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Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 13, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	AMERIGON INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000903129
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,208,996
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 129,958,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash & cash equivalents	$ 23,839	$ 26,584
Short-term investments		9,761
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $1,937 and $545, respectively	82,395	18,940
Inventory	46,344	6,825
Derivative financial instruments	2,675
Deferred income tax assets	12,732	4,905
Prepaid expenses and other assets	9,685	1,421
Total current assets	177,670	68,436
Property and equipment, net	44,794	4,197
Goodwill	24,245
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,388 and $706, respectively	108,481	4,653
Deferred financing costs	2,441
Deferred income tax assets	11,402	1,279
Other non-current assets	8,774	857
Total assets	377,807	79,422
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	42,533	15,275
Accrued liabilities	46,293	5,922
Current maturities of long-term debt	14,570
Derivative financial instruments	5,101
Deferred tax liabilities	3,218
Total current liabilities	111,715	21,197
Pension benefit obligation	3,872	688
Other Liabilties	1,862
Long-term debt, less current maturities	61,677
Derivative financial instruments	17,189
Deferred tax liabilities	23,679
Total liabilities	$ 219,994	$ 21,885
Commitments and contingencies
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock	$ 50,098
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value; 55,000,000 shares authorized, 23,515,571 and 22,037,446 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	80,502	$ 65,148
Paid-in capital	23,489	20,128
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(14,754)	93
Accumulated deficit	(25,716)	(27,832)
Total Amerigon Incorporated shareholders' equity	63,521	57,537
Non-controlling interest	44,194
Total shareholders' equity	107,715	57,537
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 377,807	$ 79,422

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Product revenues	$ 369,588	$ 112,403	$ 60,925
Cost of sales	274,841	79,664	45,166
Gross margin	94,747	32,739	15,759
Operating costs and expenses:
Research and development expenses	29,372	11,922	8,097
Reimbursed research and development expenses	(932)	(2,269)	(2,103)
Net research and development expenses	28,440	9,653	5,994
Acquisition transaction expenses	5,316
Selling, general and administrative expenses	42,110	10,955	8,857
Total operating costs and expenses	75,866	20,608	14,851
Operating income	18,881	12,131	908
Interest income (expense)	(3,511)	25	10
Debt retirement expense	(1,160)
Revaluation of derivatives	(6,118)
Foreign currency gain	9,207
Loss from equity investment	(243)	(22)	(492)
Other income	(114)	145	183
Earnings before income tax	16,942	12,279	609
Income tax expense	5,053	2,921	325
Net income	11,889	9,358	284
(Income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,545)	592	439
Net income attributable to Amerigon, Inc.	10,344	9,950	723
Convertible preferred stock dividends	(8,228)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ 2,116	$ 9,950	$ 723
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.09	$ 0.46	$ 0.03
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.09	$ 0.44	$ 0.03
Weighted average number of shares - basic	22,606	21,717	21,402
Weighted average number of shares - diluted	23,455	22,496	21,771

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Common Stock [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Balance	$ 65,148	$ 61,971	$ 60,727
Balance, shares	22,037	21,486	21,205
Exercise of Common Stock options for cash	$ 4,663	$ 3,160	$ 865
Exercise of Common Stock options for cash, shares	572	548	277
Preferred stock principal paid in common stock	$ 7,780
Preferred stock principal paid in common stock, shares	672
Preferred stock dividend paid in common stock	$ 2,242
Preferred stock dividend paid in common stock, shares	194
Common Stock issued to employees and consultants	$ 669	$ 17	$ 379
Common Stock issued to employees and consultants, shares	40	3	4
Comprehensive income:
Balance, shares	23,515	22,037	21,486
Balance	$ 80,502	$ 65,148	$ 61,971
Paid-In Capital [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Balance	20,128	23,986	22,720
Exercise of Common Stock options for cash	(1,317)	(722)	(4)
Tax benefit from Exercises of Common Stock options	3,275
Stock option compensation	1,403	1,275	1,270
Purchase of non-controlling interest		(4,411)
Comprehensive income:
Balance	23,489	20,128	23,986
Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Balance	(27,832)	(37,782)	(38,505)
Convertible preferred stock dividends	(8,228)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	10,344	9,950	723
Balance	(25,716)	(27,832)	(37,782)
Loss On Pension Benefit Obligation [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Balance	(84)	(24)
Comprehensive income:
Net loss on pension benefit obligation	(86)	(60)	(24)
Balance	(170)	(84)	(24)
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Balance	177	83	97
Comprehensive income:
Currency translation	(14,555)	94	(14)
Balance	(14,378)	177	83
Currency Hedge Adjustment [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Currency hedge	(206)
Balance	(206)
Total Amerigon Equity [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Balance	57,537	48,234	45,039
Exercise of Common Stock options for cash	3,346	2,438	861
Tax benefit from Exercises of Common Stock options	3,275
Convertible preferred stock dividends	(8,228)
Preferred stock principal paid in common stock	7,780
Preferred stock dividend paid in common stock	2,242
Common Stock issued to employees and consultants	669	17	379
Stock option compensation	1,403	1,275	1,270
Purchase of non-controlling interest		(4,411)
Comprehensive income:
Total comprehensive income	(4,503)	9,984	685
Balance	63,521	57,537	48,234
Non-Controlling Interest [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Balance		(439)
Purchase of W.E.T. Automotive AG	46,122
Proceeds from subsidiary issuance of equity shares	1,175
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest		(592)	(439)
Purchase of non-controlling interest		1,031
Comprehensive income:
Currency translation	(4,648)
Net income	1,545
Total comprehensive income	(3,103)
Balance	44,194		(439)
Balance	57,537	47,795	45,039
Exercise of Common Stock options for cash	3,346	2,438	861
Tax benefit from Exercises of Common Stock options	3,275
Convertible preferred stock dividends	(8,228)
Preferred stock principal paid in common stock	7,780
Preferred stock dividend paid in common stock	2,242
Purchase of W.E.T. Automotive AG	46,122
Proceeds from subsidiary issuance of equity shares	1,175
Common Stock issued to employees and consultants	669	17	379
Stock option compensation	1,403	1,275	1,270
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest	1,545	(592)	(439)
Purchase of non-controlling interest		(3,380)
Net income	10,344	9,950	723
Total comprehensive income	(7,606)	9,984	685
Balance	$ 107,715	$ 57,537	$ 47,795

Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 11,889	$ 9,358	$ 284
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,352	1,368	1,438
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(212)	1,875	261
Loss on revaluation of derivatives	6,118
Stock compensation	2,073	1,275	1,270
Loss on sale of property, plant & equipment	35
Debt extinguishment expenses	960
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,241	253	(26)
Defined benefit plan expense	266	251	211
Excess tax benefit from equity awards	(3,257)
Loss from equity investment	243	22	492
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(12,639)	(4,615)	(6,754)
Inventory	(4,624)	(4,285)	100
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,937	(255)	(392)
Accounts payable	4,722	5,053	6,349
Accrued liabilities	3,266	2,094	1,020
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,370	12,394	4,253
Investing Activities:
Purchases of short-term investments		(11,612)	(6,704)
Sales and maturities of short-term investments	9,761	8,555
Purchase of non-controlling interest		(3,380)
Investment in subsidiary, net of cash acquired	(113,432)	(1,500)
Equity investment	(491)		(111)
Loan to equity investment	(860)
Cash invested in corporate owned life insurance	(266)	(266)	(328)
Purchase of property and equipment	(10,636)	(957)	(744)
Patent costs	(1,180)	(861)	(830)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(117,104)	(10,021)	(8,717)
Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs	(4,493)		(9)
Borrowing of Debt	138,168
Repayments of Debt	(110,775)
Proceeds from the sale of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock	61,403
Proceeds from the sale of embedded derivatives	2,610
Excess tax benefit from equity awards	3,257
Redemption of Series C Preferred Stock	(7,780)
Series C Preferred Stock Holders dividend	(1,362)
Proceeds from the exercise of Common Stock options	3,345
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of cash expenses		2,438	861
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	85,548	2,438	852
Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents	(6,559)	96	(14)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,745)	4,907	(3,626)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	26,584	21,677	25,303
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	23,839	26,584	21,677
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	3,963	52	46
Cash paid for taxes	5,322	182	321
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
PreferredStockPrincipalPaidInCommonStockValue	(7,780)
Issuance of Common Stock for Series C Preferred Stock dividend	2,242
Common stock issued to employees and consultants	669	$ 17	$ 379
W.E.T. Automotive AG [Member]
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of W.E.T. equity to non-controlling interest	$ 1,175

The Company	12 Months Ended
The Company	Dec. 31, 2011
The Company [Abstract]
The Company	Note 1 — The Company Amerigon Incorporated designs, develops and markets proprietary technology electronic components and systems for sale to car and truck original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"). Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Company", "we", "us" and "our" used herein refer to Amerigon Incorporated. The term "historical Amerigon" used herein excludes W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG ("W.E.T."), a subsidiary of Amerigon, Inc. See Note 3 regarding the acquisition of W.E.T. The Company's primary product is the Climate Control Seat™ ("CCS™"), which provides year-round comfort by providing both heating and cooling to seat occupants. The Company has shipped approximately 8,848 units of its CCS product through 2011. Although the Company markets CCS to OEMs, the Company's primary customers are the OEM's tier one seating suppliers. Since the initial introduction of CCS, we have introduced new designs that incorporated improvements in electrical efficiency, size, weight, and noise and are more versatile. These include our Micro Thermal Module™ ("MTM™" or "MTM") technology and our CCS II configuration. Further improvements in engineering design are currently in development and are expected to be introduced on future vehicle models. In 2008, we launched a heated and ventilated only variant of the CCS ("HV"). This product works in a similar fashion to our CCS, only there is no active cooling capability and no TED. In the cooling mode, the vent only system will use the ambient cabin air to provide a degree of cooling comfort to the seat occupant. In the heating mode, the vent only system will be supplemented with more traditional resistive heating elements. This system has a lower price and is targeted to certain lower cost vehicle models and certain geographical markets. In 2009, we were awarded a contract to manufacture an automotive heated and cooled cup holder for the 2011 Dodge Charger and 2011 Chrysler 300. The cup holder has been designed to be packaged in multiple configurations to accommodate different console environments. In addition to requiring low power consumption, it has proven automotive grade ruggedness, high reliability and drink retention features. The cup holder has two cup positions that provide for separate temperature settings in each holder that allow the driver and passenger to individually control the heating or cooling of their respective beverages. The technology used in the cup holder is similar to that of the CCS system. The cup holder was launched at the end of the fourth quarter of 2010. In 2010, we launched our actively heated and cooled suite of luxury mattresses. The mattresses provide individual controls via two wireless remotes to actively heat and cool each side of the mattress independently. We sell the mattresses through U.S. based specialty mattress retailer, Mattress Firm, Incorporated ("Mattress Firm"). Mattress Firm has over 800 retail stores located across 26 states. The mattresses are sold under the brand name YuMe™ and are available in King and Queen sizes. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, the contractual agreement with Mattress Firm was amended so that Amerigon will only provide the TEDs, wire harnesses and MCU kits for bed construction. Under the old agreement, Amerigon sourced other components, such as mattress foam, to Mattress Firm for producing the YuMe™ mattress. These components are not considered to be core products of our business and will no longer be supplied by Amerigon. The Company is also engaged in a program to improve the efficiency of TEDs and to develop, market and distribute new products based on this technology. Included in this initiative is the development and testing of new materials that show increased thermoelectric efficiency. On October 1, 2010 we formed Amerigon Europe, GmbH ("Amerigon Europe") and opened a technical support office in Augsburg, Germany, to provide design initiatives, product development, application engineering and prototype builds in support of European sales. As described in Note 3, the Company acquired a majority interest in W.E.T., a German publicly-traded company based in Odelzhausen, Germany on May 16, 2011. W.E.T. was established in 1968 and currently employs 5,326 individuals at 11 locations. W.E.T.'s customers include passenger car OEMs, commercial vehicle OEMs and Tier 1 seat manufacturers. W.E.T.'s primary product categories include automotive seat comfort systems and specialized automotive cable systems. The automotive seat comfort systems category includes automotive seat heaters, climate comfort systems (similar to Amerigon's climate controlled seat technology) for automotive seats, automotive steering wheel heater systems and integrated electronic components. The specialized automotive cable systems category includes ready-made wire harnesses and related wiring products. W.E.T. has been a manufacturer in the seat comfort segment since 1973. W.E.T.'s primary customers are Tier 1 suppliers. W.E.T. also offers product solutions to other customer groups, namely customer groups related to seat heating equipment for the automotive aftermarket, ski lifts and sports stadiums and the production of ventilation systems for the automotive and various other industries. These operations complement W.E.T.'s automotive seat comfort products, particularly in seat climate comfort systems, in which ventilation systems represent a material part. Furthermore, W.E.T.'s customer base for these other products extends beyond the automotive industry to the telecommunications and information technology industries. Historically, the majority of W.E.T.'s sales volume has been derived from European and North American OEMs. However, in the past three years, Asian automobile sales have increased due to the growth in that geographic segment, and North American sales volume has increased due to increased penetration into the North American market as heated seats have become a standard feature on an increased number of vehicle models. W.E.T. maintains a global operational structure with manufacturing sites close to its key customers. W.E.T.'s European operations are primarily concentrated around its headquarters and customer service center in Odelzhausen, as well as its Hungarian and Ukrainian sites. W.E.T. operates three sites in North America, a customer service and research center located in Windsor, Canada, a warehouse facility located in Del Rio, Texas and a production site located in Acuña, Mexico. In Asia, W.E.T. operates a low-cost production facility including customer service and research and development functions in Langfang, China and maintains representative offices in Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan. W.E.T.'s China operation was established in 2003 and serves the South Korean, Japanese, Chinese and certain European markets.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Basis Of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Basis Of Presentation

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2011, reflect the consolidated financial position and consolidated operating results of the Company, W.E.T., Amerigon Europe GmbH and Amerigon Asia Pacific Inc. Intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents.

Short-Term Investments

The Company's short-term investments consisted of Certificates of Deposit ("CD's") totaling $0 and $9,761 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of all financial instruments, comprising cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and debt approximate fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.

Use of Estimates

The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accrued Warranty Costs

The Company recognizes an estimated cost associated with its standard warranty on its products at the time of sale. The amount recognized is based on estimates of future failure rates and current claim cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs for the reporting period:


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,261		$	968
Assumed warranty from W.E.T. at acquisition		6,979			—
Warranty claims paid		(81	)		(26	)
Expense		551			319
Adjustment due to currency translation		(223	)		—

Balance at end of year	$	8,487		$	1,261

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents consist of money market funds managed by major financial services companies. The credit risk for these cash equivalents is considered limited. The Company maintains an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable based upon expected collectability and does not require collateral. As of December 31, 2011 Lear, JCI and Magna comprised 23%, 23% and 8% respectively, of the Company's accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2010 Lear, Bridgewater and JCI comprised 35%, 17%, and 12% respectively, of the Company's accounts receivable balance. These accounts are currently in good standing.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

We record an allowance for doubtful accounts once exposure to collection risk of an accounts receivable is specifically identified. We analyze the length of time an accounts receivable is outstanding, as well as a customer's payment history to determine the need for and amount of an allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventory

The Company's inventory is valued at the lower of cost (the first-in, first-out basis) or market. W.E.T.'s raw materials, consumables and commodities are measured at cost of purchase and unfinished and finished goods are measured at cost of production, using the weighted average method. If the net realizable value expected on the reporting date is below costs, a write-down is recorded to adjust inventory to its net realizable value. The Company provides a reserve for obsolete and slow moving inventories based upon estimates of future sales and product redesign. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the inventory reserve (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Balance at beginning of year	$	572		$	632
Expense		532			20
Inventory write off		(10	)		(80	)
Adjustment due to currency translation		33			—

Balance at end of year	$	1,127		$	572

Deferred Manufacturing Agreement

The Manufacturing and Supply Agreement ("Ferrotec Agreement") created by the $2 million payment received in 2001 from Ferrotec Manufacturing ("Ferrotec"), a Tokyo-based manufacturer, is being amortized on a straight line basis through April 2011. This amortization is reported in other income.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, including additions and improvements, are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Gains or losses from retirements and disposals are recorded as operating income or expense.

Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives of the Company's property and equipment are as follows:


Asset Category		Useful Life
Plant and Equipment		2 to 20 years
Computer equipment and software		1 to 7 years
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of estimated life or term of lease
Production tooling		Estimated life of tool (2 to 5 years)
Buildings		10 to 50 years
Capital Leases		Shorter of useful life or term of lease
Furniture, fixtures and fittings		1 to 15 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of W.E.T. were based on the Company's estimate of fair value, as of the date of acquisition. The fair value and corresponding useful lives for acquired intangible assets were determined with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm and are listed below as follows:


Asset Category		Useful Life
Customer relationships		10-15 years
Order Backlog		0.5 years
Technology		8-9 years
Production Development Costs		4 years

Patent Costs

Patent costs include the direct legal expenses and patent office filing fees related to internally developed patents and cost of purchased patent rights. Patent costs are amortized upon issuance using the straight-line method over their estimated economic useful life which ranges from 4 to 17 years. Estimated useful lives are evaluated annually and, where appropriate, the lives and related amortization expense are adjusted on a prospective basis. A total of $3,784 in capitalized patent costs was amortized in 2011. An estimate of patent cost amortization for the next five years is as follows:


	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016
Estimated Patent Amortization expense	$	2,301	$	2,350	$	2,350	$	1,418	$	249

Impairments of Long-Lived Assets, Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an assets carrying amount may not be recoverable, the Company will compare the carrying amount of the asset to the recoverable amount of the asset. The recoverable amount is defined as the greater of the asset's fair value less costs to sell or its value in use. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the recoverable or fair value amount. An assessment of fair value could utilize quoted market prices, fair value appraisals, management forecasts or discounted cash flow analyses. No such triggering events occurred during 2011.

On an annual basis and at interim periods when circumstances require, the Company tests the recoverability of its goodwill. The goodwill test utilizes a two-step analysis, whereby the Company compares the carrying value of each identified reporting unit to its fair value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than its fair value, the second step is performed, where the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to its carrying value. The company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using the net present value of discounted cash flows, excluding any financing costs or dividends, generated by each reporting unit. The Company's discounted cash flows are based upon reasonable and appropriate assumptions, which are weighted for their likely probability of occurrence, about the underlying business activities of the company's reporting units.

Product Revenues

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been transferred to the buyer, the price can be measured reliably, recovery of consideration is probable and costs incurred or to be incurred from the transaction can be reasonably estimated. The Company sells its products under purchase order contracts issued by its customers. These contracts involve the sale of goods at fixed prices and provide for related transfer of ownership risk to the customer upon shipment from the Company's warehouse location or in some cases upon receipt of the goods at the customers facility. Payment terms of these contracts range from 30 to 105 days from the date of shipment. The Company does not extend cash discounts for early payment.

Litigation Reserves

We record estimated future costs related to new or ongoing litigation. Recognition of litigation reserves are recorded when there is a current obligation from a past event, a claim is likely, and the amount of the obligation can be reliably measured. These estimates include costs associated with attorney fees and potential claims and assessments less any amounts recoverable under insurance policies.

Tooling

The Company incurs costs related to tooling used in the manufacture of products sold to its customers. In some cases, the Company enters into contracts with its customers whereby the Company incurs the costs to design, develop and purchase tooling and is then reimbursed by the customer under a reimbursement contract. Tooling costs that will be reimbursed by customers are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at the lower of accumulated cost or the customer reimbursable amount. Approximately $1,140 of reimbursable tooling was capitalized within prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 2011. Company-owned tooling is included in property and equipment and depreciated over its expected useful life, generally two to five years. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of tooling costs, based on estimated future cash flows, and makes provisions, where appropriate, for tooling costs that will not be recovered.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development activities are expensed as incurred. The Company groups development and prototype costs and related reimbursements in research and development. The Company recognizes amounts due as reimbursements for expenses as these expenses are incurred.

Income Taxes

We record income tax expense using the liability method which specifies that deferred tax assets and liabilities be measured each year based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted Federal and State tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided for net deferred tax assets when management considers it more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounting

The Company accounts for some of its derivative financial instruments as cash flow hedges as defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815. Since these derivatives are designated as hedging instruments for future anticipated cash flows, the effective portion of the gain or loss resulting from the valuation at the balance sheet date is recognized as a separate item within equity. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in the income statement. These hedging transactions and the respective correlations meet the requirements for hedge accounting. The gains or losses recognized in equity are posted in the income statement when the hedged items are realized. Discounts or premiums for hedged contracts are recognized within earnings for the period, until maturity.

Net Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock. The Company's diluted earnings per common share give effect to all potential shares of Common Stock outstanding during a period that are not anti-dilutive. In computing the diluted earnings per share, the treasury stock method is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the conversion of Common Stock equivalents.

Stock Based Compensation

Share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options are recognized in the financial statements as compensation expense based upon the fair value on the date of grant. The Company's stock option compensation expense and related deferred tax benefit were $1,403 and $427, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011, $1,275 and $259, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010, and $1,270 and $103, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued. No events have taken place that meet the definition of a subsequent event that requires disclosure in this filing.

Non-Controlling Interests

Effective January 1, 2009 we adopted ASC 810 "Consolidation", which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the retained interest in a gain or loss when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. ASC 810 requires that a non-controlling interest, previously referred to as a minority interest, be reported as part of equity in the Consolidated Financial Statements and that losses be allocated to the non-controlling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributable to the controlling interest. Non-controlling interest reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the period ended December 31, 2011 represents the 24.12% of W.E.T.'s outstanding voting stock not acquired in the share purchase. See Note 3 for a detailed description of the W.E.T. acquisition. A 15% percent non-controlling interest in Amerigon's former subsidiary BSST, now Advanced Technology, was held by former BSST President and CEO Dr. Lon Bell during the two year period ended December 31, 2010.

W.E.T. Acquisition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

W.E.T. Acquisition [Abstract]

W.E.T. Acquisition

Note 3 – W.E.T. Acquisition

On May 16, 2011, the Company completed the previously announced acquisition of W.E.T. through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Amerigon Europe. A total of 2,316,175 shares, representing 76.19 percent of the outstanding voting stock of W.E.T., were tendered to Amerigon in response to Amerigon's tender offer of €40 per share. An additional 2,903 shares were tendered at the same price on May 26, 2011 pursuant to an additional acceptance period of the tender offer bringing the total percentage acquired to 76.28. The total purchase price for the acquisition was €92,763, or $130,889, in cash plus the assumption of €36,322, or $51,570, in debt obligations less €12,372, or $17,457, in cash acquired. In August 2011, W.E.T. sold 16,305 of W.E.T. AG treasury shares to an independent third party buyer at a price of €50 per share, or approximately $67.97 per share. The sale of W.E.T. AG treasury shares decreased our total percentage ownership to 75.88 percent.

As described in Note 1, W.E.T develops, manufactures and distributes heating systems, interior equipment and accessories used in automobile seats and other automotive and electronic applications in the automotive industry. The acquisition is an important strategy for our Company, as we become better positioned to meet the needs of the global automotive market. Bringing together the technical strengths, resources, and diverse product offerings of both companies will allow us to be more responsive to customer requests and requirements.

Prior to the acquisition, Amerigon and W.E.T. were engaged in lawsuits concerning intellectual property. These lawsuits were settled upon consummation of the acquisition. No gain or loss for the lawsuit was recorded in conjunction with the W.E.T. acquisition.

Separate from the execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement (the "SPA"), we and Amerigon Europe also entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the "BCA" collectively, with the SPA, the "Acquisition Agreements") with W.E.T. setting forth the terms and conditions governing our and W.E.T.'s conduct. Among other things, the BCA provides that W.E.T. shall continue to be operated as a separate business and remain a separate legal entity and subsidiary of Amerigon Europe, until certain conditions are satisfied, as described in the paragraph below. In addition, W.E.T. management shall remain substantially unchanged up to and until the occurrence of certain conditions specified in the BCA.

At the first annual meeting of shareholders of W.E.T. following our acquisition, held on August 16, 2011, the shareholders of W.E.T. approved an arrangement by which Amerigon Europe will take management control of W.E.T. and will directly receive W.E.T.'s annual profits and absorb W.E.T.'s annual losses, subject to certain conditions and obligations of Amerigon Europe. Such an arrangement (a "Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer") is somewhat unique to German law and is subject to the terms and conditions applicable thereto under German law. The Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer will go into effect whenever the registration in the W.E.T. corporate register is announced, subject to any delay that may be ordered by German courts.

