Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies.

Commitments and Contingencies

(8) Commitments and Contingencies

        The Company leases some of the equipment used in its operations under operating leases. Generally, the leases are for periods varying from one to five years and are renewable at the option of the Company. The Company also has a lease for corporate office space. Total lease and rent expense was $1,319 for 2011 $1,388 for 2010, and $1,714 for 2009. As of December 31, 2011, future minimum payments under operating leases that were either non-cancelable or subject to significant penalty upon cancellation were $1,304 for 2012, $877 for 2013, $803 for 2014, $582 for 2015, $350 for 2016 and zero thereafter.

        The Company is party to lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or competitive position.

        In the second quarter 2010, there was an accident at the Company's St. Clair plant in Oklahoma, resulting in a fatality. The Company incurred and accrued costs associated with the accident during the 2010 second quarter, including an accrual for estimated costs of potential Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") penalties, fines, assessments and other costs.

        The Company is not contractually committed to any planned capital expenditures until actual orders are placed for equipment or services.