Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
UNITED RENTALS, INC.
(In millions)
Description 
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Acquired 
 
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses 
 
Deductions 
 
Balance
at End
of Period
Year ended December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
49

 
$
—

 
$
13

 
$
19

(a)
$
43

Reserve for obsolescence and shrinkage
 
3

 
—

 
18

 
18

(b)
3

Self-insurance reserve
 
94

 
—

 
105

 
107

(c)
92

Year ended December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
64

 
$
—

 
$
4

 
$
19

(a)
$
49

Reserve for obsolescence and shrinkage
 
3

 
—

 
16

 
16

(b)
3

Self-insurance reserve
 
97

 
—

 
92

 
95

(c)
94

Year ended December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
33

 
$
13

 
$
37

 
$
19

(a)
$
64

Reserve for obsolescence and shrinkage
 
2

 
1

 
13

 
13

(b)
3

Self-insurance reserve
 
83

 
21

 
84

 
91

(c)
97

 
The above information reflects the continuing operations of the Company for the periods presented. Additionally, because the Company has retained certain self-insurance liabilities associated with the discontinued traffic control business, those amounts have been included as well.
(a)
Represents write-offs of accounts, net of recoveries.
(b)
Represents write-offs.
(c)
Represents payments.