Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Stockholders' Equity

Dividends

On October 19, 2011 we announced the commencement of a quarterly dividend program. The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per common share, which resulted in a total amount of approximately $1.9 million paid on December 15, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2011. On February 3, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per common share, which is payable on March 15, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 24, 2012.

Repurchase of Common Stock

In May 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $30 million of our common stock. Our available funds for future share repurchases were re-established at $30 million under the February 2010 amendment to our Credit Facility. The share repurchase program was approved by our Board to enable the company to buy shares when we believe our stock price is undervalued.  Repurchases under the program also have the positive effect of offsetting the dilution associated with new share issuances due to vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options and warrants. The timing and amount of the purchases are based on market conditions, our cash and liquidity requirements, relevant securities laws and other factors. The share repurchase program may be discontinued or amended at any time. The program has no expiration date and expires when the amount authorized has been expended or the Board withdraws its authorization. As of December 31, 2011, there was $11.0 million available for future share repurchases under the program. We account for share repurchases using the cost method.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we repurchased 542,415 shares of common stock under the share repurchase program at an average price of $35.03 per share for a total cost of $19.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2010, no shares of common stock were repurchased. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we repurchased 98,646 shares of common stock under the share repurchase program at an average price of $22.77 per share for a total cost of $2.2 million.