Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block]

11.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are classified in one of the three categories, which are described below.

· Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

· Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

· Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers a counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivables and accounts payables and other short-term financial instruments approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. The Company believes that borrowings outstanding under its term loan approximate fair value because such borrowings bear interest at current variable market rates.

Additionally, on a nonrecurring basis, the Company uses fair value measures when analyzing asset impairment. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair value. Measurements based on undiscounted cash flows are considered to be level 3 inputs. During the fourth quarter of each year, the Company evaluates goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at the reporting unit level using the market capitalization approach. Thus, the fair value of the reporting unit is represented by the fair value of the Company, assuming a controlling interest. As such, a premium for control is added to the non-controlling equity value, as calculated by the market price of the Company common stock which is publicly traded. This measurement would be classified based on level 2 input.