Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis Of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with SEC rules and regulations and in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on various assumptions and historical experience, which are believed to be reasonable; however, due to the inherent nature of estimates, actual results may differ significantly due to changed conditions or assumptions. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ended December 31, 2011 or any other future period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including the following subsidiaries:

Name	Location	Ownership Interest	Operation
Northshore	Minnesota	100.0%	Iron Ore
United Taconite	Minnesota	100.0%	Iron Ore
Wabush	Labrador/Quebec, Canada	100.0%	Iron Ore
Bloom Lake	Quebec, Canada	75.0%	Iron Ore
Tilden	Michigan	85.0%	Iron Ore
Empire	Michigan	79.0%	Iron Ore
Asia Pacific Iron Ore	Western Australia	100.0%	Iron Ore
Pinnacle	West Virginia	100.0%	Coal
Oak Grove	Alabama	100.0%	Coal
CLCC	West Virginia	100.0%	Coal
renewaFUEL(1)	Michigan	95.0%	Biomass
Freewest	Ontario, Canada	100.0%	Chromite
Spider	Ontario, Canada	100.0%	Chromite

⁽¹⁾ On September 27, 2011, we announced our plans to cease the operations of renewaFUEL. See the Discontined Operations disclosure below for further details.

Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

Investments

The following table presents the detail of our investments in unconsolidated ventures and where those investments are classified on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Parentheses indicate a net liability.

Investment	Classification	Interest     Percentage	September 30, 2011		December 31,   2010
Amapá	Investments in ventures	30	$	489.0	$	461.3
AusQuest	Investments in ventures	30		5.7		24.1
Hibbing (1)	Investments in ventures	23		2.1		(5.8)
Cockatoo (2)	Other Liabilities	50		(4.5)		10.5
Other	Investments in ventures			19.0		18.9
			$	511.3	$	509.0

(1) Recorded as Other liabilities at December 31, 2010.

(2) Recorded as Investments in ventures at December 31, 2010.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations

On September 27, 2011, we announced our plans to cease and dispose of the operations at the renewaFUEL biomass production facility in Michigan. As we continue to successfully grow our core iron ore mining business, the decision to sell our interest in the renewaFUEL operations was made to allow our management focus and allocation of capital resources to be deployed where we believe we can have the most impact for our stakeholders. We are currently in the process of executing a plan to dispose of the renewaFUEL assets. The results of operations of the renewaFUEL operations are reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. We recorded $17.5 million, net of $7.3 million in tax benefits, and $18.7 million, net of $7.9 million in tax benefit, respectively, as Loss From Discontinued Operations on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. This compares to losses of $0.7 million, net of $0.4 million of tax benefits, and $2.0 million, net of $1.0 million in tax benefits, respectively, for each of the comparable prior year periods. The results recorded as Loss From Discontinued Operations on Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, include a $16.7 million impairment charge, net of $7.1 million in tax benefits, taken to write the renewaFUEL asset down to fair value.

The impairment charge was based on an internal assessment around the recovery of the renewaFUEL assets, primarily property, plant and equipment. The assessment considered several factors including the unique industry, the highly customized nature of the related property, plant and equipment and the fact that the plant had not performed up to design capacity. Given these points of consideration, it was determined that the expected recovery values on the renewaFUEL assets are low. The renewaFUEL total assets have been recorded at fair value on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2011, and are primarily comprised of property, plant and equipment. The renewaFUEL operations are included in our Alternative Energies operating segment.

Significant Accounting Policies

Reportable Segments

As a result of the acquisition of Consolidated Thompson, we have revised the number of our operating and reportable segments as determined under ASC 280. Our company's primary operations are organized and managed according to product category and geographic location and now include: U.S. Iron Ore, Eastern Canadian Iron Ore, North American Coal, Asia Pacific Iron Ore, Asia Pacific Coal, Latin American Iron Ore, Alternative Energies, Ferroalloys and our Global Exploration Group. Our historical presentation of segment information consisted of three reportable segments: North American Iron Ore, North American Coal and Asia Pacific Iron Ore. Our restated presentation consists of four reportable segments: U.S. Iron Ore, Eastern Canadian Iron Ore, North American Coal and Asia Pacific Iron Ore. The amounts disclosed in NOTE 2 – SEGMENT REPORTING reflect this restatement.

Significant Accounting Policies

A detailed description of our significant accounting policies can be found in the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Due to the completion of our acquisition of Consolidated Thompson and the immaterial error identified around our accounting for the Empire partnership arrangement, there have been several changes in our significant accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed therein. The significant accounting policies requiring updates have been included within the disclosures below.

Inventories

Inventories

U.S. Iron Ore

U.S. Iron Ore product inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of iron ore inventories is determined using the LIFO method. We maintain ownership of the inventories until title has transferred to the customer, usually when payment is made. Maintaining ownership of the iron ore products at ports on the lower Great Lakes reduces risk of non-payment by customers, as we retain title to the product until payment is received from the customer. We track the movement of the inventory and verify the quantities on hand.

Eastern Canadian Iron Ore

Iron ore pellet inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Similar to U.S. Iron Ore product inventories, the cost is determined using the LIFO method. For the majority of these inventories, ownership is maintained until loading of the product at the port.

Iron ore concentrate inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of iron ore concentrate inventories is determined using weighted average cost. For the majority of the iron ore concentrate inventories, we maintain ownership of the inventories until title passes on the bill of lading date, which is upon the loading of the product at the port.

Revenue Recognition And Cost Of Goods Sold And Operating Expenses

Revenue Recognition and Cost of Goods Sold and Operating Expenses

U.S. Iron Ore

Revenue is recognized on the sale of products when title to the product has transferred to the customer in accordance with the specified provisions of each term supply agreement and all applicable criteria for revenue recognition have been satisfied. Most of our U.S. Iron Ore term supply agreements provide that title and risk of loss transfer to the customer when payment is received.

We recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed to a customer as we earn revenue from the sale of the goods or services. Revenue from product sales also includes reimbursement for freight charges paid on behalf of customers in Freight and Venture Partners' Cost Reimbursements separate from product revenue.

Costs of goods sold and operating expenses represents all direct and indirect costs and expenses applicable to the sales and revenues of our mining operations. Operating expenses within this line item primarily represent the portion of the Tilden mining venture costs for which we do not own; that is, the costs attributable to the share of the mine's production owned by the other joint venture partner in the Tilden mine. The mining venture functions as a captive cost company; it supplies product only to its owners effectively on a cost basis. Accordingly, the noncontrolling interests' revenue amounts are stated at cost of production and are offset in entirety by an equal amount included in cost of goods sold and operating expenses resulting in no sales margin reflected in the noncontrolling interest participant. As we are responsible for product fulfillment, we retain the risks and rewards of a principal in the transaction and accordingly record revenue under these arrangements on a gross basis.

As of September 30, 2011, Product Revenues and Costs of goods sold and operating expenses on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations reflect consolidation of the Empire mining venture and recognition of a noncontrolling interest. ArcelorMittal is a 21 percent partner in the Empire mining venture, resulting in a noncontrolling interest adjustment for ArcelorMittal's ownership percentage to Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. As result of ArcelorMittal's 21 percent ownership in the Empire mining venture, we recognized $157.1 million of related party revenues included in Product Revenue on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. See the Immaterial Errors disclosure above for further details regarding these prospective changes.

Under certain term supply agreements, we ship the product to ports on the lower Great Lakes or to the customer's facilities prior to the transfer of title. Our rationale for shipping iron ore products to certain customers and retaining title until payment is received for these products is to minimize credit risk exposure. In addition, certain supply agreements with one customer include provisions for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the customer's annual steel pricing for the year the product is consumed in the customer's blast furnaces. We account for this provision as a derivative instrument at the time of sale and record this provision at fair value until the year the product is consumed and the amounts are settled as an adjustment to revenue.

Where we are joint venture participants in the ownership of a mine, our contracts entitle us to receive royalties and/or management fees, which we earn as the pellets are produced. Revenue is recognized on the sale of services when the services are performed.

Eastern Canadian Iron Ore

Revenue is recognized on the sale of products when title to the product has transferred to the customer in accordance with the specified provisions of each term supply agreement and all applicable criteria for revenue recognition have been satisfied. Most of our Eastern Canadian Iron Ore term supply agreements provide that title and risk of loss transfer to the customer upon loading of the product at the port.

Since the acquisition date of Consolidated Thompson, Product Revenues and Costs of goods sold and operating expenses on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations reflect our 100 percent ownership interest in Consolidated Thompson. WISCO is a 25 percent partner in Bloom Lake, resulting in a noncontrolling interest adjustment for WISCO's ownership percentage to Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. As WISCO is a 25 percent partner in Bloom Lake and also our customer, we recognized $224.9 million and $313.6 million, respectively, of related party revenues included in Product Revenue on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, and $68.8 million of related party receivables included in Accounts receivable from associated companies on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2011.

Related Party Revenues

Total related party revenues were $837.8 million and $1.7 billion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Our joint venture partners are also our customers and account for the total related party revenues. This compares with total related party revenues of $379.4 million and $905.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

Retrospective Adjustments

Retrospective Adjustments

In accordance with the business combination guidance in ASC 805, we retrospectively recorded adjustments to the Wabush purchase price allocation that occurred during the second half of 2010 back to the date of acquisition that occurred during the first quarter of 2010. The adjustments were due to further refinements of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Additionally, we continued to ensure our existing interest in Wabush was incorporating all of the book basis, including amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Due to these adjustments, the financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2010 have been retrospectively adjusted for these changes, resulting in a decrease to Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income (Loss) from Ventures of $22.0 million and a decrease to Net Income Attributable to Cliffs Shareholders of $16.1 million, respectively, on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. The adjustments resulted in a decrease to basic and diluted earnings per common share of $0.12 per common share, respectively. As a portion of the total adjustments were recorded during the third quarter of 2010, the financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 have been retrospectively adjusted, resulting in an increase to Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income (Loss) from Ventures of $12.3 million and an increase to Net Income Attributable to Cliffs Shareholders of $8.9 million, respectively, on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations from the previously filed information. The adjustments resulted in an increase to basic and diluted earnings per common share of $0.07 per common share, respectively. In addition, Retained Earnings was decreased by $16.1 million and Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was increased by $25.3 million, respectively, on the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of December 31, 2010 for the effect of these retrospective adjustments. Refer to NOTE 5 – ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS for further information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the FASB amended the guidance on fair value to add new requirements for disclosures about transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. It also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The amendment also revises the guidance on employers' disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets to require that disclosures be provided by classes of assets instead of by major categories of assets. The amended guidance is effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted the provisions of guidance required for the period beginning January 1, 2011; however, adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance on business combinations in order to clarify the disclosure requirements around pro forma revenue and earnings. The update was issued in response to the diversity in practice about the interpretation of such requirements. The amendment specifies that pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity be presented as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The new guidance is 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. We adopted the amended guidance upon our acquisition of Consolidated Thompson. Refer to NOTE 5 – ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS for further information.

In May 2011, the FASB amended the guidance on fair value as a result of the joint efforts by the FASB and the IASB to develop a single, converged fair value framework. The converged fair value framework provides converged guidance on how to measure fair value and on what disclosures to provide about fair value measurements. The significant amendments to the fair value measurement guidance and the new disclosure requirements include: (1) the highest and best use and valuation premise for nonfinancial assets; (2) the application to financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting positions in market risks or counterparty credit risks; (3) premiums or discounts in fair value measurement; (4) fair value of an instrument classified in a reporting entity's shareholders' equity; (5) for Level 3 measurements, a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, a description of the valuation process in place, and a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in the unobservable inputs and interrelationships between those inputs; and (6) the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but whose fair value must be disclosed. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in order to improve comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in OCI. The update also facilitates the convergence of GAAP and IFRS. The amendment eliminates the presentation options under ASC 220 and requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. In either presentation option, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from OCI to net income in the statements where the components of net income and the components of OCI are presented. The amendment does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, and the amendments are required to be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance in order to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment under ASC 350. The revised guidance provides entities testing goodwill for impairment with the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit as required in step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment provides the basis that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, then step 1 of the impairment test is required. The amended guidance does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirement to test goodwill annually for impairment. In addition, the revised guidance does not amend the requirement to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if certain events or circumstances warrant that such a test be performed. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this amendment will have on our annual goodwill impairment test and do not expect that this amendment will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance to increase the quantitative and qualitative disclosures an employer is required to provide about its participation in significant multiemployer plans that offer pension and other post retirement benefits. The objective of the amended guidance is to enhance the transparency of disclosures about: (1) the significant multiemployer plans in which an employer participates, including the plan names and identifying numbers; (2) the level of the employer's participation in those plans; (3) the financial health of the plans; and (4) the nature of the employer's commitments to the plans. For plans for which additional public information outside of the employer's financial statements is not available, the amended guidance requires additional disclosures, including: (1) a description of the nature of the plan benefits; (2) a qualitative description of the extent to which the employer could be responsible for the obligation of the plan; and (3) other information to help users understand the financial information about the plan, to the extent available. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011, and the amendments are required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements.