Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

11. Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company's effective income tax rate differs from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where it operates primarily as the result of the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items and tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results.

As of both January 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of $2.1 million which would reduce the Company's effective tax rate during future periods if it is subsequently determined that those liabilities are not required. The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in general and administrative expenses. Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits was immaterial for each of the three and six months ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011.