Commitments and Contingencies (Unaudited) Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block]

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the company guarantees obligations of its subsidiaries under certain contracts. Generally, the company is liable under such an arrangement only if its subsidiary is unable to perform under its contract. Historically, the company has not incurred any substantial liabilities as a result of these guarantees.

In addition, the company’s subsidiaries may enter into joint ventures, teaming and other business arrangements (collectively, Business Arrangements) to support the company’s products and services in domestic and international markets. The company generally strives to limit its exposure under these arrangements to its subsidiary’s investment in the Business Arrangements, or to the extent of such subsidiary’s obligations under the applicable contract. In some cases, however, the company is required to guarantee performance by the Business Arrangements and, in such cases, the company generally obtains cross-indemnification from the other members of the Business Arrangements.

Government Contractors, Contracts in Progress, Policy [Policy Text Block]

From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. Government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and the U.S. Government representatives engage in discussions to enable the company to evaluate the merits of these claims, as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the company’s expected exposure to the matters raised by the U.S. Government. Such provisions are reviewed on a quarterly basis for sufficiency based on the most recent information available. The company believes that it has adequately reserved for any disputed amounts and that the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2012, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.

Environmental Costs

The estimated cost to complete remediation has been accrued where the company believes, based on the facts and circumstances known to the company, that it is probable that the company will incur costs to address environmental impacts at currently or formerly owned or leased operating facilities, or at sites where it has been named a Potentially Responsible Party by the Environmental Protection Agency, or similarly designated by other environmental agencies.