Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]

Available-for-sale Securities [Text Block]

Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities

From the proceeds of the term loan discussed in Note 3, "Debt", the Company invested in marketable debt securities, primarily highly liquid AA - rated corporate bonds, U.S. government and government agency securities. These investments are held in the custody of a major financial institution. These securities, along with the Company's investments in marketable equity securities, are classified as available-for-sale securities and, accordingly, the unrealized gains and losses are recorded through other comprehensive income.

The Company's investments in available-for-sale marketable securities are as follows:

September 30, 2012										Balance Sheet
										Classification
			Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair		Short-Term
	Cost Basis		Gains		Losses			Value		Investments		Other Assets
	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	72,964	$	—	$	(157	)	$	72,807	$	72,807	$	—
Corporate notes and bonds	26,664		—		(112		)	26,552		26,552		—
Equity securities	5,271		4,678		(2,514		)	7,435		—		7,435
Total Investments	$	104,899	$	4,678	$	(2,783	)	$	106,794	$	99,359	$	7,435

December 31, 2011										Balance Sheet
										Classification
			Unrealized		Unrealized			Recorded		Short-Term
	Cost Basis		Gains		Losses			Basis		Investments		Other Assets
	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale:
Equity securities	$	5,268	$	4,394	$	(2,122	)	$	7,540	$	—	$	7,540
Total Investments	$	5,268	$	4,394	$	(2,122	)	$	7,540	$	—	$	7,540

Most of the debt securities have maturity dates in 2013, and the remainder mature in the first quarter of 2014. The Company classifies its investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.