DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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 cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. 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. 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.

CASH FLOW HEDGES

We have used 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. 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 AOCI are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt. This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31 as follows:

in thousands	Location on Statement	2014	2013	2012
Cash Flow Hedges
Loss reclassified from AOCI
(effective portion)	Interest expense	$       (7,988)	$       (5,077)	$       (6,314)

The 2014 loss reclassified from AOCI includes the acceleration of a proportional amount of the deferred loss in the amount of $3,762,000 referable to the debt purchase as disclosed in Note 6.

For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2015, we estimate that $4,207,000 of the pretax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to earnings.

FAIR VALUE HEDGES

We have used 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 of 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 componentof 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. This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31 as follows:

in thousands	2014	2013	2012
Deferred Gain on Settlement
Amortized to earnings as a reduction to interest expense	$       10,674	$         4,334	$         4,052

The amortized deferred gain for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes the acceleration of a proportional amount of the deferred gain in the amount of $8,032,000 referable to the debt purchased as disclosed in Note 6.