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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include SPX Corporation's ("SPX", "our", or "we") accounts prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") after the elimination of intercompany transactions. Investments in unconsolidated companies where we exercise significant influence but do not have control are accounted for using the equity method.
Spin- Off of Flow Business and Agreement for Sale of Dry Cooling
Spin-Off of FLOW Business On September 26, 2015 (the “Distribution Date”), we completed the spin-off to our stockholders (the “Spin-Off”) of all the outstanding shares of SPX FLOW, Inc. (“SPX FLOW”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPX prior to the Spin-Off, which at the time of the Spin-Off held the businesses comprising our Flow Technology reportable segment, our Hydraulic Technologies business, and certain of our corporate subsidiaries (collectively, the “FLOW Business”). On the Distribution Date, each of our stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 16, 2015 (the “Record Date”) received one share of common stock of SPX FLOW for every share of SPX common stock held as of the Record Date. SPX FLOW is now an independent public company trading under the symbol “FLOW” on the New York Stock Exchange. Following the Spin-Off, SPX’s common stock continues to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, but trades under the new ticker symbol, “SPXC”.
The financial results of SPX FLOW for the three years ended December 31, 2015 have been classified as discontinued operations within the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided in these Notes pertain to continuing operations only (see Note 4 for information on discontinued operations).
Agreement for Sale of Dry Cooling On November 20, 2015, we entered into an agreement for the sale of our dry cooling business. The sales price is estimated to be $48.0, subject to adjustment for working capital at the closing date. The dry cooling business, which is headquartered in Brussels with facilities in China and the United States, accounts for approximately 10% of the revenues of our Power reportable segment. This business also includes SPX’s ownership interest in its joint venture with Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Electric"). The transaction is expected to be finalized during the first half of 2016 and is subject to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals. The transaction does not include SPX’s South African subsidiary, DBT Technologies (Pty) Ltd.
The assets and liabilities of the dry cooling business, as of December 31, 2015, have been classified as held for sale within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. See Note 4 for information on such assets and liabilities.
New Segment Reporting Structure
New Segment Reporting Structure Prior to the Spin-Off, we aggregated certain of our operating segments into two reportable segments, Flow Technology and Thermal Equipment and Services, while our remaining operating segments, which included our Hydraulic Technologies business, were combined within an “All Other” category that we referred to as Industrial Products and Services and Other. As noted above, the Spin-Off included our Flow Technology reportable segment and our Hydraulic Technologies business. In addition, the Spin-Off resulted in a change of our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”).
As a result of the Spin-Off, we realigned our segment reporting structure, effective for the quarter ended September 26, 2015. Under the realigned structure, our reportable segments are as follows: HVAC, Detection and Measurement, and Power. The realigned segment reporting structure reflects the manner in which our new CODM is managing our business.
In connection with the change in reportable segments, and in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” we reallocated goodwill among certain of our reporting units based on the respective fair value of such reporting units.
See Note 5 for additional information regarding our realigned segment reporting structure and Note 8 regarding the goodwill and intangible assets of our reportable segments.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions — The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with the Foreign Currency Matters Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Codification ("Codification" or "ASC"). Balance sheet accounts are translated at the current rate at the end of each period and income statement accounts are translated at the average rate for each period. Gains and losses on foreign currency translations are reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity and other comprehensive income.
Cash Equivalents
Cash Equivalents — We consider highly liquid money market investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenues from product sales upon shipment to the customer (e.g., FOB shipping point) or upon receipt by the customer (e.g., FOB destination), in accordance with the agreed upon customer terms. Revenues from service contracts and long-term maintenance arrangements are recognized on a straight-line basis over the agreement period. Sales with FOB destination terms are primarily to power transformer customers. Sales to distributors with return rights are recognized upon shipment to the distributor with expected returns estimated and accrued at the time of sale. The accrual considers restocking charges for returns and in some cases the distributor must issue a replacement order before the return is authorized. Actual return experience may vary from our estimates. We recognize revenues separately for arrangements with multiple deliverables that meet the criteria for separate units of accounting as defined by the Revenue Recognition Topic of the Codification. The deliverables under these arrangements typically include hardware and software components, installation, maintenance, extended warranties and software upgrades. Amounts allocated to each element are based on its objectively determined fair value, such as the sales price of the product or service when it is sold separately, competitor prices for similar products or our best estimate. The hardware and software components are usually recognized as revenue contemporaneously, as both are required for essential functionality of the products, with the installation being recognized upon completion. Revenues related to maintenance, extended warranties and software upgrades are recognized on a pro-rata basis over the coverage period.
We offer sales incentive programs primarily to effect volume rebates and promotional and advertising allowances. These programs are only significant to one of our business units. The liability for these programs, and the resulting reduction to reported revenues, is determined primarily through trend analysis, historical experience and expectations regarding customer participation.
