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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business: Founded in 1870, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (“A&B” or the “Company”) is incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii. A&B operates in five segments in three industries:  Transportation, Real Estate and Agribusiness. These industries are described below:

Transportation: The Transportation Industry consists of Ocean Transportation and Logistics Services segments. The Ocean Transportation segment, which is conducted through Matson Navigation Company, Inc. (“Matson”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of A&B, is an asset-based business that derives its revenue primarily through the carriage of containerized freight between various U.S. Pacific Coast, Hawaii, Guam, China and other Pacific island ports. Additionally, the Ocean Transportation segment has a 35 percent interest in an entity that provides terminal and stevedoring services at U.S. Pacific Coast facilities. The Logistics Services segment, which is conducted through Matson Logistics, Inc. (“ML”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matson, is a non-asset based business that is a provider of domestic and international rail intermodal service (“Intermodal”), long-haul and regional highway brokerage, specialized hauling, flat-bed and project work, less-than-truckload, expedited/air freight services, and warehousing and distribution services (collectively “Highway”). Warehousing, packaging and distribution services are provided by Matson Logistics Warehousing, Inc. (“MLW”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ML.

Real Estate: The Real Estate Industry consists of two segments, both of which have operations in Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland. The Real Estate Sales segment generates its revenues through the development and sale of land and commercial and residential properties. The Real Estate Leasing segment owns, operates, and manages retail, office, and industrial properties. Real estate activities are conducted through A&B Properties, Inc. and various other wholly-owned subsidiaries of A&B.

Agribusiness: Agribusiness, which contains one segment, produces bulk raw sugar, specialty food-grade sugars, and molasses; markets and distributes specialty food-grade sugars; provides general trucking services, mobile equipment maintenance and repair services in Hawaii; and generates and sells, to the extent not used in the Company's operations, electricity. The Company also is the sole member in Hawaiian Sugar & Transportation Cooperative (“HS&TC”), a cooperative that provides raw sugar marketing and transportation services. HS&TC was consolidated with the Company's results beginning December 1, 2009.

In March 2011, the Company finalized an agreement to lease land and sell coffee inventory and certain assets used in a coffee business it previously operated to Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, Inc. (“MZB”), including intangible assets. The coffee inventory and assets were sold for approximately $14 million. There was no material gain or loss on the transaction. The Company retained fee simple ownership of the land, buildings, power generation, and power distribution assets, but no longer operates the coffee plantation.

Separation Transaction: On December 1, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to pursue the separation of the Company to create two independent, publicly traded companies:

·  
A Hawaii-based land company with interests in real estate development, commercial real estate and agriculture (composed of the Real Estate and Agribusiness segments described above), which will retain the Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. name; and

·  
An ocean transportation company serving the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and China, and a domestic logistics company under the Matson name (composed of the businesses in the Transportation segment described above).

The separation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2012.

Principles of Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. and all wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries, after elimination of significant intercompany amounts. Significant investments in businesses, partnerships, and limited liability companies in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, but has the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method. A controlling financial interest is one in which the Company has a majority voting interest or one in which the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.

Fiscal Year: The fiscal year end for the Company's Real Estate and Agribusiness Industry segments is December 31. The fiscal year end for the Company's Transportation Industry segments occurs on the last Friday in December, except for the warehousing services business, whose fiscal year closes on December 31. There were 52 weeks included in the Transportation Industry segments' 2011 and 2009 fiscal year and 53 weeks in 2010.

Reclassifications: Certain amounts reflected in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Risks and Uncertainties: Factors that could adversely impact the Company's operations or financial results include, but are not limited to, the following: unfavorable economic conditions in the U.S., Guam, or Asian markets that result in a further decrease in consumer confidence or market demand for, or prices of, the Company's services and products; increased competition; replacement of the Company's significant operating agreements; reduction in credit availability; downgrade in the Company's credit rating that affects its ability to secure adequate financing or increase the cost of financing; failure to comply with restrictive financial covenants in the Company's credit facilities; insolvency of the Company's insurance carriers; insolvency or failure of joint venture partner to perform; loss or insolvency of significant agents, customers, or vendors; unfavorable political conditions in domestic or international markets; strikes or work stoppages; increased cost of energy, commodities, or labor; noncompliance with or changes in laws and regulations relating to the Company's business, including environmental laws or climate change legislation or regulation; unfavorable litigation or legal proceedings or government inquiries or investigations; adverse weather conditions; changes in the legal and regulatory environment; changes in accounting and taxation standards, including an increase in tax rates; an inability to achieve the Company's overall long-term goals; an inability to protect the Company's information systems; future impairment charges; increased pension costs; inadequate internal controls; material warranty and construction defect claims; and global or regional catastrophic events.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (i) asset impairments, (ii) legal contingencies, (iii) allowance for doubtful accounts, (iv) revenue recognition for long-term real estate developments, (v) self-insured liabilities, (vi) goodwill and intangible assets, (vii) pension and postretirement estimates, (viii) sugar production, and (ix) income taxes. Future results could be materially affected if actual results differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a weighted-average maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. The Company carries these investments at cost, which approximates fair value. Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit totaled $13 million and $14 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are reflected as current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:  The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and short-term borrowings approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The carrying amount and fair value of the Company's debt at December 31, 2011 was $559 million and $587 million, respectively, and $522 million and $546 million at December 31, 2010, respectively. The fair value of debt is calculated based upon interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the Company's existing debt arrangements.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:  Allowances for doubtful accounts are established by management based on estimates of collectibility. Estimates of collectability are principally based on an evaluation of the current financial condition the Company's customers and their payment history, which are regularly monitored by the Company. The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts, included on the consolidated balance sheets as an offset to “Accounts and notes receivable,” for the three years ended December 31, 2011 were as follows (in millions):

