XML 53 R11.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Note 5 - Benefit Plans
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]  
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

5.             BENEFIT PLANS


The net periodic benefit cost relating to the Company's U.S. Pension Plan is as follows (in thousands):


   

Three Months

Ended June 30,

   

Six Months

Ended June 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

2013

   

2012

 

Service cost

  $ 135     $ 130     $ 281     $ 260  

Interest cost

    98       88       188       176  

Expected return on plan assets

    (98 )     (87 )     (198 )     (174 )

Amortization of net loss

    57       41       123       82  

Amortization of prior service cost

    (2 )     (2 )     (4 )     (4 )
    $ 190     $ 170     $ 390     $ 340  

The Company's policy is to fund the minimum contributions required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and, subject to cash flow levels, the Company may choose to make a discretionary contribution to its pension plan to reduce the unfunded liability. In the second quarter of 2013 the Company made a required contribution of $0.1 million to its pension plan and, based on current assumptions, the Company expects to make required contributions of $0.4 million in the next twelve months.


The Company has adopted a 401(k) Plan exclusively for the benefit of participants and their beneficiaries. All U.S. employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The Company may make discretionary matching contributions of the compensation contributed by the participant. The Company has the option of making the matching contributions in cash or through shares of Company common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company issued 139 thousand and 110 thousand shares of common stock in connection with the Company match for the Company's 401(k) Plan in lieu of an aggregate cash match of $128 thousand and $153 thousand, respectively.


Substantially all employees of the Company's foreign subsidiaries receive pension coverage, at least to the extent required, through plans that are governed by local statutory requirements. Contributions to these plans are typically based on specified percentages of the employees' salaries.