Derivative Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

NOTE 12 – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 815 in accounting for and disclosing derivative instruments and hedging activities. All derivative financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a qualifying hedge transaction. Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are classified as other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities or other liabilities, as appropriate.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company hedges a portion of its foreign currency exchange rate risk through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company uses forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency exposures related to intercompany receivables and payables arising from intercompany purchases of manufactured products. These forward contracts are not designated as qualifying hedging relationships under ASC Topic 815. The Company measures its foreign currency exchange contracts at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of outstanding contracts was immaterial as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. During the first three months of 2012 and 2011, the net amount of gains (losses) the Company recorded to other income (expense) for its forward currency exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments under ASC Topic 815 was a net gain of $1 million and a net loss of $4 million, respectively. These net gains/(losses) were almost entirely offset by corresponding net (losses)/gains on the foreign currency exposures being managed. The Company does not enter into contracts for trading or speculative purposes. The Company's policy is to enter into hedging contracts with major financial institutions that have at least an "A" (or equivalent) credit rating.

Interest Rate Swap

The Company hedges the fair value of certain debt obligations through the use of interest rate swap contracts. For interest rate swap contracts that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, changes in the value of the fair value hedge are recognized as an asset or liability, as applicable, offsetting the changes in the fair value of the hedged debt instrument. The Company's swap contracts are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of other current assets, other assets, other accrued expenses or other liabilities based on the gain or loss position of the contract and the contract maturity date. Additionally, any payments made or received under the swap contracts are accrued and recognized as interest expense. The Company's current interest rate swap is designed to manage the exposure to changes in the fair value of its 2016 Senior Notes. The swap is designated as a fair value hedge of the variability of the fair value of the fixed-rate 2016 Senior Notes due to changes in the long-term benchmark interest rates. Under the swap agreement, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a $19 million asset which was classified as other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.