2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL TRADE RECEIVABLES

        An allowance for doubtful trade receivables is estimated based on a combination of write-off history, aging analysis and any specific, known troubled accounts.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

        We accrue for asset retirement obligations, which consist primarily of landfill closure costs and asbestos abatement costs, in the period in which the obligations are incurred. Asset retirement obligations are accrued at estimated fair value. When the liability is initially recorded, we capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, we will recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded. See "Note 12. Asset Retirement Obligations."

CARRYING VALUE OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

        We review long-lived assets and all amortizable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is based upon current and anticipated undiscounted cash flows, and we recognize an impairment when such estimated cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset. Measurement of the amount of impairment, if any, is based upon the difference between carrying value and fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved. See "Note 11. Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs."

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

        We consider cash in checking accounts and cash in short-term highly liquid investments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase, to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash flows from discontinued operations are not presented separately in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

COST OF GOODS SOLD

        We classify the costs of manufacturing and distributing our products as cost of goods sold. Manufacturing costs include variable costs, primarily raw materials and energy, and fixed expenses directly associated with production. Manufacturing costs also include, among other things, plant site operating costs and overhead (including depreciation), production planning and logistics costs, repair and maintenance costs, plant site purchasing costs, and engineering and technical support costs. Distribution, freight and warehousing costs are also included in cost of goods sold.

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

        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) income, to the extent effective, and will be recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of the hedge in the net investment of certain international operations are recorded in other comprehensive income, to the extent effective. The effectiveness of a cash flow hedging relationship is established at the inception of the hedge, and after inception we perform effectiveness assessments at least every three months. A derivative designated as a cash flow hedge is determined to be effective if the change in value of the hedge divided by the change in value of the hedged item is within a range of 80% to 125%. Hedge ineffectiveness in a cash flow hedge occurs only if the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative hedging instrument exceeds the cumulative change in the expected future cash flows on the hedged transaction. For a derivative that does not qualify or has not been designated as a hedge, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENDITURES

        Environmental related restoration and remediation costs are recorded as liabilities when site restoration and environmental remediation and clean-up obligations are either known or considered probable and the related costs can be reasonably estimated. Other environmental expenditures that are principally maintenance or preventative in nature are recorded when expended and incurred and are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. See "Note 20. Environmental, Health and Safety Matters."

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of non-qualified employee benefit plan investments is estimated using prevailing market prices. The estimated fair values of our long-term debt are based on quoted market prices for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

        The accounts of our operating subsidiaries outside of the U.S., unless they are operating in highly inflationary economic environments, consider the functional currency to be the currency of the economic environment in which they operate. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated at rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated at a weighted average rate for the period. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded to equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

        If a subsidiary operates in an economic environment that is considered to be highly inflationary (100% cumulative inflation over a three-year period), the U.S. dollar is considered to be the functional currency and gains and losses from remeasurement to the U.S. dollar from the local currency are included in the statement of operations. Where a subsidiary's operations are effectively run, managed, financed and contracted in U.S. dollars, such as certain finance subsidiaries outside of the U.S., the U.S. dollar is considered to be the functional currency.

        Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other operating (income) expense in the consolidated statements of operations and were net (losses) gains of $(3) million, $(2) million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

INCOME TAXES

        We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. We evaluate deferred tax assets to determine whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Valuation allowances are reviewed on a tax jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence to support a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax assets for each jurisdiction. These conclusions require significant judgment. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, we consider the cyclicality of businesses and cumulative income or losses during the applicable period. Cumulative losses incurred over the period limits our ability to consider other subjective evidence such as our projections for the future. Changes in expected future income in applicable jurisdictions could affect the realization of deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions.

        We do not provide for income taxes or benefits on the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries as earnings are reinvested and, in the opinion of management, will continue to be reinvested indefinitely.

        Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. We are required to determine if an income tax position meets the criteria of more-likely-than-not to be realized based on the merits of the position under tax law, in order to recognize an income tax benefit. This requires us to make many assumptions and judgments regarding the merits of income tax positions and the application of income tax law. Additionally, if a tax position meets the recognition criteria of more-likely-than-not we are required to make judgments and assumptions to measure the amount of the tax benefits to recognize based on the probability of the amount of tax benefits that would be realized if the tax position was challenged by the taxing authorities. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. As a consequence, changes in assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

        Intangible assets are stated at cost (fair value at the time of acquisition) and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or the life of the related agreement as follows:

        Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not subject to any method of amortization, but is tested for impairment annually (at the beginning of the third quarter) and when events and circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. When the fair value is less than the carrying value of the related reporting unit, we are required to reduce the amount of goodwill through a charge to earnings. Fair value is estimated using the market approach, as well as the income approach based on discounted cash flow projections. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing.

