Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Taxes [Abstract]

Taxes

13. Taxes

The effective tax rate decreased to 38.1% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, from 38.5% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. The decrease results primarily from the settlement of various audits during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012.

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, the Company's unrecognized tax benefits for certain tax contingencies decreased from $1.3 million as of December 31, 2011, to $1.2 million as of March 31, 2012. The decrease is attributable to the settlement of various audits. If recognized, the $1.2 million in unrecognized tax benefits would reduce the Company's effective tax rate in future periods.

Income taxes paid for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, were $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively.