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We are exposed to certain risks related to the ongoing operations of our business, including those caused by changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have established policies and procedures, including the use of certain derivative instruments, to manage such risks. Refer to NOTE 3 — DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES for further information.

U.S. Iron Ore and Eastern Canadian Iron Ore

U.S. Iron Ore and Eastern Canadian Iron Ore properties are stated at cost. Depreciation of plant and equipment is computed principally by the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives, not to exceed the mine lives. Northshore, United Taconite, Empire, Tilden and Wabush use the double declining balance method of depreciation for certain mining equipment. Depreciation is provided over the following estimated useful lives:

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Depreciation is not curtailed when operations are temporarily idled.

North American Coal

North American Coal properties are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives, not to exceed the mine lives and is calculated by the straight-line method. Depreciation is provided over the following estimated useful lives:

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Asia Pacific Iron Ore

Our Asia Pacific Iron Ore properties are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method or production output basis provided over the following estimated useful lives:

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The following table indicates the value of each of the major classes of our consolidated depreciable assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

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We recorded depreciation expense of $237.8 million, $165.4 million and $120.6 million in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The costs capitalized and classified as Land rights and mineral rights represent lands where we own the surface and/or mineral rights. The value of the land rights is split between surface only, surface and minerals, and minerals only.

Our North American Coal operation leases coal mining rights from third parties through lease agreements. The lease agreements are for varying terms and extend through the earlier of their lease termination date or until all merchantable and mineable coal has been extracted. Our interest in coal reserves and resources was valued using a discounted cash flow method. The fair value was estimated based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows from coal operations over the life of the reserves.

Our Asia Pacific Iron Ore, Bloom Lake, Wabush, and United Taconite operation's interest in iron ore reserves and resources was valued using a discounted cash flow method. The fair value was estimated based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows from iron ore operations over the economic lives of the mines.

The net book value of the land rights and mineral rights as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

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Accumulated depletion relating to mineral rights, which was recorded using the unit-of-production method, is included in Allowance for depreciation and depletion. We recorded depletion expense of $159.7 million, $95.5 million and $68.1 million in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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We review iron ore and coal reserves based on current expectations of revenues and costs, which are subject to change. Iron ore and coal reserves include only proven and probable quantities which can be economically and legally mined and processed utilizing existing technology.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets of acquired companies. We had goodwill of $1,152.1 million and $196.5 million recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, we compare the fair value of the respective reporting unit to its carrying value on an annual basis to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.

Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level in the fourth quarter of each year or as circumstances occur that potentially indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Based on the assessment performed, we concluded that there were no such events or changes in circumstances during 2011. After performing our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2011, we determined that $27.8 million of goodwill associated with our CLCC reporting unit included in the North American Coal operating segment was impaired as the carrying value with this reporting unit exceeded its fair value. No impairment charges were identified in connection with our annual goodwill impairment test with respect to our other identified reporting units. Refer to NOTE 5 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES for further information.

Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets

We monitor conditions that may affect the carrying value of our long-lived and intangible assets when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset groups may not be recoverable. In order to determine if assets have been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available. An impairment loss exists when projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets. The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the assets. Fair value can be determined using a market approach, income approach or cost approach. We did not record any such impairment charges in 2011, 2010 or 2009 except for as discussed above in Discontinued Operations.

We evaluate the loss in value of our equity method investments each reporting period to determine whether the loss is other than temporary. The primary factors that we consider in evaluating the impairment include the extent and time the fair value of each investment has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investment, and our intent and ability to hold the investment to recovery. If a decline in fair value is judged other than temporary, the basis of the investment is written down to fair value as a new cost basis, and the amount of the write-down is included as a realized loss.

