Stockholders Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders’ Equity

Stock-based compensation expense was approximately $81,000 and $185,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of March 31, 2013, there was approximately $173,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation awards granted under Empire’s plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of less than two years. This expected cost does not include the impact of any future stock-based compensation awards.

On February 12, 2013, Empire's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized the issuance of 75,530 shares of our common stock in payment of dividends due for the year ended December 31, 2012 on our Series B Preferred Stock. The recorded value of these shares was approximately $167,000.