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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract] 
INCOME TAXES
 
NOTE 6
INCOME TAXES
 
Effective Tax Rate
 
Our quarterly income tax expense is measured using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items within the period. The comparison of effective tax rates between periods is significantly affected by discrete items recognized during the periods, the level and mix of earnings by tax jurisdiction and permanent differences. The estimated annual effective tax rate for 2011 and 2010 was comparable before the impact of discrete items.
 
For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, we recorded income tax expense of $59, compared to an income tax benefit of $60 for the comparable prior year period. The 2011 effective rate of 45.4% was increased by approximately 4.1% for costs related to the Transformation, 11.6% for deferred tax asset write-offs and reduced by 3.7% related to the effective settlement of a tax examination. The 2010 benefit is primarily attributable to an additional tax benefit of $46 related to change in mix of earnings by tax jurisdiction due to the increase in asbestos-related costs . The third quarter 2010 income tax also reflects a $27 benefit from the reversal of valuation allowances on certain capital loss carryforwards as it became more likely than not that these deferred tax assets would be realized.
 
Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $184 and $94, respectively, resulting in effective tax rates of 33.5% and 19.7%, respectively. The 2011 effective tax rate was increased by 0.8% for costs related to the Transformation and 2.8% for the write-off of certain historical deferred tax assets. The 2010 effective tax rate was increased by 1.5% due to the impact of the Medicare Part D subsidy reversal and reduced by 1.0% related to the closure of a tax examination.
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
 
As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had $161 and $192, respectively, of total unrecognized tax benefits recorded. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate was $80 and $90, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities. We believe it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2011 could decrease by $8 within the next 12 months due to the reversal of a temporary difference.
 
Discussion of Changes to Deferred Tax Assets
 
Net deferred tax assets reflected in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet at September 30, 2011 were $1,044, reflecting a $275 increase from the $769 December 31, 2010 balance. This increase primarily relates to the remeasurement of certain postretirement benefit plans, including the U.S. Salaried Retirement Plan (U.S. SRP), at September 30, 2011.