Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company has various noncancellable operating leases for buildings, office space and equipment. Rent expense was $19,678, $20,179 and $20,535 for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Minimum rental commitments under noncancellable leases in years 2012 through 2016 are $9,688, $8,374, $4,614, $1,675 and $1,564, respectively, and $4,270 thereafter. The rental expense and minimum rental commitments of leases with step rent provisions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Product Warranties

The Company provides product warranties in connection with the sale of certain products. From time to time, the Company is subject to customer claims with respect to product warranties. Product warranty liabilities were not significant as of December 31, 2011 or 2010.

The Company was named in a lawsuit arising out of an alleged breach of contract and implied warranty by a customer of Toolcom, a division of the Logistics and Manufacturing Services segment, related to the sale of certain products prior to the Company’s 2005 acquisition of Toolcom. In 2006, the plaintiff filed the lawsuit in civil court in Scotland and asserted that certain products sold were not fit for a particular use and claims approximately 5,500 pounds sterling (approximately $8,500 at December 31, 2011) in damages, plus interest at the statutory rate of 8% per annum and costs. In 2010, the court found that Toolcom was in breach of contract and implied warranty, and ordered Toolcom to pay a portion of the plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees. The court has not made determinations as to causation and damages. Although the Company intends to vigorously defend its position with respect to causation and damages, based on reviews of the currently available information and acknowledging the uncertainties of litigation, management has provided for what it believes to be a reasonable estimate of loss exposure. While it is currently not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of this matter, the Company believes that any ultimate losses would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or cash flows, but could be material to the consolidated results of operations of any one period.

Income Taxes

In connection with an IRS audit for the tax years 2000 through 2002, the IRS proposed adjustments to these tax years of approximately $16,500, plus a potential penalty of 20% of the tax assessment plus interest. The adjustment relates to the federal taxation of foreign income of certain foreign subsidiaries.  The Company filed an administrative protest of these adjustments.  In the third quarter of 2009, the Company was informed that its protest was denied and a tax assessment was received from the Appeals Office of the IRS.  In November 2009, the Company filed a petition against the IRS in the U.S. Tax Court contesting the tax assessment received.  Based on the schedule established by the court in September 2011 and developments to date, the Company expects a trial to begin during the first quarter of 2012. Depending on the outcome, an appeal by either party is possible. The Company continues to believe its tax position on the issues raised by the IRS is correct and the Company plans to continue to take appropriate actions to vigorously defend its position.  The Company believes it should prevail on this issue. While any additional impact on the Company's liability for income taxes cannot presently be determined, the Company continues to believe it is adequately provided for and the outcome is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or cash flows, but could be material to the consolidated results of operations of any one period.