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Significant accounting policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant accounting policies | Significant accounting policies a) Basis of presentation These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP"). Material inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned, Canadian incorporated subsidiaries, NACGI, North American Fleet Company Ltd., North American Construction Holdings Inc. (“NACHI”) and NACG Properties Inc., and the following 100% owned, Canadian incorporated subsidiaries of NACHI:
• North American Engineering Inc. |  | • North American Site Development Ltd.
• North American Enterprises Ltd. |  | • North American Maintenance Ltd.
• North American Mining Inc. |  | • North American Tailings and Environmental Ltd.
• North American Services Inc. |  | • 1753514 Alberta Ltd.
b) Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include the assessment of the percentage of completion on time-and-materials, unit-price, lump-sum and cost-plus contracts with defined scope (including estimated total costs and provisions for estimated losses) and the recognition of claims and change orders on revenue contracts; assumptions used in periodic impairment testing; and, estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The accuracy of the Company’s revenue and profit recognition in a given period is dependent on the accuracy of its estimates of the cost to complete for each project. Cost estimates for all significant projects use a detailed “bottom up” approach and the Company believes its experience allows it to provide reasonably dependable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability that are recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. The most significant of these include:
• | the completeness and accuracy of the original bid;
• | costs associated with added scope changes;
• | extended overhead due to owner, weather and other delays;
• | subcontractor performance issues;
• | changes in economic indices used for the determination of escalation or de-escalation for contractual rates on long-term contracts;
• | changes in productivity expectations;
• | site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;
• | contract incentive and penalty provisions;
• | the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; and
• | a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials.
The foregoing factors as well as the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit between periods. With many projects of varying levels of complexity and size in process at any given time, changes in estimates can offset each other without materially impacting the Company’s profitability. Major changes in cost estimates, particularly in larger, more complex projects, can have a significant effect on profitability. c) Revenue recognition The Company performs its projects under the following types of contracts: time-and-materials; cost-plus; unit-price; and lump-sum. Revenue is recognized as costs are incurred for time-and-materials, unit-price and cost-plus service contracts with no clearly defined scope. Revenue on cost-plus, unit-price, lump-sum and time-and-materials contracts with defined scope is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the ratio of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs. The estimated total cost of the contract and percent complete is determined based upon estimates made by management. The costs of items that do not relate to performance of contracted work, particularly in the early stages of the contract, are excluded from costs incurred to date. The resulting percent complete methodology is applied to the approved contract value to determine the revenue recognized. Customer payment milestones typically occur on a periodic basis over the period of contract completion. The length of the Company’s contracts varies from less than one year for typical contracts to several years for certain larger contracts. Contract project costs include all direct labour, material, subcontract and equipment costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance such as indirect labour and supplies. General and administrative expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in project performance, project conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and revenue that are recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. Profit incentives are included in revenue when their realization is reasonably assured. Once a project is underway, the Company will often experience changes in conditions, client requirements, specifications, designs, materials and work schedule. Generally, a “change order” will be negotiated with the customer to modify the original contract to approve both the scope and price of the change. Occasionally, however, disagreements arise regarding changes, their nature, measurement, timing and other characteristics that impact costs and revenue under the contract. When a change becomes a point of dispute between the Company and a customer, the Company will then consider it as a claim. Costs related to unapproved change orders and claims are recognized when they are incurred. Revenues related to unapproved change orders and claims are included in total estimated contract revenue only to the extent that contract costs related to the claim have been incurred and when it is probable that the unapproved change order or claim will result in:
• | a bona fide addition to contract value; and
• | revenues can be reliably estimated.
These two conditions are satisfied when:
• | the contract or other evidence provides a legal basis for the unapproved change order or claim, or a legal opinion is obtained providing a reasonable basis to support the unapproved change order or claim;
• | additional costs incurred were caused by unforeseen circumstances and are not the result of deficiencies in the Company’s performance;
• | costs associated with the unapproved change order or claim are identifiable and reasonable in view of work performed; and
• | evidence supporting the unapproved change order or claim is objective and verifiable.
