Stock Based Compensation Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

(9)Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The Company maintains various stock incentive plans that provide long-term incentives to the Company’s key employees, including officers, directors, consultants and advisors (Eligible Participants).  Under the stock incentive plans, the Company may grant incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards or any combination thereof to Eligible Participants.  The Company’s total compensation expense related to these plans was approximately $29.2million and $32.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which is reflected in general and administrative expenses.