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Derivative Financial Instruments
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]  
Derivative Financial Instruments

9. We use derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging margin exposure from fixed-price forward sales contracts in Aluminum Extrusions and currency exchange rate exposures that exist due to specified transactions. When possible, our derivative financial instruments are designated as and qualify as cash flow hedges and are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. A change in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction. Such gains and losses are reported on the same line as the underlying hedged item. Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the changes in the fair value of the derivative exceed the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recorded in current period earnings. The amount of gains and losses recognized for hedge ineffectiveness was not material to the second quarter and first six months of 2013 and 2012.

     The fair value of derivative instruments recorded on the consolidated balance sheets are based upon Level 2 inputs within the corresponding commodity or foreign currency markets. If individual derivative instruments with the same counterparty can be settled on a net basis, we record the corresponding derivative fair values as a net asset or net liability.

     In the normal course of business, we enter into fixed-price forward sales contracts with certain customers for the future sale of fixed quantities of aluminum extrusions at scheduled intervals. In order to hedge our margin exposure created from the fixing of future sales prices relative to volatile raw material (aluminum) costs, we enter into a combination of forward purchase commitments and futures contracts to acquire or hedge aluminum, based on the scheduled purchases for the firm sales commitments. The fixed-price firm sales commitments and related hedging instruments generally have durations of not more than 12 months, and the notional amount of aluminum futures contracts that hedged future purchases of aluminum to meet fixed-price forward sales contract obligations was $5.5 million (5.8 million pounds of aluminum) at June 30, 2013 and $6.2 million (6.7 million pounds of aluminum) at December 31, 2012.

     The table below summarizes the location and gross amounts of aluminum futures contract fair values in the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

  June 30, 2013 December 31, 2012
  Balance Sheet Fair Balance Sheet Fair
(In Thousands) Account Value Account Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments              
Asset derivatives:         Prepaid expenses    
Aluminum futures contracts         and other $ 226
Liability derivatives:         Prepaid expense    
Aluminum futures contracts Accrued expenses $ 470   and other $ 88
Net asset (liability)   $ (470 )   $ 138

 

  June 30, 2013 December 31, 2012
  Balance Sheet Fair Balance Sheet   Fair
(In Thousands) Account Value Account   Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Asset derivatives: Prepaid expenses     Prepaid expenses    
Foreign currency forward contracts and other $ 178 and other $ 948
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Liability derivatives: Prepaid expenses          
Foreign currency forward contracts and other $ 8      
    $ 170   $ 948

 

     These derivative contracts involve elements of market risk that are not reflected on our consolidated balance sheet, including the risk of dealing with counterparties and their ability to meet the terms of the contracts. The counterparties to our forward purchase commitments are major aluminum brokers and suppliers, and the counterparties to our aluminum futures contracts are major financial institutions. Fixed-price forward sales contracts are only made available to our best and most credit-worthy customers. The counterparties to our foreign currency futures and zero-cost collar contracts are major financial institutions.

     The effect on net income and other comprehensive income (loss) of derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges and described in the previous paragraphs for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 is summarized in the table below:

 

     As of June 30, 2013, we expect $0.5 million of unrealized after-tax losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months. For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, net gains or losses realized on previously unrealized net gains or losses from hedges that had been discontinued were not material.