Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Liabilities

Liabilities recognized for estimated environmental costs were $36.3 million and $31.4 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, respectively. We have classified environmental liabilities as current or noncurrent based on management’s estimates regarding the timing of actual payments. Management estimates that expenditures associated with these environmental liabilities will be substantially paid over the next 9 years. Environmental expenses recognized as a result of changes in our environmental liabilities are included in operating expenses on our consolidated statements of income. Environmental expenses were $(5.2) million, $5.0 million and $8.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The lower environmental expense for 2013 was primarily due to the $10.6 million favorable adjustment of an accrual for potential air emission fees.

Environmental Receivables

Receivables from insurance carriers and other third parties related to environmental matters at December 31, 2014 were $5.1 million, of which $1.3 million and $3.8 million were recorded to other accounts receivable and long-term receivables, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. Receivables from insurance carriers related to environmental matters at December 31, 2015 were $2.6 million, of which $0.7 million and $1.9 million were recorded to other accounts receivable and long-term receivables, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received from insurance carriers and other third parties related to environmental matters during 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $4.2 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Other

We are a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation those disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings of Part I of this report on Form 10-K. While the results cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the ultimate resolution of these claims, legal actions and complaints after consideration of amounts accrued, insurance coverage or other indemnification arrangements will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.