Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2009

Basis of Accounting [Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

 The financial statements of the Company have been prepared using accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business.  The Company incurred losses of $19.6 million, $16.8 million and $15.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Company had a working capital deficit of $14 thousand at December 31, 2012, and used cash in operations of $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Currently, the Company’s sole focus is the development of its land and water assets.

 Cash requirements during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, primarily reflect:  (i) certain administrative costs related to the Company’s water development efforts, including legal and consulting costs associated with the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Water Project; (ii) litigation costs; (iii) due diligence costs associated with exploring the feasibility of converting the natural gas pipelines, which the Company currently has the option to purchase, to water transportation facilities; and (iv) $1.0 million in cash payments related to the extension of an option agreement with El Paso Natural Gas.  

 In June 2006, the Company raised $36.4 million through the private placement of a five year zero coupon convertible term loan with Peloton Partners LLP (“Peloton”), as administrative agent, and an affiliate of Peloton and another investor, as lenders (the “Term Loan”).  The proceeds of the Term Loan were partially used to repay the Company’s prior term loan facility with ING Capital LLC (“ING”).  On April 16, 2008, the Company was advised that Peloton’s interest in the Term Loan had been assigned to an affiliate of Lampe, Conway & Company LLC (“Lampe Conway”), and Lampe Conway subsequently replaced Peloton as administrative agent of the loan.  On June 4, 2009, the Company completed arrangements to amend the Term Loan as to certain of its conversion features and extend its maturity to June 2013.  This facility was further modified as to certain of its conversion features on October 19, 2010, in connection with a new $10 million working capital facility with the existing lenders.

 On October 30, 2012, the Company increased the capacity of its existing Term Loan facility with an additional $5 million facility.

 On March 5, 2013, the Company completed arrangements to amend and restate its credit facility with the existing lenders.  Under the new terms of the agreement, the existing lenders hold $30 million of non-convertible secured debt, with the balance of the Company’s outstanding debt of approximately $36 million held in a convertible bond instrument.  Further, the Company increased the capacity of the convertible bond instrument with an additional $17.5 million to be used for working capital purposes.  See Note 15, “Subsequent Events”,

 In June 2011, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 registering the sale of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock in one or more public offerings.  The registration statement was declared effective on June 10, 2011.  On July 8, 2011, the Company raised $4 million with the sale of 363,636 shares at $11 per share by way of takedown from this shelf registration.  The proceeds were used to replace the unutilized portion of its working capital facility and for general corporate purposes.

 On November 30, 2011, the Company raised $6 million in a private placement of 666,667 shares of Common Stock at a price of $9 per share.  For every three (3) shares of Common Stock issued, the Company issued (1) Common Stock purchase warrant (collectively, the “Warrants”) entitling the holder to purchase, commencing 90 days from the date of the issuance and prior to December 8, 2014, one (1) share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13 per share.  These shares were registered for resale through the Company’s filing of a registration statement on Form S-3 on March 28, 2012.

 On December 14, 2011, the Company sold 570,000 shares of Common Stock from its existing shelf registration at a price of $9 per share for total proceeds of $5.1 million.

 The $17.5 million in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in March 2013 provides the Company with sufficient funds to meet its expected working capital needs until mid 2014.  Based upon the Company’s current and anticipated usage of cash resources, in connection with pre-construction activities following the approval of the Final Environmental Impact Report, it may require additional working capital during 2014 to meet its cash resource needs from that point forward and to continue to finance its operations until such time as its asset development programs produce revenues.  The Company will evaluate the amount of cash needed, and the manner in which such cash will be raised, on an ongoing basis.  The Company may meet any future cash requirements through a variety of means, including equity or debt placements, or through the sale or other disposition of assets.  Equity placements would be undertaken only to the extent necessary, so as to minimize the dilutive effect of any such placements upon our existing stockholders.  Limitations on the Company’s liquidity and ability to raise capital may adversely affect it.  Sufficient liquidity is critical to meet its resource development activities.  Although the Company currently expects its sources of capital to be sufficient to meet its near-term liquidity needs, there can be no assurance that its liquidity requirements will continue to be satisfied.  If the Company cannot raise needed funds, it might be forced to make substantial reductions in its operating expenses, which could adversely affect its ability to implement its current business plan and ultimately its viability as a company.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

 The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cadiz Inc. and all subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and balance have been eliminated in consolidation.

 In December 2003, the Company transferred substantially all of its assets (with the exception of an office sublease, certain office furniture and equipment and any Sun World related assets) to Cadiz Real Estate LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Cadiz Real Estate”).  The Company holds 100% of the equity interests of Cadiz Real Estate, and therefore continues to hold 100% beneficial ownership of the properties that it transferred to Cadiz Real Estate.  Because the transfer of the Company’s properties to Cadiz Real Estate has no effect on its ultimate beneficial ownership of these properties, the properties owned of record either by Cadiz Real Estate or by the Company are treated as belonging to the Company.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

 The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  In preparing these financial statements, management has made estimates with regard to goodwill and other long-lived assets, stock compensation and deferred tax assets.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

 The Company recognizes crop sale revenue upon shipment and transfer of title to customers.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

 General and administrative expenses include $0.4 million, $2.4 million and $4.0 million of stock-based compensation expenses in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 The Company applies the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of options granted to employees and consultants.  For employees, the fair value is then charged to expense on the straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  For consultants, the fair value is remeasured at each reporting period and recorded as a liability until the award is settled.

 ASC 718 also requires the Company to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation as opposed to only recognizing forfeitures and the corresponding reduction in expense as they occur.  The remaining vesting periods are relatively short, and the potential impact of forfeitures is not material.  The Company is in a tax loss carryforward position and is not expected to realize a benefit from any additional compensation expense recognized under ASC 718.  See Note 7, “Income Taxes".

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Loss Per Common Share

 Net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average common shares outstanding.  Options, deferred stock units, warrants, and the zero coupon term loan convertible into or exercisable for certain shares of the Company’s common stock were not considered in the computation of net loss per share because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.  Had these instruments been included, the fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding would have increased by approximately 2,996,000 shares, 2,655,000 shares and 2,423,000 shares for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 The Company considers all short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  The Company invests its excess cash in deposits with major international banks and government agency notes and, therefore, bears minimal risk.  Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, and are considered cash equivalents for purposes of reporting cash flows.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Plant, Equipment and Water Programs

 Property, plant, equipment and water programs are stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ten to forty-five years for land improvements and buildings, and five to fifteen years for machinery and equipment.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the relevant lease agreement or the estimated useful life of the asset.

 Water rights, storage and supply programs are stated at cost.  Certain costs directly attributable to the development of such programs have been capitalized by the Company.  These costs, which are expected to be recovered through future revenues, consist of direct labor, drilling costs, consulting fees for various engineering, hydrological, environmental and additional feasibility studies, and other professional and legal fees.  While interest on borrowed funds is currently expensed, interest costs related to the construction of project facilities will be capitalized at the time construction of these facilities commences.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Assets

 As a result of a merger in May 1988 between two companies which eventually became known as Cadiz Inc., goodwill in the amount of $7,006,000 was recorded.  Approximately $3,193,000 of this amount was amortized prior to the adoption of ASC 350 on January 1, 2002.  Since the adoption of ASC 350, there have been no goodwill impairments recorded.

	Amounts (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	3,813
Adjustments		-
Balance at December 31, 2011		3,813
Adjustments		-
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	3,813

 Deferred loan costs represent costs incurred to obtain debt financing.  Such costs are amortized over the life of the related loan.  At December 31, 2012, the deferred loan fees relate to the zero coupon secured convertible term loan with Lampe Conway, as described in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt”.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

 The Company assesses long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets. If it is determined that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the impairment is measured by using the projected discounted cash-flow method.  The Company reevaluates the carrying value of its water program annually.

 The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate carrying values may not be recoverable, using the market method, as well as the discounted cash-flow method.

 The Company uses a two-step impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized (if any) for the Company.  The step 1 calculation, used to identify potential impairment, compares the estimated fair value of the Company to its net carrying value (book values), including goodwill, on the measurement date.  If the fair value of the Company is less than its carrying value, step 2 of the impairment test is required to measure the amount of the impairment loss (if any).

 The step 2 calculation of the impairment test compares the implied fair value of the goodwill to the carrying value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of the estimated fair value above the fair value of the Company's identified assets and liabilities.  If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess (not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill).  The determination of the fair value of its assets and liabilities is performed as of the measurement date using observable market data before and after the measurement date (if that subsequent information is relevant to the fair value on the measurement date).

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

 Income taxes are provided for using an asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates.  A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 Financial assets with carrying values approximating fair value include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  Financial liabilities with carrying values approximating fair value include accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to their short-term nature.  The carrying value of the Company's debt approximates fair value, based on interest rates available to the Company for debt with similar terms.  See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt”, for discussion of fair value of debt.

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 No cash payments, including interest, are due on the corporate term debt prior to March 5, 2016, the final maturity date.

 The Company recorded non-cash additions to fixed assets of $1,090,000, $1,826,000 and $1,276,000 at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which were accrued at the respective year ends, for the costs directly attributable to the development of theWater Project.

 Cash payments for income taxes were $10,000, $6,500, and $6,400 in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair value measurements and disclosures

 Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted an update to the accounting rules for fair value measurement.  The new accounting principle establishes a consistent definition of fair value in an effort to ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") are comparable. This update changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This update does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provides guidance on how it should be applied where its use was already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP or IFRS. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and is applied prospectively. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures.

Statement of comprehensive income

 Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. This update requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This update does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures.

Goodwill impairment

 Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted an update to the authoritative guidance related to goodwill impairment testing. This update gives companies the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before performing the two-step test mandated prior to the update. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, a company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then it must perform the two-step test. Otherwise, a company may bypass the two-step test. Companies are not required to perform the qualitative assessment and may, instead proceed directly to the first step of the two-part test. The adoption of this update guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.