Commitments and Contingencies We are involved in various pending and threatened litigation and regulatory matters related to our operations, some of which include claims for punitive or exemplary damages. We intend to vigorously defend all litigation and regulatory matters that are brought against us. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish accruals for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Our accrual for legal and regulatory matters that are probable and estimable was $78.5 million as of December 31, 2011. This accrual includes estimated costs of settlement, damages and associated legal fees and assumes no third party recoveries. For the reasons described below, we are unable to estimate a range of loss in excess of the amount accrued or for any potential losses related to any other reasonably possible claims. We continually evaluate the accrual for legal and regulatory matters as those matters progress. Set forth below are descriptions of our material legal and regulatory proceedings. As background to the disclosure below, please note the following: " These matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities. " In the litigation matters, plaintiffs seek a variety of remedies including equitable relief in the form of injunctive and other remedies and monetary relief in the form of compensatory damages. In some cases, the monetary damages sought include punitive or treble damages. None of the cases described below includes a specific statement as to the dollar amount of damages demanded. Instead, each of the cases includes a demand in an amount to be proved at trial. Regulatory authorities also may seek a variety of remedies and in general do not make specific demands during the course of an investigation or inquiry. Litigation Matters Securities Class Action Litigation On December 1, 2010, the Company was served with a complaint en