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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Estimates
Estimates
In preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, management must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported for assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as affecting the disclosures provided. Examples of estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates associated with annual goodwill impairment tests, estimates of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, estimates of inventory balances, and estimates of stock option values. The Company also uses estimates when assessing fair values of assets and liabilities acquired in business acquisitions as well as any fair value and any related impairment charges related to the carrying value of machinery and equipment, and other long-lived assets. Despite the Company’s intention to establish accurate estimates and use reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Restatements and Reclassifications
Restatements and Reclassifications
We have reclassified certain income statement items within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the prior year in order to be comparable with the current presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported income (loss).
Fair Value
Fair Value
We carry certain of our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. These financial assets and liabilities are composed of cash and cash equivalents and derivative instruments. Long-term debt is carried at cost, and the fair value is disclosed herein. In addition, we measure certain assets, such as goodwill and other long-lived assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis to evaluate those assets for potential impairment. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In accordance with the accounting standard, we categorize our financial assets and liabilities into the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 – Financial assets and liabilities with values based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market. Examples of level 1 financial instruments include active exchange-traded equity securities and certain U.S. government securities.
Level 2 – Financial assets and liabilities with values based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Examples of level 2 financial instruments include commercial paper purchased from the State Street-administered asset-backed commercial paper conduits, various types of interest-rate and commodity-based derivative instruments, and various types of fixed-income investment securities. Pricing models are utilized to estimate fair value for certain financial assets and liabilities categorized in level 2.
Level 3 – Financial assets and liabilities with values based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable in the market and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s judgment about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability, and are based on the best available information, some of which is internally developed. Examples of level 3 financial instruments include certain corporate debt with little or no market activity and a resulting lack of price transparency and goodwill.
When determining the fair value measurements for financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. When possible, we look to active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, we look to market observable data for similar assets and liabilities. Nevertheless, certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets, and we use alternative valuation techniques to derive fair value measurements.
We use the fair value methodology outlined in the related accounting standard to value the assets and liabilities for cash, debt and derivatives. All of our cash is defined as Level 1 and all our debt and derivative contracts are defined as Level 2
Stock Option Plan
Stock Option Plan
We provide compensation benefits by granting stock options to employees and directors. The exercise price of each option is equal to the market price of our stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of the option is 5 years. We recognize share-based compensation expense for the fair value of the awards, as estimated using the Modified Black-Scholes-Merton Model, on the date granted on a straight-line basis over their vesting term. Compensation expense is recognized only for share-based payments expected to vest. We estimate forfeitures at the date of grant based on our historical experience and future expectations.
Derivatives and Hedging
Derivatives and Hedging
We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in metal commodity prices, specifically nickel, and interest rates.  In the normal course of business, we actively manage our exposure to these market risks by entering into various hedging transactions, authorized under established policies that place clear controls on these activities.  These transactions utilize exchange traded derivatives or over-the-counter derivatives with investment grade counter-parties.  Derivative financial instruments currently used by us consist of commodity futures, options and swap contracts. Derivative financial instruments are accounted for under the provisions of the FASB ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging.  Under these standards, derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at fair value.  If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, such as our commodity hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.  If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, such as our interest rate swaps, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss and are recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings.  If the derivative is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value are recognized in other income or expense.  Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are also recognized in gain or loss on derivative liabilities. Cash flows related to derivatives are included in operating activities.

See Note 4 - "Long Term Debt and Notes Payable to Bank" and Note 2 - "Derivative and Hedging Activities" in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the interest rate swap agreements and the commodity hedging contracts.