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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Barnwell Industries, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “Barnwell,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company”), including a 77.6%-owned land investment general partnership (Kaupulehu Developments), a 75%-owned land investment partnership (KD Kona 2013 LLLP) and two 80%-owned joint ventures (Kaupulehu 2007, LLLP and Kaupulehu Investors, LLC). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Barnwell’s investments in both unconsolidated entities in which a significant, but less than controlling, interest is held and in VIEs in which the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary are accounted for by the equity method.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management of Barnwell to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Significant assumptions are required in the valuation of deferred tax assets, asset retirement obligations, share-based payment arrangements, obligations for retirement plans, contract drilling estimated costs to complete, proved oil and natural gas reserves, and the carrying value of other assets, and such assumptions may impact the amount at which such items are recorded.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Dunvegan held in an escrow account for the Canada Revenue Agency for potential amounts due for Barnwell’s Canadian income taxes as well as deposits in an interest reserve account and a cost reserve account for our real estate loan. The precise timing for the release of the Dunvegan proceeds held in escrow cannot be determined however based on historical experience we believe it to be less than one year.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We maintain bank account balances with high quality financial institutions which often exceed insured limits. We have not experienced any losses with these accounts and believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

Accounts and Other Receivables

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is Barnwell’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in Barnwell’s existing accounts receivable and is based on historical write-off experience and the application of the specific identification method. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Barnwell does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Real Estate Held for Sale

The costs of acquiring land and costs related to development and construction, including interest, property taxes and general and administrative expenses related to the development of land and home construction, are capitalized. Costs that relate to a specific lot or home are assigned to that lot or home while common costs related to multiple lots or homes will be allocated to each in proportion to their anticipated sales value.

Real estate held for sale is reported at the lower of the asset carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. The recorded balances are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the balance may not be fully recoverable. This evaluation requires management to make assumptions and apply considerable judgments to, among others, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows, uncertainty about future events, including changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance, and ongoing cost of maintenance and improvements of the assets. Changes in these and other assumptions may require impairment charges that may materially impact the Company’s future operating results. If economic conditions worsen in the future or if difficult market conditions extend beyond the Company’s expectations resulting in a decrease in the fair value of the aforementioned assets below carrying value, the Company will be required to record an impairment loss.

Homebuilding revenue and related profit or loss are generally recognized at the time of the closing of a sale, when title to and possession of the property are transferred to the buyer.

Investment Held for Sale and Investments in Real Estate

Investment Held for Sale

Barnwell’s investment in one residential parcel is reported at the lower of the asset carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. The recorded balance is evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the balance may not be fully recoverable. This evaluation requires management to make assumptions and apply considerable judgments to, among others, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows, uncertainty about future events, including changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance, changes in the use of the asset, and ongoing cost of maintenance and improvements of the asset. Changes in these and other assumptions may require impairment charges that may materially impact the Company’s future operating results. If economic conditions worsen in the future or if difficult market conditions extend beyond the Company’s expectations resulting in a decrease in the fair value of the aforementioned asset below carrying value, the Company will be required to record an impairment loss.

Investment property is classified as held for sale if management commits to a plan to sell the property, the Company actively markets the property in its current condition for a price that is reasonable in comparison to its fair value or management considers the sale of such property within one year of the balance sheet date to be probable.

Investments in Real Estate

Barnwell accounts for sales of Increment I and Increment II leasehold land interests under the full accrual method. Gains from such sales were recognized when the buyer’s investments were adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property, risks and rewards of ownership transferred to the buyer, and Barnwell did not have a substantial continuing involvement with the property sold. With regard to the sales of Increment I and Increment II leasehold land interests, the percentage of sales payments are contingent future profits which will be recognized when they are realized. All costs of the sales of Increment I and Increment II leasehold land interests were recognized at the time of sale and were not deferred to future periods when any contingent profits will be recognized.

Equity Method Investments

Affiliated companies, which are limited partnerships or similar entities, in which Barnwell holds more than a 3% to 5% ownership interest, are accounted for as equity method investments. Equity method investment adjustments include Barnwell’s proportionate share of investee income or loss, adjustments to recognize certain differences between Barnwell’s carrying value and Barnwell’s equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment, impairments and other adjustments required by the equity method. Gains or losses are realized when such investments are sold.

Investments in equity method investees are evaluated for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amounts of the assets exceed their respective fair values, additional impairment tests are performed to measure the amounts of the impairment losses, if any. When an impairment test demonstrates that the fair value of an investment is less than its carrying value, management will determine whether the impairment is either temporary or other-than-temporary. Examples of factors which may be indicative of an other-than-temporary impairment include (a) the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than carrying value, (b) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and (c) the intent and ability to retain the investment in the investee for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. If the decline in fair value is determined by management to be other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the investment is written down to its estimated fair value as of the balance sheet date of the reporting period in which the assessment is made.

