Lease Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

LEASE OBLIGATIONS

We have operating leases for certain of our manufacturing and administrative facilities that extend through 2018. The lease agreements generally provide for payment of base rental amounts plus our share of property taxes and common area costs as well as renewal options at current market rates.

Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rent expense was $7.5 million in 2011, $7.2 million in 2010 and $7.2 million in 2009.

The approximate future minimum rental payments due under these agreements as of December 31, 2011, were as follows (in thousands):



	Minimum Rental Payment
2012	$	7,747
2013	6,908
2014	6,236
2015	4,118
2016	4,204
Thereafter	8,677
Total	$	37,890