New Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block]

3. New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the FASB issued new accounting guidance, which amends the existing guidance, related to impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets. The amendments allow the option of performing a qualitative impairment assessment before calculating the fair value of the intangible assets, which could, depending on the results of the assessment, eliminate the need for further impairment testing. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after September 15, 2012 with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB updated the guidance requiring companies to report, in one place, information about reclassifications of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and changes in AOCI balances. For significant items reclassified out of AOCI to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, reporting is required about the effect of the reclassifications on the respective line items in the statement where net income is presented. For items that are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures currently required in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States is required. The above information must be presented in one place, either parenthetically on the face of the consolidated financial statements by income statement line item, or in a note. The adoption of this updated guidance is effective beginning with fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, other than the related disclosures to the extent applicable.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters: Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, or ASU 2013-05. ASU 2013-05 provides updated guidance to clarify the applicable guidance for a parent company’s accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. This guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and is to be applied prospectively to derecognition events occurring after the effective date. ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or financial statement disclosures.