Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies

Asbestos

In 1986, we acquired a brake business, which we subsequently sold in March 1998 and which is accounted for as a discontinued operation. When we originally acquired this brake business, we assumed future liabilities relating to any alleged exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured by the seller of the acquired brake business. In accordance with the related purchase agreement, we agreed to assume the liabilities for all new claims filed on or after September 2001. Our ultimate exposure will depend upon the number of claims filed against us on or after September 2001 and the amounts paid for indemnity and defense thereof. At March 31, 2013, approximately 2,160 cases were outstanding for which we may be responsible for any related liabilities. Since inception in September 2001 through March 31, 2013, the amounts paid for settled claims are approximately $14 million. We acquired limited insurance coverage up to a fixed amount for defense and indemnity costs associated with certain asbestos-related claims and have exhausted all insurance coverage.

In evaluating our potential asbestos-related liability, we have considered various factors including, among other things, an actuarial study of the asbestos-related liabilities performed by an independent actuarial firm, our settlement amounts and whether there are any co-defendants, the jurisdiction in which lawsuits are filed, and the status and results of settlement discussions. As is our accounting policy, we consider the advice of actuarial consultants with experience in assessing asbestos-related liabilities to estimate our potential claim liability. The methodology used to project asbestos-related liabilities and costs in our actuarial study considered: (1) historical data available from publicly available studies; (2) an analysis of our recent claims history to estimate likely filing rates into the future; (3) an analysis of our currently pending claims; and (4) an analysis of our settlements to date in order to develop average settlement values.

The most recent actuarial study was performed as of August 31, 2012. The updated study has estimated an undiscounted liability for settlement payments, excluding legal costs and any potential recovery from insurance carriers, ranging from $27.1 million to $41.5 million for the period through 2058. The change from the prior year study was a $0.4 million decrease for the low end of the range and a $25 million decrease for the high end of the range. The decrease in the estimated undiscounted liability from the prior year study at both the low end and high end of the range reflects our actual experience over the prior twelve months. Based on the information contained in the actuarial study and all other available information considered by us, we concluded that no amount within the range of settlement payments was more likely than any other and, therefore, recorded the low end of the range as the liability associated with future settlement payments through 2058 in our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, an incremental $0.4 million provision in our discontinued operation was added to the asbestos accrual in September 2012 increasing the reserve to approximately $27.1 million. According to the updated study, legal costs, which are expensed as incurred and reported in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations, are estimated to range from $32.3 million to $57 million during the same period.

We plan to perform an annual actuarial evaluation during the third quarter of each year for the foreseeable future. Given the uncertainties associated with projecting such matters into the future and other factors outside our control, we can give no assurance that additional provisions will not be required. We will continue to monitor the circumstances surrounding these potential liabilities in determining whether additional provisions may be necessary. At the present time, however, we do not believe that any additional provisions would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity or consolidated financial position.

Other Litigation

We are involved in various litigation and product liability matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the final outcome of any other litigation or product liability matter cannot be determined, based on our understanding and evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances, it is our opinion that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Warranties

We generally warrant our products against certain manufacturing and other defects. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time of the product depending on the nature of the product. As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, we have accrued $19.4 million and $13.9 million, respectively, for estimated product warranty claims included in accrued customer returns. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims.

The following table provides the changes in our product warranties (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012

Balance, beginning of period	$	17,288		$	13,500
Liabilities accrued for current year sales		18,356			15,423
Settlements of warranty claims		(16,230	)		(14,975	)
Balance, end of period	$	19,414		$	13,948