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Derivatives and Hedging Activities
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6 Months Ended |
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Jun. 25, 2011
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| Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Derivatives and Hedging Activities | Note 11. Derivatives and Hedging Activities We are exposed to market risks, which include changes in interest rates, as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar and each other, and changes to the credit markets. We attempt to minimize these risks by primarily using interest rate cap agreements, foreign currency forward contracts and by maintaining counter-party credit limits. These hedging activities provide only limited protection against interest rate, currency exchange and credit risks. Factors that could influence the effectiveness of our hedging programs include interest rate volatility, currency markets and availability of hedging instruments and liquidity of the credit markets. All foreign currency forward and interest rate cap contracts that we enter into are components of hedging programs and are entered into for the sole purpose of hedging an existing or anticipated interest rate and currency exposure. We do not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes and we manage our credit risks by diversifying our investments, maintaining a strong balance sheet and having multiple sources of capital. Fluctuations in the value of certain foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar may positively or negatively affect our revenues, gross margins, operating expenses and retained earnings, all of which are expressed in U.S. dollars. Where we deem it prudent, we engage in hedging programs using primarily foreign currency forward and interest rate caps contracts aimed at limiting the impact of foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations on earnings. We purchase short-term (i.e., 12 months or less) foreign currency forward contracts to protect against currency exchange risks associated with intercompany loans due from our international subsidiaries and the payment of merchandise purchases to our foreign suppliers. We purchase interest rate caps to protect against interest rate risk on variable rate debt payable to third parties. We do not hedge the translation of foreign currency profits into U.S. dollars, as we regard this as an accounting exposure, not an economic exposure. The impact of our hedging activities has historically not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, additional disclosures related to derivatives and hedging activities required by ASC Topic 815 have been omitted. |