While aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of the accounting for share-based payments, the amendments are expected to broadly and significantly impact the net income, earnings per share ("EPS"), and the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for public companies in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted this standard using the required modified retrospective method for the impact on its Balance Sheet. The adoption impact on its Statement of Operations was completed on a prospective basis. The impact of the adoption is discussed in Note 12. Income Taxes.

In July 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance in the form of a FASB ASU, “Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” The amended guidance requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The requirement replaced the lower of cost or market evaluation. Accounting guidance is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail method. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted this standard on a prospective basis with no significant impact to Cumberland's consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU, “Statement of Cash Flows-Restricted Cash-a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.” This revised standard is an effort by the FASB to reduce existing diversity in practice by providing specific guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. As such, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included in the “beginning-of-period” and “end-of-period” total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The effective date for this standard is for years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this adoption on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance in the form of a FASB ASU, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The core principle of the new guidance is to address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The accounting guidance should be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The Company continues to evaluate the potential impact of this adoption on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures, but currently it does not anticipate that adoption will have a material impact.

In May 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance in the form of a FASB ASU, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606)." The core principle of the new guidance is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. The new guidance defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, additional judgments and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process. The new standard will replace most of the existing revenue recognition standards in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB issued a one-year deferral of the adoption date, which extended the effective date for the Company to January 1, 2018 at which point the Company will adopt the standard. The new standard can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of the change recognized at the date of the initial application ("modified retrospective"). The ASU also includes a cohesive set of quantitative and qualitative disclosure requirements about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts with customers.

The Company has evaluated its revenue sources and individual components of the revenue process as well as determined if there are any potential differences in the timing and/or amounts of revenue recognized under the ASU. The Company has finalized how the adoption of the ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. Cumberland is adopting ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method. Based on the results of our evaluation, the Company has determined that the adoption of the ASU will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently applying the standard in its current practices. Additionally, the Company continues to monitor modifications, clarifications and interpretations issued by the FASB that may impact current conclusions.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance in the form of a FASB ASU, "Leases." The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record an ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain optional practical expedients available. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating its current lease agreements for the impact of its pending adoption of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The Company's significant operating leases include the lease of approximately 25,500 square feet of office space in Nashville, Tennessee for its corporate headquarters. This lease currently expires in October 2022. The operating leases also include the Cumberland Emerging Technologies lease of approximately 14,200 square feet of office and wet laboratory space in Nashville, Tennessee in which it operates the CET Life Sciences Center. This lease currently expires in April 2023.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses," which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, companies will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, companies will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. Companies will have to disclose significantly more information, including information they use to track credit quality by year of origination for most financing receivables. Companies will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. This standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the initial stage of evaluating the impact of this new standard on its trade and other receivables.

