|
HEDGING TRANSACTIONS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
|
| HEDGING TRANSACTIONS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | |
| HEDGING TRANSACTIONS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 15. HEDGING TRANSACTIONS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS We use derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. When entered into, we formally designate and document the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedged transaction. We formally assess both at the inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. Any ineffective portion of a financial instrument's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. Virtually all of our derivatives are straightforward over-the-counter instruments with liquid markets therefore, any hedging ineffectiveness is not material. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The fair values of derivatives used to hedge or modify our risks fluctuate over time. We do not view these fair value amounts in isolation, but rather in relation to the fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged transaction or other exposures. The notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments do not necessarily represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, therefore, are not a direct measure of our exposure to the financial risks described above. The amounts exchanged are calculated by reference to the notional amounts and by other terms of the derivatives, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other financial indices. We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. At the inception of the hedging relationship, we must designate the instrument as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, depending on the exposure being hedged. Commodity Price Risk Management. The availability and price of our commodities are subject to fluctuations due to unpredictable factors in global supply and demand. To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations, we may or may not enter into derivative contracts, such as swaps, futures and option contracts with financial counter-parties, which are generally less than one year in duration. We designate any commodity derivatives as cash flow hedges. Our outstanding contracts are valued at market with the offset going to other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes and any hedge ineffectiveness. Any gain or loss is recognized in cost of goods sold in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The fair value of our natural gas swap contracts was not material at December 31, 2012 and represented a current liability of $0.7 million at December 31, 2011. Interest Rate Risk Management. From time to time, we maintain floating rate debt, which exposes us to changes in interest rates. Our policy is to manage our interest rate risk through the use of a combination of fixed and floating rate instruments and interest rate swap agreements. We designated all our interest rate derivatives as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had no interest rate swaps. The effective portion of the mark-to-market effects of our cash flow hedge instruments is recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI") until the underlying interest payments are realized. The unrealized amounts in AOCI fluctuate based on changes in the fair value of open contracts at the end of each reporting period. Foreign Currency Risk Management. Our international operations require active participation in foreign exchange markets. We may or may not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and options and cross-currency swaps to hedge various currency exposures or create desired exposures. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had no foreign currency hedge contracts. |