Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Ciber, Inc. and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries (together "Ciber," "the Company," "we," "our," or "us"). All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The shares of our foreign subsidiaries that are owned by persons other than Ciber are referred to as noncontrolling interests in these Consolidated Financial Statements. The noncontrolling shareholders' proportionate share of the equity of these subsidiaries is reflected as "noncontrolling interests" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The noncontrolling shareholders' proportionate share of the net income or loss of these subsidiaries is reflected as "net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In June 2013, we entered into an agreement to purchase all of the noncontrolling interests of one of our foreign subsidiaries for future cash payments of approximately $7.3 million, of which $0.8 million was paid in the the fourth quarter of 2013 and the remainder will be paid in the fourth quarter of 2014 and second quarter of 2015. Effective with the date of entering into this agreement, we derecognized the previously recorded noncontrolling interests relating to this subsidiary and recorded a liability for the present value of future cash payments on our consolidated balance sheet. We recorded the excess of the present value of future cash payments over the book value of noncontrolling interests as a reduction to Ciber, Inc. shareholders' equity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Ciber earns revenue primarily from providing IT services to its clients, and to a much lesser extent, from the sale and resale of IT hardware and software products. Ciber's consulting services revenue comes from three primary sources: (1) technology integration services where we design, build and implement new or enhanced system applications and related processes; (2) general IT consulting services, such as system selection or assessment, feasibility studies, training and staffing; and (3) managed IT services in which we manage, staff, maintain, host or otherwise run solutions and/or systems for our customers. Contracts for these services have different terms based on the scope, deliverables and complexity of the engagement, which requires management to make judgments and estimates in recognizing revenue. Fees for these contracts may be in the form of time-and-materials, unit-priced or fixed-price billings. The majority of our consulting services revenue is recognized under time-and-materials contracts as hours and costs are incurred. Consulting services revenue also includes project-related reimbursable expenses for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses separately billed to clients.

Revenue for technology integration consulting services where we design/redesign, build and implement new or enhanced systems applications and related processes for our clients is generally recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, management estimates the percentage of completion based upon the contract costs incurred to date as a percentage of the total estimated contract costs. If the total cost estimate exceeds revenue, we accrue for the estimated loss immediately. The use of the percentage-of-completion method requires significant judgment relative to estimating total contract revenue and costs, including assumptions as to the length of time to complete the project, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed and anticipated changes in estimated costs. Estimates of total contract costs are continuously monitored during the term of the contract and recorded revenues and costs are subject to revision as the contract progresses. Such revisions may result in increases or decreases to revenue and income and are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements in the periods in which they are first identified.

Revenue for general IT consulting services is recognized as work is performed and amounts are earned. For contracts with fees based on time-and-materials, we recognize revenue over the period of performance. For fixed-price contracts, depending on the specific contractual provisions and nature of the deliverables, revenue may be recognized on a proportional performance model based on level-of-effort, as milestones are achieved or when final deliverables have been provided.

Outsourcing and managed IT services arrangements typically span several years. Revenue from time-and-materials contracts is recognized as the services are performed. Revenue from unit-priced contracts is recognized as transactions are processed based on objective measures of output. Revenue from fixed-price contracts is recognized on a straight-line basis, unless revenues are earned and obligations are fulfilled in a different pattern. Costs related to delivering managed services are expensed as incurred, with the exception of labor and other direct costs related to the set-up of processes, personnel and systems, which are deferred during the transition period when appropriate criteria have been met and expensed ratably over the period services are provided. Amounts billable to the client for transition or set-up activities, which do not have standalone value, are also deferred and recognized as revenue ratably over the period that the managed services are provided.

We sometimes enter into arrangements (excluding software license arrangements) with customers that purchase multiple services, or a combination of services and IT hardware products, from us at the same time, referred to as multiple-element arrangements. Each element within a multiple-element arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting provided that the delivered services or products have value to the customer on a standalone basis. We consider a deliverable element to have standalone value if the service or product is sold separately by us or another vendor or could be resold by the customer. For our multiple-element arrangements, the arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverable elements on the basis of their relative selling price (the relative selling price method). When applying the relative selling price method, the selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of selling price if it exists; otherwise, third-party evidence ("TPE") of selling price is used. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a deliverable, then we use our best estimate of the selling price ("ESP") for that deliverable when applying the relative selling price method. Since our services are typically customized to each client's specific needs, VSOE and TPE are generally not available. We determine ESP for purposes of allocating the arrangement by considering several external and internal factors including, but not limited to, pricing practices, margin objectives, competition, geographies in which we offer our products and services, and internal costs. We limit the amount of revenue recognized for delivered elements to an amount that is not contingent upon future delivery of additional services or products.