Omeclamox®-Pak, Ethyol®, Totect® and Methotrexate®	12 Months Ended
Omeclamox®-Pak, Ethyol®, Totect® and Methotrexate®	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Omeclamox®-Pak, Ethyol®, Totect® and Methotrexate®	Omeclamox^®-Pak, Ethyol^®, Totect^® and Methotrexate^® Omeclamox-Pak During November 2015, Cumberland entered into an agreement with Gastoenterlogics Inc. ("GEL") to assume the remaining commercial rights to Omeclamox-Pak for the United States. Omeclamox-Pak is a branded prescription product that combines omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and duodenal ulcer disease. The Company had previously signed an agreement with Pernix Therapeutics ("Pernix") to jointly commercialize the product in the U.S. in October 2013. As part of the GEL Agreement, Cumberland and Pernix terminated their arrangements. The Company continued to market and sell Omeclamox-Pak and also became responsible for the supply chain, national accounts and all sales promotion as part of the GEL agreement. The agreement with GEL had a term through November 2035, with no additional upfront payments required. Royalty payments ranging from 15% to 20% based on tiered levels of gross profits are paid by Cumberland to GEL. Under the Company's previous agreement with Pernix to distribute and promote Omeclamox-Pak it paid an upfront payment of $4.0 million to Pernix in October 2013. The agreement called for additional milestones at the first and second anniversary dates of the execution of the agreement totaling $4.0 million in the aggregate. Cumberland was not required to make either milestone payment to Pernix as all the criteria for these payments were not met, including Pernix's co-promotion obligations. Royalty payments ranging from 15% to 20% based on tiered levels of gross profits were paid by Cumberland to Pernix. The $4.0 million upfront payment that the Company paid in October 2013 was included in product and license rights and is being amortized over the remaining expected useful life of the acquired asset, currently the life of the original Pernix agreement, June 2032. The agreement with GEL has a term of November 2035 and the Company has decided to maintain the original useful life for amortization purposes. Omeclamox-Pak contributed $1.8 million, $2.5 million, and $3.0 million in net revenues during 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Ethyol During May 2016, the Company announced an agreement with Clinigen Group Plc ("Clinigen") in which Cumberland acquired the exclusive rights to commercialize Ethyol in the United States. Ethyol is a FDA approved cytoprotective drug indicated as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the incidence of xerostomia (dry mouth) as a side-effect in patients undergoing post-operative radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. It also reduces the cumulative renal toxicity associated with the repeated administration of cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, Cumberland is responsible for all marketing, promotion, and distribution of the product in the United States. There were no upfront payments required under the agreement. Royalty payments ranging from 30% to 50% based on tiered levels of net sales are paid by Cumberland to Clinigen. The Company began generating revenue from the sale of Ethyol during the third quarter of 2016. Ethyol contributed $10.8 million and $0.8 million in net revenues during 2017 and 2016, respectively. Methotrexate In November 2016, the Company announced an Agreement to acquire the exclusive U.S. rights to Nordic Group B.V.’s ("Nordic") injectable methotrexate product line. The products are designed for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, severe psoriatic arthritis, and severe disabling psoriasis. The product line is approved for patient use in various European countries. Cumberland will register and commercialize the methotrexate products in the United States. Under the terms of the Agreement, Cumberland will be responsible for the products’ FDA submission and registration. The regulatory submission will be based on the dossier provided by Nordic. Following registration, Cumberland will be responsible for product launch and commercialization, including all marketing, promotion, and distribution of the products in the U.S. As consideration for the license, Cumberland paid a deposit of $100,000 and recorded a liability of $900,000 provided through 180,000 unvested restricted shares of Cumberland stock, valued on November 15, 2016, that will fully vest upon the FDA approval of the first Nordic product. Cumberland will also provide Nordic a series of payments tied to the products’ FDA approval, launch and achievement of certain sales milestones. Nordic will be responsible for manufacturing and supply of the products. The 180,000 shares of unvested restricted Cumberland stock was reflected in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and were valued at $1.3 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Totect During January 2017, the Company announced an agreement with Clinigen in which Cumberland acquired the exclusive rights to commercialize Totect in the United States. Totect is an FDA-approved hospital based emergency oncology intervention drug, indicated to treat the toxic effects of anthracycline chemotherapy. It treats anthracycline extravasation that occurs when the injected medication escapes from the blood vessels and circulates into surrounding tissues in the body, causing severe damage and serious complications. Totect can limit such damage without the need for additional surgeries or procedures and enables patients to continue their essential anti-cancer treatment. The Company launched Totect during a national shortage of dexrazoxane, resulting in strong initial demand for the product. It's our second oncology support product and the second product licensed to us through our Strategic Alliance with Clinigen. Under the terms of the agreement, Cumberland is responsible for all marketing, promotion, and distribution of the product in the United States. There are no upfront payments required under the agreement. Royalty payments ranging from 30% to 50% based on tiered levels of net sales are paid by Cumberland to Clinigen. The Company began generating revenue from the sale of Totect during the third quarter of 2017. Totect contributed approximately $4.0 million in net revenue during 2017. Totect revenue includes $0.3 million in Cardioxane net revenue for 2017.

Revenues

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Revenues [Abstract]

Revenues

Product Revenues

The Company’s net product revenues consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015
Products:
Acetadote	$	6,576,720	$	7,214,341	$	8,489,167
Omeclamox-Pak	1,761,868		2,536,027		3,037,078
Kristalose	11,455,805		15,898,760		15,733,327
Vaprisol	1,576,222		1,857,838		2,641,484
Caldolor	4,178,443		4,132,833		3,112,128
Ethyol	10,835,038		838,386		—
Totect	3,992,467		—		—
Total net product revenues	$	40,376,563	$	32,478,185	$	33,013,184

The Company acquired rights to Ethyol and Totect, as discussed in Note 3. Ethyol contributed to net revenue during 2017 and 2016 and Totect contributed to net revenue during 2017.

