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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract] 
INCOME TAXES

13. INCOME TAXES:

The Company’s effective tax rate as applied to pre-tax loss was 130% and 35% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The change in the Company’s effective tax rate during the three month periods was due primarily to changes in federal and state valuation allowances in each period, as well as the effect of the change in the estimated annual effective rate as applied to prior quarters’ income during the 2011 period.

The Company’s effective tax rate as applied to pre-tax income (loss) was 49% and 32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Changes in the Company’s valuation allowances during each period resulted in the change to the effective tax rate noted above.

As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had $15.1 million and $19.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, of which $8.1 million and $9.0 million, respectively, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. These liabilities are recorded in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company estimates the overall decrease in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months will be approximately $14.3 million, mainly due to the expiration of various statutes of limitations. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had accrued $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of interest and $0.1 million of penalties related to uncertain tax positions.