Union Pacific 2012 Annual Report Download - page 74

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the analysis of our depreciation studies. Changes in the estimated service lives of our assets and their
related depreciation rates are implemented prospectively.
Under group depreciation, the historical cost (net of salvage) of depreciable property that is retired or
replaced in the ordinary course of business is charged to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is
recognized. The historical cost of certain track assets is estimated using (i) inflation indices published by
the Bureau of Labor Statistics and (ii) the estimated useful lives of the assets as determined by our
depreciation studies. The indices were selected because they closely correlate with the major costs of
the properties comprising the applicable track asset classes. Because of the number of estimates
inherent in the depreciation and retirement processes and because it is impossible to precisely estimate
each of these variables until a group of property is completely retired, we continually monitor the
estimated service lives of our assets and the accumulated depreciation associated with each asset class
to ensure our depreciation rates are appropriate. In addition, we determine if the recorded amount of
accumulated depreciation is deficient (or in excess) of the amount indicated by our depreciation studies.
Any deficiency (or excess) is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining
service lives of the applicable classes of assets.
For retirements of depreciable railroad properties that do not occur in the normal course of business, a
gain or loss may be recognized if the retirement meets each of the following three conditions: (i) is
unusual, (ii) is material in amount, and (iii) varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through
our depreciation studies. A gain or loss is recognized in other income when we sell land or dispose of
assets that are not part of our railroad operations.
When we purchase an asset, we capitalize all costs necessary to make the asset ready for its intended
use. However, many of our assets are self-constructed. A large portion of our capital expenditures is for
replacement of existing track assets and other road properties, which is typically performed by our
employees, and for track line expansion and other capacity projects. Costs that are directly attributable to
capital projects (including overhead costs) are capitalized. Direct costs that are capitalized as part of self-
constructed assets include material, labor, and work equipment. Indirect costs are capitalized if they
clearly relate to the construction of the asset.
General and administrative expenditures are expensed as incurred. Normal repairs and maintenance,
including rail grinding, are also expensed as incurred, while costs incurred that extend the useful life of an
asset, improve the safety of our operations or improve operating efficiency are capitalized. These costs
are allocated using appropriate statistical bases. Total expense for repairs and maintenance incurred was
$2.1 billion for 2012, $2.2 billion for 2011, and $2.0 billion for 2010.
Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease
payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Amortization expense is
computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the
period of the related lease.
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12. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities
Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
Millions 2012 2011
Accounts payable $ 825 $ 819
Accrued wages and vacation 376 363
Income and other taxes 368 482
Dividends payable 318 284
Accrued casualty costs 213 249
Interest payable 172 197
Equipment rents payable 95 90
Other 556 624
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 2,923 $ 3,108