Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation - LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our”) are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We are involved in manufacturing and marketing operations. We are primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of chemical products (the “Chemical Business”) and the manufacture and sale of water source and geothermal heat pumps and air handling products (the “Climate Control Business”). LSB is a holding company with no significant operations or assets other than cash, cash equivalents, and investments in its subsidiaries. Our Chemical Business’ ownership of working interests in natural gas properties is accounted for as an undivided interest, whereby we reflect our proportionate share of the underlying assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Our working interest represents our share of the costs and expenses incurred primarily to develop the underlying leaseholds and to produce natural gas while our net revenue interest represents our share of the revenues from the sale of natural gas. The net revenue interest is less than our working interest as the result of royalty interest due to others. We are not the operator of these natural gas properties. Entities that are 20% to 50% owned and for which we have significant influence are accounted for on the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications - Reclassifications have been made in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 to conform to our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014, which reclassifications expand and combine certain noncurrent other asset line items. These reclassifications did not impact the total amount of noncurrent other assets at December 31, 2013. In addition, reclassifications have been made in our consolidated statement of cash flows for 2012 and 2013 to conform to our consolidated statement of cash flows for 2014, which reclassifications expand an operating activity line item and combine various investing activities line items. These reclassifications did not impact the total amount of net cash provided by continuing operating activities or net cash used by continuing investing activities for 2012 and 2013.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“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.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations - We account for an acquired business using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. If applicable, any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Investments, which consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, are considered cash equivalents

Short-Term Investments

Short-Term Investments - Investments, which consist of certificates of deposit with an original maturity of 26 weeks, are considered short-term investments. These investments are carried at cost which approximates fair value.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable - Our accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on accounts receivable balances. Our estimate is based on historical experience and periodic assessment of outstanding accounts receivable, particularly those accounts that are past due (based upon the terms of the sale). Our periodic assessment of our accounts receivable is based on our best estimate of amounts that are not recoverable.

Inventories

Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis) or market (net realizable value). Finished goods and work-in-process inventories include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs. Additionally, we review inventories and record inventory reserves for slow-moving inventory items to state them at net realizable value.

Precious Metals

Precious Metals - Precious metals are used as a catalyst in the Chemical Business manufacturing process. Precious metals are carried at cost, with cost being determined using the FIFO basis. Because some of the catalyst consumed in the production process cannot be readily recovered and the amount and timing of recoveries are not predictable, we follow the practice of expensing precious metals as they are consumed. Occasionally, during major maintenance or capital projects, we may be able to perform procedures to recover precious metals (previously expensed) which have accumulated over time within the manufacturing equipment. Recoveries of precious metals are recognized at historical FIFO costs. When we accumulate precious metals in excess of our production requirements, we may sell a portion of the excess metals.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”). Leases meeting capital lease criteria are capitalized in PP&E. Major renewals and improvements that increase the life, value, or productive capacity of assets are capitalized in PP&E while maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. In addition, maintenance, repairs and minor renewal costs relating to planned major maintenance activities (“Turnarounds”) in our Chemical Business are expensed as they are incurred.

As it relates to natural gas properties, leasehold costs, intangible drilling and other costs of successful wells and development dry holes are capitalized in PP&E based on successful efforts accounting. The costs of exploratory wells are initially capitalized in PP&E, but expensed if and when the well is determined to be nonproductive.

Fully depreciated assets are retained in PP&E and accumulated DD&A accounts until disposal. When PP&E are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated DD&A are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in other income or expense.

For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of the costs of PP&E is primarily computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress or capital spare parts until such time as the relevant assets are put into service. DD&A of the costs of producing natural gas properties are computed using the units of production method primarily on a field-by-field basis using proved or proved developed reserves, as applicable, as estimated by our independent consulting petroleum engineer. No provision for DD&A is made on nonproducing leasehold costs and exploratory wells in progress until such time as the relevant assets relate to proven reserves.