Cumberland supplies Perrigo Company ("Perrigo") with an Authorized Generic version of the Company's Acetadote product. The Company's revenue generated by sales of its Authorized Generic distributed by Perrigo is included in the Acetadote product revenue presented above. The Company's share of Authorized Generic revenue was $4.6 million, $4.8 million and $4.5 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The allowances in accounts receivable for chargebacks, cash discounts and damaged goods were $0.5 million at December 31, 2017 and $0.4 million at December 31, 2016, and the accruals for rebates, product returns and certain administrative and service fees included in other current liabilities were $4.7 million and $4.1 million, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Other Revenues

The Company has entered into agreements, beginning in 2012, with international partners for commercialization of the Company's products. The international agreements provide that each of the partners are responsible for seeking regulatory approvals for the products, and following approvals, each partner will handle ongoing distribution and sales in the respective international territories. The Company maintains responsibility for the intellectual property and product formulations. Under the international agreements, the Company is entitled to receive non-refundable up-front payments at the time the agreements are entered into and milestone payments upon the partners' achievement of defined regulatory approvals and sales milestones. The Company will recognize revenue for these substantive milestones using the milestone method. The Company is also entitled to receive royalties on future sales of the products under the agreements. The international agreements provide for $1.5 million in non-refundable up-front payments, milestone payments of up to $2.4 million of milestone payments related to regulatory approvals and up to $4.6 million in payments related to product sales. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recognized a cumulative $1.5 million in upfront payments as other revenue and has recognized $0.1 million revenue related to the milestone payments associated with these international agreements.

Other revenues during 2017, 2016 and 2015 also includes revenue generated by CET through grant funding from federal Small Business grant programs, and lease income generated by CET’s Life Sciences Center and contract services. The Life Sciences Center is a research center that provides scientists with access to flexible lab space and other resources to develop biomedical products. Grant revenue from SBIR/STTR programs totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million for the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

The Company's net inventories consisted of the following as of December 31:



	2017		2016

Raw materials and work in process	$	3,156,002	$	2,810,711
Consigned inventory	249,964		277,324
Finished goods, net of reserve	3,331,882		2,283,694
Total inventories	$	6,737,848	$	5,371,729

The Company continually evaluates inventories for potential losses due to expired, short-dated or slow-moving inventory by comparing sales history and sales projections to the inventory on hand. When evidence indicates the carrying value of a product may not be recoverable, a charge is recorded to reduce the inventory to its current net realizable value. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company has recognized and maintained cumulative charges for potential obsolescence and discontinuance losses of approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

In connection with the acquisition of certain product rights related to the Kristalose brand, the Company is responsible for the purchase of the active pharmaceutical ingredient ("API") for Kristalose and maintains the inventory at the third-party packagers. As the API is consumed in production, the value of the API is transferred from raw materials to finished goods. API for the Company's Vaprisol brand is also included in the raw materials inventory total at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Consigned inventory represents Authorized Generic inventory stored with Perrigo until shipment.

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:



	Range of useful lives	2017			2016

Computer equipment	3 – 5 years	$	1,074,172		$	933,752
Office equipment	3 – 15 years	457,945			355,456
Furniture and fixtures	5 – 15 years	633,577			618,808
Leasehold improvements	3 – 15 years, or remaining lease term	1,274,660			1,256,378
Total property and equipment, gross		3,440,354			3,164,394
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(2,911,472		)	(2,699,940		)
Total property and equipment, net		$	528,882		$	464,454

Depreciation expense, including amortization expense related to leasehold improvements, is included in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Depreciation expense was as follows for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015

Depreciation expense	$	211,532	$	202,868	$	257,545

Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:



	2017			2016

Product and license rights	$	21,879,981		$	20,543,262
Less: accumulated amortization	(6,564,007		)	(4,988,333		)
Total product and license rights	15,315,974			15,554,929
Patents	9,177,647			8,844,994
Less: accumulated amortization	(3,158,990		)	(2,298,442		)
Total patents	6,018,657			6,546,552
Trademarks	118,934			61,715
Less: accumulated amortization	(9,020		)	(9,020		)
Total trademarks	109,914			52,695
Total intangible assets	$	21,444,545		$	22,154,176

During 2011, the Company acquired the Kristalose trademark and FDA registration from Mylan Inc. The agreement requires the Company to make future quarterly royalty payments over a seven-year period equal to a percentage of Kristalose net sales. The royalties are being treated as consideration for the assets acquired and are being capitalized and amortized over the remaining expected useful life of the acquired asset, currently through 2026. During 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred royalty obligations to Mylan Inc. of $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

During 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with Pernix to distribute and promote the branded prescription product Omeclamox-Pak. The $4.0 million upfront payment the Company paid to Pernix on October 29, 2013 (discussed more fully in Note 3) is included in product and license rights and is being amortized through June 2032, the remaining expected useful life of the acquired asset.