Variable Interest Entities

The consolidation of VIEs is required when an enterprise has a controlling financial interest and is therefore the VIE’s primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether the Company is primary beneficiary, may require significant judgment.

Barnwell analyzes its unconsolidated affiliates in which it has an investment to determine whether the unconsolidated entities are VIEs and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. This analysis includes a qualitative review based on an evaluation of the design of the entity, its organizational structure, including decision making ability and financial agreements, as well as a quantitative review. Our unconsolidated affiliates that have been determined to be VIEs are accounted under the equity method because we do not have a controlling financial interest and are therefore not the VIE’s primary beneficiary (see Note 7).

Oil and Natural Gas Properties

Barnwell uses the full cost method of accounting under which all costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas reserves, including costs related to unsuccessful wells and estimated future site restoration and abandonment, are capitalized. We capitalize internal costs that can be directly identified with our acquisition, exploration and development activities and do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities.

Under the full cost method of accounting, we review the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties, on a country-by-country basis, each quarter in what is commonly referred to as the ceiling test. Under the ceiling test, capitalized costs, net of accumulated depletion and oil and natural gas related deferred income taxes, may not exceed an amount equal to the sum of 1) the discounted present value (at 10%), using average first-day-of-the-month prices during the 12-month period ending as of the balance sheet date held constant over the life of the reserves, of Barnwell’s estimated future net cash flows from estimated production of proved oil and natural gas reserves as determined by independent petroleum reserve engineers, less estimated future expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves but excluding future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations; plus 2) the cost of major development projects and unproven properties not subject to depletion, if any; plus 3) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproven properties included in costs subject to depletion; less 4) related income tax effects. If net capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess is expensed. Depletion is computed using the units-of-production method whereby capitalized costs, net of estimated salvage values, plus estimated future costs to develop proved reserves and satisfy asset retirement obligations, are amortized over the total estimated proved reserves on a country-by-country basis. Investments in major development projects are not depleted until either proved reserves are associated with the projects or impairment has been determined. Proceeds from the disposition of oil and natural gas properties are credited to the full cost pool, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such a sale would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and the proved reserves in a particular country.

Revenues associated with the sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are delivered and title has passed to the customer.

Barnwell’s sales reflect its working interest share after royalties. Barnwell’s production is generally delivered and sold at the plant gate. Barnwell does not have transportation volume commitments with pipelines and does not have natural gas imbalances related to natural gas balancing arrangements with its partners.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Purchase prices are allocated to acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair value at the time of the acquisition. A business combination may result in the recognition of a gain or goodwill based on the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as compared to the fair value of consideration transferred.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets to be held and used, other than oil and natural gas properties, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future net cash flows expected to result from use of the asset (undiscounted and without interest charges). If it is determined that the asset may not be recoverable, impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the asset carrying value or fair value, less cost to sell.

Drilling rigs, office and other property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives.

Share-based Compensation

Share-based compensation cost is measured at fair value. Barnwell utilizes a closed-form valuation model to determine the fair value of each option award. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of Barnwell’s stock over a period consistent with that of the expected terms of the options. The expected terms of the options represent expectations of future employee exercise and are estimated based on factors such as vesting periods, contractual expiration dates, historical trends in Barnwell’s stock price, and historical exercise behavior. The risk-free rates for periods within the contractual life of the options are based on the yields of U.S. Treasury instruments with terms comparable to the estimated option terms. Expected dividends are based on current and historical dividend payments.

Retirement Plans

Barnwell accounts for its defined benefit pension plan, Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, and postretirement medical insurance benefits plan by recognizing the over-funded or under-funded status as an asset or liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. See further discussion at Note 11.

The estimation of Barnwell’s retirement plan obligations, costs and liabilities requires management to estimate the amount and timing of cash outflows for projected future payments and cash inflows for maturities and expected returns on plan assets. These assumptions may have an effect on the amount and timing of future contributions.

At the end of each year, Barnwell determines the discount rate to be used to calculate the present value of plan liabilities and the net periodic benefit cost. The discount rate is an estimate of the current interest rate at which the retirement plan liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. In estimating this rate, Barnwell references the Citigroup Pension Liability Index at our balance sheet date which is linked to rates of return on high-quality, fixed-income investments. The discount rate used to value the future benefit obligation as of each year-end is the rate used to determine the periodic benefit cost in the following year.

