Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments in Marketable Securities

The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities, consisting of equity securities that are classified as either trading or available-for-sale and can be liquidated without restriction. These assets are recorded at fair value and are valued using Level 1 inputs (quoted market prices). In addition, the company holds short-term investments classified as held-to-maturity that are recorded at cost. Marketable securities as of March 31, 2012, were included in other non-current assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position. As of December 31, 2011, marketable securities of $250 million were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $223 million were included in other non-current assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities in the financial statements and measured at fair value, and substantially all of these instruments are valued using Level 2 inputs.

Unrealized gains or losses on the effective portion of cash flow hedges are reclassified from other comprehensive income to earnings from continuing operations upon the settlement of the underlying transactions. Hedge contracts not designated for hedge accounting and the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recorded in other income.

Debt Fair Value [Policy Text Block]

The fair value of long-term debt is calculated using Level 2 inputs based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements.