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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization and Nature of Operations. Tredegar Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively "Tredegar," "we," "us" or "our") are primarily engaged in the manufacture of plastic films and aluminum extrusions. See Notes 10 and 18 regarding restructurings and Note 3 regarding discontinued operations.

Basis Of Presentation

Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Tredegar and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. On February 12, 2008, we sold our aluminum extrusions business in Canada, and on November 20, 2012, we sold our mitigation banking business, Falling Springs, LLC ("Falling Springs"). All historical results for these businesses have been reflected as discontinued operations in these financial statements; however, cash flows for discontinued operations have not been separately disclosed in the consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 3 regarding discontinued operations.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside the U.S., where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. Dollars using exchange rates in effect at the period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for results of operations. Adjustments resulting from the translation of these financial statements are reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity. We have no subsidiaries located outside the U.S. where the U.S. Dollar is the functional currency.

Transaction and remeasurement gains or losses included in income were not material in 2012, 2011 and 2010. These amounts do not include the effects between reporting periods that exchange rate changes have on income of our locations outside the U.S. that result from translation into U.S. Dollars.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand in excess of daily operating requirements and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, Tredegar had cash and cash equivalents of $48.8 million and $68.9 million, respectively, including funds held in locations outside the U.S. of $28.6 million and $42.3 million, respectively.

Our policy permits investment of excess cash in marketable securities that have the highest credit ratings and maturities of less than one year. The primary objectives of the policy are safety of principal and liquidity.

Accounts And Other Receivables

Accounts and Other Receivables. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount invoiced to customers less allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns. Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing and arise from the sale of product to customers under typical industry trade terms. Notes receivable are not significant. Past due amounts are determined based on established terms and charged-off when deemed uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on our assessment of probable losses taking into account past due amounts, customer credit profile, historical experience and current economic conditions. Other receivables include value-added taxes related to certain foreign subsidiaries and other miscellaneous receivables due within one year.

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") basis, the weighted average cost or the first-in, first-out basis. Cost elements included in work-in-process and finished goods inventories are raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment. Accounts include costs of assets constructed or purchased, related delivery and installation costs and interest incurred on significant capital projects during their construction periods. Expenditures for renewals and betterments also are capitalized, but expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired or sold are removed from the respective accounts, and gains or losses thereon are included in income.

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment include capitalized interest. Capitalized interest included in capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were not material in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which except for certain isolated exceptions, range from 10 to 25 years for buildings and land improvements and 2 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. The average depreciation period for machinery and equipment is approximately 10 years in Film Products and for the continuing operations of Aluminum Extrusions.

Investments In Private Entities With Less Than Or Equal To 50% Voting Ownership Interest

Investments in Private Entities with Less Than or Equal to 50% Voting Ownership Interest. We account for our investments in private entities where our voting ownership is less than or equal to 50% based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the investment. We are required to account for investments under the consolidation method in situations where we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. The primary beneficiary is the party that has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest if we have (i) the power to direct activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact its economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to its operations.

If we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary in an investment in a variable interest entity then we select either: (i) the fair value method or (ii) either (a) the cost method if we do not have significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee or (b) the equity method if we do have significant influence.

U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Goodwill And Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired companies is allocated to goodwill. We assess goodwill for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, or, at a minimum, on an annual basis (December 1^stof each year). Our significant reporting units in Film Products include Polyethylene and Polypropylene Films and PET Films. We have two reporting units in Aluminum Extrusions, Bonnell and AACOA. All goodwill in Aluminum Extrusions is associated with the AACOA reporting unit. Each of our reporting units has separately identifiable operating net assets (operating assets including goodwill and intangible assets net of operating liabilities).

We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using discounted cash flow analysis and comparative enterprise value-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) multiples. The goodwill of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Films was tested for impairment at the annual testing date, with the estimated fair value of this reporting unit substantially exceeding the carrying value of its net assets. The goodwill of PET Films was also tested for impairment at December 1, 2012, with the estimated fair value of this reporting unit exceeding the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 23%. The goodwill of AAOCA is associated with the October 2012 acquisition of AACOA, Inc. ("AACOA"), and carrying value of its net assets approximate the estimated fair value of this reporting unit at December 1, 2012.

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We review long-lived assets for possible impairment when events indicate that an impairment may exist. For assets to be held and used in operations, if events indicate that an asset may be impaired, we estimate the future unlevered pre-tax cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Assets are grouped for this purpose at the lowest level for which there are identifiable and independent cash flows. If the sum of these undiscounted pre-tax cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is calculated. Measurement of the impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset group.

Assets that are held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell, with an impairment loss recognized for any write-down required.

Pension Costs And Postretirement Benefit Costs Other Than Pensions

Pension Costs and Postretirement Benefit Costs Other than Pensions. Pension costs and postretirement benefit costs other than pensions are accrued over the period employees provide service to Tredegar. Liabilities and expenses for pension plans and other postretirement benefits are determined using actuarial methodologies and incorporate significant assumptions, including the rate used to discount the future estimated liability, the long-term rate of return on plan assets, and several assumptions relating to the employee workforce. We recognize the funded status of our pension and other postretirement plans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our policy is to fund our pension plans at amounts not less than the minimum requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") of 1974 and to fund postretirement benefits other than pensions when claims are incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. Revenue from the sale of products, which is shown net of estimated sales returns and allowances, is recognized when title has passed to the customer, the price of the product is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Amounts billed to customers related to freight have been classified as sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The cost of freight has been classified as a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between Tredegar and its customers (such as value-added taxes) are accounted for on a net basis and therefore excluded from revenues.

