Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

(13) Commitments and Contingencies

U.S. Government Contracts

The accuracy and appropriateness of costs charged to U.S. Government contracts are subject to regulation, audit and possible disallowance by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or other government agencies.  Accordingly, costs billed or billable to U.S. Government customers are subject to potential adjustment upon audit by such agencies.

Most of the company's U.S. Government contracts are funded incrementally on a year-to-year basis.  Changes in government policies, priorities or funding levels through agency or program budget reductions by the U.S. Congress or executive agencies could materially adversely affect the company's financial condition or results of operations.  Furthermore, contracts with the U.S. Government may be terminated or suspended by the U.S. Government at any time, with or without cause.  Such contract suspensions or terminations could result in unreimbursable expenses or charges or otherwise adversely affect the company's financial condition and/or results of operations.

Research and Development Expenses

The company believes that a majority of the company's research and development expenses are recoverable and billable under contracts with the U.S. Government, from which the majority of the company's revenues are derived.  Charging practices relating to research and development and other costs that may be charged directly or indirectly to government contracts are subject to audit by U.S. Government agencies to determine if such costs are reasonable and allowable under government contracting regulations and accounting practices.  The company believes that research and development costs incurred in connection with the company's Antares development program (see Note 11) are allowable, although the U.S. Government has not yet made a final determination with respect to approximately $175 million of such costs incurred through September 30, 2013.  If such costs were determined to be unallowable, the company could be required to record revenue and profit reductions in future periods.

Litigation

From time to time the company is party to certain litigation or other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  Because of the uncertainties inherent in litigation, the company cannot predict the outcome of such litigation or other legal proceedings; however, the company believes that none of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the company's results of operations or financial condition.

In 2010, the company recorded a non-current asset pertaining to a $10 million advance paid in connection with a business agreement.  Orbital has filed a lawsuit for breach of contract seeking refund of the advance and related damages.  While Orbital believes that its claim for refund is enforceable, the company could be required to record a charge in a future period to write off any amount that is not ultimately recovered.