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Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]

14. Leases

We lease land, buildings and equipment under agreements that expire in various years through 2095. Rental expense under operating leases was $5.4 million, $5.1 million and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The table below reflects the future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2011. These commitments relate principally to the lease of our office headquarters, underground gas storage facilities, vehicles and computer equipment.

												Later
Thousands		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		years		Total
Operating leases	$	4,929	$	4,841	$	5,078	$	5,042	$	5,018	$	24,659	$	49,567
Capital leases		443		313		118		23		-		-		897
Minimum lease payments	$	5,372	$	5,154	$	5,196	$	5,065	$	5,018	$	24,659	$	50,464

- Definition

The entire disclosure for lessee entity's leasing arrangements including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a.) The basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (b.) The existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (c.) Restrictions imposed by lease agreements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing.

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