During 2014, the Company acquired the rights of the branded prescription product Vaprisol from Astellas. The intangible asset value is $3.0 million and is included in product and license rights. The asset is being amortized through February 2022, the remaining expected useful life of the acquired asset, which coincides with the life of the primary intellectual property asset.

In November 2016, the Company acquired the U.S. rights to Nordic Group B.V.’s injectable methotrexate product line. The agreement requires the Company to make future milestone payments over a fifteen-year period from the effective grant of the Regulatory Approval of the Methotrexate Pre-Filled Syringe Product in the U.S. The payments are being treated as consideration for the assets acquired and are being capitalized and will be amortized over the expected useful life of the acquired asset, once approval is granted. During 2016, the Company paid a deposit of $100,000 as well as recorded a liability provided through 180,000 unvested restricted shares of Cumberland stock, that will fully vest upon the FDA approval of the first Nordic product. As of December 31, 2017, the 180,000 shares of unvested restricted Cumberland stock are valued at $1.3 million.

During 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded an additional $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in intangible assets for patents, trademarks and capitalized patent costs, including amounts incurred in the protection of the Company's intellectual property. These costs will be amortized over the remaining expected useful life of the associated patents.

Amortization expense related to product and license rights, trademarks and patents were as follows for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015

Amortization expense	$	2,436,222	$	2,194,039	$	1,989,264

The expected amortization expense for the Company's current balance of intangible assets are as follows:



Year ending December 31:
2018	$	2,519,024
2019	2,542,770
2020	2,614,010
2021	2,465,544
2022 and thereafter	11,303,197
	$	21,444,545

Debt	12 Months Ended
Debt	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt New Debt Agreement On July 31, 2017, we entered into a Revolving Credit Loan Agreement with Pinnacle Bank ("Pinnacle Agreement"). The new agreement replaced the June 2014 Revolving Credit Loan Agreement with SunTrust Bank ("SunTrust Agreement") which was to expire on June 30, 2018. We had $9.8 million in borrowings under the Loan Agreement at December 31, 2017. The Pinnacle Agreement provides for an aggregate principal amount of up to $20 million and has a three-year term expiring on July 31, 2020. The initial revolving line of credit is up to $12 million with the ability to increase the borrowing amount up to $20 million, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $2.2 million available for borrowing under its revolving line of credit. The interest rate on the Pinnacle Agreement is based on LIBOR plus an interest rate spread. There is no LIBOR minimum and the LIBOR pricing provides for an interest rate spread of 1.75% to 2.75% (representing an interest rate of 3.3% at December 31, 2017). In addition, a fee of 0.25% per year is charged on the unused line of credit. Interest and the unused line fee are payable quarterly. Borrowings under the line of credit are collateralized by substantially all of our assets. Under the Pinnacle Agreement, we are subject to one financial covenant, the maintenance of a Funded Debt Ratio, as such term is defined in the agreement and determined on a quarterly basis. We achieved compliance with the Funded Debt Ratio covenant as of December 31, 2017 through the utilization of the covenant cure section of the agreement. There were no early termination penalties upon termination of the previous SunTrust Agreement and the Company incurred less than $0.1 million in deferred financing costs related to the new Pinnacle Agreement, which will be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of that agreement. Previous Debt Agreement On June 26, 2014, the Company entered into a the SunTrust Agreement. On July 29, 2016, Cumberland amended the agreement to extend the original three-year term by an additional year. The agreement provided for an aggregate principal amount up to initial revolving line of credit is up to $20 million. The initial revolving line of credit was up to $12 million, with the ability to increase the borrowing amount up to $20 million, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The interest rate on the SunTrust Agreement was based on LIBOR plus an interest rate spread. There was no LIBOR minimum and the LIBOR pricing provided for an interest rate spread of 1.0% to 2.85%. In addition, a fee of 0.25% per year was charged on the unused line of credit. Interest expense and the unused line fee were payable quarterly. Borrowings under the line of credit were collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets. Under the SunTrust Agreement, Cumberland was subject to certain financial covenants, including, but not limited to, maintaining a Funded Debt Ratio.