Our natural gas reserves are based on estimates and assumptions, which affect our DD&A calculations. Our independent consulting petroleum engineer, with our assistance, prepares estimates of natural gas reserves based on available relevant data and information. For DD&A purposes, and as required by the guidelines and definitions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the reserve estimates are based on average natural gas prices during the 12-month period, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (asset group) and its eventual disposition. If assets to be held and used are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the fair values of the assets as measured by the present value of future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets or their appraised value. As it relates to natural gas properties, proven natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis and nonproducing leasehold costs are reviewed for impairment on a property-by-property basis.

In general, assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amounts of the assets or fair values less costs to sell. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no long-lived assets classified as assets held for sale.

Noncurrent Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Noncurrent Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents - Noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents consists of balances that are designated by us for specific purposes relating to capital projects.

Noncurrent Restricted Investments

Noncurrent Restricted Investments - Noncurrent restricted investments consist of investment balances that are designated by us for specific purposes relating to capital projects. At December 31, 2014, the balance includes an investment in a certificate of deposit with an original maturity no longer than approximately 26 weeks. The investment is carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Concentration of Credit Risks for Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments at Financial Institutions

Concentration of Credit Risks for Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments at Financial Institutions – Financial instruments relating to cash, cash equivalents, and investments (certificates of deposits), classified as both current and noncurrent, potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk. At December 31, 2014, the total balance of these financial instruments exceeded the FDIC-insured limits by approximately $39 million. All of these financial instruments were held by financial institutions within the U.S.

Capitalized Software

Capitalized Software – Capitalized software primarily relates to implementing a new enterprise resource planning software (ERP) for internal use and is stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization. Capitalized software costs include software purchase costs and internal and external costs for implementing software. For financial reporting purposes, amortization of capitalized software costs is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the software, which is primarily eight years. During 2014 and 2013, interest cost capitalized in capitalized software was $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively (none in 2012). No provision for amortization is made until such time as the relevant assets are placed into service. Amortization expense related to capitalized software was $0.4 million for 2014, minimal in 2013 (none in 2012). Estimated amortization related to capitalized software for each of the subsequent five years, 2015 through 2019, is $1.2 million, $2.2 million, $2.7 million, $2.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The estimated amortization is based on management’s expected ERP implementation completion during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Capitalized Interest

Capitalized Interest - Interest cost on borrowings incurred during a significant construction or development project is capitalized. Capitalized interest is added to the underlying asset and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill - Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually. An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. Reporting units are one level below the business segment level. No impairments of goodwill were incurred in 2014, 2013, or 2012. Goodwill relates to business acquisitions in prior periods in the following business segments:

	December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In Thousands)
Chemical	$	1,621	$	1,621
Climate Control		103		103
Total goodwill	$	1,724	$	1,724

Short-Term Financing

Short-Term Financing - Our short-term financing relates primarily to agreements entered into to finance a portion of our annual premiums for certain of our insurance policies.

Accrued Insurance Liabilities

Accrued Insurance Liabilities - We are self-insured up to certain limits for group health, workers’ compensation and general liability claims. Above these limits, we have commercial stop-loss insurance coverage for our contractual exposure on group health claims and statutory limits under workers’ compensation obligations. We also carry umbrella insurance of $100 million for most general liability and auto liability risks. We have a separate $50 million insurance policy covering pollution liability at our Chemical Business facilities. Additional pollution liability coverage for our other facilities is provided in our general liability and umbrella policies. As it relates to our natural gas properties within our Chemical Business that we do not operate but only own a working interest, insurance policies are maintained by the operator, which we are responsible for our proportionate share of the costs involved.

