Uncertain Tax Positions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]

Uncertain Tax Positions

15. Uncertain Tax Positions

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately $2.1 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits.  If these benefits were recognized, they would favorably affect the net effective income tax rate in any future period.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $3.4 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits.  If recognized, these benefits would favorably affect the net effective income tax rate in any future period. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands of dollars):

Balance at January 1, 2012	$	2,060
Gross increases- current year tax positions		1,343
Gross increases- tax positions from prior periods		4
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	3,407

The Company has unrecognized tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.  The unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax credits and other various deductions.  The Company estimates the change to be approximately $0.4 million.

The Company's continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in administrative costs.  The Company had $0.1 million accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2011.  Negligible interest and penalties were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2012.