Balance Sheet
Overview
ASC 210 contains two Subtopics, below is an overview of each Subtopic.
210-10 Overall
ASC 210-10 provides a general overview of the aspects of the balance sheet, which is also commonly referred to as a statement of financial position. ASC 210-10 states the following:
The Overall Subtopic provides general guidance on the classification of current assets and current liabilities and discusses the determination of working capital. The balance sheets of most entities show separate classifications of current assets and current liabilities (commonly referred to as classified balance sheets) permitting ready determination of working capital.
Financial position, as it is reflected by the records and accounts from which the statement is prepared, is revealed in a presentation of the assets and liabilities of the entity. In the statements of manufacturing, trading, and service entities, these assets and liabilities are generally classified and segregated; if they are classified logically, summations or totals of the current or circulating or working assets (referred to as current assets) and of obligations currently payable (designated as current liabilities) will permit the ready determination of working capital.
210-20 Offsetting
ASC 210-20 describes the concept of offsetting assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and notes the limited circumstances when it is allowed. ASC 210-20 includes the following overview of the Subtopic:
This Subtopic provides criteria for offsetting amounts related to certain contracts and provides guidance on presentation. It is a general principle of accounting that the offsetting of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet is improper except if a right of setoff exists.
The general principle that the offsetting of assets and liabilities is improper except where a right of setoff exists is usually thought of in the context of unconditional receivables from and payables to another party. That general principle also applies to conditional amounts recognized for contracts under which the amounts to be received or paid or items to be exchanged in the future depend on future interest rates, future exchange rates, future commodity prices, or other factors.