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Product Warranty
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]  
Product Warranty
Product Warranty


The Company provides warranties on some, but not all, of its products. The warranty terms are typically from one to three years. Provisions for estimated expenses related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claim settlements as well as product manufacturing and industry developments and recoveries from third parties. Management actively studies trends of warranty claims and takes action to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. Management believes that the warranty accrual is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the accrual. The following table summarizes the activity in the warranty accrual accounts:
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(millions of dollars)
2011
 
2010
Beginning balance
$
66.8


 
$
61.7


Acquisition
4.5


 
3.0


Provisions
24.1


 
20.5


Payments
(25.4
)
 
(15.5
)
Translation adjustment
3.7


 
(5.6
)
Ending balance
$
73.7


 
$
64.1






The product warranty liability is classified in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
(millions of dollars)
2011
 
2010
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
34.2


 
$
37.0


Other non-current liabilities
39.5


 
29.8


Total product warranty liability
$
73.7


 
$
66.8