Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) [Abstract]

Basis of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation

These Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries (the "Company"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods indicated, have been made.

Certain balance sheet items have been reclassified from their prior presentation to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications are not considered material and had no effect on the statement of income, statement of equity, current assets, current liabilities or operating cash flows as previously reported.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments with an initial maturity of three months or less. The carrying values of these assets approximate their fair values.

A significant portion of restricted cash is held in escrow for certain of the Company's industrial development revenue bonds described in Note 10.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and may bear interest if past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed quarterly. The allowance is based both on specific identification of potentially uncollectible accounts and the application of a consistent policy to estimate the allowance necessary for the remaining accounts receivable. For those customers that are thought to be at higher risk, the Company makes assumptions as to collectability based on past history and facts about the current situation. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it becomes more certain that the receivable will not be recovered.

Commodity Derivatives and Inventories

 Commodity Derivatives and Inventories

The Company's operating results can be affected by changes to commodity prices. The Grain and Ethanol businesses have established "unhedged" position limits (the amount of a commodity, either owned or contracted for, that does not have an offsetting derivative contract to mitigate the price risk associated with those contracts and inventory). To reduce the exposure to market price risk on commodities owned and forward grain and ethanol purchase and sale contracts, the Company enters into exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts and over-the-counter forward and option contracts with various counterparties. The exchange traded contracts are primarily via the regulated Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the "CME"). The forward purchase and sale contracts are for physical delivery of the commodity in a future period. Contracts to purchase commodities from producers generally relate to the current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of commodities to processors or other commercial consumers generally do not extend beyond one year.

The Company accounts for its commodity derivatives at fair value, the same method it uses to value grain inventory. The estimated fair value of the commodity derivative contracts that require the receipt or posting of cash collateral is recorded on a net basis (offset against cash collateral posted or received, also known as margin deposits) within commodity derivative assets or liabilities. Management determines fair value based on exchange-quoted prices and in the case of its forward purchase and sale contracts, estimated fair value is adjusted for differences in local markets and non-performance risk. While the Company considers its commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges. Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the value of commodity contracts (whether due to changes in commodity prices, changes in performance or credit risk, or due to sale, maturity or extinguishment of the commodity contract) and grain inventories are included in sales and merchandising revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Additional information about the fair value of the Company's commodity derivatives is presented in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the average cost method. Additional information about inventories is presented in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Derivatives - Master Netting Arrangements

Derivatives – Master Netting Arrangements

Generally accepted accounting principles permit a party to a master netting arrangement to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments against the right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral under the same master netting arrangement. The Company has master netting arrangements for its exchange traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter contracts. When the Company enters into a futures, options or an over-the-counter contract, an initial margin deposit may be required by the counterparty. The amount of the margin deposit varies by commodity. If the market price of a future, option or an over-the-counter contract moves in a direction that is adverse to the Company's position, an additional margin deposit, called a maintenance margin, is required. The Company nets, by counterparty, its futures and over-the-counter positions against the cash collateral provided or received. The margin deposit assets and liabilities are included in short-term commodity derivative assets or liabilities, as appropriate, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additional information about the Company's master netting arrangements is presented in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Derivatives - Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Contracts

Derivatives – Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Contracts

The Company periodically enters into interest rate contracts to manage interest rate risk on borrowing or financing activities. The Company has a long-term interest rate swap recorded in other long-term liabilities and a foreign currency collar recorded in other assets and has designated them as cash flow hedges; accordingly, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income. The Company has other interest rate contracts that are not designated as hedges. While the Company considers all of its derivative positions to be effective economic hedges of specified risks, these interest rate contracts for which hedge accounting is not applied are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in either other current assets or liabilities (if short-term in nature) or in other assets or other long-term liabilities (if non-current in nature), and changes in fair value are recognized in income as interest expense. Upon termination of a derivative instrument or a change in the hedged item, any remaining fair value recorded on the balance sheet is recorded as interest expense consistent with the cash flows associated with the underlying hedged item. Information regarding the nature and terms of the Company's interest rate derivatives is presented in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Marketing Agreement

Marketing Agreement

The Company has a marketing agreement that covers certain of its grain facilities, some of which are leased from Cargill, Incorporated ("Cargill"). Under the five-year amended and restated agreement (ending in May 2013), the Company sells grain from these facilities to Cargill at market prices. Income earned from operating the facilities (including buying, storing and selling grain and providing grain marketing services to its producer customers) over a specified threshold is shared equally with Cargill. Measurement of this threshold is made on a cumulative basis and cash is paid to Cargill at the end of the contract. The Company recognizes its pro rata share of income every month and accrues for any payment owed to Cargill. The payable balance was $33.2 million and $16.7 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Railcars

