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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ryder System, Inc. (Ryder) and all entities in which Ryder has a controlling voting interest (“subsidiaries”) and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where Ryder is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Ryder is deemed to be the primary beneficiary if we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and we share in the significant risks and rewards of the entity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.
Comprehensive income (loss) presents a measure of all changes in shareholders’ equity except for changes resulting from transactions with shareholders in their capacity as shareholders. Our total comprehensive income (loss) presently consists of net earnings, currency translation adjustments associated with foreign operations that use the local currency as their functional currency, adjustments for derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges and various pension and other postretirement benefits related items.
Reclassifications
In 2012, we changed our business segments and our primary measure of segment operating performance. We operate in two business segments: Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) and Supply Chain Solutions (SCS). Prior to 2012, Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) was reported as a separate business segment. In 2012, SCS and DCC were combined as a result of changing our internal reporting to coincide with how we operate our business. Our primary measurement of segment operating performance, “Earnings Before Taxes” (EBT) from continuing operations, was also changed in 2012 to exclude the non-operating components of pension costs in order to more accurately reflect the operating performance of the business segments. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of historical trends, actions that we may take in the future, and other information available when the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available. Areas where the nature of the estimate make it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from the amounts estimated include: depreciation and residual value guarantees, employee benefit plan obligations, self-insurance accruals, impairment assessments on long-lived assets (including goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets), revenue recognition, allowance for accounts receivable, income tax liabilities and contingent liabilities.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents represent cash in excess of current operating requirements invested in short-term, interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and are stated at cost.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of cash proceeds from the sale of eligible vehicles set aside for the acquisition of replacement vehicles under our like-kind exchange tax program. See Note 14, “Income Taxes,” for a complete discussion of the vehicle like-kind exchange tax program. We classify restricted cash within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” if the restriction is expected to expire in the twelve months following the balance sheet date or within “Direct financing leases and other assets” if the restriction is expected to expire more than twelve months after the balance sheet date. The changes in restricted cash balances are reflected as an investing activity in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as they relate to the sales and purchases of revenue earning equipment.
 
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the services have been rendered to customers or delivery has occurred, the pricing is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In our evaluation of whether revenue is fixed or determinable, we determine whether the total contract consideration in the arrangement could change based on one or more factors. These factors, which vary among each of our segments, are further discussed below. Generally, the judgments made for these purposes do not materially impact the revenue recognized in any period. Sales tax collected from customers and remitted to the applicable taxing authorities is accounted for on a net basis, with no impact on revenue.

Our judgments on collectibility are initially established when a business relationship with a customer is initiated and is continuously monitored as services are provided. We have a credit rating system based on internally developed standards and ratings provided by third parties. Our credit rating system, along with monitoring for delinquent payments, allows us to make decisions as to whether collectibility may not be reasonably assured. Factors considered during this process include historical payment trends, industry risks, liquidity of the customer, years in business, and judgments, liens or bankruptcies. When collectibility is not considered reasonably assured (typically when a customer is 120 days past due), revenue is not recognized until cash is collected from the customer.
We generate revenue primarily through the lease, rental and maintenance of revenue earning equipment and by providing logistics management and dedicated services. We classify our revenues in one of the following categories:
Lease and rental
Lease and rental includes full service lease and commercial rental revenues from our FMS business segment. Full service lease is marketed, priced and managed as a bundled lease arrangement, which includes equipment, service and financing components. We do not offer a stand-alone unbundled finance lease of equipment. For these reasons, both the lease and service components of our full service leases are included within lease and rental revenues.
Our full service lease arrangements include lease deliverables such as the lease of a vehicle and the executory agreement for the maintenance, insurance, taxes and other services related to the leased equipment during the lease term. Arrangement consideration is allocated between lease deliverables and non-lease deliverables based on management’s best estimate of the relative fair value of each deliverable. The arrangement consideration allocated to lease deliverables is accounted for pursuant to accounting guidance on leases. Our full service lease arrangements provide for a fixed charge billing and a variable charge billing based on mileage or time usage. Fixed charges are typically billed at the beginning of the month for the services to be provided that month. Variable charges are typically billed a month in arrears. Costs associated with the activities performed under our full service leasing arrangements are primarily comprised of labor, parts, outside work, depreciation, licenses, insurance, operating taxes and vehicle rent. These costs are expensed as incurred except for depreciation. Refer to “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Revenue Earning Equipment, Operating Property and Equipment, and Depreciation” for information regarding our depreciation policies. Non-chargeable maintenance costs have been allocated and reflected within “Cost of lease and rental” based on the maintenance-related labor costs relative to all product lines.
Revenue from lease and rental agreements is recognized based on the classification of the arrangement, typically as either an operating or direct finance lease (DFL).

The majority of our leases and all of our rental arrangements are classified as operating leases and therefore, we recognize lease and commercial rental revenue on a straight-line basis as it becomes receivable over the term of the lease or rental arrangement. Lease and rental agreements do not usually provide for scheduled rent increases or escalations. However, most lease agreements allow for rate changes based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Lease and rental agreements also provide for vehicle usage charges based on a time charge and/or a fixed per-mile charge. The fixed time charge, the fixed per-mile charge and the changes in rates attributed to changes in the CPI are considered contingent rentals and are not considered fixed or determinable until the effect of CPI changes is implemented or the equipment usage occurs.

The non-lease deliverables of our full service lease arrangements are comprised of access to substitute vehicles, emergency road service, and safety services. These services are available to our customers throughout the lease term. Accordingly, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Leases not classified as operating leases are generally considered direct financing leases. We recognize revenue for direct financing leases using the effective interest interest method, which provides a constant periodic rate of return on the outstanding investment on the lease. Recognition of income on direct finance leases is suspended when management determines that collection of future income is not probable, which is generally at the point at which the customer’s delinquent balance is determined to be at risk (generally over 120 days past due). Accrual is resumed, and previously suspended income is recognized, when the receivable becomes contractually current and/or collection doubts are removed. Cash receipts on impaired direct finance lease receivables are first recorded against the direct finance lease receivable and then to any unrecognized income. A direct finance lease receivable is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the lease.


Services
Services include contract maintenance, contract-related maintenance and other revenues from our FMS business segment and all SCS revenues.
Under our contract maintenance arrangements, we provide maintenance and repairs required to keep a vehicle in good operating condition, schedule mechanical preventive maintenance inspections and access to emergency road service and substitute vehicles. The vast majority of our services are routine services performed on a recurring basis throughout the term of the arrangement. From time to time, we provide non-routine major repair services in order to place a vehicle back in service. Revenue from maintenance service contracts is recognized on a straight-line basis as maintenance services are rendered over the terms of the related arrangements.
Contract maintenance arrangements are generally cancelable, without penalty, after one year with 60 days prior written notice. Our maintenance service arrangement provides for a monthly fixed charge and a monthly variable charge based on mileage or time usage. Fixed charges are typically billed at the beginning of the month for the services to be provided that month. Variable charges are typically billed a month in arrears. Most contract maintenance agreements allow for rate changes based upon changes in the CPI. The fixed per-mile charge and the changes in rates attributed to changes in the CPI are recognized as earned. Costs associated with the activities performed under our contract maintenance arrangements are primarily comprised of labor, parts and outside work. These costs are expensed as incurred. Non-chargeable maintenance costs have been allocated and reflected within “Cost of services” based on the relative maintenance-related labor costs relative to all product lines.
Revenue from SCS service contracts is recognized as services are rendered in accordance with contract terms, which typically include discrete billing rates for the services. In certain SCS contracts, a portion of the contract consideration may be contingent upon the satisfaction of performance criteria, attainment of pain/gain share thresholds or volume thresholds. The contingent portion of the revenue in these arrangements is not considered fixed or determinable until the performance criteria or thresholds have been met. In transportation management arrangements where we act as principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis, without deducting third-party purchased transportation costs. To the extent that we are acting as an agent in the arrangement, revenue is reported on a net basis, after deducting purchased transportation costs.
Fuel
Fuel services include fuel services revenue from our FMS business segment. Revenue from fuel services is recognized when fuel is delivered to customers. Fuel is largely a pass-through to our customers for which we realize minimal changes in profitability during periods of steady market fuel prices. However, profitability may be positively or negatively impacted by sudden increases or decreases in market fuel prices during a short period of time as customer pricing for fuel services is established based on market fuel costs.
Accounts Receivable Allowance
We maintain an allowance for uncollectible customer receivables and an allowance for billing adjustments related to certain discounts and billing corrections. Estimates are updated regularly based on historical experience of bad debts and billing adjustments processed, current collection trends and aging analysis. Accounts are charged against the allowance when determined to be uncollectible. The allowance is maintained at a level deemed appropriate based on loss experience and other factors affecting collectibility. Historical results may not necessarily be indicative of future results.
Inventories
Inventories, which consist primarily of fuel, tires and vehicle parts, are valued using the lower of weighted-average cost or market.
 
Revenue Earning Equipment, Operating Property and Equipment, and Depreciation
Revenue earning equipment, comprised of vehicles and operating property and equipment are initially recorded at cost inclusive of vendor rebates. Revenue earning equipment and operating property and equipment under capital lease are initially recorded at the lower of the present value of minimum lease payments or fair value. Vehicle repairs and maintenance that extend the life or increase the value of a vehicle are capitalized, whereas ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost of vehicle replacement tires and tire repairs are expensed as incurred. Direct costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software are capitalized. Costs incurred during the preliminary software development project stage, as well as maintenance and training costs, are expensed as incurred.


Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the related lease, which may include one or more option renewal periods where failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty in such amount that renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured. If a substantial additional investment is made in a leased property during the term of the lease, we re-evaluate the lease term to determine whether the investment, together with any penalties related to non-renewal, would constitute an economic penalty in such amount that renewal appears to be reasonably assured.
Provision for depreciation is computed using the straight-line method on all depreciable assets. Depreciation expense has been recorded within "Cost of lease and rental," "Cost of services," and "Cost of fuel services" and "Other operating expenses" depending on the nature of the related asset.We periodically review and adjust, as appropriate, the residual values and useful lives of revenue earning equipment. Our review of the residual values and useful lives of revenue earning equipment, is established with a long-term view considering historical market price changes, current and expected future market price trends, expected life of vehicles and extent of alternative uses. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from estimates include but are not limited to unforeseen changes in technology innovations.
We routinely dispose of used revenue earning equipment as part of our FMS business. Revenue earning equipment held for sale is stated at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. For revenue earning equipment held for sale, we stratify our fleet by vehicle type (tractors, trucks, and trailers), weight class, age and other relevant characteristics and create classes of similar assets for analysis purposes. Fair value is determined based upon recent market prices obtained from our own sales experience for sales of each class of similar assets and vehicle condition. Reductions in the carrying values of vehicles held for sale are recorded within “Other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. While we believe our estimates of residual values and fair values of revenue earning equipment are reasonable, changes to our estimates of values may occur due to changes in the market for used vehicles, the condition of the vehicles, and inherent limitations in the estimation process.
Gains and losses on sales of operating property and equipment are reflected in “Miscellaneous income, net.”
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but rather, are tested for impairment at least annually (April 1st). In evaluating goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Among other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of reporting units, we consider individual factors such as macroeconomic conditions, changes in our industry and the markets in which we operate as well as our reporting units' historical and expected future financial performance. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value, recoverability of goodwill is evaluated using a two-step process. The first step involves a comparison of the fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying amount. If a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step involves a comparison of the implied fair value and carrying value of that reporting unit’s goodwill. To the extent that a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of its goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized.
In making our assessments of fair value, we rely on our knowledge and experience about past and current events and assumptions about conditions we expect to exist in the future. These assumptions are based on a number of factors including future operating performance, economic conditions, actions we expect to take, and present value techniques. Rates used to discount future cash flows are dependent upon interest rates and the cost of capital at a point in time. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. It is possible that assumptions underlying the impairment analysis will change in such a manner that impairment in value may occur in the future.
Identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization are assessed for impairment using a similar process to that used to evaluate goodwill as described above. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets described below.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill
Long-lived assets held and used, including revenue earning equipment, operating property and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives, are tested for recoverability when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to management’s best estimate of the undiscounted future operating cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If these comparisons indicate that the asset or asset group is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined by a quoted market price, if available, or an estimate of projected future operating cash flows, discounted using a rate that reflects the related operating segment’s average cost of funds. Long-lived assets to be disposed of including revenue earning equipment, operating property and equipment and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Debt Issuance Costs
Costs incurred to issue debt are generally deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the estimated term of the related debt using the effective interest rate method. Debt issuance costs associated with our global revolving credit facility are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the facility.
Contract Incentives
Payments made to or on behalf of a lessee or customer upon entering into a lease of our revenue earning equipment or contract are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of revenue over the contract term. Amounts to be amortized in the next year have been classified as “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” with the remainder included in “Direct financing leases and other assets.”
Self-Insurance Accruals
We retain a portion of the accident risk under vehicle liability, workers’ compensation and other insurance programs. Under our insurance programs, we retain the risk of loss in various amounts up to $3 million on a per occurrence basis. Self-insurance accruals are based primarily on an actuarially estimated, undiscounted cost of claims, which includes claims incurred but not reported. Such liabilities are based on estimates. Historical loss development factors are utilized to project the future development of incurred losses, and these amounts are adjusted based upon actual claim experience and settlements. While we believe that the amounts are adequate, there can be no assurance that changes to our actuarial estimates may not occur due to limitations inherent in the estimation process. Changes in the actuarial estimates of these accruals are charged or credited to earnings in the period determined. Amounts estimated to be paid within the next year have been classified as “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” with the remainder included in “Other non-current liabilities.”
We also maintain additional insurance at certain amounts in excess of our respective underlying retention. Amounts recoverable from insurance companies are not offset against the related accrual as our insurance policies do not extinguish or provide legal release from the obligation to make payments related to such risk-related losses. Amounts expected to be received within the next year from insurance companies have been included within “Receivables, net” with the remainder included in “Direct financing leases and other assets” and are recognized only when realization of the claim for recovery is considered probable. The accrual for the related claim has been classified within “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” if it is estimated to be paid within the next year, otherwise it has been classified in “Other non-current liabilities.”
Residual Value Guarantees and Deferred Gains
We periodically enter into agreements for the sale and leaseback of revenue earning equipment. These leases contain purchase and/or renewal options as well as limited guarantees of the lessor’s residual value (“residual value guarantees”). We review the residual values of revenue earning equipment that we lease from third parties and our exposures under residual value guarantees. The review is conducted in a manner similar to that used to analyze residual values and fair values of owned revenue earning equipment. Certain residual value guarantees are conditioned on termination of the lease prior to its contractual lease term. For sale and leaseback of revenue earning equipment accounted for as operating leases, the amount of residual value guarantees expected to be paid is recognized as rent expense over the expected remaining term of the lease. Adjustments in the estimate of residual value guarantees are recognized prospectively over the expected remaining lease term. While we believe that the amounts are adequate, changes to our estimates of residual value guarantees may occur due to changes in the market for used vehicles, the condition of the vehicles at the end of the lease and inherent limitations in the estimation process. See Note 19, “Guarantees,” for additional information.
 
Gains on the sale and operating leaseback of revenue earning equipment are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease as an adjustment of rent expense (operating leases) or depreciation expense (capital lease).
Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes is based on reported earnings before income taxes. Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
The effects of changes in tax laws on deferred tax balances are recognized in the period the new legislation is enacted. Valuation allowances are recognized to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the likelihood of realization, management considers estimates of future taxable income. We calculate our current and deferred tax position based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified.
We are subject to tax audits in numerous jurisdictions in the U.S. and around the world. Tax audits by their very nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. In the normal course of business, we are subject to challenges from the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) and other tax authorities regarding amounts of taxes due. These challenges may alter the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions, or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. We determine whether the benefits of our tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are at least more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, we recognize the largest amount of the benefit that is more likely than not of being sustained in our consolidated financial statements. For all other tax positions, we do not recognize any portion of the benefit in our consolidated financial statements. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.
Interest and penalties related to income tax exposures are recognized as incurred and included in “Provision for income taxes” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Accruals for income tax exposures, including penalties and interest, expected to be settled within the next year are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” with the remainder included in “Other non-current liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The federal benefit from state income tax exposures is included in “Deferred income taxes” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Severance and Contract Termination Costs
We recognize liabilities for severance and contract termination costs based upon the nature of the cost to be incurred. For involuntary separation plans that are completed within the guidelines of our written involuntary separation plan, we record the liability when it is probable and reasonably estimable. For one-time termination benefits, such as additional severance pay or benefit payouts, and other exit costs, such as contract termination costs, the liability is measured and recognized initially at fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, with subsequent changes to the liability recognized as adjustments in the period of change. Severance related to position eliminations that are part of a restructuring plan are recorded within “Restructuring and other charges, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. To the extent that severance costs are not part of a restructuring plan, the termination costs are recorded as a direct cost of revenue or within “Selling, general and administrative expenses,” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings depending upon the nature of the eliminated position.
Environmental Expenditures
We record liabilities for environmental assessments and/or cleanup when it is probable a loss has been incurred and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Environmental liability estimates may include costs such as anticipated site testing, consulting, remediation, disposal, post-remediation monitoring and legal fees, as appropriate. The liability does not reflect possible recoveries from insurance companies or reimbursement of remediation costs by state agencies, but does include estimates of cost sharing with other potentially responsible parties. Estimates are not discounted, as the timing of the anticipated cash payments is not fixed or readily determinable. Subsequent adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as necessary based upon additional information developed in subsequent periods. In future periods, new laws or regulations, advances in remediation technology and additional information about the ultimate remediation methodology to be used could significantly change our estimates. Claims for reimbursement of remediation costs are recorded when recovery is deemed probable.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations (AROs) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. Our AROs are associated with underground tanks, tires and leasehold improvements. These liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and the related asset retirement costs are capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related assets by the same amount as the liability. Asset retirement costs are subsequently depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, we expense period-to-period changes in the ARO liability resulting from the passage of time as well as the revisions to either the timing or amount of expected cash flows.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We use financial instruments, including forward exchange contracts, futures, swaps and cap agreements to manage our exposures to movements in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intent to reduce the risk or cost to us. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. We limit our risk that counterparties to the derivative contracts will default and not make payments by entering into derivative contracts only with counterparties comprised of large banks and financial institutions (primarily J.P. Morgan) that meet established credit criteria. We do not expect to incur any losses as a result of counterparty default.
On the date a derivative contract is entered into, we formally document, among other items, the intended hedging designation and relationship, along with the risk management objectives and strategies for entering into the derivative contract. We also formally assess, both at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives we used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Cash flows from derivatives that are accounted for as hedges are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same category as the items being hedged. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.
The hedging designation may be classified as one of the following:
No Hedging Designation. The gain or loss on a derivative instrument not designated as an accounting hedging instrument is recognized in earnings.
Fair Value Hedge. A hedge of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment is considered a fair value hedge. For fair value hedges, both the effective and ineffective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk, are both recorded in earnings.
Cash Flow Hedge. A hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability is considered a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of a derivative that is declared as a cash flow hedge is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item.
