COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We have a number of noncancelable operating leases for office and plant facilities, equipment and automobiles that expire at various dates through 2023. Certain operating leases have renewal options and rent escalation clauses as well as various purchase options. Minimum future rental payments under these leases are as set forth below for each of the following years (dollars in thousands):

2012	$	30,471
2013		24,918
2014		22,357
2015		16,429
2016		12,525
Thereafter		26,286
	$	132,986

Rent expense was $37.2 million, $34.9 million and $32.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

At December 31, 2011, we had noncancelable commitments for capital expenditures in 2012 of $7.7 million.

We are a party to routine legal proceedings, contract disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not a party to, and none of our properties are subject to, any pending legal proceedings which could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.