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity (a) Initial Public Offering On August 10, 2009, the Company completed its initial public offering of 5,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $17.00 per share, raising gross proceeds of $85.0 million. After deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $6.0 million and offering costs incurred of approximately $4.2 million, the net proceeds to the Company were approximately $74.8 million. Contemporaneously with the offering, each outstanding share of preferred stock was automatically converted into two shares of common stock. (b) Preferred Stock The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors is authorized to divide these shares into classes or series, and to fix and determine the relative rights, preferences, qualifications and limitations of the shares of any class or series so established. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was no preferred stock outstanding. (c) Common Stock During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company issued 146,275 shares, 223,987 shares, and 86,102 shares of common stock, respectively, as a result of restricted shares vesting as well as other common share issuances. Cumberland issued 3,409 common shares under option exercise transactions during 2015. There were no option exercise transactions during 2017 and 2016. The payment of dividends is restricted by the Agreement with the Company’s primary lender. In January 2018, the Company's Form S-3 or Shelf Registration associated with the sale of up to $100 million in corporate securities was declared effective. The Shelf Registration also included an At the Market ("ATM") feature enabling the Company to sell common shares at market prices, along with an agreement with B. Riley FBR to support such a placement of shares. (d) Warrants In 2006, the Company signed a new line of credit agreement along with a term loan agreement with a financial institution. In conjunction with these agreements, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 3,958 shares of common stock at $9.00 per share within 10 years of issuance. All of these warrants expired during 2016. In connection with the amendment to the debt agreements in 2009, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 7,500 shares of common stock at $17.00 per share that expire in July 2019. All of these warrants were outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. (e) Share Repurchases The Company currently has a share repurchase program to repurchase up to $10 million of its common stock pursuant to Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Act. In January 2016, the Company's Board of Directors established the current $10 million repurchase program to replace the prior authorizations. The Company repurchased 547,376 shares, 529,312 shares and 829,003 shares of common stock for approximately $3.7 million, $2.5 million, and $5.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (f) Cumberland Emerging Technologies In April 2014, the Company received approximately $1 million from Gloria for its participation in CET. As a result, Gloria received shares in CET and will have the first right to negotiate a license to CET developed products for the Chinese market. Prior to April 2014, Cumberland owned 85% of CET, with the balance of the enterprise being owned by Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation. In connection with Gloria’s investment in CET, the Company also provided an additional investment in CET. Cumberland contributed $1.0 million in cash and provided $2.4 million in loan forgiveness to CET in exchange for newly issued shares. Upon completion of the additional investment by Gloria and Cumberland in April 2014, the Company’s ownership in CET is 80%. As CET is a consolidated subsidiary, the Company reports the operating results of CET and allocates the noncontrolling interests to the non-majority partners. (g) Cumberland Foundation In December 2017, we formed the Cumberland Pharma Foundation to serve as a vehicle to facilitate the ongoing philanthropic endeavors of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. The Foundation was formed as a nonprofit corporation designed to qualify as a tax-exempt organization pursuant to Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation’s Board of Directors was initially comprised of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals executives who will be responsible for overseeing the Foundation’s ongoing activities including charitable contributions. We provided a grant of 50,000 Cumberland Pharmaceuticals common shares to the Foundation. The shares will address the ongoing financial needs of the organization, with most of the shares expected to be held for the opportunity to realize long term appreciation to support the Foundation’s future. The Foundation will maintain separate financial statements and its ongoing operations will not impact the financial statements of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. Initial annual grants by the Foundation are expected to equal approximately 5% of the Foundation’s total holdings, which is consistent with the historic level of contributions made by Cumberland Pharmaceuticals.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

The components of the Company's net deferred tax assets at December 31 are as follows:



