8. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

        We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity pricing risks. From time to time, we enter into transactions, including transactions involving derivative instruments, to manage certain of these exposures.

        All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on our balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged items are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, to the extent effective, and will be recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. To the extent applicable, we perform effectiveness assessments in order to use hedge accounting at each reporting period. For a derivative that does not qualify as a hedge, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.

        We also hedge our net investment in certain European operations. Changes in the fair value of the hedge in the net investment of certain European operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

        Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rate variation. Our revenues and expenses are denominated in various foreign currencies. From time to time, we may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to minimize the short-term impact of movements in foreign currency rates. Where practicable, we generally net multicurrency cash balances among our subsidiaries to help reduce exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. Certain other exposures may be managed from time to time through financial market transactions, principally through the purchase of spot or forward foreign exchange contracts (generally with maturities of one year or less). We do not hedge our foreign currency exposures in a manner that would eliminate the effect of changes in exchange rates on our cash flows and earnings. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $226 million in notional amount (in U.S. dollar equivalents) outstanding in forward foreign currency contracts.

        On December 9, 2009, we entered into a five-year interest rate contract to hedge the variability caused by monthly changes in cash flow due to associated changes in LIBOR under our Senior Credit Facilities. The notional value of the contract is $50 million, and it has been designated as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the swap was recorded in other comprehensive loss. We will pay a fixed 2.6% on the hedge and receive the one-month LIBOR rate. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the hedge was $3 million and was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited).

        On January 19, 2010, we entered into an additional five-year interest rate contract to hedge the variability caused by monthly changes in cash flow due to associated changes in LIBOR under our Senior Credit Facilities. The notional value of the contract is $50 million, and it has been designated as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the swap was recorded as other comprehensive income. We will pay a fixed 2.8% on the hedge and receive the one-month LIBOR rate. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the hedge was $3 million and was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited).

        On September 1, 2011, we entered into a $50 million forward interest rate contract that will begin in December 2014 with maturity in April 2017 and a $50 million forward interest rate contract that will begin in January 2015 with maturity in April 2017. These two forward contracts are to hedge the variability caused by monthly changes in cash flow due to associated changes in LIBOR under our Senior Credit Facilities once our existing interest rate hedges mature. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the swaps were recorded in other comprehensive income. Both interest rate contracts will pay a fixed 2.5% on the hedge and receive the one-month LIBOR rate once the contracts begin in 2014 and 2015, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, the combined fair value of these two hedges was $1 million and was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited).

        In 2009, Sasol-Huntsman entered into derivative transactions to hedge the variable interest rate associated with its local credit facility. These hedges include a floating to fixed interest rate contract providing Sasol-Huntsman with EURIBOR interest payments for a fixed payment of 3.62% and a cap for future periods with a strike price of 3.62%. In connection with the consolidation of Sasol-Huntsman as of April 1, 2011, the interest rate contract is now included in our consolidated results. See "Note 5. Variable Interest Entities." The notional amount of the hedge as of March 31, 2012 was €51 million (approximately $67 million) and the derivative transactions do not qualify for hedge accounting. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of this hedge was €3 million (approximately $4 million) and was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited). For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recorded interest expense of less than €1 million (less than $1 million) due to changes in the fair value of the swap.

        Beginning in 2009, Arabian Amines Company entered into a 12-year floating to fixed interest rate contract providing for a receipt of LIBOR interest payments for a fixed payment of 5.02%. In connection with the consolidation of Arabian Amines Company as of July 1, 2010, the interest rate contract is now included in our consolidated results. See "Note 5. Variable Interest Entities." The notional amount of the swap as of March 31, 2012 was $38 million, and the interest rate contract is not designated as a cash flow hedge. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the swap was $6 million and was recorded as other noncurrent liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited). For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recorded a reduction of interest expense of less than $1 million due to changes in the fair value of the swap.

        In conjunction with the issuance of 8.625% senior subordinated notes due 2020, we entered into cross-currency interest rate contracts with three counterparties. On March 17, 2010, we paid $350 million to these counterparties and received €255 million from these counterparties and at maturity on March 15, 2015 we are required to pay €255 million and will receive $350 million. On March 15 and September 15 of each year, we will receive U.S. dollar interest payments of approximately $15 million (equivalent to an annual rate of 8.625%) and make interest payments of approximately €11 million (equivalent to an annual rate of approximately 8.41%). This swap is designated as a hedge of net investment for financial reporting purposes. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of this swap was $17 million and was recorded in noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited).

        As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2012, the changes in fair value of the realized gains (losses) recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) of our other outstanding foreign currency rate hedging contracts and derivatives were not considered significant.

        A significant portion of our intercompany debt is denominated in euros. We also finance certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries with intercompany loans that are, in many cases, denominated in currencies other than the entities' functional currency. We manage the net foreign currency exposure created by this debt through various means, including cross-currency swaps, the designation of certain intercompany loans as permanent loans because they are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future ("permanent loans") and the designation of certain debt and swaps as net investment hedges.

        Foreign currency transaction gains and losses on intercompany loans that are not designated as permanent loans are recorded in earnings. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses on intercompany loans that are designated as permanent loans are recorded in other comprehensive loss. From time to time, we review such designation of intercompany loans.

        From time to time, we review our non-U.S. dollar denominated debt and swaps to determine the appropriate amounts designated as hedges. As of March 31, 2012, we have designated €255 million (approximately $339 million) of euro-denominated debt and cross-currency interest rate swap as a hedge of our net investments. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the amount of loss recognized on the hedge of our net investments was $13 million and was recorded as a loss in other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2012, we had €1,223 million (approximately $1,628 million) in net euro assets.