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Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Contingencies
10.
Contingencies

Roper, in the ordinary course of business, is the subject of, or a party to, various pending or threatened legal actions, including product liability and employment practices. The Company is vigorously contesting all lawsuits that, in general, are based upon claims of the kind that have been customary over the past several years. After analyzing the Company's contingent liabilities on a gross basis and, based upon past experience with resolution of its product liability and employment practices claims and the limits of the primary, excess, and umbrella liability insurance coverages that are available with respect to pending claims, management believes that adequate provision has been made to cover any potential liability not covered by insurance, and that the ultimate liability, if any, arising from these actions should not have a material adverse effect on Roper's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Over recent years there has been an increase in certain U.S. states in asbestos-related litigation claims against numerous industrial companies. Roper or its subsidiaries have been named defendants in some such cases. No significant resources have been required by Roper to respond to these cases and the Company believes it has valid defenses to such claims and, if required, intends to defend them vigorously. Given the state of these claims it is not possible to determine the potential liability, if any.

Roper's financial statements include accruals for potential product liability and warranty claims based on its claims experience. Such costs are accrued at the time revenue is recognized. A summary of the warranty accrual activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is presented below (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
9,755
 
Additions charged to costs and expenses*
 
 
17,659
 
Deductions
 
 
(11,251
)
Other
 
 
(168)
 
Balance at September 30, 2013
 
$
15,995
 

* During the second quarter of 2013, the Company identified a vendor-supplied component within a refrigeration system valve that did not meet its quality standards, and $9.1 million was expensed to cover the estimated cost of replacing the faulty components for customers.