XML 30 R19.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.4.0.3
Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

In calculating the provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the estimated annual effective tax rate is adjusted, as appropriate, based upon changes in facts and circumstances, if any, as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year and each interim period thereafter.

The provision for income taxes reflected U.S. federal, state and local taxes at an estimated effective tax rate of 38.9% and 35.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is due to a lower valuation allowance release related to market adjustments on the Company's marketable securities in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year.