Employee Separation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE SEPARATION ACTIONS

EMPLOYEE SEPARATION ACTIONS

We continuously monitor and manage the cost structure of our business to remain competitive within the industry. Restructuring charges related to employee separation actions are provided by segment.

North America Segment

In the first quarter of 2011, we announced plans to cease operations at one of our loss prevention centers in the U.S. The restructuring occurred through involuntary separations, attrition and retirements. In the third quarter of 2011 and the first nine months of 2011, we recognized pre-tax charges of zero and $7 million, respectively, in Operating expenses as a result of employee separation actions.

In the first quarter of 2010, we announced plans to continue to restructure our U.S. operations to meet changing business conditions, including the decline in our receivables. The restructuring occurred through involuntary separations, attrition and retirements. In the first nine months of 2010, we recognized a pre-tax charge of $14 million in Operating expenses as a result of employee separation actions; the pre-tax charge in the third quarter of 2010 was de minimus.

International Segment

In the third quarter of 2011, we recognized pre-tax charges of $4 million, primarily in Asia Pacific locations, in Operating expenses for employee separation actions. In the first nine months of 2011, we recognized pre-tax charges of $7 million (including $1 million for retirement plan benefits), primarily in Asia Pacific and European locations, in Operating expenses for employee separation actions.

In the third quarter of 2010 and the first nine months of 2010, we recognized pre-tax charges of $3 million and $9 million (including $1 million for retirement plan benefits), respectively, in Operating expenses for employee separation actions primarily in European locations.