The expected long-term return on assets assumption for the pension plans represents the average rate of return to be earned on plan assets over the period the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid. The actual fair value of plan assets and estimated rate of return is used to determine the expected investment return during the year. The estimated rate of return on plan assets is based on historical trends combined with long-term expectations, the mix of plan assets and long-term inflation assumptions. A decrease (increase) of 50 basis points in the expected return on assets assumption would increase (decrease) pension expense by approximately $33,000 based on the assets of the plan at September 30, 2015.

The effects of changing assumptions are included in unamortized net gains and losses, which directly affect accumulated other comprehensive income. These unamortized gains and losses in excess of certain thresholds are amortized and reclassified to income (loss) over the average remaining service life of active employees.

Asset Retirement Obligation

Barnwell accounts for asset retirement obligations by recognizing the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Barnwell estimates the fair value of asset retirement obligations based on the projected discounted future cash outflows required to settle abandonment and restoration liabilities. Such an estimate requires assumptions and judgments regarding the existence of liabilities, the amount and timing of cash outflows required to settle the liability, what constitutes adequate restoration, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, and consideration of changes in legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments. Abandonment and restoration cost estimates are determined in conjunction with Barnwell’s reserve engineers based on historical information regarding costs incurred to abandon and restore similar well sites, information regarding current market conditions and costs, and knowledge of subject well sites and properties. These assumptions represent Level 3 inputs.

Barnwell’s estimated site restoration and abandonment costs of its oil and natural gas properties are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of oil and natural gas properties and depleted over the life of the related reserves. When the assumptions used to estimate a recorded asset retirement obligation change, a revision is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the capitalized cost of asset retirements. The liability is accreted at the end of each period through charges to oil and natural gas operating expense.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are determined using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax impacts of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Management evaluates its potential exposures from tax positions taken that have been or could be challenged by taxing authorities. These potential exposures result because taxing authorities may take positions that differ from those taken by management in the interpretation and application of statutes, regulations and rules. Management considers the possibility of alternative outcomes based upon past experience, previous actions by taxing authorities (e.g., actions taken in other jurisdictions) and advice from tax experts. Recognized tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to such tax positions are included in long-term liabilities unless the tax position is expected to be settled within the upcoming year, in which case the liabilities are included in current liabilities. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense.

Contract Drilling

Revenues, costs and profits applicable to contract drilling contracts are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations using the percentage of completion method, principally measured by the percentage of labor dollars incurred to date for each contract to total estimated labor dollars for each contract. Contract losses are recognized in full in the period the losses are identified. The performance of drilling contracts may extend over more than a year and, in the interim periods, estimates of total contract costs and profits are used to determine revenues and profits earned for reporting the results of contract drilling operations. Revisions in the estimates required by subsequent performance and final contract settlements are included as adjustments to the results of operations in the period such revisions and settlements occur. Contracts are normally less than a year in duration.

Environmental

Barnwell is subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations. These laws, which are constantly changing, regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and maintenance of surface conditions and may require Barnwell to remove or mitigate the environmental effects of the disposal or release of petroleum or chemical substances at various sites. Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefit are expensed. Liabilities for expenditures of a noncapital nature are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated.

Barnwell recognizes an insurance receivable related to environmental expenditures when collection of the receivable is deemed probable. Any recognition of an insurance receivable is recorded by crediting and offsetting the original charge. Any differential arising between insurance recoveries and insurance receivables is expensed or capitalized, consistent with the original treatment.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Operating results of foreign subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Translation adjustments have no effect on net income and are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net” in stockholders’ equity.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid for the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:


•	Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities in active markets and have the highest priority.


•	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.


•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the financial asset or liability and have the lowest priority.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date.” This update provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. Examples of obligations within this guidance are debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. The Company adopted the provisions of this ASU effective October 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on Barnwell’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “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.” This update provides guidance on releasing cumulative translation adjustments when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, these amendments provide guidance on the release of cumulative translation adjustments in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisitions. The Company adopted the provisions of this ASU effective October 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on Barnwell’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-07, “Liquidation Basis of Accounting,” which provides guidance on when and how to apply the liquidation basis of accounting and on what to disclose. The update requires an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent, as defined in the update. The Company adopted the provisions of this ASU effective October 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on Barnwell’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 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,” which requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The Company adopted the provisions of this ASU effective October 1, 2014. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on Barnwell’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-17, “Pushdown Accounting,” which provides companies with the option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The election to apply pushdown accounting can be made either in the period in which the change of control occurred or in a subsequent period. If the election is made in a subsequent period, it would be considered a change in accounting principle and treated in accordance with Topic 250, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.” The Company adopted the provisions of this ASU on November 18, 2014, as the amendments in the update were effective upon issuance. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on Barnwell’s consolidated financial statements.