 
Balance at
Beginning of year
 
Expense
Write-offs
and Other
Balance at
End of Year
         
2011
$8
$--
$(1)
$7
2010
$10
--
$(2)
$8
2009
$8
$3
$(1)
$10

Inventories:  Sugar inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market value. Materials and supplies inventory are stated at the lower of cost (principally average cost) or market value.  Inventories at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in millions):

   
2011
   
2010
   
                   
Sugar inventories
 
$
16
   
$
16
   
Materials and supplies inventories
   
24
     
19
   
Total
 
$
40
   
$
35
   

Dry-docking:  Under U.S. Coast Guard rules, administered through the American Bureau of Shipping's alternative compliance program, all vessels must meet specified seaworthiness standards to remain in service. Vessels must undergo regular inspection, monitoring and maintenance, referred to as “dry-docking,” to maintain the required operating certificates. These dry-docks occur on scheduled intervals ranging from two to five years, depending on the vessel's age. Because the dry-docks enable the vessel to continue operating in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard requirements and provide future economic benefits, the costs of these scheduled dry-docks are deferred and amortized until the next regularly scheduled dry-dock period. Routine vessel maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend asset lives are charged to expense as incurred. Deferred amounts are included on the consolidated balance sheets in non-current other assets. Amortized amounts are charged to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Changes in deferred dry-docking costs are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows in cash flows from operating activities.

Property:  Property is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Replacements, maintenance, and repairs that do not improve or extend asset lives are charged to expense as incurred. Upon acquiring real estate that is deemed a business, the Company records land, buildings, leases above and below market, and other intangible assets based on their fair values. Due diligence costs are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation:  Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives of property are as follows:

Classification
Range of Life (in years)
   
Vessels
10 to 40
Buildings
10 to 40
Water, power and sewer systems
5 to 50
Machinery and equipment
2 to 35
Other property improvements
3 to 35

Real Estate Developments:  Expenditures for real estate developments are capitalized during construction and are classified as Real Estate Developments on the consolidated balance sheets. When construction is substantially complete, the costs are reclassified as either Real Estate Held for Sale or Property, based upon the Company's intent to either sell the completed asset or to hold it as an investment property, respectively. Cash flows related to real estate developments are classified as either operating or investing activities, based upon the Company's intention to sell the property or to retain ownership of the property as an investment following completion of construction.

For development projects, capitalized costs are allocated using the direct method for expenditures that are specifically associated with the unit being sold and the relative-sales-value method for expenditures that benefit the entire project. Capitalized development costs typically include costs related to land acquisition, grading, roads, water and sewage systems, landscaping, capitalized interest, and project amenities. Direct overhead costs incurred after the development project is substantially complete, such as utilities, maintenance, and real estate taxes, are charged to selling, general, and administrative expense as incurred. All indirect overhead costs are charged to selling, general, and administrative costs as incurred.