Under the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer arrangement: (1) Amerigon Europe will absorb all annual losses incurred by W.E.T., (2) for as long as the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer remains in effect, the minority shareholders of W.E.T. will be guaranteed a recurring, annual payment (the "Guaranteed Compensation") of EUR 3.71 per share, subject to statutory taxes and deductions, resulting in a net payment of EUR 3.17 per share, and (3) the minority shareholders of W.E.T. can elect to forego the Guaranteed Compensation and instead tender their shares to Amerigon Europe (the "Tender Option") for a one-time cash payment of EUR 44.95 per share (provided that the Tender Option can only be exercised during the two month period after the registration of the Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer is completed. The Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer has an indefinite term, but can be terminated by Amerigon Europe or W.E.T. anytime after five years from the effective date.

On September 15, 2011, Deutsche Balaton AG, a minority shareholder of W.E.T., filed an action in a Regional Court in Munich, Germany (the "German Lower Court") to set aside the shareholder approval of the DPLTA based on an alleged violations of German corporate law. In response, W.E.T. filed an application with a higher court in Munich, Germany (the "German Higher Court") to allow immediate registration of the DPLTA, notwithstanding the pending action in the German Lower Court. On December 14, 2011, the German Higher Court announced that it would not intervene to allow immediate registration of the DPLTA. As a result, the DPLTA cannot be registered, and cannot go into effect, until the minority shareholder action filed in the German Lower Court is resolved. Until the DPLTA is registered and effective, W.E.T. will not be subject to direct management control by the Company and W.E.T.'s profits can only be distributed by the declaration of dividends. At this time, the Company is unable to predict when the proceedings in the German Lower Court will be resolved. Deutsche Balaton AG has also filed ancillary claims against Amerigon Europe, W.E.T. and directors and officers of W.E.T. that relate to Deutsche Balaton's opposition to the DPLTA and Amerigon's acquisition of a majority interest in W.E.T.

Purchase Price Allocation

The purchase price of approximately $130,889, net of cash acquired of $17,457, has been allocated to the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of May 16, 2011. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary. The Company is in the process of obtaining additional information required to finalize the valuation. An appraisal is still necessary to assist management in determining the fair value of certain acquired assets and assumed liabilities, and may impact the value of the identifiable intangible assets. The final purchase price allocation may result in a materially different allocation that that recorded. The allocation is as follows:


Accounts receivable	$	57,470
Inventory		38,560
Derivative financial instruments		5,862
Deferred income tax assets		20,523
Assets held for sale		10,462
Order backlog		3,073
Prepaid expenses and other assets		8,870
Property and equipment		37,520
Customer relationships		82,823
Technology		23,092
Product development costs		17,859
Goodwill		26,428
Other non-current assets		1,524
Assumed liabilities		(122,942	)
Non-controlling interest		(46,122	)
Assumed debt obligations		(51,570	)

Net assets acquired		113,432
Cash acquired		17,457

Purchase price	$	130,889

The gross contractual amount due of accounts receivable is $59,438 of which $1,968 is expected to be uncollectible.

Supplemental Pro Forma Information

Results of operations for W.E.T. are included in the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements beginning May 16, 2011. The unaudited pro forma combined historical results for the amounts of W.E.T.'s revenue and earnings that would have been included in the Company's consolidated condensed statements of operations had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2010 are as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010
Product revenues	$	501,181	$	407,276
Net income (loss)		24,757		12,844

The pro forma information includes adjustments for interest expense on debt incurred in conjunction with the acquisition, depreciation and the effect of the amortization of intangible assets recognized in the acquisition. This pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

Goodwill

We recorded goodwill of approximately $26,428 arising from the acquisition. It is estimated that none of the goodwill recognized will be deductible for income tax purposes. A roll forward of goodwill from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2011 is as follows:


May 16, 2011	$	24,922
Purchase price allocation adjustment		1,506
Exchange rate impact		(2,183	)

December 31, 2011	$	24,245

Intangible assets

In conjunction with the acquisition, intangible assets of $126,847 were recorded.

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following (balances are lower as of December 31, 2011 than as of May 16, 2011, the acquisition date, due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates totaling $10,477):


	December 31, 2011
	Gross Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Value		Useful Life
Customer relationships	$	75,980	$	(4,854	)	$	71,126		10-15 yrs
Order backlog		2,819		(2,819	)		—		0.5 yrs
Technology		21,184		(2,036	)		19,148		8-9 yrs
Product Development Costs		16,337		(3,753	)		12,584		4 yrs

Total	$	116,320	$	(13,462	)	$	102,858

Amortization of $11,444, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was recorded as follows:


	Twelve Months Ended December 30, 2011
Product revenues	$	(5,220	)
Cost of sales		3,192
Selling, general and administrative expense		3,032

Amortization expense by year is estimated to be as follows:


2012			13,125
2013			13,175
2014			13,173
2015			12,241
2016			11,072
Thereafter			40,072

Property, Plant & Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:


Asset category	Useful life		Amount
Land		Indefinite	$	2,145
Buildings and improvements		20 yrs		12,134
Machinery and equipment		5-7 yrs		14,867
Office furniture and equipment		2-5 yrs		2,560
Computer software		3-5 yrs		5,814

			$	37,520

Non-controlling interest

We recorded the portion of W.E.T. not acquired at its estimated fair value which was determined by the discounted earnings method. The August sale of 16,305 W.E.T. AG treasury shares increased the Company's non-controlling interest to from 23.72 percent to 24.12 percent.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 5 — Income Taxes

The deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities and related valuation allowance were comprised of the following:


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses	$	7,786		$	7,395
Derivative financial instruments		6,350			—
Research and development credits		6,346			3,063
Valuation reserves and accrued liabilities		2,305			1,699
Depreciation		1,951			293
Capital lease obligations		993			—
Other credits		890			722
Inventory		438			83
Defined benefit obligation		410			247
Stock compensation		1,021			609
Other		926			111

		29,416			14,222
Valuation allowance		(3,702	)		(6,579	)

Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets		(23,680	)		—
Patent costs		(1,030	)		(913	)
Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains		(2,165	)		—
Undistributed profits of subsidiary		(518	)		—
Accounts receivable		(335	)		(322	)
Property and equipment		(202	)		(202	)
Other		(547	)		(22	)

		(28,477	)		(1,459	)

Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(2,763	)	$	6,184

Reconciliations between the statutory Federal income tax rate of 34% and the effective rate of income tax expense for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Statutory Federal income tax rate		34.0	%		34.0	%		34.0	%
Increase (Decrease) resulting from:
Domestic and foreign state and local tax, net of federal benefit		7.6	%		3.7	%		8.8	%
Nondeductible expenses		2.8	%		0.7	%		4.1	%
Nondeductible acquisition transaction expenses		5.0	%		—			—
Withholding taxes		1.7	%		—			—
Nondeductible stock option compensation		0.5	%		2.5	%		55.5	%
R&D Credits		(6.9	%)		(3.6	%)		(49.8	%)
Effect of different tax rates of foreign jurisdictions		(3.2	%)		—			—
Nontaxable derivative gains		(5.2	%)		—			—
Other tax exempt income		(8.5	%)		—			—
Reverse valuation allowance on Federal NOLs		—			(13.5	%)		—
Other		2.0	%		—			0.8	%

Effective rate		29.8	%		23.8	%		53.4	%

The Company has Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforwards as follows:


Jurisdiction	Amount as of December 31, 2011		Years of Expiration
U.S. Federal income tax	$	16,784		2012 -2023
Canada income tax	$	13,972		2026 -2027
State income taxes	$	4,337		2013 -2015

Approximately $15,621 of the Federal NOLs were incurred prior to the June 8, 1999 Preferred Financing, which qualified as a change in ownership under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC"). Due to this change in ownership, the NOL accumulated prior to the change in control can only be utilized against current earnings up to a maximum annual limitation of approximately $591. As a result of the annual limitation, approximately, $10,890 remaining of these carryforwards are expected to expire before ultimately becoming available to reduce future tax liabilities in addition to $8,462 in NOL's generated prior to the change in control which have already expired without being utilized. During 2010, we completed a study related to the 1999 change in control limitation amount and determined that an additional $4,044 NOL's subject to the limitation were utilizable during 2010. We reversed the portion of the valuation allowance related to this adjustment totaling $1,375. A second change in control took place on September 22, 2006 when an accumulation of trades of the Company's Common Stock by certain of the Company's large shareholders exceeded a three year cumulative amount of 50% of the Company's total Common Stock outstanding. The resulting annual change in control limitation of approximately $8,135 is not expected to have a material impact on the utilization of the amounts of the NOLs subject to this limitation which is approximately $1,163.

