Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-10 “Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes”. ASU No. 2013-10 permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes and eliminates the restriction on using different benchmark interest rates for similar hedges. The new guidance is effective immediately and can be applied prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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”. ASU No. 2013-11 requires an entity to net its liability for unrecognized tax benefits against the deferred tax assets for all same jurisdiction net operating losses or similar tax loss carryforwards, or tax credit carryforwards. A gross presentation will be required only if such carryforwards are not available as of reporting date to settle any additional income taxes resulting from disallowance of the uncertain tax position or the entity does not intend to use these carryforwards for this purpose. The new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.