Railcars

The Company's Rail Group purchases, leases, markets and manages railcars for third parties and for internal use. Railcars to which the Company holds title are shown on the balance sheet in one of two categories other current assets (for railcars that are available for sale) or railcar assets leased to others. Railcars leased to others, both on short and long-term leases, are classified as long-term assets and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

Railcars have statutory lives of either 40 or 50 years, measured from the date built. At the time of purchase, the remaining statutory life is used in determining useful lives which are depreciated on a straight-line basis. Additional information regarding railcar assets leased to others is presented in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred, while betterments that extend useful lives are capitalized. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets, principally by the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are generally as follows: land improvements – 16 years; leasehold improvements – the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvement, ranging from 3 to 20 years; buildings and storage facilities – 20 to 30 years; machinery and equipment – 3 to 20 years; and software – 3 to 10 years. The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the accumulated depreciation thereon are removed from the accounts, with any gain or loss realized upon sale or disposal credited or charged to operations. Additional information regarding the Company's property, plant and equipment is presented in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Deferred Debt Issue Costs

Deferred Debt Issue Costs

Costs associated with the issuance of debt are capitalized. These costs are amortized using an interest-method equivalent over the earlier of the stated term of the debt or the period from the issue date through the first early payoff date without penalty, or the expected payoff if the loan does not contain a prepayment penalty. Capitalized costs associated with the borrowing arrangement with a syndication of banks are amortized over the term of the agreement.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are recorded at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization of intangible assets is provided over their estimated useful lives (generally 5 to 10 years) on the straight-line method. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests or more often when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. Additional information about the Company's goodwill and intangible assets is presented in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the undiscounted future net cash flows the Company expects to generate with the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the Company recognizes impairment expense for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Accounts Payable for Grain

Accounts Payable for Grain

Accounts payable for grain includes certain amounts related to grain purchases for which, even though the Company has taken ownership and possession of the grain, the final purchase price has not been established (delayed price contracts). Amounts recorded for such delayed price contracts are determined on the basis of grain market prices at the balance sheet date in a similar manner for which grain inventory is valued and equated to $71.1 million and $37.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards is based on the estimated grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, adjusted for revisions to performance expectations. Additional information about the Company's stock compensation plans is presented in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Deferred Compensation Liability

Deferred Compensation Liability

Included in accrued expenses are $6.2 million and $5.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, of deferred compensation for certain employees who, due to Internal Revenue Service guidelines, may not take full advantage of the Company's qualified defined contribution plan. Assets funding this plan are recorded at fair value and are equal to the value of this liability. This plan has no impact on results of operations as the changes in the fair value of the assets are offset on a one-for-one basis, by the change in the recorded amount of the deferred compensation liability.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Sales of grain and ethanol are primarily recognized at the time of shipment, which is when title and risk of loss transfers to the customer. Direct ship grain sales (where the Company never takes physical possession of the grain) are recognized when the grain arrives at the customer's facility. Revenues from other grain and ethanol merchandising activities are recognized as services are provided; gains and losses on the market value of grain inventory as well as commodity derivatives are recognized into revenue on a daily basis when these positions are marked-to-market. Sales of other products are recognized at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment or, in the case of the retail store sales, when the customer takes possession of the goods. Revenues for all other services are recognized as the service is provided.

Certain of the Company's operations provide for customer billings, deposits or prepayments for product that is stored at the Company's facilities. The sales and gross profit related to these transactions are not recognized until the product is shipped in accordance with the previously stated revenue recognition policy and these amounts are classified as a current liability titled "Customer prepayments and deferred revenue."

Rental revenues on operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Sales to financial intermediaries of owned railcars which are subject to an operating lease (with the Company being the lessor in such operating leases prior to the sale, referred to as a "non-recourse transaction") are recognized as revenue on the date of sale if the Company does not maintain substantial risk of ownership in the sold railcars. Revenue related to railcar servicing and maintenance contracts is recognized over the term of the lease or service contract.

Sales returns and allowances are provided for at the time sales are recorded. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. Sales taxes and motor fuel taxes on ethanol sales are presented on a net basis and are excluded from revenues. In all cases, revenues are recognized only if collectability is reasonably assured at the time the revenue is recorded.