Our accrued self-insurance liabilities are based on estimates of claims, which include the reported incurred claims amounts plus the reserves established by our insurance adjustors and/or estimates provided by attorneys handling the claims, if any, up to the amount of our self-insurance limits. In addition, our accrued insurance liabilities include estimates of incurred, but not reported, claims based on historical claims experience. The determination of such claims and the appropriateness of the related liability is periodically reviewed and revised, if needed. Changes in these estimated liabilities are charged to operations. Potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with insurance claims are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred. Accrued insurance claims are included in accrued and other liabilities. It is reasonably possible that the actual development of claims could be different than our estimates.

Accrued Warranty Costs

Accrued Warranty Costs - Our Climate Control Business sells equipment that has an expected life, under normal circumstances and use, which extends over several years. As such, we provide warranties after equipment shipment/start up covering defects in materials and workmanship. Our accounting policy and methodology for warranty arrangements is to measure and recognize the expense and liability for such warranty obligations at the time of sale using a percentage of sales and cost per unit of equipment, based upon our historical and estimated future warranty costs. We also recognize the additional warranty expense and liability to cover atypical costs associated with a specific product, or component thereof, or project installation, when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. It is reasonably possible that our estimated accrued warranty costs could change in the near term.

Executive Benefit Agreements

Executive Benefit Agreements - We have entered into benefit agreements with certain key executives. Costs associated with these individual benefit agreements are accrued based on the estimated remaining service period when such benefits become probable they will be paid. Total costs accrued equal the present value of specified payments to be made after benefits become payable.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We establish valuation allowances if we believe it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

In addition, we do not recognize a tax benefit unless we conclude that it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the taxing authority based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, we recognize a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50% likely to be realized. We record interest related to unrecognized tax positions in interest expense and penalties in operating other expense.

We reduce income tax expense for investment tax credits in the year the credit arises and is earned.

Income tax benefits associated with amounts that are deductible for income tax purposes but that do not affect earnings are credited to equity. These benefits are principally generated from exercises of non-qualified stock options.

Contingencies

Contingencies – Certain conditions may exist which may result in a loss, but which will only be resolved when future events occur. We and our legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred, we would accrue for such contingent losses when such losses can be reasonably estimated. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Estimates of potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with contingencies are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred. Loss contingency liabilities are included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities and are based on current estimates that may be revised in the near term. In addition, we recognize contingent gains when such gains are realized or realizable and earned.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations - In general, we record the estimated fair value of an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) associated with tangible long-lived assets in the period it is incurred and when there is sufficient information available to estimate the fair value. An ARO associated with long-lived assets is a legal obligation under existing or enacted law, statute, written or oral contract or legal construction. AROs, which are initially recorded based on estimated discounted cash flows, are accreted to full value over time through charges to cost of sales. In addition, we capitalize the corresponding asset retirement cost as PP&E, which cost is depreciated or depleted over the related asset’s respective useful life. We do not have any assets restricted for the purpose of settling our AROs.

Stock Options

Stock Options - Equity award transactions with employees are measured based on the estimated fair value of the equity awards issued. For equity awards with only service conditions that have a graded vesting period, we recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. In addition, we issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue for substantially all of our operations at the time title to the goods transfers to the buyer and there remain no significant future performance obligations by us. Revenue relating to construction contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method based primarily on contract costs incurred to date compared with total estimated contract costs. Changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined. Sales of extended warranty contracts are recognized as revenue ratably over the life of the contract. See discussion above under “Accrued Warranty Costs” for our accounting policy for recognizing warranty expense.

Recognition of Insurance Recoveries

Recognition of Insurance Recoveries - If an insurance claim relates to a recovery of our losses, we recognize the recovery when it is probable and reasonably estimable. If our insurance claim relates to a contingent gain, we recognize the recovery when it is realized or realizable and earned. Amounts recoverable from our insurance carriers, if any, are included in accounts receivable. An insurance recovery in excess of recoverable costs relating to a business interruption claim, if any, is a reduction to cost of sales. An insurance recovery in excess of recoverable costs relating to a property insurance claim, if any, is included in property insurance recoveries in excess of losses incurred.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales - Cost of sales includes materials, labor and overhead costs to manufacture the products sold plus inbound freight, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, internal transfer costs and warehousing costs (excluding certain handling costs directly related to loading product being shipped to customers in our Chemical Business which are included in selling, general and administrative expense). Maintenance, repairs and minor renewal costs relating to Turnarounds in our Chemical Business are included in cost of sales as they are incurred. Precious metals used as a catalyst (Chemical Business) and consumed during the manufacturing process are included in cost of sales. Recoveries and gains from precious metals (Chemical Business), sales of scrap material (Climate Control Business), and business interruption insurance claims are reductions to cost of sales. Provisions for (realization of) losses associated with inventory reserves, gains and losses (realized and unrealized) from our commodities and foreign currency futures/forward contracts, and provision for losses, if any, on firm sales commitments are included in cost of sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, General and Administrative Expense - Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) includes costs associated with the sales, marketing and administrative functions. Such costs include personnel costs, including benefits, advertising costs, commission expenses, warranty costs, professional fees, office and occupancy costs associated with the sales, marketing and administrative functions. SG&A also includes certain handling costs directly related to product being shipped to customers in our Chemical Business and outbound freight in our Climate Control Business. The Chemical Business’ handling costs primarily consist of personnel costs for loading product into transportation equipment, rent and maintenance costs related to the transportation equipment, and certain indirect costs.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs – Shipping and handling costs included in net sales and SG&A for each business segment are as follows:

	2014		2013		2012
	(In Thousands)
Chemical:
Shipping costs - Net sales (1)	$	28,736	$	21,954	$	23,395
Handling costs - SG&A (2)	$	5,481	$	5,437	$	5,746
Climate Control:
Shipping and handling costs - SG&A (2)	$	10,146	$	9,520	$	8,897

(1) These costs relate to amounts billed to our customers.

(2) See discussions above under “Selling, General and Administrative Expense.”

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs - Costs in connection with advertising and promotion of our products are expensed as incurred. These costs, primarily relating to our Climate Control Business, are as follows.

	2014		2013		2012
	(In Thousands)
Advertising costs	$	3,095	$	3,157	$	3,365

Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits

Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits - Derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in results of operations unless the normal purchase or sale exceptions apply or hedge accounting is elected.

The fair value amounts recognized for our derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement may be offset. We have the choice to offset or not, but that choice must be applied consistently. A master netting arrangement exists if the reporting entity has multiple contracts with a single counterparty that are subject to a contractual agreement that provides for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. Offsetting the fair values recognized for the derivative contracts outstanding with a single counterparty results in the net fair value of the transactions being reported as an asset or a liability in the balance sheet. We have chosen to present the fair values of our derivative contracts under master netting agreements using a gross fair value presentation as there were no derivatives with fair values that were eligible to be offset as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The assets for climate reserve tonnes (“carbon credits”) are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value of carbon credits are recorded in results of operations. The liabilities for contractual obligations associated with carbon credits are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value unless we enter into a firm sales commitment to sell the associated carbon credits. When we enter into a firm sales commitment, the sales price, pursuant to the terms of the firm sales commitment, establishes the amount of the liability for the contractual obligation. Changes in fair value of contractual obligations associated with carbon credits are recorded in results of operations.

Income per Common Share

Income per Common Share - Net income applicable to common stock is computed by adjusting net income by the amount of preferred stock dividends and dividend requirements, if applicable. Basic income per common share is based upon net income applicable to common stock and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted income per share is based on net income applicable to common stock plus preferred stock dividends and dividend requirements on preferred stock assumed to be converted, if dilutive, and the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding, and the assumed conversion of dilutive convertible securities outstanding.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-09-Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We are evaluating our existing revenue recognition policies to determine whether any contracts in the scope of the guidance will be affected by the new requirements. The effects may include identifying performance obligations in existing arrangements, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard allows for either “full retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the transition method that will be elected.