Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract ]

Accounting Policies

1. Accounting Policies

In the opinion of Sensient Technologies Corporation (the “Company”), the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, and the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Expenses are charged to operations in the year incurred.  However, for interim reporting purposes, certain expenses are charged to operations based on a proportionate share of estimated annual amounts rather than as they are actually incurred. In interim periods, depreciation expense is estimated using actual depreciation on fixed assets that have been placed in service at the beginning of the year, combined with an estimate of depreciation expense on expected current year additions.

On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which requires companies to change the balance sheet presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits and deferred tax assets. The adoption of this ASU had no material impact on the Company’s balance sheet presentation, financial condition or results of operations.

Refer to the notes in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, for additional details of the Company’s financial condition and a description of the Company’s accounting policies, which have been continued without change.