Other revenue primarily includes sales of third-party software products and related support services and commissions on sales of IT products and, to a lesser extent, sales of proprietary software products. Where we are the re-marketer of certain IT products, commission revenue is recognized when the products are drop-shipped from the vendor to the customer. Our commission revenue represents the sales price to the customer less the cost paid to the vendor. Some software license arrangements also include implementation services and/or post-contract customer support. In such multi-element software arrangements, if the criteria are met, revenue is recognized when VSOE of the fair value of each undelivered element has been established. Generally our license arrangements containing multiple elements do not qualify for separate accounting for the implementation services, and the software license revenue and the related costs of third-party software products are generally recognized together with the software implementation services using the percentage-of-completion method. Revenue for software post-contract support is recognized ratably over the term of the related agreement.

Unbilled accounts receivable represent amounts recognized as revenue based on services performed in advance of billings in accordance with contract terms. Under our typical time-and-materials billing arrangement, we bill our customers on a regularly scheduled basis, such as biweekly or monthly. At the end of each accounting period, we accrue revenue for services performed since the last billing cycle. These unbilled amounts are generally billed the following month. Unbilled accounts receivable also arise when percentage-of-completion accounting is used and costs plus estimated contract earnings exceed billings. Such amounts are billed at specific milestone dates or at contract completion. Management expects all unbilled accounts receivable to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date. Billings in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue and are primarily comprised of deferred software support revenue.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes bank demand and time deposits, money market funds and all other highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Substantially all of our cash balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was held by our foreign subsidiaries.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We record accounts receivable at their face amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, we evaluate our client receivables, especially receivables that are past due, and we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon specific identification of probable losses. Accounts receivable losses are deducted from the allowance and the related accounts receivable balances are written off when the receivables are deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recognized when received.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, which primarily consists of computer equipment and software, furniture and leasehold improvements, is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives, ranging primarily from three to seven years, or the related lease term, if shorter. Direct costs of time and materials incurred for the development of software for internal use are capitalized as property and equipment.

Long-Lived Assets (excluding Goodwill)

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and for operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax amounts are based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect during the year in which the differences reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities due to a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as current and non-current amounts based on the financial statement classification of the related asset and liability. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. We use a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. We first determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step involves measuring the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement.

The provision for income taxes represents the estimated amounts for federal, state and foreign taxes. The determination of the provision for income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowance requires us to assess uncertainties, make judgments regarding possible outcomes and utilize estimates. As a global company, we are required to calculate and provide for income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions where we operate. Our global operations are subject to complex tax regulations in numerous taxing jurisdictions, resulting at times in tax audits, disputes and potential litigation, the outcome of which is uncertain. We must make judgments currently about such uncertainties and determine estimates of our tax assets and liabilities. To the extent the final outcome differs, future adjustments to our tax assets and liabilities will be necessary. As a result, our effective tax rate may vary significantly from period to period. In addition, changes in the geographic mix and/or estimated levels of pre-tax income affect the overall effective tax rate. Interim-period tax expense is recorded based upon our best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year.

Foreign Currency

The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses arising from inter-company international transactions that are of a long-term investment nature are reported in the same manner as translation adjustments. Foreign currency translation adjustments are reclassified into our Consolidated Statement of Operations when our interest in subsidiaries with a functional currency is substantially liquidated.

All foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including foreign currency gains and losses on short-term inter-company loans and advances, are included in "other expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as incurred.

Share-Based Compensation

We record share-based compensation expense for awards of equity instruments to employees based on the estimated grant-date fair value of these awards, over the period the employees are required to provide services to earn the awards. Share-based compensation cost is recognized in "selling, general and administrative expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Financial Instruments and Fair Values

The Company is required to disclose the fair value of all assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement and the nature of the valuation techniques, including their classification within the fair value hierarchy, utilized by the Company in performing these measurements.

The FASB provides a fair value framework which requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (or inputs) used to price the assets or liabilities, which are as follows:



Level 1:		Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:		Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3:		Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions.

The carrying values of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our reporting units utilized in our annual goodwill impairment assessment, which utilizes level 3 assumptions, is discussed in Note 7. The fair value of the borrowings under our ABL Facility utilizing level 2 assumptions is discussed in Note 9. Restructuring liabilities for office closures, discussed in note 14, are recorded at estimated fair value utilizing level 3 assumptions, including an estimate of sublease income which is subject to adjustment in future periods if assumptions change.

Ciber is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations. From time to time, Ciber may choose to use derivative instruments to manage certain risks related to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value utilizing level 2 assumptions. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. All hedging instruments must be designated, based on the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the effective hedge portion of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The change in the amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The gain or loss is classified in the same statement of operations line item as the associated item being hedged.

From time to time, Ciber will also enter into foreign currency forward contracts related to customer agreements or intercompany transactions denominated in a foreign currency or related to certain forecasted foreign operating results. We generally have not elected hedge accounting for these derivatives. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we did not have any material outstanding derivative instruments.

