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Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Contingencies [Abstract] 
Contingencies
Note 10 — Contingencies
          We record self-insurance accruals based upon estimates of the aggregate liability of claim costs in excess of our insurance coverage. Accruals are estimated using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and our historical experience. The majority of these claims are legal claims and our liability estimate is primarily related to the cost to defend these claims. We do not accrue for settlements, judgments, monetary fines or penalties until such amounts are probable and estimable. Under authoritative accounting guidance, if the range of probable loss is broad, the liability accrued should be based on the lower end of the range.
          In the ordinary course of business there have arisen various legal proceedings, investigations or claims now pending against us or our subsidiaries. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we record accruals for certain of our outstanding legal proceedings, investigations or claims when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings, investigations or claims that could affect the amount of any accrual, as well as any developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. We disclose the amount of the accrual if the financial statements would be otherwise misleading, which was not the case for the nine months ending September 30, 2011 and 2010.
          When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrued liability. However, if the loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least a reasonable possibility and material, then we disclose an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if such estimate can be made, or disclose that an estimate cannot be made.
          The assessments of whether a loss is probable or a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involve a series of complex judgments about future events. We are often unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, particularly where (i) the damages sought are substantial or indeterminate, (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages, or (iii) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories or a large number of parties. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any. Accordingly, for many proceedings, we are currently unable to estimate the loss or a range of possible loss. For a limited number of proceedings, we may be able to reasonably estimate the possible range of loss in excess of any accruals. However, we believe that such matters, individually and in the aggregate, when finally resolved, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated cash flow or financial condition. We also believe that any amount that could be reasonably estimated in excess of accruals, if any, for such proceedings is not material. However, an adverse resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year.