Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

12.  Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were (11.4%) and 47.5%, respectively.  The difference in the effective tax rate between these periods was primarily due to the Company's decision to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax benefit generated during the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  The Company concluded that the additional benefits generated during the period did not meet the more likely than not criteria for realization.  The conclusion was determined solely based on the reversal of current timing differences and did not consider future taxable income to be generated by the Company.  The Company continues to maintain that the deferred tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2011, primarily related to net operating losses generated prior to December 31, 2011, are more likely than not to be realized based on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities also recorded as of December 31, 2011.

The Company recorded additional interest charges related to its tax contingency reserve for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Additionally, uncertain tax positions recorded in prior periods were reduced due to a change in estimate.  Tax returns for years 2008, 2009 and 2010 are subject to future examination by tax authorities.  In addition, certain tax returns are open from 2000 through 2007 to the extent of the net operating losses generated during those periods.