Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

11. Income Taxes. For interim reporting periods, the Company prepares an estimate of the full-year income and the related income tax expense for each jurisdiction in which the Company operates.  Changes in the geographical mix, permanent differences or estimated level of annual pretax income can impact the Company's actual effective rate.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the estimated value of the Company's uncertain tax positions is a liability of $0.2 million, which includes penalties and interest, all of which is included in other long-term liabilities.  If the Company's positions are sustained by the taxing authority in favor of the Company, the entire $0.2 million would reduce the Company's effective tax rate. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has examined and concluded all tax matters for years through 2006.  The IRS has commenced an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for the 2009 tax year. Open tax years related to federal, state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination but are not considered material.