Since our NOLs offset our current federal tax liability, we do not recognize for book purposes deductions allowed for stock option exercises in excess of that recorded for book purposes. As such, our deferred tax asset for book purposes related to NOLs is less than the actual NOL available. During 2011, our taxable income exceeded the remaining amount of NOLs recorded for book purposes representing a benefit attributable to deductions taken for tax purposes on stock option exercises. We recorded this benefit which totaled $3,257 directly to paid-in capital.

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010		2009
Currently payable	$	5,265		$	1,046	$	64
Deferred expense (benefit)		(212	)		1,875		261

	$	5,053		$	2,921	$	325

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple state jurisdictions. During 2010, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") completed a review of our 2007 and 2008 Federal Income Tax Returns. Our taxable income for 2008 and 2007 were increased by $26 and $577, respectively, as a result of the audit. These adjustments were substantially offset by adjustments to our NOL carryforwards and a $270 change in the valuation allowance related to our NOL's and therefore did not have a significant impact on our operating results. No Federal or state tax returns are currently under examination.

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in the future periods is as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010
Balance at beginning of year	$	500		$	508
Additions based on tax position related to current year		63			30
Amount acquired with W.E.T Acquisition		1,216			—
Effect of foreign currency translation		(101	)		—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—			(38	)

Balance at end of year	$	1,678		$	500

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

Note 6 — Debt

On March 30, 2011, historical Amerigon entered into a new credit agreement with a syndicate of banks led by Bank of America (the "US Bank of America credit facility") and W.E.T. and W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd., a Canadian corporation wholly owned by W.E.T., entered into a credit facility with the same syndicate of banks (the "W.E.T. Bank of America credit facility"). We cancelled our then existing credit facility with Comerica Bank.

The US Bank of America credit facility provides two term notes (referred to as the "US Term Note and Europe Term Note") and a $25,000 revolving line of credit note ("US Revolving Note"). The W.E.T. Bank of America credit facility provides W.E.T. with a €30,000 term note ("W.E.T. Term Note") and a €10,000 revolving line of credit note ("W.E.T. Revolving Note").

We and W.E.T. borrowed the following amounts on each note:


Borrowing proceeds on March 31, 2011	Currency Borrowed		US Dollars
US Term Note	$	35,000	$	35,000
Europe Term Note (1)	€	23,426		33,000
US Revolving Note	$	19,011		19,011

Borrowing proceeds on May 31, 2011
W.E.T. Term Note (1)	€	30,000		42,072
W.E.T. Revolving Note	€	—		—

Total borrowed			$	129,083

(1)

The Europe Term Note and the W.E.T. Term Note were drawn and are denominated in the European Euro.

Proceeds of the US Term Note, Europe Term Note and the US Revolving Note were used along with existing cash reserves and proceeds from the sale of the Company's Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to fund an escrow account sufficient to acquire 100% of the outstanding stock of W.E.T. in accordance with a tender offer. The tender offer resulted in our acquiring approximately 76.3% of W.E.T. The excess amount held in escrow, totaling approximately $49,700, was used to repay a portion of the Europe Term Note and a portion of the then outstanding US Revolving Note of credit totaling €19,948 and $21,767, respectively.

The W.E.T. Term Note proceeds were used to repay then existing senior indebtedness.

In addition to the initial borrowing under the US Revolving Note, we made $8,000 in additional borrowings and $27,011 in repayments. No amounts were outstanding under either the US Revolving Note or the W.E.T. Revolving Note as of December 31, 2011 and $25,000 and €10,000 were available under each note, respectively.

The Company incurred $4,184 in expenses associated with the US Bank of America credit facility which has been recorded as deferred financing costs. A portion of these expenses related to that portion of the European Term Note that was repaid, totaling $967, has been charged to expense as debt retirement expense. The remaining balance will be amortized over the life of the credit agreement using the effective interest method. The US Bank of America credit facility expires on March 30, 2016.

The US Term Note and Europe Term Note are subject to quarterly principal payments, with total principal amortization of 10% of the original principal amount in the first year and amortization of 12.5%, 15%, 17.5% and 20% of the original principal amount during years two, three, four and five, respectively with all remaining amounts owing under each term facility due and payable in full at the term loan maturity date. The W.E.T. Term Note is subject to quarterly principal payments totaling 20% annually. Principal outstanding under both the US Bank of America credit facility and W.E.T. Bank of America credit facility will be due and payable in full on March 30, 2016. Interest is payable at least quarterly. The Company has the option to elect interest rates based on either a Eurocurrency (LIBOR or EUIBOR) rate ("Eurocurrency Rate Loans") (0.30% – 1.80% at December 31, 2011) or a base rate ("Base Rate Loans") plus a margin ("Applicable Rate") which, after an initial period will vary based on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio of the Company, as defined by the US and W.E.T. Bank of America credit agreements. This initial period ended during the fourth quarter of 2011. The base rate is equal to the highest of the Federal Funds Rate (0.04% at December 31, 2011) plus 0.5%, Bank of America's prime rate (3.25% at December 31, 2011), or a one month Eurocurrency rate plus 1.0%. The Applicable Rate for the current period is 3.0% for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and 2.0% for Base Rate Loans.

The Company must maintain certain financial ratios including a minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and a maximum Leverage Ratio as defined by the Bank of America credit agreement. The loans are secured by all of the Company's assets.

As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all terms as outlined in the credit agreement for each of the US Bank of America credit facility and the W.E.T. Bank of America credit facility.

The following table summarizes the Company's debt at December 31, 2011.


	Interest Rate			Principal Balance
US Term Note		3.58	%	$	33,250
Europe Term Note		4.32	%		4,389
US Revolving Note		—			—
W.E.T. Term Note		4.09	%		34,903
W.E.T. Revolving Note		—			—
Capital Leases		5.5	%		3,705
Total debt					76,247

Current portion					(14,570	)

Long-term debt, less current maturities				$	61,677

We had no outstanding debt at December 31, 2010.

The scheduled principal maturities of our debt as of December 31, 2011 is as follows:


Year	US Term Note		Europe Term Note		W.E.T. Term Note		Capital Leases		Total
2012	$	3,937	$	—	$	7,991	$	2,642	$	14,570
2013		4,813		878		7,991		1,063		14,745
2014		5,688		713		7,991		—		14,392
2015		6,562		1,262		7,990		—		15,814
2016		12,250		1,536		2,940		—		16,726
Thereafter		—		—		—		—		—

Total	$	33,250	$	4,389	$	34,903	$	3,705	$	76,247

On August 16, 2011, W.E.T. held its annual general assembly meeting during which the W.E.T. shareholders approved the adoption of a Domination and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement ("DPLTA"). Under the terms of the DPLTA, the minority shareholders of W.E.T. will be guaranteed a recurring, annual payment (the "Guaranteed Compensation") of EUR 3.71 per share of W.E.T. held, subject to statutory taxes and deductions, resulting in a net payment of EUR 3.17 per share beginning after the agreement is registered. However, the minority shareholders of W.E.T. can elect to forego the Guaranteed Compensation and instead tender their shares to Amerigon Europe for a one-time cash payment of EUR 44.95 per share after the agreement is registered. If all minority shareholders of W.E.T. tendered their shares, the total payment obligation of Amerigon Europe would be approximately EUR 33,139.

In order to provide financing for the potential tender offer, the Company entered into an amendment to the US Bank of America credit facility, on October 28, 2011. The amendment provides for a $45,000 term loan facility for Amerigon Europe to replace Amerigon Europe's existing Europe Term Note. Of such available amount, approximately $4,609 was drawn upon to pay the balance of the Europe Term Note that was then outstanding resulting in existing availability under the new Amerigon Europe term loan facility on the date of execution of approximately $40,691 as of December 31, 2011. Amerigon Europe is permitted to access this additional term loan financing in one or more draws through no later than January 1, 2013, and the proceeds of such draws may only be used by Amerigon Europe to fund the potential tender of shares of W.E.T. in connection with the DPLTA.

