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Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | We consider all investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories – Net [Policy Text Block] | Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories in our Regulated Operations segment are carried at an average cost or first-in, first-out basis. Inventories in our U.S. Water Services and ALLETE Clean Energy segments, and Corporate and Other businesses are carried at an average cost, first-in, first-out or specific identification basis.
Subsequent Events [Policy Text Block] | The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date of the financial statements issuance.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. Revenue is recognized net of allowance for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to the appropriate governmental authorities. We account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer obtains control of goods as a cost rather than an additional performance obligation thereby recognizing revenue at time of shipment and accruing shipping and handling costs when control transfers to our customers. We have a right to consideration from our customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer for our performance completed to date; therefore, we may recognize revenue in the amount to which we have a right to invoice.
Revenue Recognition for Alternative Revenue Programs, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Alternative Programs includes revenue that is driven by factors outside of our regulated entities’ control or as a result of the achievement of certain objectives, such as CIP financial incentives. This revenue is accounted for in accordance with the accounting standards for alternative revenue programs which allow for the recognition of revenue under an alternative revenue program if the program is established by an order from the utility’s regulatory commission, the order allows for automatic adjustment of future rates, the amount of revenue recognized is objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and the revenue will be collected within 24 months following the end of the annual period in which it is recognized. CIP financial incentives are recognized in the period in which the MPUC approves the filing, which is typically mid-year.
New Accounting Standards [Policy Text Block] | New Accounting Pronouncements. Recently Adopted Pronouncements Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2018, the FASB issued an update allowing for a one-time reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the enactment of the TCJA. With the enactment of the new federal tax rates in 2017, entities were required to adjust deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the lower federal rate with the effect of this reduction impacting income from continuing operations in the period of enactment, even in instances where the related income tax effects of items were originally recognized in other comprehensive income. As such, companies were left with stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income that did not reflect the appropriate tax rate. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2018 which resulted in a reduction of $5.7 million to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and a corresponding increase to Retained Earnings for the reclassification of the stranded income tax effects. Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to improve the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs. Under the guidance, an entity is required to present the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The guidance also allows only the service cost component of the periodic cost to be eligible for capitalization on a prospective basis. The other components of net periodic expense must be presented separately from the line item that includes the service cost and must be excluded from the operating income subtotal. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and retrospectively adjusted the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic costs in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The retrospective adjustments for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, were as follows: Operating and Maintenance increased $1.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, Cost of Sales – Non-utility decreased $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, resulting in an increase of $1.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively to Other Income (Expense) – Other. There was no impact to net income as a result of adoption. Financial Instruments. In 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which requires entities to measure equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the practicability exception. The practicability exception will be available for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values. The update was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 2018 which resulted in a cumulative-effect transition adjustment reducing Retained Earnings by $0.1 million, including the tax effect, for the previously unrealized loss on available-for-sale equity securities in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as of December 31, 2017. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which addressed the following eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero‑coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments of this update were adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 2018. There was no impact to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as a result of adoption. Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. In 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to the presentation of restricted cash in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The update requires that the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows explain the change during the period in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. Restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This guidance update was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 2018 and was applied retrospectively to the periods presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows which resulted in a net increase in cash from financing activities of $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Additional disclosure, including a reconciliation of the beginning-of-period and end-of-period cash on hand to the statement of cash flows, is included in this note. (See Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash.) NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued) Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In 2014, the FASB issued amended revenue recognition guidance that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers by providing a single comprehensive model to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of recognition. The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures regarding customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in those judgments, and the assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are required. The Company adopted this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and elected to apply the modified retrospective method of adoption to all contracts as of the date of initial application. The financial impact to the consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption of the new standard is immaterial. Based on the nature of the contracts with our customers and our related performance obligations which transfer control, a $0.5 million after-tax cumulative‑effect transition adjustment was made to increase the opening balance of Retained Earnings. We have included additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements including additional information on the Company’s revenue streams and related performance obligations required to be satisfied in order to recognize revenue. (See Revenue Recognition.) Practical Expedients The following practical expedients were used by the Company as part of the adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance:
• | We have a right to consideration from our customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to such customer for performance completed to date; therefore, we may recognize revenue in the amount to which we have a right to invoice.
• | We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as at contract inception we expect that the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.
• | Where applicable, we adopted this guidance using the portfolio approach in which contracts that have similar characteristics were reviewed as a portfolio. The effects on the financial statements of applying this guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying the guidance to each individual contract.
• | We recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that would otherwise have been recognized is one year or less.
