Asset Impairments, Restructuring, and Other Special Charges

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]

Unusual or Infrequent Items Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 5: Asset Impairments, Restructuring, and Other Special Charges

There were no asset impairments, restructuring, and other special charges recognized in the quarter ended September 30, 2013 compared to $53.3 million during the same period in 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized $85.2 million of asset impairments, restructuring, and other special charges compared to $77.1 million during the same period in 2012. The 2013 charges related primarily to costs associated with the anticipated closure of a packaging and distribution facility in Germany andseverance costs for actions the company is taking, primarily outside the U.S., to reduce its cost structure and global workforce. The 2012 charges related primarily to the recognition of an asset impairment resulting from the decision to stop development of a delivery device platform during the third quarter, and a charge in the first quarter of 2012 resulting from a change in our estimates of returned product related to the withdrawal of Xigris^TM from the market during the fourth quarter of 2011.