Our investment in ´¡³¾²¹±èá resulted in equity income of $32.4 million in 2011 compared with equity income of $17.2 million in 2010 and equity loss of $62.2 million in 2009. In 2011, the investment's equity income was a result of operations for the year. In 2010, the investment's equity income was a result of nearly break-even operating results during the year combined with the reversal of the debt guarantee, upon repayment of total project debt outstanding, and the reversal of certain accruals. The equity losses in 2009 resulted from start-up costs and production delays resulting in the determination that indicators of impairment may exist relative to our investment in ´¡³¾²¹±èá. Although ´¡³¾²¹±èá's results improved throughout 2011 and 2010, we continued to perform an assessment of the potential impairment of our investment, most recently in the fourth quarter of 2011, using a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of our investment in relation to its carrying value at each reporting period. Based upon the analyses performed, we have determined that our investment is not impaired as of December 31, 2011. In assessing the recoverability of our investment in ´¡³¾²¹±èá, significant assumptions regarding the estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the investment must be made, including among other things, estimates related to pricing, volume and resources. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future as a result of changes in strategy or market conditions, we may be required to record impairment charges for our investment in the period such determination is made. We will continue to evaluate our investment on a periodic basis and as circumstances arise that indicate the investment is not recoverable.

During 2011, we recorded impairment charges of $19.1 million related to the decline in the fair value of our 30 percent ownership interest in AusQuest, which was determined to be other than temporary. We evaluated the severity of the decline in the fair value of the investment as compared to our historical carrying amount, considering the broader macroeconomic conditions and the status of current exploration prospects, and could not reasonably assert that the impairment period would be temporary. As of December 31, 2011, our investment in AusQuest had a fair value of $3.7 million based upon the closing market price of theÌý68.3 million shares held as of December 31, 2011. As we account for this investment as an equity method investment, we recorded the impairment charge as a component of Equity Income (Loss) from Ventures in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Valuation Hierarchy

ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for classification of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

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The classification of assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

Cash Equivalents

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Cash equivalents classified in Level 1 at December 31, 2011 and 2010 include money market funds. The valuation of these instruments is determined using a market approach and is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. In these instances, the valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument and the related financial instrument is therefore classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 2 securities include short-term investments for which the value of each investment is a function of the purchase price, purchase yield and maturity date.

Marketable Securities

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, marketable securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Marketable securities classified in Level 1 at December 31, 2011 and 2010 include available-for-sale securities. The valuation of these instruments is determined using a market approach and is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments valued using financial models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Such derivative financial instruments include substantially all of our foreign currency exchange contracts and derivative financial instruments that are valued based upon published pricing settlements realized by other companies in the industry. Derivative financial instruments that are valued based upon models with significant unobservable market parameters and are normally traded less actively, are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities

We adopted the provisions of ASC 820 effective January 1, 2009 with respect to our non-financial assets and liabilities. The initial measurement provisions of ASC 820 have been applied to our asset retirement obligations, guarantees, assets and liabilities acquired through business combinations, and certain other items, and are reflected as such in our consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2009, we also adopted the fair value provision with respect to our pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets. No transition adjustment was necessary upon adoption.

In January 2010, we adopted the amended guidance on fair value to add new disclosures about transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2. Our policy is to recognize any transfers between levels as of the beginning of the reporting period, including both transfers into and out of levels.

Refer to NOTE 6 — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS and NOTE 10 — PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS for further information.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

We offer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, primarily consisting of retiree healthcare benefits, to most employees in North America as part of a total compensation and benefits program. This includes employees of CLCC who became employees of the Company through the July 2010 acquisition. Upon the acquisition of the remainingÌý73.2 percent interest in Wabush in February 2010, we fully consolidated the related Canadian plans into our pension and OPEB obligations. We do not have employee retirement benefit obligations at our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations.

We recognize the funded status of our postretirement benefit obligations on our December 31, 2011 and 2010 Statements of Consolidated Financial Position based on the market value of plan assets and the actuarial present value of our retirement obligations on that date. For each plan, we determine if the plan assets exceed the benefit obligations or vice-versa. If the plan assets exceed the retirement obligations, the amount of the surplus is recorded as an asset; if the retirement obligations exceed the plan assets, the amount of the underfunded obligations are recorded as a liability. Year-end balance sheet adjustments to postretirement assets and obligations are charged to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The market value of plan assets is measured at the year-end balance sheet date. The PBO is determined based upon an actuarial estimate of the present value of pension benefits to be paid to current employees and retirees. The APBO represents an actuarial estimate of the present value of OPEB benefits to be paid to current employees and retirees.

The actuarial estimates of the PBO and APBO retirement obligations incorporate various assumptions including the discount rates, the rates of increases in compensation, healthcare cost trend rates, mortality, retirement timing and employee turnover. For the U.S. plans, the discount rate is determined based on the prevailing year-end rates for high-grade corporate bonds with a duration matching the expected cash flow timing of the benefit payments from the various plans. For the Canadian plans, the discount rate is determined by calculating the single level discount rate that, when applied to a particular cash flow pattern, produces the same present value as discounting the cash flow pattern using spot rates generated from a high-quality corporate bond yield curve. The remaining assumptions are based on our estimates of future events incorporating historical trends and future expectations. The amount of net periodic cost that is recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations consists of several components including service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, and amortization of previously unrecognized amounts. Service cost represents the value of the benefits earned in the current year by the participants. Interest cost represents the cost associated with the passage of time. In addition, the net periodic cost is affected by the anticipated income from the return on invested assets, as well as the income or expense resulting from the recognition of previously deferred items. Certain items, such as plan amendments, gains and/or losses resulting from differences between actual and assumed results for demographic and economic factors affecting the obligations and assets of the plans, and changes in plan assumptions are subject to deferred recognition for income and expense purposes. The expected return on plan assets is determined utilizing the weighted average of expected returns for plan asset investments in various asset categories based on historical performance, adjusted for current trends. See NOTE 10 — PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS for further information.

Asset retirement obligations are recognized when incurred and recorded as liabilities at fair value. The fair value of the liability is determined as the discounted value of the expected future cash flow. The asset retirement obligation is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings. In addition, the asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the asset's carrying value and amortized over the life of the related asset. Reclamation costs are adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation costs. We review, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the asset retirement obligation at each mine site in accordance with the provisions of ASC 410. We perform an in-depth evaluation of the liability every three years in addition to routine annual assessments, most recently performed in 2011.

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Future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management's best estimate at the end of each period of the costs expected to be incurred at a site. Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing maintenance and monitoring costs. Changes in estimates at inactive mines are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised. See NOTE 9 — ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS for further information.

U.S. Iron Ore

Revenue is recognized on the sale of products when title to the product has transferred to the customer in accordance with the specified provisions of each term supply agreement and all applicable criteria for revenue recognition have been satisfied. Most of our U.S. Iron Ore term supply agreements provide that title and risk of loss transfer to the customer when payment is received.

We recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed to a customer as we earn revenue from the sale of the goods or services. Revenue from product sales also includes reimbursement for freight charges paid on behalf of customers in Freight and venture partners' cost reimbursements separate from product revenue.

Costs of goods sold and operating expenses represents all direct and indirect costs and expenses applicable to the sales and revenues of our mining operations. Operating expenses within this line item primarily represent the portion of the Tilden mining venture costs for which we do not own; that is, the costs attributable to the share of the mine's production owned by the other joint venture partner in the Tilden mine. The mining venture functions as a captive cost company; it supplies product only to its owners effectively on a cost basis. Accordingly, the noncontrolling interests' revenue amounts are stated at cost of production and are offset in entirety by an equal amount included in Cost of goods sold and operating expenses resulting in no sales margin reflected in the noncontrolling interest participant. As we are responsible for product fulfillment, we retain the risks and rewards of a principal in the transaction and accordingly record revenue under these arrangements on a gross basis.

The following table is a summary of reimbursements in our U.S. Iron Ore operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

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As of December 31, 2011, Product revenues and Costs of goods sold and operating expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations reflect consolidation of the Empire mining venture and recognition of a noncontrolling interest. A subsidiary of ArcelorMittal USA is aÌý21 percent partner in the Empire mining venture, resulting in a noncontrolling interest adjustment for ArcelorMittal USA's ownership percentage to Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The accounting for our interest in the Empire mine previously was based upon the assessment that the mining venture functioned as a captive cost company, supplying product only to the venture partners effectively on a cost basis. Upon the execution of the partnership arrangement in 2002, the underlying notion of the arrangement was for the partnership to provide pellets to the venture partners at an agreed-upon rate to cover operating and capital costs. Furthermore, any gains or losses generated by the mining venture throughout the life of the partnership were expected to be minimal and the mine historically has been in a net loss position. The partnership arrangement provides that the venture partners share profits and losses on an ownership percentage basis ofÌý79 percent and 21 percent, with the noncontrolling interest partner limited on the losses produced by the mining venture to its equity interest. Therefore, the noncontrolling interest partner cannot have a negative ownership interest in the mining venture. Under our captive cost company arrangements, the noncontrolling interests' revenue amounts are stated at an amount that is offset entirely by an equal amount included in Cost of goods sold and operating expenses, resulting in no sales margin attributable to noncontrolling interest participants. In addition, under the Empire partnership arrangement, the noncontrolling interest net losses historically were recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations through Cost of goods sold and operating expenses. This was based on the assumption that the partnership would operate in a net liability position, and as mentioned, the noncontrolling partner is limited on the partnership losses that can be allocated to its ownership interest. Due to a change in the partnership pricing arrangement to align with the industry's shift towards shorter-term pricing arrangements linked to the spot market, the partnership began to generate profits in 2011. The change in partnership pricing was a result of the negotiated settlement with ArcelorMittal USA effective beginning for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The modification of the pricing mechanism changed the nature of our cost sharing arrangement and we determined that we should have been recording a noncontrolling interest adjustment in accordance with ASC 810 in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations and in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position to the extent that the partnership was in a net asset position, beginning in the first quarter of 2011. Refer to NOTE 20 — QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) for additional information regarding this prospective change.

Under certain term supply agreements, we ship the product to ports on the lower Great Lakes or to the customer's facilities prior to the transfer of title. Our rationale for shipping iron ore products to certain customers and retaining title until payment is received for these products is to minimize credit risk exposure. In addition, certain supply agreements with one customer include provisions for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the customer's annual steel pricing for the year the product is consumed in the customer's blast furnaces. We account for this provision as a derivative instrument at the time of sale and record this provision at fair value until the year the product is consumed and the amounts are settled as an adjustment to revenue.

Where we are joint venture participants in the ownership of a mine, our contracts entitle us to receive royalties and/or management fees, which we earn as the pellets are produced. Revenue is recognized on the sale of services when the services are performed.

Eastern Canadian Iron Ore

Revenue is recognized on the sale of products when title to the product has transferred to the customer in accordance with the specified provisions of each term supply agreement and all applicable criteria for revenue recognition have been satisfied. Most of our Eastern Canadian Iron Ore term supply agreements provide that title and risk of loss transfer to the customer upon loading of the product at the port.

Since the acquisition date of Consolidated Thompson, Product revenues and Costs of goods sold and operating expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations reflect ourÌý100 percent ownership interest in Consolidated Thompson. WISCO is aÌý25 percent partner in the Bloom Lake mine, resulting in a noncontrolling interest adjustment for WISCO's ownership percentage to Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Statements of Consolidated Operations.

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North American Coal

We recognize revenue when title passes to the customer. For domestic coal sales, this generally occurs when coal is loaded into rail cars at the mine. For export coal sales, this generally occurs when coal is loaded into the vessels at the terminal. Revenue from product sales in 2011, 2010 and 2009 included reimbursement for freight charges paid on behalf of customers of $18.3 million, $41.9 million and $32.1 million, respectively.

Asia Pacific Iron Ore

Sales revenue is recognized at the F.O.B. point, which generally is when the product is loaded into the vessel.

