Equity Investment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

7.	EQUITY INVESTMENT

On October 11, 2007, the Company purchased an approximately 27% fully diluted equity interest in Zero Technologies, LLC ("Zero Water"), at a purchase price of $14,258. This investment was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. In June 2009, the Company abandoned its interest in Zero Water as management determined that the business was no longer aligned with the Company's strategic direction. An equity and impairment loss of $4,000 was recorded to write-off the remaining investment.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity investment, or group of investments, for which combined disclosure is appropriate, including: (a) the name of each investee and percentage of ownership of common stock, (b) accounting policies for investments in common stock, (c) difference between the amount at which the investment is carried and the amount of underlying equity in net assets and the accounting treatment of the difference, (d) the total fair value of each identified investment for which a market value is available, (e) summarized information as to assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the investees (for investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, common stock of joint ventures, or other investments using the equity method), and (f) material effects of possible conversions, exercises, or contingent issuances of the investee. Other disclosures include (a) the names of any investee in which the investor owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock and investment is not accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why not, and (b) the names of any investee in which the investor owns less than 20 percent of the voting stock and the investment is accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why it is.

+ References+ Details