	2017			2016

Deferred Tax Assets
Net operating loss and tax credits	$	15,295,547		$	3,881,415
Property and equipment and intangibles	232,667			331,301
Allowance for accounts receivable	129,180			170,733
Reserve for expired product	538,141			771,034
Inventory	173,885			214,654
Deferred charges	624,367			738,541
Cumulative compensation costs incurred on deductible equity awards	793,206			639,263
Total deferred tax assets	17,786,993			6,746,941

Deferred Tax Liabilities
Intangible assets	(2,067,548		)	(3,238,511		)
Net deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance	15,719,445			3,508,430
Less: deferred tax asset valuation allowance	(15,632,235		)	(388,500		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	87,210		$	3,119,930

The following table summarizes the amount and year of expiration of the Company's federal and state net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2017:



Years of expiration	Federal		State

2018 - 2019	$	—	$	238,047
2020 - 2028	—		38,858,730
2029	44,153,819		10,513,791
2030 - 2037	7,365,668		6,331,773
Total federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	$	51,519,487	$	55,942,341

Income tax (expense) benefit includes the following components for the years ended December 31:



	2017			2016			2015

Current:
Federal	$	—		$	867,041		$	(41,326	)
State and other	(59,243		)	83,463			(44,276		)
Total current income tax (expense) benefit	(59,243		)	950,504			(85,602		)

Deferred:
Federal	(3,682,772		)	(537,965		)	(385,723		)
State	(432,874		)	(81,615		)	(104,504		)
Total deferred income tax (expense) benefit	(4,115,646		)	(619,580		)	(490,227		)
Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(4,174,889	)	$	330,924		$	(575,829	)

The Company’s effective income tax rate for 2017, 2016 and 2015 reconciles with the federal statutory tax rate as follows:



	2017		2016		2015

Federal tax expense at statutory rate	34	%	34	%	34	%
State income tax expense (net of federal income tax benefit)	4	%	4	%	4	%
Permanent differences associated with general business credits	1	%	5	%	(3	)%
Change in valuation allowance	(148	)%	(15	)%	3	%
Change in tax rate	2	%	—	%	—	%
Other permanent differences	1	%	(2	)%	7	%
Other	(2	)%	(1	)%	1	%
Net income tax expense	(108	)%	25	%	46	%

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted the Accounting Standards Update, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. As a result, the Company recorded the previously unrecognized net operating loss carryforwards generated from the exercise of nonqualified options of approximately $44.1 million. The Company recorded a net deferred tax asset of $1.1 million through retained earnings as a result of the adoption of this accounting standard. This $1.1 million in net non-current deferred tax assets represents a deferred tax asset of $17.0 million, net of a related valuation allowance of $15.9 million.

During the year, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that its net deferred tax assets would be realized. As such, it recorded a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets in the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. The Company’s position is unchanged as of December 31, 2017 with the exception of one deferred tax asset for alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards discussed further below.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21%; (2) eliminating the corporate AMT and changing how AMT credits can be realized; (3) capital expensing; and (4) creating new limitations on deductible interest expense and executive compensation.

The Securities Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118 which provides guidance for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.

In connection with our analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, we have recorded a net tax benefit of $0.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2017. This net tax benefit consists entirely of the release of the valuation allowance against AMT credits that will be realizable under the Tax Act in future periods. While the Company does not expect to record further amounts related to the Tax Act, we will continue to evaluate additional guidance as it is released by the Internal Revenue Service and will record additional amounts if needed.

The Company expects it will continue to pay minimal taxes in future periods through the continued utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, as it is able to achieve taxable income through its operations.

Federal tax years that remain open to examination are 2011 through 2016. Due to a 2009 net operating loss carryback, federal tax years 2006 through 2008 remain open to the extent of net operating losses utilized in those years. During 2012, the 2009 federal tax return was examined by the Internal Revenue Service with no significant findings or adjustments. State tax years that remain open to examination are 2010 to 2016. The Company has no unrecognized tax benefits in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The Company has grants outstanding under three equity compensation plans, with two of the plans available for future grants of equity compensation awards to employees, consultants and directors. All of the equity plans were approved by shareholders. The 2007 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2007 Plan) and the 2007 Directors’ Incentive Plan (the "Directors’ Plan") superseded the 1999 Stock Option Plan. The 2007 Plan and the Directors’ Plan provide for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. Vesting is determined on a grant-by-grant basis in accordance with the terms of the plans and the related grant agreements. The Company has reserved 2.4 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2007 Plan and 250,000 shares for issuance under the Directors’ Plan.