The terms of one of our U.S. Iron Ore pellet supply agreements require supplemental payments to be paid by the customer during the period 2009 through 2013, with the option to defer a portion of the 2009 monthly amount in exchange for interest payments until the deferred amount is repaid in 2013. Installment amounts received under this arrangement in excess of sales are classified as Deferred revenue in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position upon receipt of payment. Revenue is recognized over the life of the supply agreement upon shipment of the pellets. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, installment amounts received in excess of sales totaled $91.7 million and $58.1 million, respectively, which were recorded as Deferred revenue in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position.

In 2011 and 2010, certain customers purchased and paid forÌý0.2 million tons andÌý2.4 million tons of pellets that were not delivered by year-end, respectively. In 2011, the customer purchases were made in order to secure the 2011 pricing on shipments that will occur in early 2012, and in 2010, the purchases were made in order to meet minimum contractual purchase requirements under the terms of take-or-pay contracts. In 2011 and 2010, the inventory was stored at our facilities in upper Great Lakes stockpiles. At the request of the customers, the ore was not shipped. We considered whether revenue should be recognized on these sales under the "bill and hold" guidance provided by the SEC Staff; however, based upon the assessment performed, revenue recognition on these transactions totaling $15.8 million and $155.3 million, respectively, was deferred on the December 31, 2011 and 2010 Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. As of December 31,Ìý2011,Ìý0.1 million tons remain of theÌý2.4 million tons that were deferred at the end of 2010, resulting in the related revenue of $15.1 million being deferred into 2012.

Repairs, maintenance and replacement of components are expensed as incurred. The cost of major power plant overhauls is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life, which is the period until the next scheduled overhaul, generallyÌýfive years. All other planned and unplanned repairs and maintenance costs are expensed when incurred.

We adopted the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718 effective January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective transition method. The fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation to forecast relative TSR performance. Consistent with the guidelines of ASC 718, a correlation matrix of historic and projected stock prices was developed for both the Company and its predetermined peer group of mining and metals companies. The fair value assumes that performance goals will be achieved.

The expected term of the grant represents the time from the grant date to the end of the service period for each of the three plan year agreements. We estimated the volatility of our common shares and that of the peer group of mining and metals companies using daily price intervals for all companies. The risk-free interest rate is the rate at the grant date on zero-coupon government bonds, with a term commensurate with the remaining life of the performance plans.

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Cash flows resulting from the tax benefits for tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense are classified as financing cash flows. Refer to NOTE 11 — STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS for additional information.

Income taxes are based on income for financial reporting purposes calculated using tax rates by jurisdiction and reflect a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or recoverable on the current year tax return and expected annual changes in deferred taxes. Any interest or penalties on income tax are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results of operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements requires that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on technical merits. See NOTE 12 — INCOME TAXES for further information.

We present both basic and diluted EPS amounts. Basic EPS are calculated by dividing income attributable to Cliffs common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period presented. Diluted EPS are calculated by dividing Net Income Attributable to Cliffs Shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares, common share equivalents and convertible preferred stock outstanding during the period, utilizing the treasury share method for employee stock plans. Common share equivalents are excluded from EPS computations in the periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. See NOTE 15 — EARNINGS PER SHARE for further information.

Our financial statements are prepared with the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency. The functional currency of the Company's Australian subsidiaries is the Australian Dollar. The functional currency of all other international subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The financial statements of international subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate for each period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Where the local currency is the functional currency, translation adjustments are recorded as Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, translation adjustments are recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. Income taxes generally are not provided for foreign currency translation adjustments.

In January 2010, the FASB amended the guidance on fair value to add new requirements for disclosures about transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. It also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The amendment also revises the guidance on employers' disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets to require that disclosures be provided by classes of assets instead of by major categories of assets. The amended guidance was effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis, which was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted the provisions of guidance required for the period beginning January 1, 2011. Refer to NOTE 10 — PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS for further information.

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance on business combinations in order to clarify the disclosure requirements around pro forma revenue and earnings. The update was issued in response to the diversity in practice about the interpretation of such requirements. The amendment specifies that pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity be presented as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The new guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. We adopted the amended guidance upon our acquisition of Consolidated Thompson. Refer to NOTE 4 — ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS for further information.