Capitalized Interest:  Interest costs incurred in connection with significant expenditures for real estate developments, the construction of assets, or investments in joint ventures are capitalized during the period in which activities necessary to get the asset ready for its intended use are in progress. Capitalization of interest is discontinued when the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalization of interest on investments in joint ventures is recorded until the underlying investee commences its principal operations, which is typically when the investee has other-than-ancillary revenue generation. Total interest cost incurred was $25 million in 2011 and $26 million each year in 2010 and 2009. Capitalized interest in 2011, 2010, and 2009 was not material.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:  Long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for possible impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In such an evaluation, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset are compared with the amount recorded for the asset to determine if its carrying value is not recoverable. If this review determines that the recorded value will not be recovered, the amount recorded for the asset is reduced to estimated fair value. The Company has evaluated certain long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment; however, no material impairment charges were recorded in 2011, 2010, and 2009 as a result of this process. These asset impairment analyses are highly subjective because they require management to make assumptions and apply considerable judgments to, among others, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows, expected useful lives of the assets, uncertainty about future events, including changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance, changes in the use of the assets, and ongoing cost of maintenance and improvements of the assets, and thus, the accounting estimates may change from period to period. If management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, the Company's financial condition or its future operating results could be materially impacted.

Impairment of Investments: The Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates are reviewed for impairment whenever there is evidence that fair value may be below carrying cost. An investment is written down to fair value if fair value is below carrying cost and the impairment is other-than-temporary. In evaluating the fair value of an investment and whether any identified impairment is other-than-temporary, significant estimates and considerable judgments are involved.  These estimates and judgments are based, in part, on the Company's current and future evaluation of economic conditions in general, as well as a joint venture's current and future plans. Additionally, these impairment calculations are highly subjective because they also require management to make assumptions and apply judgments to estimates regarding the timing and amount of future cash flows, probabilities related to various cash flow scenarios, and appropriate discount rates based on the perceived risks, among others. In evaluating whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers all available information, including the length of time and extent of the impairment, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the affiliate, the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, and projected industry and economic trends, among others. Changes in these and other assumptions could affect the projected operational results and fair value of the unconsolidated affiliates, and accordingly, may require valuation adjustments to the Company's investments that may materially impact the Company's financial condition or its future operating results. For example, if current market conditions deteriorate significantly or a joint venture's plans change materially, impairment charges may be required in future periods, and those charges could be material.

Continued weakness in the real estate sector, difficulty in obtaining or renewing project-level financing, and changes in the Company's development strategy, among other factors, may affect the value or feasibility of certain development projects owned by the Company or by its joint ventures and could lead to additional impairment charges in the future.

Impairment of Vessels: The Company operates an integrated network of vessels, containers, and terminal equipment; therefore, in evaluating impairment, the Company groups its assets at the ocean transportation entity level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available. The Company's vessels and equipment are reviewed for possible impairment when events or circumstances, such as recurring operating losses, indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. In evaluating impairment, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset group are compared with the amount recorded for the asset group to determine if its carrying value is not recoverable. If this review determines that the recorded value will not be recovered, the amount recorded for the asset group is reduced to estimated fair value. These asset impairment loss analyses are highly subjective because they require management to make assumptions and apply considerable judgments to, among other things, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows, expected useful lives of the assets, uncertainty about future events, including changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance, changes in the use of the assets, and ongoing costs of maintenance and improvements of the assets, and thus, the accounting estimates may change from period to period. If management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, the Company's financial condition or its future operating results could be materially impacted. To date, the Company has not recorded any impairment related to its vessels.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets:  Goodwill and intangibles are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other non-current assets. Recorded goodwill is related to the acquisition of logistic service entities and related earnout obligations. Recorded intangible assets are related to logistic service entity acquisitions as well as the acquisition of commercial properties. The Company reviews goodwill for potential impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. There were no impairments of goodwill in 2011, 2010, or 2009.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in millions):

   
Goodwill
 
         
Balance, December 31, 2009
 
$
27
 
Additions
   
--
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
   
27
 
Additions
   
--
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
$
27
 

Intangible assets for the years ended December 31 included the following (in millions):

   
2011
 
2010
   
Gross
     
Gross
   
   
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
   
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
 
Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
               
Customer lists
   
$
12
       
$
(6
)
     
$
12
       
$
(5
)
 
In-place leases
     
15
         
(9
)
       
15
         
(7
)
 
Other
     
11
         
(8
)
       
11
         
(5
)
 
Total assets
   
$
38
       
$
(23
)
     
$
38
       
$
(17
)
 

Aggregate intangible asset amortization was $6 million, $5 million, and $4 million for 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Estimated amortization expenses related to intangibles over the next five years are as follows (in millions):

 
Estimated
Amortization
     
2012
$
3
2013
 
3
2014
 
2
2015
 
2
2016
 
1


Revenue Recognition: The Company has a wide variety of revenue sources, including, container shipping services, logistics services, property sales, commercial property rentals, and the sales of raw sugar and molasses. Before recognizing revenue, the Company assesses the underlying terms of the transaction to ensure that recognition meets the requirements of relevant accounting standards. In general, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the service or product has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Voyage Revenue Recognition:  Voyage revenue is recognized ratably over the duration of a voyage based on the relative transit time in each reporting period, commonly referred to as the percentage-of-completion method. Voyage expenses are recognized as incurred.

