Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and include all adjustments, which were of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the company as of June 30, 2012, the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and changes in its cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Certain foreign subsidiaries, represented by the European segment, are consolidated using a May 31 quarter end in order to meet filing deadlines. No material subsequent events have occurred related to the European segment, which would require disclosure or adjustment to the company's financial statements. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.  The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation Plans: The company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of Compensation-Stock Compensation, ASC 718. The company has not made any modifications to the terms of any previously granted options and no significant changes have been made regarding the valuation methodologies used to determine the fair value of options granted and the company continues to use a Black-Scholes valuation model.

The substantial majority of the options awarded have been granted at exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted without cost to the recipients are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods.

The amounts of stock-based compensation expense recognized were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Stock-based compensation expense recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expense	$	1,456	$	1,467	$	2,990	$	2,878

The amounts above reflect compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and nonqualified stock options awarded under the 2003 Performance Plan (the “2003 Plan”). Stock-based compensation is not allocated to the business segments, but is reported as part of All Other as shown in the company's Business Segment Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements.