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Other Matters
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
OTHER MATTERS
OTHER MATTERS
We are a party to various claims, complaints and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our continuing business operations including but not limited to those relating to commercial and employment claims, environmental matters, risk management matters (e.g. vehicle liability, workers’ compensation, etc.) and administrative assessments primarily associated with operating taxes. We have established loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. For matters from continuing operations where a reserve has not been established and for which we believe a loss is reasonably possible, as well as for matters where a reserve has been recorded but for which an exposure to loss in excess of the amount accrued is reasonably possible, we believe that such losses will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Our estimates regarding potential losses and materiality are based on our judgment and assessment of the claims utilizing currently available information. Although we will continue to reassess our reserves and estimates based on future developments, our objective assessment of the legal merits of such claims may not always be predictive of the outcome and actual results may vary from our current estimates.
Although we discontinued our South American operations in 2009, we continue to be party to various federal, state and local legal proceedings involving labor matters, tort claims and tax assessments. We have established loss provisions for any matters where we believe a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Other than with respect to the matters discussed below, for matters where a reserve has not been established and for which we believe a loss is reasonably possible, as well as for matters where a reserve has been recorded but for which an exposure to loss in excess of the amount accrued is reasonably possible, we believe that such losses will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In Brazil, we were assessed $5 million (before and after tax) in prior years for various federal income taxes and social contribution taxes for the 1997 and 1998 tax years. We successfully overturned these federal tax assessments in the lower courts; however, there is a reasonable possibility that these rulings could be reversed and we would be required to pay the assessments. We believe it is more likely than not that our position will ultimately be sustained if appealed and no amounts have been reserved for these matters. We are entitled to indemnification for a portion of any resulting liability on these federal tax claims which, if honored, would reduce the estimated loss.