Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

6. Stock-Based Compensation

We have five stock incentive plans through which employees and directors have been or are granted stock-based compensation. We recognize compensation expense for the grant date fair value of stock-based awards over the applicable vesting period. The components of our pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, and associated income tax effect were as follows for the following periods (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Stock options	$	15	$	17
Restricted stock		489		358
		504		375
Income tax effect		195		145
	$	309	$	230

We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model requires several assumptions, which we have developed and update based on historical trends and current market observations. The accuracy of these assumptions is critical to the estimate of fair value for these equity instruments.

Our restricted stock unit awards include both time-based awards that vest ratably over three years and restricted stock unit awards that are tied to the achievement of certain financial targets and stock performance criteria that cliff-vest in three years. The financial targets include revenue measurements. Total stockholder return is considered a market condition and the fair value of those awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model.