Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings [Abstract]

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

(4)     Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings related to the Company’s contracts and joint venture contracts consisted of the following:

	September 30,		December 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Unbilled costs and profits incurred to date*	$	261,435	$	204,276
Unapproved change orders		137,985		146,787
Claims		320,757		222,185
	$	720,177	$	573,248

*  Represents the excess of contract costs and profits recognized to date on the percentage of completion accounting method over the amount of contract billings to date on certain contracts.

Of the balance of “Unapproved change orders” and “Claims” included above in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings atDecember 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014, approximately$58.8 million and$38.4 million, respectively, are the amounts subject to pending litigation or dispute resolution proceedings as described in Note 7 — Contingencies and Commitments. These amounts are management’s estimate of the probable cost recovery from the disputed claims considering such factors as evaluation of entitlement, settlements reached to date and experience with the customer. In the event that future facts and circumstances, including the resolution of disputed claims, cause a reduction in the aggregate amount of the estimated probable cost recovery from the disputed claims, the amount of such reduction will be recorded against earnings in the relevant future period.

The prerequisite for billing “Unbilled costs and profits incurred to date” is provided in the defined billing terms of each of the applicable contracts. The prerequisite for billing “Unapproved change orders” or “Claims” is the final resolution and agreement between the parties.