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Share-Based Compensation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] 
Share-Based Compensation

8. Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, share-based compensation expense includes compensation expense for all share-based compensation awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the estimated grant-date fair value. Share-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted or modified on or after January 1, 2006 is based on the estimated grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is the option vesting term of four or five years for options granted prior to 2008 and four years for options granted subsequent to January 1, 2008, for only those shares expected to vest. The fair value of stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with inputs for grant-date assumptions and weighted-average fair values.

Under its 2005 Equity Participation Plan (the "Plan"), the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors granted performance vesting restricted stock units to the Company's senior management and key employees in March 2011. The restricted stock units vest at the end of a three-year performance period, and then only if, and to the extent that, the Company's cumulative underwriting income during such three-year performance period ending December 31, 2013 achieves the 2011 defined threshold performance levels established by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate target number of shares of common stock for which the restricted stock units may vest is 80,000. However, the restricted stock units may vest for up to 120,000 shares of common stock based upon the extent to which the Company's three-year performance exceeds the target established by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee granted 55,000 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units in 2010 which will vest at the end of a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2012 if, and to the extent that, the Company's cumulative underwriting income during the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2012 achieves the 2010 defined threshold performance levels.

 

The fair value of the restricted share grant was determined based on the market price on the date of grant. Compensation cost has been recognized based on management's best estimates that performance goals will be achieved. If such goals are not met as of the end of the three-year performance period, no compensation cost would be recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost would be reversed.