Derivative Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

NOTE 5: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

During the normal course of operations, we are exposed to market risks including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity pricing. From time to time, and consistent with our risk management policies, we use derivative instruments to hedge against these market risks. We do not utilize derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationship. The interest rate swap agreements described below were designated as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. The changes in fair value of our interest rate swap fair value hedges are recorded as interest expense consistent with the change in the fair value of the hedged items attributable to the risk being hedged. The changes in fair value of our interest rate swap cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and are reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged items affect earnings.

We use interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges to minimize the variability in cash flows of liabilities or forecasted transactions caused by fluctuations in interest rates. In December 2007, we issued $325,000,000 of floating-rate notes due in 2010 that bore interest at 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.25% per annum. Concurrently, we entered into a 3-year interest rate swap agreement in the stated amount of $325,000,000. Under this agreement, we paid a fixed interest rate of 5.25% and received 3-month LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum. Concurrent with each quarterly interest payment, the portion of this swap related to that interest payment was settled and the associated realized gain or loss was recognized. This swap agreement terminated December 15, 2010, coinciding with the maturity of the notes due in 2010.

Additionally, during 2007, we entered into fifteen forward starting interest rate swap agreements for a total stated amount of $1,500,000,000. Upon the 2007 and 2008 issuances of the related fixed-rate debt, we terminated and settled these forward starting swaps for cash payments of $89,777,000. Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt. For the 12-month period ending March 31, 2013, we estimate that $6,254,000 of the pretax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to earnings.

The effects of changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are as follows:

	Location on		Three Months Ended March 31
in thousands	Statement		2012			2011
Cash Flow Hedges
Loss reclassified from AOCI (effective portion)		Interest expense		(1,575	)		(1,995	)

We use interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges to minimize exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt that results from fluctuations in the benchmark interest rates for such debt. In June 2011, we issued $500,000,000 of 6.50% fixed-rate notes due in 2016. Concurrently, we entered into interest rate swap agreements in the stated amount of $500,000,000. Under these agreements, we paid 6-month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.05% and received a fixed interest rate of 6.50%. Additionally, in June 2011, we entered into interest rate swap agreements on our $150,000,000 10.125% fixed-rate notes due in 2015. Under these agreements, we paid 6-month LIBOR plus a spread of 8.03% and received a fixed interest rate of 10.125%. In August 2011, we terminated and settled these interest rate swap agreements for $25,382,000 of cash proceeds. The $23,387,000 forward component of the settlement (cash proceeds less $1,995,000 of accrued interest) was added to the carrying value of the related debt and is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining lives of the related debt using the effective interest method. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, $988,000 was amortized to earnings as a reduction to interest expense.