Business and Credit Concentrations

Financial instruments that are potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily invested in high-credit quality short-term, interest-bearing accounts with financial institutions. Accounts receivable are reviewed on a periodic basis and an allowance for bad debts is recorded where such amounts are determined to be uncollectible. We do not require collateral from our customers. Our revenue and accounts receivable are principally concentrated with large companies across several industries and governmental entities located throughout the United States and Europe.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in the balances of items that are reported directly as separate components of shareholders' equity. Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income plus changes in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment and gains or losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes.

Contingencies

We are subject to various claims and litigation that arise in the ordinary course of business. The litigation process is inherently uncertain. Therefore, the outcome of such matters is not predictable.

As previously reported, we are engaged in legal proceedings in Germany in connection with our acquisition of a controlling interest in Novasoft AG (now known as Ciber AG) in 2004. In August 2006, we completed a buy-out of the remaining minority shareholders of Novasoft. Certain of those former minority shareholders challenged the adequacy of the buy-out consideration by initiating a review by the district court in Mannheim, Germany. The court made a determination in 2013 which is now under appeal by the plaintiffs. Based on information known to us, we have established a reserve that we believe is reasonable. We are unable to predict the outcome of this matter.

As previously reported, a lawsuit titled CamSoft Data Systems, Inc. v. Southern Electronics, et al., was filed initially in October 2009 in Louisiana state court against numerous defendants, including Ciber. The lawsuit was subsequently removed to federal court in the Middle District of Louisiana and the complaint was amended to include additional defendants and causes of action including antitrust claims, civil RICO claims, unfair trade practices, trade secret, fraud, unjust enrichment, and conspiracy claims. The suit involves many of the same parties involved in related litigation in the state court in New Orleans, which was concluded in 2009 when Ciber settled the New Orleans suit with the plaintiffs, Active Solutions and Southern Electronics, who were CamSoft's former alleged joint venturers and are now co-defendants in the current lawsuit. Ciber is vigorously defending the allegations. The matter is ongoing in the appellate courts where Camsoft has filed a notice of appeal with the Federal Court of Appeals while Ciber and the other defendants have filed notices of appeal with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and with the Federal Court of Appeals. Based on information known to us, we have established a reserve that we believe is reasonable. We are unable to predict the outcome of this litigation.

As previously reported, in October 2011, a putative securities class action lawsuit, Weston v. Ciber, Inc. et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against Ciber and several of its current and former officers. In November 2013, we entered into a settlement among the lead plaintiff and the defendants that involved funds paid by our insurers being placed into a fund for the benefit of the class. The Court issued preliminary approval of the settlement, subject to final approval after the completion of certain events, including notice to the putative class. We have not made any admission of liability or wrongdoing by entering into this settlement. Notices to potential class members has begun.

As previously reported, in February 2012, a purported verified shareholder derivative lawsuit, Seni v. Peterschmidt. et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against several of our current and former officers and our then-current board of directors. This complaint generally alleged that the various defendants breached their fiduciary duties of good faith, fair dealing, loyalty, due care, reasonable inquiry, oversight, and supervision by approving the issuance of allegedly false statements that misrepresented material information about the finances and operations of the Company. On March 22, 2013, the Court dismissed this complaint with leave to amend. On April 26, 2013, plaintiff filed an amended complaint that largely made the same claims as the original complaint. In February 2014, the Court issued an order dismissing the amended complaint. The Court permitted the plaintiff until February 26, 2014 to amend the complaint.

In February 2014, a purported verified shareholder derivative lawsuit, Denny v. Peterschmidt, et al., was filed in the District Court in Arapahoe County Colorado state court against several of our current and former officers and our then-current board of directors. This Complaint generally alleges that between December 15, 2010, and August 3, 2011, the defendants committed breaches of fiduciary duty that caused losses to Ciber's reputation and goodwill. The defendants are alleged to have breached their fiduciary duties by disseminating inaccurate and incomplete information about Ciber's financial results and business prospects, failing to maintain internal controls, and failing to properly oversee and manage the Company. Other claims include unjust enrichment and insider trading. Plaintiff Denny made a litigation demand on the Board in March 2012 to investigate the allegations and bring suit against the directors and executive officers of the Company. In response, the Board formed an Independent Committee to investigate the claims. In December 2012, after completing its investigation and finding that the claims were without merit, the Independent Committee formally refused the Plaintiff's demand. We believe the derivative lawsuit is without merit and we intend to vigorously defend against the claims. We are unable to predict the outcome of this litigation.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830)-Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, ("ASU 2013-05"). This amendment clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of cumulative translation adjustment into net earnings. When an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity, the entity is required to apply the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net earnings. ASU 2013-05 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, (“ASU 2013-11”). The objective of this update is to eliminate the diversity in practice in the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments in this update require an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for those instances described above, except in certain situations discussed in the update. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill

We perform our annual impairment analysis of goodwill as of June 30 each year or more often if there are indicators of impairment present. We test each of our reporting units for goodwill impairment. Our reporting units are the same as our operating divisions and reportable segments. The goodwill impairment test requires a two-step process. The first step consists of comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then it is not considered impaired and no further analysis is required. If step one indicates that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then impairment potentially exists and the second step is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying value.