INVENTORIES

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using LIFO, first-in first-out, and average costs methods for different components of inventory.

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

        Investments in companies in which we exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in companies in which we do not exercise significant influence are accounted for using the cost method.

LEGAL COSTS

        We expense legal costs, including those legal costs incurred in connection with a loss contingency, as incurred.

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS

        Other noncurrent assets consist primarily of spare parts, deferred debt issuance costs, the overfunded portion related to defined benefit plans for employees and capitalized turnaround costs. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the interest method over the term of the related debt.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

        Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and any variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated, except for intercompany sales between continuing and discontinued operations.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

        Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or lease term as follows:

        Interest expense capitalized as part of plant and equipment was $2 million, $1 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

        Periodic maintenance and repairs applicable to major units of manufacturing facilities (a "turnaround") are accounted for on the deferral basis by capitalizing the costs of the turnaround and amortizing the costs over the estimated period until the next turnaround. Normal maintenance and repairs of plant and equipment are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals, betterments and major repairs that materially extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized, and the assets replaced, if any, are retired.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

        Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. Beginning in 2011, we reclassified bank accepted drafts in China with maturities greater than 90 days from receipt from accounts receivable to other current assets. The amount of bank accepted drafts reclassified from accounts receivable to other current assets at December 31, 2010 was $51 million.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

        Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

        We generate substantially all of our revenues through sales in the open market and long-term supply agreements. We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue for product sales is recognized when a sales arrangement exists, risk and title to the product transfer to the customer, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. The transfer of risk and title to the product to the customer usually occurs at the time shipment is made.

        Revenue arrangements that contain multiple deliverables, which relate primarily to licensing of technology, are evaluated to determine whether the arrangements should be divided into separate units of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated among the separate units of accounting.

SECURITIZATION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

        Under our A/R Programs, we grant an undivided interest in certain of our trade receivables to the U.S. SPE and the EU SPE. This undivided interest serves as security for the issuance of debt. The A/R Programs provide for financing through a conduit program (in both U.S. dollars and euros). Receivables transferred under the A/R Programs qualified as sales through December 31, 2009. Upon adoption of new accounting guidance on January 1, 2010, transfers of accounts receivable under our A/R Programs no longer met the criteria for derecognition. Accordingly, the amounts outstanding under our A/R Programs are accounted for as secured borrowings beginning in 2010. See "Note 14. Debt-A/R Programs."

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. See "Note 22. Stock-Based Compensation Plan."

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

        We have evaluated material subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued.

USE OF ESTIMATES

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ADOPTED DURING 2011

        In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements-a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This ASU provides amendments to the criteria for separating consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements. The amendments in this ASU replace the term "fair value" in the revenue allocation guidance with "selling price" to clarify that the allocation of revenue is based on entity-specific assumptions rather than assumptions of a marketplace participant and establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The amendments in this ASU will eliminate the residual method of allocation and require that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method, and significantly expand the required disclosures related to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. The amendments in this ASU were effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2010. The initial adoption of this statement did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2010, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force issued ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805)-Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations, which requires public entities that present comparative financial statements to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred at the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments in this ASU also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures under Topic 805 to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The amendments in this ASU are effective 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 complied with the disclosure requirements of this standard in connection with our April 2, 2011 Laffans Acquisition and in connection with our April 1, 2011 consolidation of the Sasol-Huntsman joint venture. See "Note 3. Business Combinations and Dispositions" and "Note 7. Variable Interest Entities."

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS PENDING ADOPTION IN FUTURE PERIODS

        In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, providing a consistent definition of fair value between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") as well as developing common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied prospectively and will be effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, requiring entities to present net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. The option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity is eliminated. The amendments do not change the option to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects, with one amount shown for the aggregate income tax expense or benefit related to the total of other comprehensive income components. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively and will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The guidance in this ASU is intended to reduce complexity and costs of the annual goodwill impairment test by providing entities with the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The amendments in this ASU include examples of events and circumstances that might indicate that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, provided that the entity has not yet issued its financial statements for the period that includes its annual test date. We did not early adopt the provisions of this ASU for our annual impairment test on July 1 and do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.