2.2.0.25falsefalse0202 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policiestruefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Jan-01-2010_Dec-31-2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001027884duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_GeneralPoliciesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseSignificant Accounting Policies [Abstract]3false0us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00  <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%"> <div style="margin-top: 12pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; background: transparent; text-align: left"> <tr> <td width="3%"></td> <td width="97%"></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td> <b><font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times">2.  </font></b> </td> <td> <b><font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times">SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</font></b> </td> </tr> </table> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Basis of Accounting and Consolidation</i> — These Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates with ownership ranging from 20% to 50% are accounted for using the equity method whereas investments with ownership of less than 20% are accounted for at cost. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Use of Estimates</i> — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the most significant estimates and judgments are associated with revenue recognition on engineering and construction and technology contracts, recoverability tests that must be periodically performed with respect to goodwill and intangible asset balances, valuation of accounts receivable, financial instruments and deferred tax assets, and the determination of liabilities related to self-insurance programs. If the underlying estimates and assumptions upon which the financial statements are based change in the future, actual amounts may differ from those included in the accompanying Financial Statements. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Revenue Recognition</i> — Our contracts are awarded on a competitive bid and negotiated basis. We offer our customers a range of contracting options, including fixed-price, cost reimbursable and hybrid approaches. We follow the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Revenue Recognition Topic <font style="white-space: nowrap">605-35</font> for accounting policies relating to our use of the <font style="white-space: nowrap">percentage-of-completion</font> (“POC”) method, estimating costs and revenue recognition, including the recognition of profit incentives, unapproved change orders and claims, and combining and segmenting contracts. Our contract revenue is primarily recognized using the POC method, based on the percentage that actual <font style="white-space: nowrap">costs-to-date</font> bear to total estimated costs to complete each contract. We utilize this <font style="white-space: nowrap">cost-to-cost</font> approach, the most widely recognized method used for POC accounting, as we believe this method is less subjective than relying on assessments of physical progress. Under the <font style="white-space: nowrap">cost-to-cost</font> approach, the use of estimated cost to complete each contract is a significant variable in the process of determining recognized revenue and is a significant factor in the accounting for contracts. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates during the progress of work is reflected in the period in which these changes become known, including, to the extent required, the reversal of profit recognized in prior periods. Due to the various estimates inherent in our contract accounting, actual results could differ from those estimates. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> Contract revenue reflects the original contract price adjusted for approved change orders and estimated minimum recoveries of unapproved change orders and claims. We recognize revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims to the extent that related costs have been incurred, recovery is probable and the value can be reliably estimated. For 2010 and 2009, we had no material unapproved change orders or claims recognized in revenue. For 2008, we had projects with unapproved change orders or claims of approximately $50,000 factored into the determination of their revenue and estimated costs. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> Losses expected to be incurred on contracts in progress are charged to earnings in the period such losses become known. Net losses recognized during 2010, 2009 and 2008 for active projects in a loss position totaled approximately $18,000, $90,000 and $453,000, respectively. </div>  </div>   <div style="margin-left: 0%">  <div align="center" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <b> <font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times"> </font> </b> </div> <div style="margin-top: 0pt; font-size: 1pt"> </div> <div align="center" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <b> <font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times"> </font> </b> </div>  <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> Cumulative costs and estimated earnings recognized to date in excess of cumulative billings is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. Cumulative billings in excess of cumulative costs and estimated earnings recognized to date is reported as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Any billed revenue that has not been collected is reported as accounts receivable. The timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms or completion of certain phases of the work. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, accounts receivable included contract retentions expected to be collected within one year totaling $27,500 and $23,200, respectively. Contract retentions collectible beyond one year are included in non-current contract retentions and totaled $4,162 (of which $178 is expected to be collected in 2012) and $7,146 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Cost of revenue includes direct contract costs, such as materials and labor, and indirect costs that are attributable to contract activity. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Precontract Costs</i> — Precontract costs are generally charged to cost of revenue as incurred, but, in certain cases, may be deferred to the balance sheet if specific probability criteria are met. There were no significant precontract costs deferred as of December 31, 2010 or 2009. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Research and Development</i> — Expenditures for research and development activities are charged to cost of revenue as incurred and totaled $18,634 in 2010, $16,048 in 2009 and $20,126 in 2008. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net</i>— Other operating (income) expense, net, generally represents (gains) losses on the sale of property and equipment. However, 2009 included severance costs in all business sectors, costs associated with the reorganization of our business sectors and costs associated with the closure of certain fabrication facilities, partially offset by a gain on the sale of a non-controlling equity investment. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Depreciation and Amortization</i> — Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, including buildings and improvements (10 to 40 years) and plant and field equipment (1 to 15 years). Renewals and betterments that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the applicable lease term. Depreciation expense is primarily included within cost of revenue and totaled $49,195 in 2010, $56,205 in 2009 and $54,205 in 2008. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Impairment of Long-Lived Assets</i> — Management reviews tangible assets and finite-lived intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated cash flows associated with the asset or asset group will be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment exists. Finite-lived identifiable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 20 years, absent any indicators of impairment. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> Goodwill is not amortized to earnings but instead is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. Goodwill impairment is tested at the reporting unit level, and we utilize a discounted cash flow model (fair value approach) to identify potential goodwill impairment. See Note 4 for additional discussion regarding goodwill impairment testing and intangible asset amortization. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Per Share Computations</i> — Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CB&I by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of dilutive securities, consisting of employee stock options, restricted shares, performance shares (where performance criteria have been met) and directors’ deferred-fee shares. A reconciliation of weighted average basic shares outstanding to diluted shares outstanding and the computation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows: </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <table border="0" width="100%" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent; text-align: left">  <tr style="font-size: 1pt" valign="bottom"> <td width="55%"> </td> <td width="2%"> </td> <td width="1%" align="right"> </td> <td width="11%" align="right"> </td> <td width="1%" align="left"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%" align="right"> </td> <td width="10%" align="right"> </td> <td width="1%" align="left"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%" align="right"> </td> <td width="10%" align="right"> </td> <td width="1%" align="left"> </td> </tr>   <tr style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom" align="center"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td colspan="10" align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"> <b>Years Ended December 31,</b> </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom" align="center"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"> <b>2010</b> </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"> <b>2009</b> </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"> <b>2008</b> </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr style="line-height: 3pt; font-size: 1pt"> <td>  </td> </tr>  <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Net income (loss) attributable to CB&I </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 204,559 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 174,289 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> (21,146 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> ) </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="font-size: 1pt"> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Weighted average shares outstanding — basic </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 98,300,175 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 95,832,323 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 95,401,943 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 20pt"> Effect of stock options/restricted shares/performance shares(1) </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 2,090,009 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 1,344,483 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> — </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 20pt"> Effect of directors’ deferred-fee shares(1) </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 68,497 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 67,772 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> — </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="font-size: 1pt"> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 100,458,681 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 97,244,578 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 95,401,943 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="font-size: 1pt"> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Net income (loss) attributable to CB&I per share: </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Basic </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 2.08 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 1.82 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> (0.22 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> ) </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Diluted </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 2.04 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 1.79 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> (0.22 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> ) </td> </tr> </table> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div style="font-size: 1pt; margin-left: 0%; width: 13%; align: left; border-bottom: 1pt solid #000000"> </div> <div style="margin-top: 3pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent; text-align: left"> <tr> <td width="2%"></td> <td width="1%"></td> <td width="97%"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" valign="top"> (1) </td> <td></td> <td valign="bottom"> For 2010 and 2009, we excluded approximately 400 thousand shares and 500 thousand shares, respectively, from our diluted EPS calculations, as such shares were considered antidilutive. Due to the net loss incurred during 2008, the impact of all potentially dilutive shares was excluded from our 2008 diluted EPS calculation.</td> </tr> </table> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Cash Equivalents</i> — Cash equivalents are considered to be all highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Concentrations of Credit Risk</i> — Our billed and unbilled revenue is generated from clients around the world, the majority of which are in the natural gas, petroleum and petrochemical industries. Most contracts require advance payments or payments as projects progress. We generally do not require collateral, but in most cases can place liens against the property or equipment constructed or terminate the contract if a material default occurs. We maintain reserves for potential specifically identified uncollectible receivables, and as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, allowances for doubtful accounts totaled approximately $1,800 and $3,900, respectively. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Foreign Currency</i> — The nature of our business activities involves the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in currency exchange rates. The effects of translating financial statements of foreign operations into our reporting currency are recognized as a cumulative translation adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). These balances are net of tax, which includes tax credits associated with the translation adjustment, where applicable. Foreign currency exchange gains (losses) are included within cost of revenue. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Financial Instruments</i> — We utilize derivative instruments in certain circumstances to mitigate the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, as described below: </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives</i> — We do not engage in currency speculation; however, we do utilize foreign currency derivatives on an on-going basis to mitigate certain foreign currency-related operating exposures and to hedge intercompany loans utilized to finance our <font style="white-space: nowrap">non-United</font> States (“U.S.”) subsidiaries. We generally seek hedge accounting treatment for contracts used to hedge operating exposures and designate them as “cash flow hedges.” Therefore, gains and losses exclusive of credit risk and forward points (which represent the time-value component of the fair value of our derivative positions) are included in AOCI until the associated underlying operating exposure impacts our earnings. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> Changes in the fair value of credit risk and forward points, gains and losses associated with instruments deemed ineffective during the period and instruments that we do not designate as cash flow hedges, including those instruments used to hedge intercompany loans, are recognized within cost of revenue. </div>  </div>   <div style="margin-left: 0%">  <div align="center" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <b> <font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times"> </font> </b> </div> <div style="margin-top: 0pt; font-size: 1pt"> </div> <div align="center" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <b> <font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times"> </font> </b> </div>  <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Interest Rate Derivatives</i> — Our interest rate derivatives are limited to a swap arrangement in place to hedge against interest rate variability associated with our Term Loan. The swap arrangement is designated as a cash flow hedge, as its critical terms matched those of the Term Loan at inception and as of December 31, 2010. Therefore, changes in the fair value of the hedge are included in AOCI. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> For those contracts designated as cash flow hedges, we formally document all relationships between the hedging instruments and associated hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives to either specific firm commitments or highly-probable forecasted transactions. We continually assess, at inception and on an on-going basis, the effectiveness of hedging instruments in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the designated hedged items. Hedge accounting designation is discontinued when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, including firm commitments or forecasted transactions, (2) the derivative is sold, terminated, exercised, or expires, (3) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, or (4) management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. See Note 8 for additional discussion regarding financial instruments. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>Income Taxes </i> — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The final realization of deferred tax assets depends upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate character and in the appropriate jurisdictions. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> We provide income tax reserves in situations where we have and have not received tax assessments. Tax reserves are provided in those instances where we consider it more likely than not that additional taxes will be due in excess of amounts reflected in income tax returns filed worldwide. As a matter of standard policy, we continually review our exposure to additional income tax obligations and as further information is known or events occur, increases or decreases, as appropriate, may be recorded. </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> As of December 31, 2010, our unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $17,181 and we do not anticipate significant changes in this balance in the next twelve months. If these income tax benefits are ultimately recognized, $14,042 would affect the effective tax rate. Below is a reconciliation of our unrecognized income tax benefits: </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <table border="0" width="100%" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent; text-align: left">  <tr style="font-size: 1pt" valign="bottom"> <td width="81%"> </td> <td width="2%"> </td> <td width="1%" align="right"> </td> <td width="5%" align="right"> </td> <td width="1%" align="left"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%" align="right"> </td> <td width="5%" align="right"> </td> <td width="1%" align="left"> </td> </tr>   <tr style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom" align="center"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td colspan="6" align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"> <b>Years Ended December 31,</b> </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom" align="center"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"> <b>2010</b> </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td colspan="2" nowrap="nowrap" align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"> <b>2009</b> </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr style="line-height: 3pt; font-size: 1pt"> <td>  </td> </tr>  <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the year </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 21,209 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 20,209 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Increase as a result of: </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 20pt"> Tax positions taken during the current period </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 3,300 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 1,000 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Decreases as a result of: </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 20pt"> Tax positions taken during the prior periods </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> (6,320 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> ) </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> — </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 20pt"> Settlements with taxing authorities </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> (1,008 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> ) </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> — </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="font-size: 1pt"> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="text-indent: -10pt; margin-left: 10pt"> Unrecognized income tax benefits at the end of the year </div> </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 17,181 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> <td>   </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom"> $ </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="right" valign="bottom"> 21,209 </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" valign="bottom">   </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="font-size: 1pt"> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> <td>   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td style="border-top: 3px double #000000">   </td> <td>   </td> </tr> </table> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> </div> <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various states and foreign jurisdictions. We have significant operations in the U.S., The Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Australia, South America and the Middle East. Tax years remaining subject to examination by worldwide tax jurisdictions vary by country and legal entity, but are generally open for tax years ending after 2002. To the extent penalties and associated interest are assessed on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts are accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense and interest expense, respectively. For 2010, 2009 and 2008, penalties and interest were not significant. </div>  </div>   <div style="margin-left: 0%">  <div align="center" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <b> <font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times"> </font> </b> </div> <div style="margin-top: 0pt; font-size: 1pt"> </div> <div align="center" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <b> <font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times"> </font> </b> </div>  <div style="margin-top: 6pt; font-size: 1pt">  </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; text-indent: 4%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times; color: #000000; background: transparent"> <i>New Accounting Standards</i> — In the first quarter of 2010, certain disclosure provisions of the FASB Accounting Standards Update <font style="white-space: nowrap">2010-06</font> became effective. This standard clarified existing fair value requirements under the FASB ASC’s Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic 820, including the level of disaggregation required for fair value disclosures and disclosure of the valuation techniques and inputs used in estimating level 2 and level 3 fair value measurements. Our adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 8 for specific disclosures under this standard. </div> </div>  <!-- Begin Block Tagged NotefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis element may be used to describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 falsefalseSIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES12Significant Accounting PoliciesUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue