Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

Nature of Business

Art’s-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. is primarily engaged in the fabrication and sale of specialized farm machinery in the agricultural sector of the United States. Primary product offerings include: portable and stationary animal feed processing equipment; hay and forage equipment; sugar beet harvesting equipment; land maintenance equipment; a line of portable grain augers; a line of manure spreaders; moldboard plows and a line of reels. The Company sells its labeled products through independent farm equipment dealers throughout the United States. In addition, the Company manufactures and supplies hay blowers to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Company also provides after-market service parts that are available to keep its branded and OEM produced equipment operating to the satisfaction of the end user of the Company’s products.

On May 10, 2012 the Company acquired the assets of Universal Harvester Co., Inc. consisting of inventory, equipment, land, building, goodwill and intangible assets. Universal Harvester Co., Inc. manufactured pickup reels for combines and swathers. The existing Universal Harvester Co., Inc. operational team was hired on May 11, 2012 to continue the manufacturing of pickup reels. The acquired assets and operations are reported with our agricultural products segment including the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Universal Harvester by Art’s-Way, Inc. For detailed financial information related to the acquisition, see Note 14, “Acquisitions”.

Our Pressurized Vessels segment is primarily engaged in the fabrication and sale of pressurized vessels and tanks through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Art’s-Way Vessels, Inc. This segment provides a combination of services as a manufacturer and supplier of steel vessels and steel containment systems. The vessels are primarily sold to manufacturing facilities that will use the vessel as a component part of their end product. In addition to its role as a fabricator of vessels, it provides services including: custom CAD drawing; welding; interior linings and exterior finishing; passivation of stainless steel; hydrostatic and pneumatic testing; design, build and finishing of skids; installation of piping; non-destructive examination and heat treating.

Our Modular Buildings segment is primarily engaged in the construction of modular laboratories and animal housing facilities through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Art’s-Way Scientific, Inc. Buildings commonly produced range from basic swine buildings to complex containment research laboratories. This segment also provides services relating to the design, manufacturing, delivering, installation and renting of the building units that it produces.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Art’s-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Universal Harvester by Art’s-Way, Inc., Art’s-Way Vessels, Inc. and Art’s-Way Scientific, Inc. Art’s-Way Vessels became active in October 2005 after purchasing certain assets of Vessel Systems, Inc., while Art’s-Way Scientific, Inc. became active in August 2006 after purchasing certain assets of Tech Space, Inc. Universal Harvester by Art’s-Way was formed in 2012 in connection with the Company’s acquisition of certain assets of Universal Harvester Co., Inc. All material inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash Concentration

The Company maintains several different accounts at three different banks, and balances in these accounts are periodically in excess of federally insured limits. However, management believes the risk of loss to be low.

Major Customers, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Customer Concentration

During the year ended November 30, 2012, one customer did account for approximately 25% of consolidated revenues. This was a customer of our Modular Building segment. In addition, during the years ended November 30, 2012 and November 30, 2011, another customer accounted for approximately 12% and 8% of consolidated revenues, respectively. This was a customer of our Agricultural Products segment.

Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by identifying troubled accounts and by using historical experience applied to an aging of accounts. Accounts receivable are written-off when deemed uncollectible.  Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written-off are recorded when received. Accounts receivable are generally considered past due 60 days past invoice date, with the exception of international sales which primarily are sold with a letter of credit for 120 day terms.

Trade receivables due from customers are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms requiring payment within 30 days from the invoice date. Trade receivables are stated at the amount billed to the customer. The Company charges interest on overdue customer account balances at a rate of 1.5% per month. Payments of trade receivables are allocated to the specific invoices identified on the customer's remittance advice or, if unspecified, are applied to the earliest unpaid invoices.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and cost is determined using the standard costing method. Management monitors the carrying value of inventories using inventory control and review processes that include, but are not limited to, sales forecast review, inventory status reports, and inventory reduction programs. The Company records inventory write downs to market based on expected usage information for raw materials and historical selling trends for finished goods.  Additional write downs may be necessary if the assumptions made by management do not occur.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives of the assets which range from three to forty years.

Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block]

Lessor Accounting

Modular buildings held for short term lease by our Modular Buildings segment are recorded at cost.  Amortization of the property is calculated over the useful life of the building. Estimated useful life is five years. Lease revenue is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease agreement.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Impairment

Goodwill represents costs in excess of the fair value of net tangible and identifiable net intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Art’s-Way performs an annual test for impairment of goodwill during the fourth quarter. This test is performed by comparing, at the reporting unit level, the carrying value of the reporting unit to its fair value.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which is five years.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating losses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year 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 as recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is entirely dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

The Company shall classify interest and penalties to be paid on an underpayment of taxes as income tax expense. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states.  The company is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended before November 30, 2009.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when risk of ownership and title pass to the buyer, generally upon the shipment of the product. All sales are made to authorized dealers whose application for dealer status has been approved and who have been informed of general sales policies. Any changes in Company terms are documented in the most recently published price lists. Pricing is fixed and determinable according to the Company’s published equipment and parts price lists. Title to all equipment and parts sold shall pass to the Buyer upon delivery to the carrier and is not subject to a customer acceptance provision.  Proof of the passing of title is documented by the signing of the delivery receipt by a representative of the carrier. Post shipment obligations are limited to any claim with respect to the condition of the equipment or parts. Applicable sales taxes imposed on our revenues are presented on a net basis on the consolidated statements of operations and therefore do not impact net revenues or cost of goods sold.  A provision for warranty expenses, based on sales volume, is included in the financial statements. The Company’s return policy allows for new and saleable parts to be returned, subject to inspection and a restocking charge which is included in net sales. Whole goods are not returnable. Shipping costs charged to customers are included in net sales. Freight costs incurred are included in cost of goods sold.

In certain circumstances, upon the customer’s written request, we may recognize revenue when production is complete and the good is ready for shipment. At the buyer’s request, we will bill the buyer upon completing all performance obligations, but before shipment. The buyer dictates that we ship the goods per their direction from our manufacturing facility, as is customary with this type of agreement, in order to minimize shipping costs. The written agreement with the customer specifies that the goods will be delivered on a schedule to be determined by the customer, with a final specified delivery date, and that we will segregate the goods from our inventory, such that they are not available to fill other orders. This agreement also specifies that the buyer is required to purchase all goods manufactured under this agreement. Title of the goods will pass to the buyer when the goods are complete and ready for shipment, per the customer agreement. At the transfer of title, all risks of ownership have passed to the buyer, and the buyer agrees to maintain insurance on the manufactured items that have not yet been shipped. The Company has operated using bill and hold agreements with certain customers for many years. The credit terms on this agreement are consistent with the credit terms on all other sales. All risks of loss are shouldered by the buyer, and there are no exceptions to the buyer’s commitment to accept and pay for these manufactured goods. Revenues recognized at the completion of production in 2012 and 2011 were $936,000 and $532,000, respectively.

Our Modular Buildings segment is in the construction industry, and as such accounts for long-term contracts on the percentage of completion method. Revenue and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Contract losses are recognized when current estimates of total contract revenue and contract cost indicate a loss. Estimated contract costs include any and all costs appropriately allocable to the contract. The provision for these contract losses will be the excess of estimated contract costs over estimated contract revenues.

Costs and profit in excess of amounts billed are classified as current assets and billings in excess of cost and profit are classified as current liabilities.

Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Such costs approximated $125,000 and $175,000 for the years ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Such costs approximated $256,000 and $242,000 for the years ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Per Share

Basic net income per common share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus equivalent shares assuming exercise of stock options.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at the grant date and recognized over the relevant vesting period. We estimate the fair value of each stock-based award on the measurement date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model which incorporates assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of the options, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Restricted stock is valued at market value at the day of grant.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reported amount of assets and liabilities, reported amount of revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates include the valuation of the Company’s accounts receivable, inventories, percent completion, warranty accrual and realizability of the deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements Update

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS’s” that amends the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this update achieve the objective of developing common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, as well as improving consistency and understandability. Some of the requirements clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements while other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with no early adoption permitted. The company has not completed the adoption of this standard and the company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” that improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in this standard require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under either method, adjustments must be displayed for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to net income, in both net income and OCI. The standard does not change the current option for presenting components of OCI gross or net of the effect of income taxes, provided that such tax effects are presented in the statement in which OCI is presented or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Additionally, the standard does not affect the calculation or reporting of earnings per share. For public entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not completed the adoption of this standard and the Company does not expect this standard to have material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU (Accounting Standards Update) No. 2011-12 which stated that the new presentation requirements about reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income would be difficult for preparers and may add unnecessary complexity to financial statements. In addition it is difficult for some stakeholders to change systems in time to gather the information for the new presentation requirements by the effective date of Update 2011-05. Given these issues, they asked the Board to reconsider whether it is necessary to require entities to present reclassification adjustments by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for both interim and annual financial statements. Because those pending paragraphs are effective on a retrospective basis for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and interim periods within those years, those stakeholders asked the Board, at a minimum, to defer the effective date pertaining to reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, until the Board is able to reconsider those paragraphs.

In order to defer only those changes in Update 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments, the paragraphs in this Update supersede certain pending paragraphs in Update 2011-05. The amendments are being made to allow the Board time to confirm whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. While the Board is considering the operational concerns about the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments and the needs of financial statement users for additional information about reclassification adjustments, entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before Update 2011-05. All other requirements in Update 2011-05 are not affected by this Update, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. Public entities must apply these requirements for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has not completed the adoption of this standard and the Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill Impairment Testing

In December 2010, the FASB issued standards on testing goodwill and other intangible assets impairment which is a two-step test. When a goodwill impairment test is performed (either on an annual or interim basis), an entity must assess whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value (Step 1). If it does, an entity must perform an additional test to determine whether goodwill has been impaired and to calculate the amount of that impairment (Step 2). The objective of this Update is to address questions about entities with reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts because some entities concluded that Step 1 of the test is passed in those circumstances because the fair value of their reporting unit will generally be greater than zero. The amendment will affect all entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test is zero or negative. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010, with no early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued standards to address concerns about the cost and complexity of performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test required under Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. The objective of this Update is to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in the Update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The adoption of this standard has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations

In December 2010, the FASB issued standards which state that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The amendments in this Update clarify the acquisition date that should be used for reporting the pro forma financial information disclosures when comparative financial statements are presented. The amendments also improve the usefulness of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosures by requiring a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments that are directly attributable to the business combination(s). The amendments in this Update are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  The Company has adopted the standards.