Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Schedule of trading securities

The Company's trading securities consist of the following (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)
December 31, 2012
Trading equity securities	$	3,432	$	130	$	11	$	3,551
Trading debt securities		7,836		228		49		8,015
Total	$	11,268	$	358	$	60	$	11,566
December 31, 2011
Trading equity securities	$	3,160	$	81	$	79	$	3,162
Trading debt securities		7,761		211		71		7,901
Total	$	10,921	$	292	$	150	$	11,063

Trading equity investments noted above are valued at their estimated fair value based on their quoted market prices and trading debt securities are valued based upon a mix of observable market prices and model driven prices derived from a matrix of observable market prices for assets with similar characteristics obtained from a nationally recognized third party pricing service. Additionally, a significant portion of the trading equity securities are in equity money market and mutual funds and also comprise a portion of the Company's liability under its SERP. See Note 12, Pension and Retirement Plans, for additional information on these investments and the SERP.

Trading debt securities are comprised mainly of marketable debt securities held by Astec Insurance. Astec Insurance has an investment strategy that focuses on providing regular and predictable interest income from a diversified portfolio of high-quality fixed income securities. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, $1,334,000 and $1,324,000, respectively, of trading debt securities were due to mature within twelve months and, accordingly, are included in other current assets.

Net unrealized gains or (losses) incurred during 2012, 2011 and 2010 on investments still held as of the end of each reporting period, amounted to $173,000, ($77,000) and $219,000, respectively.