Research & Development ("R&D") Costs

Research & Development ("R&D") Costs. R&D costs are expensed as incurred and include primarily salaries, wages, employee benefits, equipment depreciation, facility costs and the cost of materials consumed relating to R&D efforts. R&D costs include a reasonable allocation of indirect costs.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Income taxes are recognized during the period in which transactions enter into the determination of income for financial reporting purposes, with deferred income taxes being provided at enacted statutory tax rates on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities (see Note 17). Deferred U.S. federal income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings for Terphane Ltda. (a subsidiary of Film Products) because of our intent to permanently reinvest these earnings. The cumulative amount of untaxed earnings was $23.0 million at December 31, 2012. We accrue U.S. federal income taxes on unremitted earnings of all other foreign subsidiaries. The benefit of an uncertain tax position is included in the accompanying financial statements when we determine that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, if the taxing authority examines the position and the dispute is litigated. This determination is made on the basis of all the facts, circumstances and information available as of the reporting date.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average common and potentially dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding, determined as follows:


	2012	2011	2010
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share	32,032,343	31,931,962	32,291,556
Incremental shares attributable to stock options and restricted stock	160,233	281,212	280,565
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share	32,192,576	32,213,174	32,572,121

Incremental shares attributable to stock options and restricted stock are computed using the average market price during the related period. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the average out-of-the-money options to purchase shares that were excluded from the calculation of incremental shares attributable to stock options and restricted stock was 632,050, 293,704 and 324,558, respectively.

Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans. Compensation expense is recorded on all share-based awards based upon its calculated fair value over the requisite service period using the graded-vesting method. The fair value of stock option awards was estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards was estimated as of the grant date using our closing stock price on that date.

The assumptions used in this model for valuing Tredegar stock options granted in 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:


		2012			2011			2010
Dividend yield		.9	%		.9	%		.9	%
Weighted average volatility percentage		48.7	%		46.4	%		46.6	%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate		1.0	%		2.5	%		2.7	%
Holding period (years):
Officers		6.0			6.0			6.0
Management		5.0			5.0			5.0
Weighted average excercise price at date of grant (also weighted average market price at date of grant):
Officers	$	19.30		$	19.84		$	17.18
Management		19.40			19.73			17.13

The dividend yield is the dividend yield on our common stock at the date of grant, which we believe is a reasonable estimate of the expected yield during the holding period. We calculate expected volatility based on the historical volatility of our common stock using a sequential period of historical data equal to the expected holding period of the option. We have no reason to believe that future volatility for this period is likely to differ from the past. The assumed risk-free interest rate is based on observed interest rates (zero coupon U.S. Treasury debt securities) appropriate for the expected holding period. The expected holding period and forfeiture assumptions are based on historical experience. Estimated forfeiture assumptions are reviewed through the vesting period. Adjustments are made if actual forfeitures differ from previous estimates. The cumulative effect of a change in estimated forfeitures is recognized in the period of the change.

Tredegar stock options granted during 2012, 2011 and 2010, and related estimated fair value at the date of grant, are as follows:


		2012		2011		2010
Stock options granted (number of shares):
Officers		99,600		140,500		190,000
Management		82,500		95,300		126,000
Total		182,100		235,800		316,000
Estimated weighted average fair value of
options per share at date of grant:
Officers	$	8.07	$	8.55	$	7.47
Management		7.81		8.03		7.00
Total estimated fair value of stock options granted (in thousands)	$	1,449	$	1,966	$	2,301

Additional disclosure of Tredegar stock options is included in Note 13.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments. We use derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging aluminum price volatility and currency exchange rate exposures that exist as part of transactions associated with our ongoing business operations. Our derivative financial instruments are designated as and qualify as cash flow hedges and are recognized in the accompanying balance sheet at fair value. A change in the fair value of the derivative that is highly effective as and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge is recorded in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction. Such gains and losses are reported on the same line as the underlying hedged item, and the cash flows related to financial instruments are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows in a manner consistent with those of the transactions being hedged. Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the changes in the fair value of the derivative exceed the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recorded in current period earnings. The amount of gains and losses recognized for hedge ineffectiveness were not material in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Our policy requires that we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. We also formally assess (both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis) whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. When it is determined that a derivative is not (or has ceased to be) highly effective as a hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

As a policy, we do not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor do we hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Additional disclosure of our utilization of derivative hedging instruments is included in Note 9.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss). Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as net income or loss and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, prior service costs and net gains or losses from pension and other postretirement benefit plans arising during the period and amortization of these prior service costs and net gains or losses adjustments, all recorded net of deferred income taxes.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated guidance for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The revised standard provides entities with an option to perform a "qualitative" assessment to determine whether further testing is necessary when performing an annual impairment assessment for indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. This new standard is comparable to the guidance finalized last year for goodwill impairment testing. An entity can still choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. The revised standard is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. We do not expect that this FASB accounting standard will have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.