Recently Issued Pronouncements Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairmen t. In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by removing step two of the goodwill impairment test that requires the determination of the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit. The updated guidance requires goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted on a prospective basis. Leases. In 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which revises the existing guidance for leases. Under the revised guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a “right-of-use” asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The new standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures by lessees and lessors to enable users of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The accounting for leases by lessors and the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows from leases are not expected to significantly change as a result of the new guidance. As of September 30, 2018, the Company has reviewed substantially all of its leases for its regulated businesses, completing the preliminary evaluations of the impact of this guidance. Our review and analysis of the Company’s energy infrastructure and related services and corporate and other businesses is nearly complete as well. Based on our preliminary assessment, we expect to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $65 million at adoption, which represents the discounted future minimum operating lease payments. The Company plans to adopt and implement the new guidance, utilizing the additional optional transition method and package of practical expedients, by recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, if necessary, in the period of adoption. Management continues to evaluate the need for additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures to meet the requirements of the new standard following adoption. The revised guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2019.
Available-for-sale Investments [Policy Text Block] | We account for our available-for-sale securities portfolio in accordance with the guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities.
Acquisitions [Policy Text Block] | The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
Fair Value Measurement [Policy Text Block] | Non-financial assets such as equity method investments, goodwill, intangible assets, land inventory, and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized.Management analyzes the fair value of the contingent liability on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments as appropriate.We utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavor to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs, which are used to measure fair value, are prioritized through the fair value hierarchy.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Policy Text Block] | Our regulated utility operations are subject to accounting guidance for the effect of certain types of regulation. Regulatory assets represent incurred costs that have been deferred as they are probable for recovery in customer rates. Regulatory liabilities represent obligations to make refunds to customers and amounts collected in rates for which the related costs have not yet been incurred. The Company assesses quarterly whether regulatory assets and liabilities meet the criteria for probability of future recovery or deferral. No regulatory assets or liabilities are currently earning a return. The recovery, refund or credit to rates for these regulatory assets and liabilities will occur over the periods either specified by the applicable regulatory authority or over the corresponding period related to the asset or liability.
Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] | We account for our investment in ATC under the equity method of accounting.
Income Tax [Policy Text Block] | The Company's tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in that quarter. In each quarter, the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and if the estimated annual effective tax rate changes, the Company would make a cumulative adjustment in that quarter.
Uncertain Tax Positions [Policy Text Block] | The unrecognized tax benefit amounts have been presented as reductions to the tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Earnings Per Share [Policy Text Block] | We compute basic earnings per share using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share, if any, arises from outstanding stock options, non-vested restricted stock units and performance share awards granted under our Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, no options to purchase shares of ALLETE common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
Power Purchase Agreements [Policy Text Block] | Our long-term PPAs have been evaluated under the accounting guidance for variable interest entities. We have determined that either we have no variable interest in the PPAs or, where we do have variable interests, we are not the primary beneficiary; therefore, consolidation is not required. These conclusions are based on the fact that we do not have both control over activities that are most significant to the entity and an obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity’s performance. Our financial exposure relating to these PPAs is limited to our capacity and energy payments.
Environmental Accruals [Policy Text Block] | We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current law and existing technologies. Accruals are adjusted as assessment and remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are expensed unless recoverable in rates from customers.
Business Segments [Policy Text Block] | We present three reportable segments: Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services. We measure performance of our operations through budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated net income by each business segment.

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- Definition Disclosure of inventory accounting policy for inventory classes, including, but not limited to, basis for determining inventory amounts, methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes, loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66092785&loc=d3e4556-108314 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361739&loc=d3e7789-107766 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109236672&loc=d3e543-108305 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66092785&loc=d3e4492-108314 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for investment classified as marketable security. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 320 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75019621&loc=d3e62652-112803 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy pertaining to new accounting pronouncements that may impact the entity's financial reporting. Includes, but is not limited to, quantification of the expected or actual impact. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for public utilities. Examples include a discussion about the scope criteria and appropriateness for and extent of the application of generally accepted accounting principles related to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation (may include identification of specific business units). Other examples of the disclosures may include: descriptions of the form and economic effects of regulation (for example, but not limited to, recording of regulatory assets and liabilities to the rate setting process); statement about periodic assessments of periodic assessments of generally accepted accounting principles related to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation; information regarding amortization of and return on regulatory assets and liabilities, including the remaining amounts and recovery or settlement periods; accounting for changes to recovery estimates; AFUDC, plant abandonment's and plant disallowances. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 980 -SubTopic 10 -Section 05 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79984601&loc=d3e39995-110364 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18780-107790 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition related to alternative revenue programs. The major alternative revenue programs can generally be segregated into two categories, programs that adjust billings for the effects of weather abnormalities or broad external factors or to compensate the utility for demand-side management initiatives (for example, no-growth plans and similar conservation efforts); and programs that provide for additional billings (incentive awards) if the utility achieves certain objectives, such as reducing costs, reaching specified milestones, or demonstratively improving customer service. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 980 -SubTopic 605 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68066577&loc=d3e50159-110409 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 980 -SubTopic 605 -Section 25 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68066577&loc=d3e50174-110409 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 980 -SubTopic 605 -Section 25 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68066577&loc=d3e50187-110409 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 980 -SubTopic 605 -Section 25 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68066577&loc=d3e50180-110409 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18726-107790 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18823-107790 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for segment reporting. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18780-107790 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for reporting subsequent events. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84158767&loc=d3e18780-107790 + Details
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