This can lead to a situation where costs are recognized in one period and revenue is recognized when customer agreement is obtained or claim resolution occurs, which can be in subsequent periods. Historical claim recoveries should not be considered indicative of future claim recoveries. The Company’s long term contracts typically allow its customers to unilaterally reduce or eliminate the scope of the work as contracted without cause. These long term contracts represent higher risk due to uncertainty of total contract value and estimated costs to complete; therefore, potentially impacting revenue recognition in future periods. A contract is regarded as substantially completed when remaining costs and potential risks are insignificant in amount. The Company recognizes revenue from equipment rental as performance requirements are achieved in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreement with the customer, either at a monthly fixed rate or on a usage basis dependent on the number of hours that the equipment is used. Revenue is recognized from the foregoing activity once persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, fees are fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. d) Balance sheet classifications A one-year time period is typically used as the basis for classifying current assets and liabilities. However, included in current assets and liabilities are amounts receivable and payable under construction contracts (principally holdbacks) that may extend beyond one year. e) Cash Cash includes cash on hand and bank balances net of outstanding cheques. f) Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue Accounts receivable are primarily comprised of amounts billed to clients for services already provided, but which have not yet been collected. Unbilled revenue represents revenue recognized in advance of amounts billed to clients. g) Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts represent amounts invoiced in excess of revenue recognized. h) Allowance for doubtful accounts The Company evaluates the probability of collection of accounts receivable and records an allowance for doubtful accounts, which reduces accounts receivable to the amount management reasonably believes will be collected. In determining the amount of the allowance, the following factors are considered: the length of time the receivable has been outstanding, specific knowledge of each customer’s financial condition and historical experience. i) Inventories Inventories are carried at the lower of weighted average cost and market, and consist primarily of spare tires and tracks. j) Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Major components of heavy construction equipment in use such as engines and drive trains are recorded separately. Equipment under capital lease is recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease. Depreciation is not recorded until an asset is available for use. Depreciation is calculated based on the cost, net of the estimated residual value, over the estimated useful life of the assets on the following bases and rates:
Assets |  | Basis |  | Rate
Heavy equipment |  | Straight-line |  | Operating hours
Major component parts in use |  | Straight-line |  | Operating hours
Other equipment |  | Straight-line |  | 5 – 10 years
Licensed motor vehicles |  | Straight-line |  | 5 – 10 years
Office and computer equipment |  | Straight-line |  | 4 years
Buildings |  | Straight-line |  | 10 years
Leasehold improvements |  | Straight-line |  | Over shorter of estimated useful life and lease term
The costs for periodic repairs and maintenance are expensed to the extent the expenditures serve only to restore the assets to their normal operating condition without enhancing their service potential or extending their useful lives. k) Intangible assets Intangible assets include capitalized computer software and development costs, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a maximum period of four years. The Company expenses or capitalizes costs associated with the development of internal-use software as follows:
• | Preliminary project stage: Both internal and external costs incurred during this stage are expensed as incurred.
• | Application development stage: Both internal and external costs incurred to purchase and develop computer software are capitalized after the preliminary project stage is completed and management authorizes the computer software project. However, training costs and the costs incurred for the process of data conversion from the old system to the new system, which includes purging or cleansing of existing data, reconciliation or balancing of old data to the converted data in the new system, are expensed as incurred.
• | Post implementation/operation stage: All training costs and maintenance costs incurred during this stage are expensed as incurred.
Costs of upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if the expenditures will result in adding functionality to the software. l) Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets or asset groups held and used including plant, equipment and identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or group of assets is less than its carrying amount, it is considered to be impaired. The Company measures the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets exceeds its fair value, which is charged to depreciation or amortization expense. In determining whether an impairment exists, the Company makes assumptions about the future cash flows expected from the use of its long-lived assets, such as: applicable industry performance and prospects; general business and economic conditions that prevail and are expected to prevail; expected growth; maintaining its customer base; and, achieving cost reductions. There can be no assurance that expected future cash flows will be realized, or will be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of long-lived assets. Furthermore, the process of determining fair values is subjective and requires management to exercise judgment in making assumptions about future results, including revenue and cash flow projections and discount rates. m) Assets held for sale Long-lived assets are classified as held for sale when certain criteria are met, which include:
• | management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the assets;
• | the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition;
• | an active program to locate buyers and other actions to sell the assets have been initiated;
• | the sale of the assets is probable and their transfer is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year;
• | the assets are being actively marketed at reasonable prices in relation to their fair value; and
• | it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan to sell the assets or that the plan will be withdrawn.
Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell and are disclosed separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are not depreciated. n) Asset retirement obligations Asset retirement obligations are legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment that result from their acquisition, lease, construction, development or normal operations. The Company recognizes its contractual obligations for the retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is the amount at which that liability could be settled in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than in a forced or liquidation transaction and, in the absence of observable market transactions, is determined as the present value of expected cash flows. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and then amortized using a systematic and rational method over its estimated useful life. In subsequent reporting periods, the liability is adjusted for the passage of time through an accretion charge and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows are recognized as an additional asset retirement cost. o) Foreign currency translation The functional currency of the Company its subsidiaries is Canadian Dollars. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities, denominated in foreign currencies, are translated into Canadian Dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of earnings. p) Fair value measurement Fair value measurements are categorized using a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure fair value, which prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Fair values included in Level 1 are determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Fair values included in Level 2 include valuations using inputs based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly other than the quoted prices. Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data. The classification of a fair value within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. q) Derivative financial instruments The Company has used derivative financial instruments to manage financial risks from fluctuations in exchange rates. Such instruments were only used for risk management purposes. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivative financial instruments are subject to standard terms and conditions, financial controls, management and risk monitoring procedures. r) Income taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of enactment. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not (greater than 50%) of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgement occurs. The Company accrues interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions in the period in which these uncertainties are identified. Interest and penalties are included in “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. A valuation allowance is recorded against any deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. s) Stock-based compensation The Company has a Share Option Plan which is described in note 22(b). The Company accounts for all stock-based compensation payments that are settled by the issuance of equity instruments at fair value. Compensation cost is measured using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the award’s vesting period, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. Upon exercise of a stock option, share capital is recorded at the sum of proceeds received and the related amount of additional paid-in capital. The Company had a Senior Executive Stock Option Plan which is described in note 22(c). This compensation plan allowed the option holder the right to settle options in cash. The liability was measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes model at the modification date and subsequently at each period end date. Changes in fair value of the liability were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2015 the senior executive stock option plan expired and any remaining options were forfeited. The Company has a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plan which is described in note 22(d). RSUs are granted effective July 1 of each fiscal year with respect to services to be provided in that fiscal year and the following two fiscal years. The RSUs generally vest at the end of the three-year term. The Company settles all RSUs issued after February 19, 2014 with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement ("equity classified RSUs"). The Company will continue to settle RSUs issued prior to February 19, 2014 with cash ("liability classified RSUs"). Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of vested RSUs multiplied by the fair value of each RSU as determined by the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value is to be determined. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the three-year term of the liability classified RSU with any changes in fair value recognized in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the three-year term of the equity classified RSUs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. When dividends are paid on common shares, additional dividend equivalent RSUs are granted to all RSU holders as of the dividend payment date. The number of additional RSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common share by the number of outstanding RSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company's common shares on the dividend payment date. Such additional RSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying RSUs. The Company has a Performance Restricted Share Unit ("PSU") plan which is described in note 22(e). The PSUs vest at the end of a three-year term and are subject to the performance criteria approved by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee at the date of the grant. Such performance criterion includes the passage of time and is based upon the improvement of total shareholder return ("TSR") as compared to a defined company Canadian peer group. TSR is calculated using the fair market values of voting common shares at the grant date, the fair market value of voting common shares at the vesting date and the total dividends declared and paid throughout the vesting period. At the maturity date, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee will assess actual performance against the performance criteria and determine the number of PSUs that have been earned. The Company intends to settle all PSUs with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the three-year term of the PSU in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. The grants are measured at fair value on the grant date using the Monte Carlo model. The Company has a Deferred Stock Unit (“DSU”) Plan which is described in note 22(f). The DSU plan enables directors and executives to receive all or a portion of their annual fee or annual executive bonus compensation in the form of DSUs. On February 19, 2014, the board of directors resolved to settle all DSU’s issued after that date in common shares, but on December 2, 2015, prior to any actual such settlement, that decision was reversed. Accordingly, all DSUs are settled in cash. Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of DSUs multiplied by the fair market value of each DSU as determined by the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value is to be determined, with any changes in fair value recognized in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Compensation costs related to DSUs are recognized in full upon the grant date as the units vest immediately. When dividends are paid on common shares, additional dividend equivalent DSUs are granted to all DSU holders as of the dividend payment date. The number of additional DSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common share by the number of outstanding DSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company's common shares on the dividend payment date. Such additional DSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying DSUs. t) Net income (loss) per share Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year (see note 17(b)). Diluted per share amounts are calculated using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method increases the diluted weighted average shares outstanding to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of stock options, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming outstanding in-the-money stock options were exercised and the proceeds from such exercises, including any unamortized stock-based compensation cost, were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the year. u) Leases Leases entered into by the Company in which substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership are transferred to the Company are recorded as obligations under capital leases and under the corresponding category of property, plant and equipment. Obligations under capital leases reflect the present value of future lease payments, discounted at an appropriate interest rate, and are reduced by rental payments net of imputed interest. All other leases are classified as operating leases and leasing costs, including any rent holidays, leasehold incentives, and rent concessions, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain operating lease and rental agreements provide a maximum hourly usage limit, above which the Company will be required to pay for the over hour usage as a contingent rent expense. These contingent expenses are recognized when the likelihood of exceeding the usage limit is considered probable and are due at the end of the lease term or rental period. The contingent rental expenses are included in “Equipment costs” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. v) Deferred financing costs Underwriting, legal and other direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are presented as deferred financing costs. The deferred financing costs related to the Debentures and the Revolving and Term Facilities are amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. w) Discontinued operations In prior years the Company divested certain of its business operations. These businesses are presented as discontinued operations in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss and, collectively, are included in the line item "(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax" for all periods presented. The cash flows from discontinued operations are included in the "Cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations" section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for all periods presented. The Company allocates interest expense incurred on debt that is required to be repaid as a result of the disposal transaction to discontinued operations. The allocation to discontinued operations of other consolidated interest that is not directly attributable to or related to other operations of the Company is allocated based on a ratio of net assets to be sold to total consolidated net assets.

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