Amounts billed for shipping and handling are included in revenues. Costs incurred for shipping and handling are recorded in cost of products sold. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in our consolidated statements of operations.
In addition, certain of our businesses, primarily within the Power reportable segment, also recognize revenues from long-term construction/installation contracts under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. The percentage-of-completion is measured principally by the percentage of costs incurred to date for each contract to the estimated total costs for such contract at completion. We recognize revenues for similar short-term contracts using the completed-contract method of accounting.
Provisions for any estimated losses on uncompleted long-term contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. In the case of customer change orders for uncompleted long-term contracts, estimated recoveries are included for work performed in forecasting ultimate profitability on certain contracts. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that completion costs, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may be revised in the near-term. Such revisions to costs and income are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings arise when revenues have been recorded but the amounts have not been billed under the terms of the contracts. These amounts are recoverable from customers upon various measures of performance, including achievement of certain milestones, completion of specified units or completion of the contract. Claims related to long-term contracts are recognized as revenue only after we have determined that collection is probable and the amount can be reliably estimated. Claims made by us involve negotiation and, in certain cases, litigation or other dispute-resolution processes. In the event we incur litigation or other dispute-resolution costs in connection with claims, such costs are expensed as incurred, although we may seek to recover these costs. Claims against us are recognized when a loss is considered probable and amounts are reasonably estimable.
Research and Development Costs
Research and Development Costs — We expense research and development costs as incurred. We charge costs incurred in the research and development of new software included in products to expense until technological feasibility is established. After technological feasibility is established, additional eligible costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release. We amortize these costs over the economic lives of the related products and include the amortization in cost of products sold. We perform periodic reviews of the recoverability of these capitalized software costs. At the time we determine that capitalized amounts are not recoverable based on the estimated cash flows to be generated from the applicable software, we write off any unrecoverable capitalized amounts.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment ("PP&E") is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We use the straight-line method for computing depreciation expense over the useful lives of PP&E, which do not exceed 40 years for buildings and range from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. Depreciation expense, including amortization of capital leases, was $34.0, $37.7 and $39.9 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Interest is capitalized on significant construction or installation projects. No interest was capitalized during 2015, 2014 or 2013.
Pension and Postretirement
Pension and Postretirement — We recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial gains and losses in earnings during the fourth quarter of each year, unless earlier remeasurement is required, as a component of net periodic benefit expense and, accordingly, recognize the effects of plan investment performance, interest rate changes, and changes in actuarial assumptions as a component of earnings in the year in which they occur. The remaining components of pension/postretirement expense, primarily service and interest costs and expected return on plan assets, are recorded on a quarterly basis.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes — We account for our income taxes based on the requirements of the Income Taxes Topic of the Codification, which includes an estimate of the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. We periodically assess the realizability of deferred tax assets and the adequacy of deferred tax liabilities, including the results of local, state, federal or foreign statutory tax audits or estimates and judgments used.
Derivative Financial Instruments
 Derivative Financial Instruments — We use foreign currency forward contracts ("FX forward contracts") to manage our exposures to fluctuating currency exchange rates, and forward contracts to manage the exposure on forecasted purchases of commodity raw materials ("commodity contracts"). We have used interest rate protection agreements ("Swaps") to manage our exposures to fluctuating interest rate risk on variable rate debt. Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. For derivatives designated as hedges of the fair value of assets or liabilities, the changes in fair values of both the derivatives and the hedged items are recorded in current earnings. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in fair value of the derivatives is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged items impact earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges, and the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges, are recorded in current earnings. We do not enter into financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
For those transactions that are designated as cash flow hedges, on the date the derivative contract is entered into, we document our hedge relationship, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. We also assess, both at inception and quarterly thereafter, whether such derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item. See Notes 13 and 16 for further information.
Cash flows from hedging activities are included in the same category as the items being hedged, which are primarily operating activities.
Use of Estimates  
Accounts Receivable Allowances
Accounts Receivable Allowances — We provide allowances for estimated losses on uncollectible accounts based on our historical experience and the evaluation of the likelihood of success in collecting specific customer receivables. In addition, we maintain allowances for customer returns, discounts and invoice pricing discrepancies, with such allowances primarily based on historical experience.
Inventory
Inventory — We estimate losses for excess and/or obsolete inventory and the net realizable value of inventory based on the aging and historical utilization of the inventory and the evaluation of the likelihood of recovering the inventory costs based on anticipated demand and selling price.
Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization — We continually review whether events and circumstances subsequent to the acquisition of any long-lived assets, or intangible assets subject to amortization, have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of those assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of those assets may not be fully recoverable. If events and circumstances indicate that the long-lived assets should be reviewed for possible impairment, we use projections to assess whether future cash flows on an undiscounted basis related to the assets are likely to exceed the related carrying amount. We will record an impairment charge to the extent that the carrying value of the assets exceed their fair values as determined by valuation techniques appropriate in the circumstances, which could include the use of similar projections on a discounted basis.