In May 2011, the FASB amended the guidance on fair value as a result of the joint efforts by the FASB and the IASB to develop a single, converged fair value framework. The converged fair value framework provides converged guidance on how to measure fair value and on what disclosures to provide about fair value measurements. The significant amendments to the fair value measurement guidance and the new disclosure requirements include: (1) the highest and best use and valuation premise for nonfinancial assets; (2) the application to financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting positions in market risks or counterparty credit risks; (3) premiums or discounts in fair value measurement; (4) fair value of an instrument classified in a reporting entity's shareholders' equity; (5) for Level 3 measurements, a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, a description of the valuation process in place, and a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in the unobservable inputs and interrelationships between those inputs; and (6) the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the Statement of Financial Position but whose fair value must be disclosed. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We currently are evaluating the impact that the adoption of this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in order to improve comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in OCI. The update also facilitates the convergence of GAAP and IFRS. The amendment eliminates the presentation options under ASC 220 and requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. In either presentation option, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from OCI to net income in the statements where the components of net income and the components of OCI are presented. The amendment does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. After the issuance of the amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income, stakeholders raised concerns that the new presentation requirements about reclassifications of items out of accumulated OCI would be difficult for preparers and may add unnecessary complexity to financial statements. In addition, it is difficult for some stakeholders to change systems in time to gather the information for the new presentation requirements by the effective date prescribed in ASU 2011-05. Given these issues, and in order to defer only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments, in December 2011, FASB issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income to supersede guidance in ASU 2011-05 related to reclassifications out of accumulated OCI. FASB determined a reassessment of the costs and benefits of the provisions in ASU 2011-05 related to reclassifications out of accumulated OCI is necessary. Due to the time required to properly make such a reassessment and to evaluate alternative presentation formats, FASB decided in the December 2011 amended guidance, to indefinitely defer the requirements related to reclassification out of accumulated OCI until further deliberation and to reinstate the requirements for the presentation of reclassifications out of accumulated OCI that were in place before the issuance of ASU 2011-05. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 are not affected by this December 2011 amended guidance. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We have early adopted this new guidance which requires retrospective application as of December 31, 2011. As this guidance only amends the presentation of the components of comprehensive income, the adoption does not have an impact on our Statements of Consolidated Financial Position or Statements of Consolidated Operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance in order to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment under ASC 350. The revised guidance provides entities testing goodwill for impairment with the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit as required in step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment provides the basis that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, then step 1 of the impairment test is required. The amended guidance does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirement to test goodwill annually for impairment. In addition, the revised guidance does not amend the requirement to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if certain events or circumstances warrant that such a test be performed. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We currently are evaluating the impact that the adoption of this amendment will have on our annual goodwill impairment test and do not expect that this amendment will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance to increase the quantitative and qualitative disclosures an employer is required to provide about its participation in significant multiemployer plans that offer pension and other postretirement benefits. The objective of the amended guidance is to enhance the transparency of disclosures about: (1) the significant multiemployer plans in which an employer participates, including the plan names and identifying numbers; (2) the level of the employer's participation in those plans; (3) the financial health of the plans; and (4) the nature of the employer's commitments to the plans. For plans for which additional public information outside of the employer's financial statements is not available, the amended guidance requires additional disclosures, including: (1) a description of the nature of the plan benefits; (2) a qualitative description of the extent to which the employer could be responsible for the obligation of the plan; and (3) other information to help users understand the financial information about the plan, to the extent available. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted, and the amendments are required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. We adopted the amended guidance for the year ended December 31, 2011; however, adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. To determine no material impact on our consolidated financial statements, we evaluated each of our multiemployer plans and found none to be individually significant.

In December 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance to increase the disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity's rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The objective of this amended guidance is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. The amended guidance will enhance disclosures required by U.S. GAAP by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45. This information will enable users of an entity's financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with certain financial and derivative instruments in the scope of this amended guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and the amendments are required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. We currently are evaluating the impact that the adoption of this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements.