v2.4.0.6
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Text Block]
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
Balance as of beginning of year
$
1,457

 
$
1,351

 
$
1,174

Increase in allowance
934

 
506

 
613

Accounts charged against the allowance, net of recoveries
(243
)
 
(396
)
 
(453
)
Foreign currency translation
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
17

Balance as of end of year
$
2,147

 
$
1,457

 
$
1,351