In determining the estimated useful lives of definite-lived intangibles, we consider the nature, competitive position, life cycle position, and historical and expected future operating cash flows of each acquired asset, as well as our commitment to support these assets through continued investment and legal infringement protection.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets — We test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and continually assess whether a triggering event has occurred to determine whether the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value. The fair value of reporting units is based generally on discounted projected cash flows, but we also consider factors such as comparable industry price multiples. We employ cash flow projections that we believe to be reasonable under current and forecasted circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of the reported net assets of our reporting units. Many of our businesses closely follow changes in the industries and end markets that they serve. Accordingly, we consider estimates and judgments that affect the future cash flow projections, including principal methods of competition, such as volume, price, service, product performance and technical innovations, as well as estimates associated with cost reduction initiatives, capacity utilization and assumptions for inflation and foreign currency changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. See Note 8 for further information, including discussion of impairment charges recorded in 2015 and 2014.
Accrued Expenses
Accrued Expenses — We make estimates and judgments in establishing accruals as required under GAAP.
Legal
Legal — It is our policy to accrue for estimated losses from legal actions or claims when events exist that make the realization of the losses probable and they can be reasonably estimated. We do not discount legal obligations or reduce them by anticipated insurance recoveries.
Environmental Remediation Costs
 Environmental Remediation Costs — We expense costs incurred to investigate and remediate environmental issues unless they extend the economic useful lives of related assets. We record liabilities when it is probable that an obligation has been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Our environmental accruals cover anticipated costs, including investigation, remediation and operation and maintenance of clean-up sites. Our estimates are based primarily on investigations and remediation plans established by independent consultants, regulatory agencies and potentially responsible third parties. We generally do not discount environmental obligations or reduce them by anticipated insurance recoveries.
Risk Management Matters
 Risk Management Matters — We are subject to claims associated with risk management matters (e.g., product liability, predominately associated with alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials, general liability, automobile, and workers’ compensation claims). The liabilities we record for these claims are based on a number of assumptions, including historical claims and payment experience and, with respect to asbestos claims, actuarial estimates of the future period during which additional claims are reasonably foreseeable. We also have recorded insurance recovery assets associated with the asbestos product liability matters. These assets represent amounts that we believe we are or will be entitled to recover under agreements we have with insurance companies. The assets we record for these insurance recoveries are based on a number of assumptions, including the continued solvency of the insurers, and are subject to a variety of uncertainties. In addition, we are self-insured for certain of our workers' compensation, automobile, product, general liability, disability and health costs, and we maintain adequate accruals to cover our retained liabilities. Our accruals for self-insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported, and generally are not discounted. We consider a number of factors, including third-party actuarial valuations, when making these determinations. We maintain third-party stop-loss insurance policies to cover certain liability costs in excess of predetermined retained amounts; however, this insurance may be insufficient or unavailable (e.g., because of insurer insolvency) to protect us against potential loss exposures. The key assumptions considered in estimating the ultimate cost to settle reported claims and the estimated costs associated with incurred but not yet reported claims include, among other things, our historical and industry claims experience, trends in health care and administrative costs, our current and future risk management programs, and historical lag studies with regard to the timing between when a claim is incurred and reported.
Warranty
 Warranty — In the normal course of business, we issue product warranties for specific products and provide for the estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded. We provide for the estimate of warranty cost based on contract terms and historical warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, claims costs may differ from amounts provided. In addition, due to the seasonal fluctuations at certain of our businesses, the timing of warranty provisions and the usage of warranty accruals can vary period to period. We make adjustments to initial obligations for warranties as changes in the obligations become reasonably estimable.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes — We perform reviews of our income tax positions on a continuous basis and accrue for potential uncertain tax positions in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the Codification. Accruals for these uncertain tax positions are classified as "Income taxes payable" and "Deferred and other income taxes" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets based on an expectation as to the timing of when the matter will be resolved. As events change or resolutions occur, these accruals are adjusted, such as in the case of audit settlements with taxing authorities. For tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we record the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority, assuming such authority has full knowledge of all relevant information. These reviews also entail analyzing the realization of deferred tax assets. When we believe that it is more likely than not that we will not realize a benefit for a deferred tax asset based on all available evidence, we establish a valuation allowance.
Employee Benefit Plans
 Employee Benefit Plans — Defined benefit plans cover a portion of our salaried and hourly employees, including certain employees in foreign countries. As discussed in Note 1, we recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial gains and losses associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans in earnings during the fourth quarter of each year, unless earlier remeasurement is required, as a component of net periodic benefit expense. The remaining components of pension/postretirement expense, primarily service and interest costs and expected return on plan assets, are recorded on a quarterly basis. See Note 10 for further discussion of our pension and postretirement benefits.
We derive pension expense from an actuarial calculation based on the defined benefit plans' provisions and our assumptions regarding discount rate and rate of increase in compensation levels. We determine the discount rate for our more significant U.S. plans by matching the expected projected benefit obligation cash flows of the plans to a yield curve that is representative of long-term, high-quality (rated AA or higher) fixed income debt instruments as of the measurement date. For our other plans, we determine the discount rate based on representative bond indices. The rate of increase in compensation levels is established based on our expectations of current and foreseeable future increases in compensation. We also consult with independent actuaries in determining these assumptions.
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements
The following is a summary of new accounting pronouncements that apply or may apply to our business.
In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to guidance to resolve the diversity in practice relating to a parent entity's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment ("CTA") upon derecognition of foreign subsidiaries or groups of assets. The amendment requires that any CTA related to the parent entity's investment in a foreign entity be released into earnings when a sale or transfer of the foreign subsidiary or group of assets results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. This amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and must be applied prospectively. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2014, with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to guidance to resolve the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward (collectively, a "carryforward") exists. An unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for the carryforward, except to the extent (i) the carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or (ii) the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose. In these cases, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This amendment applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a carryforward exists at the reporting date. This amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and must be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date, with retrospective application permitted. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2014, with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to guidance to change the criteria for determining which disposals of components of an entity can be presented as discontinued operations and to modify related disclosure requirements. Under the amended guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The amendment states that a “strategic shift” could include a disposal of (i) a major geographical area of operations, (ii) a major line of business, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity. The standard no longer precludes presentation as a discontinued operation if there are operations and cash flows of the component that have not been eliminated from the reporting entity’s ongoing operations, or there is significant continuing involvement with a component after its disposal. This amendment was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and shall be applied prospectively. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2015, with the Spin-Off presented in accordance with this amendment.
In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard on revenue recognition that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The new standard contains a five-step approach that entities will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized, including (i) identifying the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. The new standard requires a number of disclosures intended to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue, and the related cash flows. The disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments made in applying the revenue guidance, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We currently are evaluating the effect that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. An amendment to this standard was issued in August 2015 that permits entities to present debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and subsequently amortize such debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and shall be applied retrospectively. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to existing guidance that, among other changes, permits an entity that has a significant event in an interim period that requires a remeasurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations to remeasure such assets and obligations using the month-end date that is closest to the date of the significant event, rather than the date of the plan event. Under the amended guidance, the month-end remeasurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations that is closest to the date of the significant event should be adjusted to reflect any effects of the significant event, to the extent those effects are not captured in the month-end measurement. An entity is required to disclose its accounting policy election and the dates used to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations in accordance with the provisions of this amended guidance. Although earlier application is permitted, the amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and shall be applied prospectively. We early adopted the provisions of this amendment during the third quarter of 2015 in connection with an amendment to certain of our U.S. pension plans during the period. See Note 10 for additional information on the adoption of this amendment and the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to existing guidance that simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amended guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current in a statement of financial position. Although earlier application is permitted, the amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with prospective or retrospective adoption permitted. We early adopted the amendment, on a prospective basis, resulting in the classification of our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as non-current within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. The adoption had no impact on the amounts within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.
Environmental Matters  
Environmental Matters
Environmental Matters
Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state, local and foreign regulatory requirements relating to environmental protection. It is our policy to comply fully with all applicable requirements. As part of our effort to comply, we have a comprehensive environmental compliance program that includes environmental audits conducted by internal and external independent professionals, as well as regular communications with our operating units regarding environmental compliance requirements and anticipated regulations. Based on current information, we believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, and we are not aware of any violations that could have a material effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our business, financial condition, and results of operations or cash flows. As of December 31, 2015, we had liabilities for site investigation and/or remediation at 35 sites (42 sites at December 31, 2014) that we own or control. In addition, while we believe that we maintain adequate accruals to cover the costs of site investigation and/or remediation, we cannot provide assurance that new matters, developments, laws and regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws and regulations will not materially affect our business or operations in the future.
Our environmental accruals cover anticipated costs, including investigation, remediation, and operation and maintenance of clean-up sites. Our estimates are based primarily on investigations and remediation plans established by independent consultants, regulatory agencies and potentially responsible third parties. Accordingly, our estimates may change based on future developments, including new or changes in existing environmental laws or policies, differences in costs required to complete anticipated actions from estimates provided, future findings of investigation or remediation actions, or alteration to the expected remediation plans. It is our policy to revise an estimate once it becomes probable and the amount of change can be reasonably estimated. We generally do not discount our environmental accruals and do not reduce them by anticipated insurance recoveries. We take into account third-party indemnification from financially viable parties in determining our accruals where there is no dispute regarding the right to indemnification.