Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Share Repurchases [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Equity

In September, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a program to repurchase 15.4 million shares, adjusted for stock splits, of the Company’s common stock in open market or negotiated transactions using available cash, cash equivalents and investments.  The authorization remains open at December 31, 2011 and has no expiration date. There were 4.2 million shares repurchased in the open market during the year ended December 31, 2011 for a total of $56.4 million. There were no shares repurchased during 2010 and there were 3.5 million shares repurchased for $45.4 million in 2009. Share repurchased during 2011 were accounted for as treasury stock and are available to be reissued. Shares purchased under the program prior to 2011 were retired. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.  Approximately 2.2 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under the program as of December 31, 2011.

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividends totaling $7.1 million, $7.3 million, and $7.3 million.  The Company paid a special dividend of $90.7 million during the third quarter of 2010. Future payment of cash dividends and the amount of such dividends will depend upon financial conditions, results of operations, cash requirements, tax treatment, and certain corporate law requirements, as well as factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.