Logistics Services Revenue Recognition:  The revenue for logistics services includes the total amount billed to customers for transportation services. The primary costs include purchased transportation services.  Revenue and the related purchased transportation costs are recognized based on relative transit time, commonly referred to as the percentage-of-completion method. The Company reports revenue on a gross basis. The Company serves as principal in transactions because it is responsible for the contractual relationship with the customer, has latitude in establishing prices, has discretion in supplier selection, and retains credit risk.

Real Estate Sales Revenue Recognition:   Sales are recorded when the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the buyers (generally on closing dates), adequate initial and continuing investments have been received, and collection of remaining balances, if any, is reasonably assured. For certain development projects that have continuing post-closing involvement and for which total revenue and capital costs are reasonably estimable, the Company uses the percentage-of-completion method for revenue recognition. Under this method, the amount of revenue recognized is based on development costs that have been incurred through the reporting period as a percentage of total expected development cost associated with the development project. This generally results in a stabilized gross margin percentage, but requires significant judgment and estimates.

Real Estate Leasing Revenue Recognition:  Real estate leasing revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases, including periods for which no rent is due (typically referred to as “rent holidays”). Differences between revenues recognized and amounts due under respective lease agreements are recorded as increases or decreases, as applicable, to deferred rent receivable. Also included in rental revenue are certain tenant reimbursements and percentage rents determined in accordance with the terms of the leases. Income arising from tenant rents that are contingent upon the sales of the tenant exceeding a defined threshold are recognized only after the contingency has been resolved (e.g., sales thresholds have been achieved).

Sugar and Molasses Revenue Recognition: Revenue from bulk raw sugar sales is recorded when title to the product and risk of loss passes to third parties (generally this occurs when the product is shipped or delivered to customers) and when collection is reasonably assured.

Non-voyage Ocean Transportation Costs:  Depreciation, charter hire, terminal operating overhead, and general and administrative expenses are charged to expense as incurred.

Agricultural Costs:  Costs of growing and harvesting sugar cane are charged to the cost of inventory in the year incurred and to cost of sales as sugar is sold.

Discontinued Operations: The sales of certain income-producing assets are classified as discontinued operations if the operations and cash flows of the assets clearly can be distinguished from the remaining assets of the Company, if cash flows for the assets have been, or will be, eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company, if the Company will not have a significant continuing involvement in the operations of the assets sold, and if the amount is considered material. Certain assets that are “held-for-sale,” based on the likelihood and intention of selling the property within 12 months, are also treated as discontinued operations. Upon reclassification, depreciation ceases on assets reclassified as “held-for-sale.” Sales of land not under lease and residential houses and lots are generally considered inventory and are not included in discontinued operations. See also Note 3 regarding Matson's termination of its second China service in the third quarter of 2011 that has been classified as discontinued operations.

Employee Benefit Plans:  Certain Ocean Transportation subsidiaries are members of the Pacific Maritime Association (“PMA”) and the Hawaii Stevedoring Industry Committee, which negotiate multiemployer pension plans covering certain shoreside bargaining unit personnel. The subsidiaries directly negotiate multiemployer pension plans covering other bargaining unit personnel. Pension costs are accrued in accordance with contribution rates established by the PMA, the parties to a plan or the trustees of a plan. Several trusteed, non-contributory, single-employer defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans cover substantially all other employees.

Share-Based Compensation:  The Company records compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors. The Company's various equity plans are more fully described in Note 12.

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (“EPS”) of Common Stock:  Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of unexercised non-qualified stock options and non-vested stock units. The computation of weighted average dilutive shares outstanding excluded non-qualified stock options to purchase 1.4 million, 1.6 million, and 1.8 million shares of common stock for 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. These amounts were excluded because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company's common stock for the periods presented and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.
The denominator used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions):

   
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
               
Denominator for basic EPS: weighted average shares outstanding
 
41.6
 
41.2
 
41.0
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
Outstanding stock options and non-vested stock units
 
0.4
 
0.3
 
0.1
 
Denominator for diluted EPS: weighted average shares outstanding
 
42.0
 
41.5
 
41.1
 
 

On January 25, 2012, the Company granted to employees, non-qualified stock options exercisable into 132,681 shares of common stock at $46.27 per share, 111,853 shares of time-based restricted stock units, and 41,064 shares of performance-based restricted stock units. The time-based restricted stock units vests ratably over three years and the performance-based restricted stock units vests ratably over three years, provided that the one-year performance objectives are achieved.