W.E.T. has a capital lease agreement with SAP for an enterprise resource planning system. The term of the lease runs until May of 2013.

Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Abstract]

Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

Note 7 — Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

On March 31, 2011, we issued 7,000 shares of our Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (each a "Preferred Share" and, collectively, the "Preferred Shares") having an initial stated value of $10,000 per Preferred Share, subject to adjustment. We received approximately $64,013 in net proceeds from the sale, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses which totaled $5,987. We used the net proceeds from this offering to fund, in part, the W.E.T. acquisition.

If the W.E.T. acquisition had not been completed prior to July 1, 2011, we would have redeemed all of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding, at a redemption price equal to 102.5% ("No Acquisition Redemption Premium") of the aggregate stated value of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends up to, but not including, the redemption date. We would have also then issued certain warrants ("No Acquisition Warrants"). The No Acquisition Redemption Premium and No Acquisition Warrants represent embedded liability derivatives and have been bifurcated for recording purposes. The estimated fair value recorded of the No Acquisition Redemption Premium and the No Acquisition Warrants as of the March 30, 2011 issue date were $700 and $1,910, respectively. Since the W.E.T. acquisition was completed by July 1, 2011, the No Acquisition Redemption Premium expired and the No Acquisition Warrants will not be issued and therefore the fair value was equal to zero at June 30, 2011.

The liquidation preference with respect to each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock is the greater of (i) the sum of the stated value, accrued and unpaid dividends and the amount of all future dividends through the maturity date that would have been received in the absence of liquidation; and (ii) an amount that a holder would have received in liquidation had the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock been converted immediately prior to the event of liquidation.

Holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, out of funds legally available therefore, dividends payable in cash (if permitted under the US Bank of America credit facility), our Common Stock (if certain equity conditions are satisfied or waived as of the applicable date), or any combination thereof, at the election of the Company, at the rate of 8% per annum of the stated value, payable quarterly in arrears on September 1, December 1, March 1 and June 1 of each year, commencing September 1, 2011. Dividends on our Series C Convertible Preferred Stock are cumulative from the date of initial issuance.

The Series C Convertible Preferred Stock is to be redeemed in nine equal quarterly installments beginning on September 1, 2011 and ending on September 1, 2013 (each, an "Amortization Date") by paying cash, issuing shares of our Common Stock or any combination thereof for $10,000 per Preferred Share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. Total Series C Convertible Preferred Stock installments made as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:


	Installment Payment		Cash		Stock ($)		Stock (shares)
Dividend	$	3,604	$	1,362	$	2,242		193,838
Principal		15,560		7,780		7,780		672,593

Total	$	19,164	$	9,142	$	10,022		866,431

We may, at our option, elect to pay the quarterly amortization amount on each Amortization Date if certain conditions are satisfied or waived as of the relevant notice date through the relevant Amortization Date, in shares of common stock, in cash (if permitted under the Bank of America credit facility), or in any combination of shares and cash. To the extent that we pay all or any portion of a quarterly amortization amount in shares of common stock, if the equity conditions are satisfied or waived as of the applicable notice date through the applicable Amortization Date, we will deliver on the applicable Amortization Date a number of shares of common stock equal to (i) the applicable quarterly installment amount being paid in shares of common stock divided by the lower of (A) the conversion price for the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and (B) the Market Price (as defined below) determined as of the applicable Amortization Date less (ii) any Pre-Installment Shares (as defined below) with respect to such installment. If we pay all or any portion of a quarterly amortization amount in shares of common stock, we will be required to deliver a number of shares of common stock to the holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock twenty three (23) trading days prior to the applicable Amortization Date equal to the portion of applicable quarterly amortization amount determined by us to be paid in shares of common stock divided by the lower of (A) the conversion price for the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and (B) the Market Price determined as of the trading day prior to such date (such shares "Pre-Installment Shares").

The "Market Price" means a ten percent (10%) discount to the arithmetic average of the lowest fifteen (15) volume weighted average prices of the common stock during the twenty (20) consecutive trading day period ending two (2) trading days prior to each applicable date of determination.

Holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock may convert their shares at any time into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $15.83, including the conversion of accrued but unpaid dividends per Preferred Share then remaining into shares of common stock, and in addition will be entitled to a make-whole amount that would apply in a conversion (reflecting dividends that would have been payable through maturity if the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock had remained outstanding); provided, however, that under certain conditions where our Bank of America credit facility prohibits payment of the make-whole amount, we will only be obligated to pay such make-whole amount at the time such amount, or portion thereof, would have been due to be paid as a dividend as if the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock at issue had not been converted.

The Series C Convertible Preferred Stock is subject to mandatory redemption at the election of a holder upon the occurrence of certain triggering events as defined in our articles of incorporation. The redemption price per Preferred Share in these circumstances would be the greater of (i) 125% of the stated value plus accrued dividends, and (ii) the conversion rate then in effect (which rate reflects the number of shares of common stock into which each share of the holder's Series C Convertible Preferred Stock may be converted) multiplied by the highest closing sale price of our common stock during the period beginning immediately prior to the triggering event and ending on the date the holder delivers a notice of redemption, plus in each case the additional make-whole amount that would apply in a conversion (reflecting dividends that would have been payable through maturity if the Preferred Shares had remained outstanding).

Holders of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights except as specifically provided in our articles of incorporation or as otherwise required by law.

With respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution, our Series C Convertible Preferred Stock will be:

•

junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness;

•

junior to each other class or series of our capital stock other than (i) our common stock and any other class or series of our capital stock the terms of which provide that such class or series will rank junior to the Preferred Shares and (ii) any other class or series of our capital stock, the terms of which provide that such class or series will rank on parity with the Preferred Shares;

•

on parity with any class or series of our capital stock the terms of which provide that such class or series will rank on parity with the Preferred Shares;

•

senior to our common stock and any other class or series of our capital stock the terms of which provide that such class or series will rank junior to the Preferred Shares; and

•

effectively junior to all of our subsidiaries' (i) existing and future liabilities and (ii) capital stock held by others.

Pursuant to the terms of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, we will not, without the prior written consent of holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, incur indebtedness in excess of (i) $150 million (with any amount thereunder in Euro converted to U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate on the date of initial issuance of the Preferred Shares) under the Bank of America credit facility and (ii) the aggregate amount of additional indebtedness permitted under the Bank of America credit facility.

The following table summarizes the Series C Preferred Stock activity during the year ended December 31, 2011:


	Shares			Amount
Series C Preferred Stock issued March 31, 2011		7,000		$	61,403
Preferred stock principal paid in cash		(778	)		(7,780	)
Preferred stock principal paid in common stock		(778	)		(7,780	)
Preferred stock accretion of fees and embedded derivative		—			4,255

Balance at December 31, 2011		5,444		$	50,098

Accounting For Stock Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounting For Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]

Accounting For Stock Based Compensation

Note 8 — Accounting for Stock Based Compensation

On June 24, 2011, the shareholders of the Company approved the Amerigon Incorporated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan") which authorized 850,000 shares of common stock to be available for issuance under this plan. The 2011 Plan permits the granting of various awards including stock options (including both nonqualified options and incentive options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance shares and certain other awards to key employees, outside directors and consultants and advisors of the Company. Prior to the creation of the 2011 Plan, the Company issued options under the Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan"), the Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan") and the 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan" and, together with the 2011 Plan, the 2006 Plan and the 1997 Plan, the "Plans"). As of December 31, 2011 the Company had an aggregate of 464,000 shares of common stock available to issue under the 2011 Plan, 23,088 shares of common stock available to issue under the 2006 Plan and no shares available to issue under either the 1993 Plan or the 1997 Plan.

The 2006 Plan expires in May 2016. The 1997 plan and the 1993 Plan each expired in April 2007 and April 2003, respectively; however, certain options issued under such plans have not expired. The Plans are administered by the Board of Directors. The selection of participants, allotment of shares, determination of price and other conditions are determined by the Board of Directors at its sole discretion, in order to attract and retain personnel instrumental to the success of the Company. Stock options granted under the Plans have lives for a period of up to ten years from the date of grant at an exercise price which is not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant.