Rail Lease Accounting

Rail Lease Accounting

In addition to the sale of railcars that the Company makes to financial intermediaries on a non-recourse basis and records as revenue as discussed above, the Company also acts as the lessor and / or the lessee in various leasing arrangements as described below.

The Company's Rail Group leases railcars and locomotives to customers, manages railcars for third parties and leases railcars for internal use. The Company acts as the lessor in various operating leases of railcars that are owned by the Company, or leased by the Company from financial intermediaries and, in turn, leased by the Company to end-users of the railcars. The leases from financial intermediaries are generally structured as sale-leaseback transactions, with the leaseback by the Company being treated as an operating lease.

Certain of the Company's leases include monthly lease fees that are contingent upon some measure of usage ("per diem" leases). This monthly usage is tracked, billed and collected by third party service providers and funds are generally remitted to the Company along with usage data three months after they are earned. Typically, the lease term related to per-diem leases is one year or less. The Company records lease revenue for these per diem arrangements based on recent historical usage patterns and records a true-up adjustment when the actual data is received. Such true-up adjustments were not significant for any period presented.

The Company expenses operating lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Additional information about railcar leasing activities is presented in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes

 Income Taxes

Income tax expense for each period includes current tax expense plus deferred expense, which is related to the change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws governing periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company evaluates the realizability of deferred tax assets and provides a valuation allowance for amounts that management does not believe are more likely than not to be recoverable, as applicable.

The annual effective tax rate is determined by income tax expense from continuing operations, described above, as a percentage of pretax book income. Differences in the effective tax rate and the statutory tax rate may be due to permanent items, tax credits, foreign tax rates and state tax rates in jurisdictions in which the Company operates, or changes in valuation allowances.

The Company records reserves for uncertain tax positions when, despite the belief that tax return positions are fully supportable, it is anticipated that certain tax return positions are likely to be challenged and that the Company may not prevail. These reserves are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit or the lapse of statutes of limitations.

Additional information about the Company's income taxes is presented in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company provides all full-time, non-retail employees hired before July 1, 2010 with pension benefits and full-time employees hired before January 1, 2003 with postretirement health care benefits. In order to measure the expense and funded status of these employee benefit plans, management makes several estimates and assumptions, including rates of return on assets set aside to fund these plans, rates of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates and anticipated future healthcare cost trends. These estimates and assumptions are based on the Company's historical experience combined with management's knowledge and understanding of current facts and circumstances. The selection of the discount rate is based on an index given projected plan payouts.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2011 and 2010 consists of the following:

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs	$	(46,482	)	$	(29,362	)
Cash flow hedges		(1,154	)		(1,122	)
Increase in estimated fair value of investment in debt securities		4,546			1,685
	$	(43,090	)	$	(28,799	)

Research and Development

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company's research and development program is mainly involved with the development of improved products and processes, primarily for the Turf & Specialty operating segment. The Company expended approximately $0.8 million, $1.8 million and $1.4 million on research and development activities during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In 2008, the Company, along with several partners, was awarded a $5 million grant from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. The grant is for the development and commercialization of advanced granules and other emerging technologies to provide solutions for the economic health and environmental concerns of today's agricultural industry. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company received $0.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, as part of this grant.

Advertising

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense of $4.0 million, $4.1 million and $4.0 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, is included in operating, administrative and general expenses.

New Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") updated Accounting Standards Code ("ASC") Topic 820, to clarify requirements on fair value measurements and related disclosures. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The additional requirements in this update will be included in the note on fair value measurements upon adoption in the first quarter of 2012. The new standard will have no impact on financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2011-05"). The amendments in ASU 2011-05 eliminate the option to report other comprehensive income in the statement of equity and require entities to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance will change financial statement presentation and require expanded disclosures in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements but will not impact financial results.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment ("ASU 2011-08"). ASU 2011-08 is intended to simplify the testing of goodwill for impairment by permitting 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 amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, although early adoption is permitted. The Company implemented the requirements of ASU 2011-08 for the 2011 annual goodwill impairment analysis that was completed in the fourth quarter. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the analysis performed.

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Topic 210). The new disclosure requirements mandate that entities disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of collateral received and posted in connection with master netting agreements or similar arrangements. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The disclosures required by the amendments are required to be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this amended guidance will require expanded disclosure in the notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements but will not impact financial results.