Income Taxes: The Company makes certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments are applied in the calculation of tax credits, tax benefits and deductions, and in the calculation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are adjusted to the extent necessary to reflect tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Adjustments may be required to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities due to changes in tax laws and audit adjustments by tax authorities. To the extent adjustments are required in any given period, the adjustments would be included within the tax provision in the consolidated statements of income or consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has not recorded a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance would be established if, based on the weight of available evidence, management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a recorded deferred tax asset would not be realized in future periods.

Restricted Net Assets of Subsidiaries: Matson is subject to restrictions on the transfer of net assets under certain debt agreements. These restrictions have not had any effect on the Company's shareholder dividend policy, and the Company does not anticipate that these restrictions will have any impact in the future. At December 31, 2011, the amount of net assets of Matson that may not be transferred to the Company was approximately $259 million.

Derivative Financial Instruments:  The Company periodically uses derivative financial instruments such as interest rate hedging products to mitigate risks. The Company's use of derivative instruments is limited to reducing its risk exposure by utilizing interest rate agreements that are accounted for as hedges. The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes nor does it use leveraged financial instruments. All derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no material derivative instruments held by the Company.

Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in Shareholders' Equity, except those resulting from capital stock transactions. Accumulated other comprehensive loss principally includes amortization of deferred pension/postretirement costs. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, were as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Unrealized components of benefit plans:
                       
Pension plans
 
$
(90
)
 
$
(73
)
 
$
(73
)
Postretirement plans
   
1
     
(4
)
   
--
 
Non-qualified benefit plans
   
(1
)
   
(4
)
   
(6
)
SSAT pension plan and other
   
(2
)
   
(1
)
   
(2
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(92
)
 
$
(82
)
 
$
(81
)

Environmental Costs:  Environmental exposures are recorded as a liability and charged to operating expense when the environmental liability has been incurred and can be reasonably estimated. If the aggregate amount of the liability and the amount and timing of cash payments for the liability are fixed or reliably determinable, the environmental liability is discounted. An environmental liability has been incurred when both of the following conditions have been met: (i) litigation has commenced or a claim or an assessment has been asserted, or, based on available information, commencement of litigation or assertion of a claim or an assessment is probable, and (ii) based on available information, it is probable that the outcome of such litigation, claim, or assessment will be unfavorable. If a range of probable loss is determined, the Company will record the obligation at the low end of the range unless another amount in the range better reflects the expected loss. Certain costs, however, are capitalized in Property when the obligation is recorded, if the cost (1) extends the life, increases the capacity or improves the safety and efficiency of property owned by the Company, (2) mitigates or prevents environmental contamination that has yet to occur and that otherwise may result from future operations or activities, or (3) is incurred or discovered in preparing for sale property that is classified as “held–for-sale.” The amounts of capitalized environmental costs were not material at December 31, 2011 or 2010.

Self-Insured Liabilities: The Company is self-insured for certain losses that include, but are not limited to, employee health, workers' compensation, general liability, real and personal property, and real estate construction warranty and defect claims. When feasible, the Company obtains third-party insurance coverage to limit its exposure to these claims. When estimating its self-insured liabilities, the Company considers a number of factors, including historical claims experience, demographic factors, and valuations provided by independent third-parties. Periodically, management reviews its assumptions and the valuations provided by independent third-parties to determine the adequacy of the Company's self-insured liabilities.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards:  In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended guidance that requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The revised standard eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. The revised standard is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company expects to adopt the revised standard effective January 1, 2012. The standard will change the presentation of the Company's financial statements but will not affect the calculation of net income, comprehensive income or earnings per share.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance governing the testing of goodwill for impairment. The revised standard allows an entity to use a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. If, after considering all relevant events and circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount, then the entity is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity will be required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The guidance also expands upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt the revised standard effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operation.

 In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance requiring additional disclosures about an employer's financial obligations to multiemployer pension plans. The required disclosures include, among others: the amount of employer contributions made to each significant plan and to all plans in the aggregate; an indication of whether the employer's contributions represent more than five percent of total contributions to the plan; an indication of which plans, if any, are subject to a funding improvement plan; the expiration date(s) of collective bargaining agreement(s) and any minimum funding arrangements; the most recent certified funded status of the plan, as determined by the plan's so-called “zone status,” which is required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006; and a description of the nature and effect of any changes affecting comparability for each period in which a statement of income is presented. The guidance was effective for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operation.

Rounding:  Amounts in the consolidated financial statements and Notes are rounded to millions, but per-share calculations and percentages were determined based on amounts before rounding. Accordingly, a recalculation of some per-share amounts and percentages, if based on the reported data, may be slightly different.