Options are generally granted with various vesting periods generally ranging between three to five years for employees and one year for directors. Option vesting may be accelerated at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model incorporates certain assumptions for inputs including a risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield of the underlying common stock, expected option life and expected volatility in the market value of the underlying common stock. The following assumptions were used for options issued in the following periods:


	2011	2010	2009
Expected volatility	49-55%	48%	41 - 43%
Weighted average expected volatility	55%	48%	43%
Expected lives	3 - 5 yrs.	5 yrs.	5 yrs.
Risk-free interest rate	0.37 - 0.94%	2.69%	1.72-1.83%
Expected dividend yield	none	none	none

Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock and that of an index of companies in our industry group. Since the Company has little historical data to help evaluate the expected lives of options, we considered several other factors in developing this assumption including the average holding period of outstanding options, their remaining terms and the cycle of our long range business plan. The risk-free interest rate is based upon quoted market yields for United States Treasury debt securities. The expected dividend yield is based upon the Company's history of having never issued a dividend and management's current expectation of future action surrounding dividends.

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2011:


Options	Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		2,132,506		$	6.34
Granted		609,642			12.31
Exercised		(571,964	)		5.88
Forfeited		(6,359	)		5.66

Outstanding at December 31, 2011		2,163,825		$	8.12		6.74	$	15,408

Exercisable at December 31, 2011		1,222,959		$	7.23		6.07	$	9,831

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $4.78, $4.30 and $1.17, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $4,876, $3,404 and $251, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011, there was $4,319 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options and restricted stock outstanding under all of the Company's option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years. Compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $1,403, $1,275 and $1,270, respectively.

On a cumulative basis, options exercised under all of the Company's option plans have had intrinsic value on the date of exercise in excess of their estimated fair value of approximately $10,518.

On May 2, 2011, the Company issued 12,000 shares of Common Stock and 24,000 shares of restricted stock to certain employees under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The restricted shares become unrestricted in two equal installments on May 2, 2012 and on May 2, 1013. Employees who hold the restricted shares have been guaranteed 50% of the original cash value of the restricted share installments totaling, in aggregate, $202 in the event that they should leave the company before the date that the restricted share installments become unrestricted. Such employees are guaranteed 100% of the original cash value of the restricted share installments if they are terminated without cause totaling, in aggregate, $403. Compensation expense of $605 related to the unrestricted Common Stock and the restricted stock installments was recorded under acquisition transaction expenses in 2011.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Note 13 — Segment Reporting

Segment information is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing the performance of the Company. Essentially, management evaluates the performance of its segments based primarily on operating income. Such accounting policies are the same as those described in Note 2.

The Company's reportable segments are as follows:

•

Climate Control Seats (CCS)—variable temperature seat climate control system designed to improve the temperature comfort of automobile passengers. This segment also includes the heated and cooled cup holder and heated and cooled mattress divisions to which results individually are not currently significant.

•

Advanced Technology (formerly BSST)—a division engaged in research and development efforts to improve the efficiency of thermoelectric devices and to develop, market and distribute products based on this technology.

•

W.E.T.—The W.E.T. acquisition is being evaluated currently as an individual segment until such time as Amerigon is able to fully evaluate and implement its future integration plans and strategy.

The tables below present segment information about the reported product revenues and operating income of the Company for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Asset information by segment is not reported since the Company does not manage assets at a segment level at this time.


	CCS		Advanced Technology			W.E.T.		Reconciling Items			Consolidated Total
2011:
Product revenues	$	131,732	$	608		$	237,248	$	—		$	369,588
Depreciation and amortization		1,087		575			20,900		789			23,352
Operating income (loss)		33,515		(6,289	)		10,866		(19,211	)		18,881
2010:
Product revenues	$	111,669	$	734		$	—	$	—		$	112,403
Depreciation and amortization		568		540			—		260			1,368
Operating income (loss)		29,096		(6,010	)		—		(10,955	)		12,131
2009:
Product revenues	$	60,626	$	299		$	—	$	—		$	60,925
Depreciation and amortization		758		423			—		257			1,438
Operating income (loss)		13,544		(3,779	)		—		(8,857	)		908

The Advanced Technology operating loss is net of reimbursement for developmental expense of $932, $2,269 and $2,103 for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Reconciling items include selling, general and administrative costs of $19,211, $10,955 and $8,857, respectively, for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Revenue (based on shipment destination) by geographic area is as follows:


	2011		%			2010		%			2009		%
United States	$	134,010		36	%	$	41,907		37	%	$	29,135		48	%
Germany		40,833		11	%		705		1	%		—		—	%
Korea		37,913		10	%		18,691		16	%		6,311		10	%
China		31,193		9	%		1,178		1	%		476		1	%
Japan		25,295		7	%		21,058		19	%		11,167		18	%
Mexico		21,529		6	%		15,970		14	%		5,824		10	%
Canada		12,305		3	%		4,246		4	%		4,064		7	%
United Kingdom		10,686		3	%		8,595		8	%		3,913		6	%
Taiwan		25		—	%		53		—	%		35		—	%
Other		55,799		15	%		—		—	%		—		—	%

Total Foreign		235,578		64	%		70,496		63	%		31,790		52	%

	$	369,588		100	%	$	112,403		100	%	$	60,925		100	%

In 2011, two domestic (Johnson Controls and Lear) and one foreign (Bosch) represented 20%, 20% and 9%, respectively, of the Company's total revenues. In 2010, three domestic customers (Lear, Bridgewater and Johnson Controls) represented 34%, 15% and 13%, respectively, of the Company's product revenues. In 2009, three customers, two domestic (Lear and Bridgewater) and one foreign (NHK), represented 34%, 22% and 10%, respectively, of the Company's product revenues.

Executive Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Executive Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]

Executive Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan

Note 14 — Executive Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan

On August 8, 2008 the Company established The Executive Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan of Amerigon Incorporated (the "Plan"), an unfunded executive pension plan, with an effective date of April 1, 2008. Daniel Coker, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, is expected to be the only participant in the Plan which will, if fully vested, provide for fifteen annual retirement benefit payments of $300,000 each beginning January 1, 2018. Mr. Coker will become entitled to receive such retirement benefit payments, or a portion thereof, through his continuous service to the Company as follows: Mr. Coker will become proportionally vested in the benefit over a six year period starting on April 1, 2011.

The Company records a projected benefit obligation representing the present value of future plan benefits when earned by the participant. The following table sets forth the benefit obligation, amounts recognized in the Company's financial statements and the principal assumptions used:


	2011		2010		2009
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	688	$	377	$	142
Service cost		263		228		202
Interest cost		36		23		9
Actuarial loss		155		60		24

Net periodic benefit cost		454		311		235

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	1,142	$	688	$	377

The benefit obligation is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as a non-current liability and the net periodic benefit cost is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statement of income. A discount rate assumption of 4.0%, 5.25% and 6.0% was used to determine the benefit obligation and the net periodic service cost for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Although the Plan is not funded, the Company has established a separate trust having the sole purpose of paying benefits under the Plan. The only asset of the trust is a corporate-owned life insurance policy ("COLI") on the life of Oscar Marx III, the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. The policy value of the COLI was $1,102 and $855 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and was included in other non-current assets.

W.E.T. has an established defined benefit plan for retired and current members of its executive management team.

W.E.T. records a projected benefit obligation representing the present value of future plan benefits when earned by the participant. The following table sets forth the benefit obligation and amounts recognized in the Company's financial statements:


	2011
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at May 16, 2011	$	4,280
Service cost		7
Interest cost		118
Paid pension distributions		(167	)
Actuarial (gains)/losses		(55	)
Past Service Cost		67

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	4,250

The following table sets forth the fair value of the plan assets from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2011:


	2011
Change in plan assets:
Plan assets at May 16, 2011	$	943
Expected return on plan assets		21
Net contributions		138
Actuarial loss		(4	)

Plan assets at end of year	$	1,098

As of December 31, 2011, the W.E.T. defined benefit plan is underfunded by $3,152. The portion of the net benefit obligation payable within the next 12 months is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet within accrued liabilities. The long-term portion of the net benefit obligation is included in pension benefit obligation. The net periodic benefit cost is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statement of income. The following table describes the actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and the net periodic service cost:


	2011
Interest rate		4.77	%
Expected return on plan assets		3.80	%

Plan assets are comprised of W.E.T's. pension insurance policies and are pledged to the beneficiaries of the plan. We expect to contribute approximately $400 to the W.E.T. defined benefit plan over the next 12 months.

