INCOME TAXES (Note)

9 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, including positions which impact only the timing of tax benefits.

	Nine Months Ended
	August 27, 2011		August 28, 2010
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	1,806	$	2,161
Additions for current period tax positions	338		171
Reductions for current period tax positions	—		(63		)
Additions for prior period tax positions	—		39
Changes in interest and penalties	66		42
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period	$	2,210	$	2,350

At August 27, 2011, the amount of unrecognized tax benefit, that would impact the effective tax rate if recognized, was $2,019.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in income tax expense.  At August 27, 2011, the Company had $536 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties.

Due to the various jurisdictions in which the Company files tax returns and the uncertainty regarding the timing of settlements it is possible that there could be other significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months; however, the amount cannot be estimated.

The Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities.  The Internal Revenue Service has completed its audits of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns through fiscal year 2009.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by state or foreign tax jurisdictions for years prior to 2004.

During the quarter ended August 27, 2011, the Company recognized $1,031 of tax benefit from the release of a valuation allowance recorded against net operating loss carryovers of one of its foreign subsidiaries.  The valuation allowance was released due to the successful completion of a subsidiary reorganization during the third quarter.