Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation Griffin Industrial Realty, Inc. ("Griffin") is a real estate business principally engaged in developing, managing and leasing industrial/warehouse properties and, to a lesser extent, office/flex properties. Griffin seeks to add to its industrial/warehouse property portfolio through the acquisition and development of land or purchase of buildings in select markets targeted by Griffin. Periodically, Griffin may sell certain portions of its undeveloped land that it has owned for an extended time period and the use of which is not consistent with Griffin's core development and leasing strategy. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the standards of accounting measurement set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 270, “Interim Reporting” and in accordance with the accounting policies stated in Griffin’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”) included in Griffin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 8, 2018. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in that report. All adjustments, comprising only normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods, have been reflected and all intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated balance sheet data as of November 30, 2017 was derived from Griffin’s audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses in the reporting period. Griffin regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the useful life and recoverability of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation expense, deferred income tax asset valuations and the valuation of derivative instruments. Griffin bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by Griffin may differ materially and adversely from Griffin’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected. As of August 31, 2018, Griffin was a party to several interest rate swap agreements to hedge its interest rate exposure. Griffin does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. Griffin applies FASB ASC 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging,” (“ASC 815-10”) as amended, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. ASC 815-10 requires Griffin to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. The changes in the fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are measured in accordance with ASC 815-10 and reflected in the carrying values of the interest rate swap agreements on Griffin’s consolidated balance sheet. The estimated fair values are based primarily on projected future swap rates. Griffin applies cash flow hedge accounting to its interest rate swap agreements that are designated as hedges of the variability of future cash flows from floating rate liabilities based on the benchmark interest rates. Changes in the fair values of Griffin’s interest rate swap agreements are recorded as components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity to the extent they are effective. Any ineffective portions of the changes in fair values of these instruments would be recorded as interest expense or interest income. Griffin’s short-term investments are repurchase agreements with Webster Bank, N.A. (“Webster Bank”) that are collateralized with securities issued by the United States Government or its sponsored agencies and are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities under ASC 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”). The repurchase agreements are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. The results of operations for the three months ended August 31, 2018 (the “2018 third quarter”) and the nine months ended August 31, 2018 (the “2018 nine month period”) are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The three months and nine months ended August 31, 2017 are referred to herein as the “2017 third quarter” and “2017 nine month period,” respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) No. 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which is intended to eliminate the stranded tax effects within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) that was enacted on December 22, 2017. The effective date of ASU No. 2018-02 is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted for public entities for which financial statements have not yet been released. Griffin elected to early adopt and apply the provisions of ASU No. 2018-02 in the 2018 first quarter. This adoption resulted in a one-time reclassification of the effect of re-measuring Griffin’s net deferred tax assets related to interest rate swap agreements within AOCI and retained earnings resulting from the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%. The reclassification resulted in a decrease to AOCI and an increase to retained earnings of $36, with no net impact to total stockholders’ equity. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting,” which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. This Update requires modification only if the fair value, vesting conditions or the classification of the award changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. This Update became effective for Griffin in the 2018 first quarter and was applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-09 did not have an impact on Griffin’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” which provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. This Update also provides greater consistency in applying the guidance by making the definition of a business more operable. This Update became effective for Griffin in the 2018 first quarter. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-01 did not have an impact on Griffin’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments. This Update addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This Update became effective for Griffin in the 2018 first quarter. Griffin recorded a deferred tax asset of $879 with a corresponding increase in retained earnings upon adoption. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 did not affect the classification of any current awards and did not have a retrospective impact on Griffin’s cash flows as no tax benefits from stock options were recognized in the periods presented. As part of the adoption of this Update, Griffin is continuing its policy of estimating the forfeiture rate of options. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This Update removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements in FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”). The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively in the year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2021. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance for any removed or modified disclosures. Griffin does not expect the application of this Update to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. This Update simplifies the accounting for nonemployee share-based payments by aligning it more closely with the accounting for employee awards. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than Griffin’s adoption of Topic 606 (see below). Griffin does not expect the application of this Update to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities,” which is intended to improve the financial reporting for hedging relationships to better represent the economic results of a company’s risk management activities in its financial statements and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. This Update will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amend the presentation and disclosure requirements and change how entities assess effectiveness. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2020. Griffin does not expect the application of this Update to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” which establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. The accounting applied by lessors under this Update is largely unchanged from that applied under current U.S. GAAP. Leases will be either classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. This Update also requires significant additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2020 using a modified retrospective approach for leases in effect as of and after the date of adoption. Early adoption and practical expedients to measure the effect of adoption are allowed. Griffin is evaluating the impact that the application of this Update will have on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This Update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This Update is not applicable to revenue from leases. This Update supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance, and requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Additionally, the Update requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The Update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2019. Certain aspects of this new standard may affect revenue recognition by Griffin. Griffin is evaluating the impact that the application of this Update will have on its consolidated financial statements. There are various other Updates recently issued which represent technical corrections to the accounting literature or apply to specific industries. Griffin does not expect the application of any of these other Updates to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Griffin Industrial Realty, Inc. ("Griffin") is a real estate business principally engaged in developing, managing and leasing industrial/warehouse properties and, to a lesser extent, office/flex properties. Griffin seeks to add to its industrial/warehouse property portfolio through the acquisition and development of land or purchase of buildings in select markets targeted by Griffin. Periodically, Griffin may sell certain portions of its undeveloped land that it has owned for an extended time period and the use of which is not consistent with Griffin's core development and leasing strategy. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the standards of accounting measurement set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 270, “Interim Reporting” and in accordance with the accounting policies stated in Griffin’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”) included in Griffin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 8, 2018. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in that report. All adjustments, comprising only normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods, have been reflected and all intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated balance sheet data as of November 30, 2017 was derived from Griffin’s audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses in the reporting period. Griffin regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the useful life and recoverability of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation expense, deferred income tax asset valuations and the valuation of derivative instruments. Griffin bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by Griffin may differ materially and adversely from Griffin’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.

As of August 31, 2018, Griffin was a party to several interest rate swap agreements to hedge its interest rate exposure. Griffin does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. Griffin applies FASB ASC 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging,” (“ASC 815-10”) as amended, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. ASC 815-10 requires Griffin to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. The changes in the fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are measured in accordance with ASC 815-10 and reflected in the carrying values of the interest rate swap agreements on Griffin’s consolidated balance sheet. The estimated fair values are based primarily on projected future swap rates.

Griffin applies cash flow hedge accounting to its interest rate swap agreements that are designated as hedges of the variability of future cash flows from floating rate liabilities based on the benchmark interest rates. Changes in the fair values of Griffin’s interest rate swap agreements are recorded as components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity to the extent they are effective. Any ineffective portions of the changes in fair values of these instruments would be recorded as interest expense or interest income.

Griffin’s short-term investments are repurchase agreements with Webster Bank, N.A. (“Webster Bank”) that are collateralized with securities issued by the United States Government or its sponsored agencies and are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities under ASC 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”). The repurchase agreements are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

The results of operations for the three months ended August 31, 2018 (the “2018 third quarter”) and the nine months ended August 31, 2018 (the “2018 nine month period”) are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The three months and nine months ended August 31, 2017 are referred to herein as the “2017 third quarter” and “2017 nine month period,” respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) No. 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which is intended to eliminate the stranded tax effects within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) that was enacted on December 22, 2017. The effective date of ASU No. 2018-02 is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted for public entities for which financial statements have not yet been released. Griffin elected to early adopt and apply the provisions of ASU No. 2018-02 in the 2018 first quarter. This adoption resulted in a one-time reclassification of the effect of re-measuring Griffin’s net deferred tax assets related to interest rate swap agreements within AOCI and retained earnings resulting from the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%. The reclassification resulted in a decrease to AOCI and an increase to retained earnings of $36, with no net impact to total stockholders’ equity.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting,” which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. This Update requires modification only if the fair value, vesting conditions or the classification of the award changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. This Update became effective for Griffin in the 2018 first quarter and was applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-09 did not have an impact on Griffin’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” which provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. This Update also provides greater consistency in applying the guidance by making the definition of a business more operable. This Update became effective for Griffin in the 2018 first quarter. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-01 did not have an impact on Griffin’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments. This Update addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This Update became effective for Griffin in the 2018 first quarter. Griffin recorded a deferred tax asset of $879 with a corresponding increase in retained earnings upon adoption. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 did not affect the classification of any current awards and did not have a retrospective impact on Griffin’s cash flows as no tax benefits from stock options were recognized in the periods presented. As part of the adoption of this Update, Griffin is continuing its policy of estimating the forfeiture rate of options.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This Update removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements in FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”). The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively in the year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2021. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance for any removed or modified disclosures. Griffin does not expect the application of this Update to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. This Update simplifies the accounting for nonemployee share-based payments by aligning it more closely with the accounting for employee awards. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than Griffin’s adoption of Topic 606 (see below). Griffin does not expect the application of this Update to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities,” which is intended to improve the financial reporting for hedging relationships to better represent the economic results of a company’s risk management activities in its financial statements and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. This Update will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amend the presentation and disclosure requirements and change how entities assess effectiveness. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2020. Griffin does not expect the application of this Update to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” which establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. The accounting applied by lessors under this Update is largely unchanged from that applied under current U.S. GAAP. Leases will be either classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. This Update also requires significant additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2020 using a modified retrospective approach for leases in effect as of and after the date of adoption. Early adoption and practical expedients to measure the effect of adoption are allowed. Griffin is evaluating the impact that the application of this Update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This Update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This Update is not applicable to revenue from leases. This Update supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance, and requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Additionally, the Update requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The Update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This Update will become effective for Griffin in fiscal 2019. Certain aspects of this new standard may affect revenue recognition by Griffin. Griffin is evaluating the impact that the application of this Update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

There are various other Updates recently issued which represent technical corrections to the accounting literature or apply to specific industries. Griffin does not expect the application of any of these other Updates to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.