Derivative Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposures and minimize the effect of such fluctuations on reported earnings and cash flow.  The Company’s ongoing foreign currency exchange risks include intercompany sales of product and services between subsidiary companies operating in differing functional currencies.

At March 31, 2012, the Company had forward exchange contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $2.8 million, whose aggregate fair value was an asset of approximately $47,302.  Such fair value was determined using published market exchange rates.  The change in the amount of the asset or liability for these instruments is shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.