Contingencies and Litigation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note J – Contingencies and Litigation

Product Warranties

We provide standard warranty coverage for most of our products, generally for one year from the date of customer acceptance. We record a liability for estimated warranty claims based on historical claims and other factors. We review these estimates on a regular basis and adjust the warranty reserves as actual experience differs from historical estimates or other information becomes available. This warranty liability primarily includes the anticipated cost of materials, labor and travel, and shipping necessary to repair and service the equipment.

The following table illustrates the changes in our warranty liability for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

	2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Balance as of January 1	$	87		$	108
Product warranties issued		23			68
Estimate charges for preexisting warranties		(58	)		(81	)
Payments made		(1	)		(8	)
Balance as of December 31	$	51		$	87