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Inventories
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]  
Inventories

Inventories

Approximately twenty percent of the Company’s inventories use the last in first out (LIFO) method of determining cost. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these are subject to many factors beyond management's control, estimated interim results are subject to change in the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation and therefore, no adjustment was recorded as of the first quarter ended March 31.