The exercise price of stock options is generally 100% of the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the grant date. The maximum contractual term of stock options is ten years from the date of grant, except for incentive stock options granted to 10% shareholders, which is five years.

During 2011, the Company began issuing shares of restricted stock with no exercise price to employees and directors. Restricted stock issued to employees generally cliff-vests on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. Restricted stock issued to directors vests on the one year anniversary of the date of grant.

Stock compensation expense is presented as a component of general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Stock compensation expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015

Share-based compensation - employees	$	1,032,094	$	833,027	$	456,749
Share-based compensation - nonemployees	82,969		19,075		165,754
Share-based compensation - foundation contribution	$	372,500	$	—	$	—
Total share-based compensation	$	1,487,563	$	852,102	$	622,503

At December 31, 2017, there was approximately $2.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based payments, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. This amount relates primarily to unrecognized compensation cost for employee restricted stock awards.

Stock Options

Stock option activity for 2017 and 2016 was as follows:



	Number of shares		Weighted-average exercise price per share		Weighted- average remaining contractual term (years)	Aggregate intrinsic value

Outstanding, December 31, 2015	12,300		$	10.89	1.6	$	2,320
Options granted	—		—
Options exercised	—		—
Options forfeited or expired	(6,500	)	9.00
Outstanding, December 31, 2016	5,800		13.00		1.9	—
Options granted	—		—
Options exercised	—		—
Options forfeited or expired	—		—
Outstanding, December 31, 2017	5,800		13.00		0.9	$	—
Exercisable at December 31, 2017	5,800		$	13.00	0.9	$	—

The Company did not grant any stock options during 2017, 2016 and 2015, and no options were exercised during 2017 and 2016. Information related to the stock option plans during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:



	2017		2016		2015

Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	—	$	—	$	3,875
Weighted-average fair value of options exercised	$	—	$	—	$	3.26

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock activity was as follows:



	Number of shares		Weighted- average grant-date fair value

Nonvested, December 31, 2015	740,049		$	5.36
Shares granted	228,425		4.36
Shares vested	(223,987	)	5.28
Shares forfeited	(41,192	)	4.23
Nonvested, December 31, 2016	703,295		5.13
Shares granted	238,550		6.48
Shares vested	(146,275	)	4.74
Shares forfeited	(27,725	)	5.34
Nonvested, December 31, 2017	767,845		5.61

The fair value of restricted stock granted was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock grants are included in the diluted weighted shares outstanding computation until they cliff-vest. Once vested they are included in the basic weighted shares outstanding computation.

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans The Company sponsors an employee benefit plan that was established on January 1, 2006, the Cumberland Pharmaceuticals 401(k) Plan (the Plan), under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for the benefit of all employees over the age of 21, having been employed by the Company for at least six months. The Plan provides that participants may contribute up to the maximum amount of their compensation as set forth by the Internal Revenue Service each year. Employee contributions are invested in various investment funds based upon elections made by the employees. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company contributed approximately $50,000 in each year to the Plan as an employer match of participant contributions. In 2012 and 2013, the Company established non-qualified unfunded deferred compensation plans that allow participants to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation. The liability under the plans, reflected in other long term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, was $1.6 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company had assets consisting of company-owned life insurance contracts generally designated to pay benefits of the deferred compensation plans reflected in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet of $2.3 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

The Company is obligated under long-term real estate leases for corporate office space that was extended during the third quarter of 2015. Prior to this extension, the lease would have expired in October 2016, the lease is now set to expire in October 2022. In addition, the research lab space at CET, under an agreement amended in July 2012, is leased through April 2023, with an option to extend the lease through April 2028. The Company also subleases a portion of the space under these leases.

Rent expense is recognized over the expected term of the lease, including renewal option periods, if applicable, on a straight-line basis. Rent expense and sublease income were as follows for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015

Rent expense	$	1,074,437	$	1,150,614	$	978,591

Sublease income	$	573,494	$	646,235	$	550,452

Cumulative future minimum sublease income under noncancelable operating subleases totals approximately $0.6 million and will be paid through the leases ending in February 2019, March 2019, and October 2022. Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) are as follows:



Year ending December 31:
2018	$	980,657
2019	959,902
2020	980,720
2021	1,001,603
2022 and thereafter	916,477
Total future minimum lease payments	$	4,839,359