INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

INCOME TAXES [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

Note 7:                      INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was 26.5% and 23.8%, respectively.  For both periods, the rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% largely due to depletion deductions, changes in tax reserves in 2011, and differences in local tax rates on the income from our foreign subsidiaries.

In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2004.  In general, the United States Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has examined our federal income tax returns for all years through 2009.