Net Investment Hedge. A hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation is considered a net investment hedge. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative used as a net investment hedge of a foreign operation is recorded in the currency translation adjustment account within “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” The ineffective portion, if any, on the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk is recorded in earnings and reported in “Miscellaneous income, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Foreign Currency Translation
Our foreign operations generally use the local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. If exchangeability between the functional currency and the U.S. dollar is temporarily lacking at the balance sheet date, the first subsequent rate at which exchanges can be made is used to translate assets and liabilities. Items in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. The impact of currency fluctuations is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” as a currency translation adjustment. Upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign operation, the currency translation adjustment attributable to that operation is removed from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is reported as part of the gain or loss on sale or liquidation of the investment for the period during which the sale or liquidation occurs. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recorded in “Miscellaneous income, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Share-Based Compensation
The fair value of stock option awards and nonvested stock awards other than restricted stock units (RSUs), is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards. RSUs are expensed in the year they are granted. Cash flows from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized for those options (windfall tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows. Tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of share-based compensation expense recognized are credited to additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized tax shortfalls are first offset against the cumulative balance of windfall tax benefits, if any, and then charged directly to income tax expense.
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
The funded status of our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation at December 31, the measurement date. The fair value of plan assets represents the current market value of contributions made to irrevocable trust funds, held for the sole benefit of participants, which are invested by the trust funds. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement based on estimated future compensation levels. For postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. Overfunded plans, with the fair value of plan assets exceeding the benefit obligation, are aggregated and recorded as a prepaid pension asset equal to this
excess. Underfunded plans, with the benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets, are aggregated and recorded as a pension and postretirement benefit liability equal to this excess.
The current portion of pension and postretirement benefit liabilities represent the actuarial present value of benefits payable within the next 12 months exceeding the fair value of plan assets (if funded), measured on a plan-by-plan basis. These liabilities are recorded in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Pension and postretirement benefit expense includes service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets (if funded), and amortization of prior service credit and net actuarial loss. Service cost represents the actuarial present value of participant benefits earned in the current year. Interest cost represents the time value of money cost associated with the passage of time. The expected return on plan assets represents the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the obligation. Prior service credit represents the impact of negative plan amendments. Net actuarial loss arises as a result of differences between actual experience and assumptions or as a result of changes in actuarial assumptions. Net actuarial loss and prior service credit not recognized as a component of pension and postretirement benefit expense as they arise are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. These pension and postretirement items are subsequently amortized as a component of pension and postretirement benefit expense over the remaining service period, if the majority of the employees are active, otherwise over the remaining life expectancy, provided such amounts exceed thresholds which are based upon the benefit obligation or the value of plan assets.
The measurement of benefit obligations and pension and postretirement benefit expense is based on estimates and assumptions approved by management. These valuations reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain assumptions, including estimates of discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, interest rates and mortality rates.
Fair Value Measurements
We carry various assets and liabilities at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The most significant assets and liabilities are vehicles held for sale, which are stated at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, investments held in Rabbi Trusts and derivatives.
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value measurements are classified based on the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1
Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or model-derived valuations or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. These inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
When available, we use unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value and classify such measurements within Level 1. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is based upon model-driven valuations that use current market-based or
independently sourced market parameters such as interest rates and currency rates. Items valued using these models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation.
Revenue earning equipment held for sale is measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and is stated at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Investments held in Rabbi Trusts, derivatives, and contingent consideration are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Investments held in Rabbi Trusts include exchange-traded equity securities and mutual funds. Fair values for these investments are based on quoted prices in active markets. For derivatives, fair value is based on model-driven valuations using the LIBOR rate or observable forward foreign exchange rates, which are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the financial instrument. Fair value of contingent consideration is based on significant unobservable inputs based on contractual provisions and our expectations of what will be paid.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is computed using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Our nonvested stock (time-vested restricted stock rights, market-based restricted stock rights and restricted stock units) issued prior to 2012 are considered participating securities since the share-based awards contain a non-forfeitable right to dividend equivalents irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest. Under the two-class method, earnings per common share are computed by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities based on the weighted average shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per common share reflect the dilutive effect of potential common shares from stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon the exercise of stock options would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period. The assumed proceeds include the purchase price the grantee pays, the windfall tax benefit that we receive upon assumed exercise and the unrecognized compensation expense at the end of each period.
Share Repurchases
Repurchases of shares of common stock are made periodically in open-market transactions and are subject to market conditions, legal requirements and other factors. The cost of share repurchases is allocated between common stock and retained earnings based on the amount of additional paid-in capital at the time of the share repurchase.