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Business And Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Business And Significant Accounting Policies

1. Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Significant accounting estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts; assets impairments; useful lives of tangible and intangible assets; pension and postretirement liabilities; tax valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits; reserves for sales returns and allowances; product warranty; product liability; excess and obsolete inventory; and litigation and environmental liabilities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to its customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful customer accounts for estimated losses that may result from the inability of the Company's customers to make required payments. That estimate is based on a variety of factors, including historical collection experience, current economic and market conditions, and a review of the current status of each customer's trade accounts receivable. The Company charges actual losses when incurred to this allowance.

Leasehold Improvements

Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining lease term (and any renewal period if such a renewal is reasonably assured at inception) or the estimated useful lives of the assets.