Restructuring And Asset Impairment Charges

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges Disclosure

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

Over the past several years we have been focused on reducing our operating costs. In connection with this strategy, and in recognition of the challenging economic environment, we reduced our employee headcount from approximately 10,900 at December 31, 2007 to approximately 7,500 at December 31, 2011. Additionally, we reduced our branch network from 697 at December 31, 2007 to 529 at December 31, 2011. The restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 include severance costs associated with our headcount reductions, as well as branch closure charges which principally relate to continuing lease obligations at vacant facilities.

The table below provides certain information concerning our restructuring charges:

Description	Beginning Reserve Balance		Charged to Costs and Expenses(1)		Payments and Other			Ending Reserve Balance
Year ended December 31, 2009:
Branch closure charges	$	11	$	24	$	(15	)	$	20
Severance costs	2		7		(8		)	1
Total	$	13	$	31	$	(23	)	$	21
Year ended December 31, 2010:
Branch closure charges	$	20	$	28	$	(22	)	$	26
Severance costs	1		6		(5		)	2
Total	$	21	$	34	$	(27	)	$	28
Year ended December 31, 2011:
Branch closure charges	$	26	$	17	$	(16	)	$	27
Severance costs	2		2		(3		)	1
Total	$	28	$	19	$	(19	)	$	28

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(1) Reflected in our consolidated statements of income as “Restructuring charge.”

We have incurred total restructuring charges between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011 of $104, comprised of $83 of branch closure charges and $21 of severance costs. We believe that the restructuring activity is complete as of December 31, 2011.

In addition to the restructuring charges discussed above, during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we recorded asset impairment charges of $4, $9 and $12, respectively, in our general rentals segment. The 2011 and 2010 impairment charges are primarily reflected in non-rental depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and principally relate to write-offs of leasehold improvements and other fixed assets in connection with the consolidation of our branch network discussed above. The 2009 impairment charge includes $9 reflected in depreciation of rental equipment in the accompanying consolidated statements of income related to certain rental equipment, as well as $3 primarily related to leasehold improvement write-offs which is reflected in non-rental depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.