CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE	12 Months Ended
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE	Dec. 31, 2011
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE [Abstract]
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE	NOTE X – CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE In the first quarter of 2010, we extended the economic life on our U.S. Flag Coal Carrier, basing this change in estimate on the extension of the vessel's time charter contract. This change in estimate reduced our depreciation expense and increased our pre-tax income by $5.2 million and our net income by $3.4 million, or $0.47 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2010. Also in the first quarter of 2010, we extended the economic life of both the Mobile, Alabama and Coatzacoalcos, Mexico rail terminal's leasehold improvements due to contractual extensions to the rail terminal operating agreement. The amortization periods were extended two and a half years and six years, respectively. The extension of these amortization periods increased our pre-tax income by approximately $1.8 million, and our net income by approximately $1.2 million, or $0.16 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The entire disclosure for reporting accounting changes and error corrections. It includes the conveyance of information necessary for a user of the Company's financial information to understand all aspects and required disclosure information concerning all changes and error corrections reported in the Company's financial statements for the period.

+ References+ Details