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Equity investments | 12 Months Ended
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Oct. 31, 2012
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] |
Equity investments | Note 2. Equity investments Versa is one of our sub-contractors under the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) large-scale hybrid project to develop a coal-based, multi-megawatt solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) based hybrid system. Versa is a private company founded in 2001 that is developing advanced SOFC systems for various stationary and mobile applications. We have a 39 percent ownership interest and account for Versa under the equity method of accounting. We recognize our share of the income or losses as income/(loss) from equity investments on the consolidated statements of operations. In May 2011, we loaned Versa $0.6 million in the form of a convertible note (the “2011 Convertible Note”). We have also loaned Versa $2.0 million in the form of a convertible note in 2007 (the “2007 Convertible Note”) and $0.6 million in each year 2009 and 2010 in the form of convertible notes (the “2009 Convertible Note” and the “2010 Convertible Note”, respectively). The 2011 Convertible Note matures in May 2021, the 2010 Convertible Note matures April 2020, the 2009 Convertible Note matures November 2018 and the 2007 Convertible Note matures May 2017, unless certain prepayment events occur. In conjunction with the Convertible Notes, we received warrants for the right to purchase 4,830 shares of Versa common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $157 per share. At October 31, 2012, there were 2,544 warrants outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $141 per share. Our ownership percentage would increase to 43 percent if the Convertible Notes and warrants are converted into common stock. We have determined that the above warrants represent derivatives subject to fair value accounting. The fair value is determined based on the Black-Scholes valuation model using historical stock price, volatility (based on a peer group since Versa’s common stock is not publicly traded) and risk-free interest rate assumptions. The fair value of the warrants is included within investment and loan to affiliate on the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair value of the warrants are included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the warrants as of October 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The change in the fair value of the warrants was not material to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The carrying value of our investment in and loans to Versa was $6.1 million and $10.5 million as of October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in the carrying value of our investment is due to an impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012 in the amount $3.6 million which was based on the acquired value of the controlling interest based upon a non-binding term sheet which indicated that the fair value was lower than the carrying value. In December 2012, the Company acquired the remaining 61% ownership position of Versa Power Systems, Inc. (Versa), a leading global developer of solid oxide fuel cell technology (SOFC). Refer to Note 20 for more information.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 32 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7658923&loc=d3e32787-111569 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 20 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 35 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7658923&loc=d3e32847-111569 + Details
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