The schedule of expected pension payments made to W.E.T. defined benefit plan participants over the next 10 years is as follows:


Year
2012	$	265
2013		271
2014		276
2015		282
2016		287
2017 - 2021		1,526

Total	$	2,907

Historical Amerigon has adopted a 401(k) plan to provide all eligible employees a means to accumulate retirement savings on a tax-advantaged basis, and our executive officers are eligible to participate in this plan on the same basis as other participants. Participants may defer specified portions of their compensation and (1) we match 50% percent of employee contributions up to a contribution by its equal to 2% percent of the employee's compensation and (2) we may, but are not required to, make additional discretionary contributions. The Compensation Committee has not made any discretionary contribution to the 401(k) Plan since its inception.

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Note 16 — Derivative Financial Instruments

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, short term interest rates and price fluctuations of certain material commodities such as copper. Foreign currency exchange risks are attributable to sales to foreign customers not denominated in the seller's functional currency, foreign plant operations, intercompany indebtedness and purchases from foreign suppliers and include exposures to the European Euro, Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollar, and Mexican Peso. The Company regularly enters into derivative contracts with the objective of managing its financial and operational exposure arising from this risk by offsetting gains and losses on the underlying exposures with gains and losses on the financial instruments used to hedge them. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Our hedging relationships are formally documented at the inception of the hedge, and hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to future cash flows on hedged transactions both at the inception of a hedge and on an ongoing basis. We record the ineffective portion of hedging instruments, if any, to other income (expense) in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

While W.E.T. continuously monitors the hedging program, derivative positions and hedging strategies and maintains documentation as to the hedging objectives, practices and procedures, W.E.T. has not typically designated its derivatives as hedging instruments for accounting purposes.

In March 2008, W.E.T. entered into a 10 year currency related interest rate swap ("CRS") having a notional value of €10,000, or $12,944 as of December 31, 2011, in order to offset the interest rate risk associated with a debt financing which was repaid prior our acquisition of W.E.T. Under this agreement W.E.T. receives interest equal to the then six month Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EUIBOR"), 1.62% at December 31, 2011, plus 1.40% and pays interest equal to the six month EUIBOR when the exchange rate between the European Euro ("EUR") and the Swiss Franc ("CHF"), which was 1.22 at December 31, 2011, equals or exceeds 1.46 EUR to the CHF or pays interest equal to the six month EURIBOR plus a premium when this exchange rate is less than 1.46. The premium is calculated as [(1.46 – current EUR/CHF rate)/current EUR/CHF rate] x 100. W.E.T. has entered into offsetting derivative contracts that cancel out the payment due under the CRS through 2012.

In July, 2011, the Company entered into a series of interest rate swap contracts and a interest rate cap agreement designated as cash flow hedges in order to hedge the exposure to variable market interest rates on the Company's senior debt. Gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified to earnings once the Company's senior debt is repaid. Information on the interest rate swap contracts is as follows:


Contract Type	Contract Term	Notional Value		Hedged Instruments	Fixed Rate			Variable Rate	Rate Cap
Swap	June 30, 2014	$	8,000	US Term Note		1.27	%	3 month LIBOR		—
Swap	June 30, 2014	$	8,000	US Term Note		1.27	%	3 month LIBOR		—
Cap	March 31, 2016	€	14,250	W.E.T. Term Note		—		3 month EURIBOR		2.75

Information related to the recurring fair value measurement of derivative instruments in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 is as follows:


			Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives				Net Asset/ (Liabilities)
	Hedge Designation	Fair Value Hierarchy	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
CRS	Not a hedge	Level 2				Current liabilities	$	(2,489	)
						Non current liabilities		(17,189	)
Total CRS		Level 2					$	(19,678	)	$	(19,678	)
Foreign currency derivatives	Not a hedge	Level 2	Current assets	$	2,675	Current liabilities	$	(2,262	)	$	413
Interest rate swap derivatives	Cash flow hedge	Level 2				Current liabilities	$	(206	)	$	(206	)
Commodity derivatives	Not a hedge	Level 2				Current liabilities	$	(144	)	$	(144	)

At December 31, 2010, we had no outstanding derivative instruments.

Information related to the effect of derivative instruments on our consolidated income statements is as follows:


	Location	Year Ended December 31, 2011			Year Ended December 31, 2010
Foreign currency derivatives	Cost of sales	$	(15	)	$	(84	)
	Revaluation of derivatives		(5,162	)		—
	Foreign currency gain (loss)		1,613			—

Total foreign currency derivatives		$	(3,564	)	$	(84	)

CRS	Revaluation of derivatives	$	(3,411	)	$	—
Commodity derivatives	Revaluation of derivatives	$	(155	)	$	—
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock embedded derivatives (see Note 7)	Revaluation of derivatives	$	2,610		$	—
Interest Rate Swap	Interest Expense	$	(84	)	$	—
	Other Comprehensive Income		(206	)		—

We did not incur any hedge ineffectiveness during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. We recorded an expense of $42 from interest payments on interest rate swap agreements designated as hedging instruments within interest expense during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 1,937	$ 545
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 14,388	$ 706
Common stock, par value
Common stock, shares authorized	55,000,000	55,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,515,571	22,037,446
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,515,571	22,037,446

Licenses	12 Months Ended
Licenses	Dec. 31, 2011
Licenses [Abstract]
Licenses	Note 10 — Licenses In 1992, the Company obtained the worldwide license to manufacture and sell technology for a CCS product to individual automotive OEMs. Under the terms of the license agreement, royalties are payable based on cumulative net sales and do not require minimum payments. The Company has recorded royalty expense under this license agreement of $1,698, $1,631 and $996 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These royalties are recorded as cost of goods sold.

Shareholder Rights Plan	12 Months Ended
Shareholder Rights Plan	Dec. 31, 2011
Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]
Shareholder Rights Plan	Note 12 — Shareholder Rights Plan The Company's Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 4,991,000 shares of Preferred Stock and to determine the price, rights (including conversion rights), preferences and privileges of those shares without any further vote or action by the shareholders. Consistent with this authority, in January, 2009 our Board adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan") in which one purchase right was distributed as a dividend on each share of common stock held of record as of the close of business on February 10, 2009 (the "Rights"). If exercisable, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of a newly created Series B Preferred Stock of the Company for $20.00 (the "Purchase Price"). The Rights will become exercisable if any person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company's common stock or has commenced a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company's common stock. If any person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company's common stock, each right will entitle its holder, other than the acquiring person, to purchase a number of shares of the Company's or the acquiror's common stock having a value of twice the Purchase Price. The Rights are deemed attached to the certificates representing outstanding shares of common stock.

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Note 15 — Fair Value Measurement The Company bases fair value on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We have adopted a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below: Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs. Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible and also considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value. Except for derivative instruments and hedging activities and pension assets, the Company has no financial assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The carrying amounts of financial instruments comprising cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of the Company's long-term debt approximates its fair value because interest charged on the loan balance is variable. See Note 6 for a description of Company's debt and corresponding rates of interest. See Note 16 regarding the fair value of derivative instruments and hedging activities. See Note 14 regarding the fair value of pension assets. Certain Company assets are required to be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not realize any changes to the fair value of these assets due to events that negatively impacted their recoverability.

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
New Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2011
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	Note 17 — New Accounting Pronouncements Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 which amends Topic 820 (Fair Value Measurement). ASU No. 2011-04 is intended to provide a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 include changes regarding how and when the valuation premise of highest and best use applies, the application of premiums and discounts, and new required disclosures. ASU No. 2011-04 is to be applied prospectively upon adoption and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption prohibited. While the adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements, we expect that it will expand our disclosures related to fair value measurements. Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05 which amends Topic 220 Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2011-05 is intended to enhance comparability between entities that report under US GAAP and those that report under IFRS, and to provide a more consistent method of presenting non-owner transactions that affect an entity's equity. ASU No. 2011-05 eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. The amended guidance allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU No. 2011-05 is to be applied retrospectively upon adoption and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. We expect the adoption of ASU No. 2011-05 will change the presentation of our consolidated financial statements. Goodwill Impairment Assessments. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08 which amends Topic 350 Intangibles-Goodwill and Others. ASU No. 2011-08 is intended to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. ASU No. 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. ASU No. 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 could impact our methodology for assessing the fair value goodwill on an annual basis.