LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock Option Plan

Stock Option Plan

We provide compensation benefits by granting stock options to employees and directors. The exercise price of each option is equal to the market price of our stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of the option is 5 years. We recognize share-based compensation expense for the fair value of the awards, as estimated using the Modified Black-Scholes-Merton Model, on the date granted on a straight-line basis over their vesting term. Compensation expense is recognized only for share-based payments expected to vest. We estimate forfeitures at the date of grant based on our historical experience and future expectations.

There are two significant inputs into the Black-Scholes option pricing model: expected volatility and expected term. We estimate expected volatility based on traded option volatility of our stock over a term equal to the expected term of the option granted. The expected term of stock option awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under the our long-term incentive plan and represents the period of time that stock option awards granted are expected to be outstanding. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent management's best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate, and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period.

The Company uses the Modified Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to value the Company's stock options for each stock option award. Using this option-pricing model, the fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant. The fair value of the Company's stock option awards, which are generally subject to pro-rata vesting annually over one year, is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the stock options. The expected volatility assumption is based on traded options volatility of the Company's stock over a term equal to the expected term of the option granted. The expected term of stock option awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under the Company's stock option plans and represents the period of time that stock option awards granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected term assumption incorporates the contractual term of an option grant, which is five years, as well as the vesting period of an award, which is generally pro-rata vesting annually over one year. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury constant maturity with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option granted.

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. The Company estimates the forfeiture rates based on its historical experience. Treasury shares are issued for exercised options.