Supplemental Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Supplemental Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Information

2. Supplemental Information

Inventories

The following is a summary of Praxair’s consolidated inventories:
		March 31,	December 31,
	(Millions of dollars)	2012	2011
	Inventories
	Raw materials and supplies	$ 168	$ 153
	Work in process	70	58
	Finished goods	244	245
	Total inventories	$ 482	$ 456

Financing receivables

The financing of receivables is not a normal practice for the company. The net financing receivables balances at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are $56million and $53 million, respectively, and are included within the other long-term assets of the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The balances at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are net of reserves of $64million. The balance in both periods relates primarily to government receivables in Brazil and other long-term notes receivable from customers, the majority of which are fully reserved. Collectability is reviewed regularly and uncollectible amounts are written-off as appropriate. The fluctuation within this account was due primarily to foreign currency movements.