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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended
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Jul. 31, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations — Brady Corporation is a global manufacturer and supplier of identification solutions and workplace safety products that identify and protect premises, products and people. The ability to provide customers with a broad range of proprietary, customized, and diverse products for use in various applications, along with a commitment to quality and service, a global footprint, and multiple sales channels, have made Brady a world leader in many of its markets. Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brady Corporation and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Discontinued Operations — The results of operations of the Die-Cut businesses have been reported as discontinued operations for the year ended July 31, 2015. In accordance with the authoritative literature, the Company has elected to not separately disclose the cash flows related to discontinued operations. See Note 13 for additional information about the Company's discontinued operations. Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable) is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of these instruments due to their short-term nature. See Note 6 for more information regarding the fair value of long-term debt and Note 11 for fair value measurements. Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents, which are recorded at cost. Accounts Receivables — Accounts receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $4,629 and $5,144 as of July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2017 or 2016, or 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of July 31, 2017 or 2016. Specific customer provisions are made during review of significant outstanding amounts, in which customer creditworthiness and current economic trends may indicate that collection is doubtful. In addition, provisions are made for the remainder of accounts receivable based upon the age of the accounts receivable and the Company’s historical collection experience. Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for certain inventories in the U.S. (13.5% of total inventories at July 31, 2017, and 14.0% of total inventories at July 31, 2016) and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods for other inventories. Had all inventories been accounted for on a FIFO basis instead of on a LIFO basis, the carrying value of inventories would have increased by $6,807 and $6,929 as of July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Goodwill — Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company completes impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair-value method based on management's judgments and assumptions. The fair value represents the amount at which a reporting unit could be bought or sold in a current transaction between market participants on an arms-length basis. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model and market multiples approach. The estimated fair value is compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The annual impairment testing performed on May 1, 2017, in accordance with ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("Step One") indicated that all reporting units with remaining goodwill had a fair value substantially in excess of its carrying value. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded during the year ended July 31, 2017. Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets — The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed on a straight-line basis, over the estimated periods benefited. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as well as goodwill are not subject to amortization. These assets are assessed for impairment annually or more frequently as deemed necessary. The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived and other finite-lived intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. In fiscal 2017, long-lived and other intangible assets were analyzed for potential impairment. As a result of the analysis, no material impairment charges were recorded. Refer to Note 2, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for further information. Property, Plant, and Equipment — Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of buildings and improvements, computer systems, and machinery and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using primarily the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives range from 3 to 33 years as shown below.
Asset Category |  | Range of Useful Lives
Buildings & Improvements |  | 10 to 33 Years
Computer Systems |  | 5 Years
Machinery & Equipment |  | 3 to 10 Years
Fully depreciated assets are retained in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until disposal. Upon disposal, assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less any proceeds from disposal, is charged or credited to operations. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the respective asset. Depreciation expense was $20,190, $23,375, and $27,355 for the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Catalog Costs and Related Amortization — The Company accumulates all direct costs incurred, net of vendor cooperative advertising payments, in the development, production, and circulation of its catalogs on its balance sheet until such time as the related catalog is mailed. The catalog costs are subsequently amortized into selling, general, and administrative expense over the expected sales realization cycle, which is one year or less. Consequently, any difference between the estimated and actual revenue stream for a particular catalog and the related impact on amortization expense is realized within a period of one year or less. The estimate of the expected sales realization cycle for a particular catalog is based on the Company’s historical sales experience with similar catalogs, and an assessment of prevailing economic conditions and various competitive factors. The Company tracks subsequent sales realization, reassesses the marketplace, and compares its findings to the previous estimate, and adjusts the amortization of future catalogs, if necessary. At July 31, 2017 and 2016, $7,299 and $8,290, respectively, of prepaid catalog costs were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Revenue Recognition — Revenue is recognized when it is both earned and realized or realizable. The Company’s policy is to recognize revenue when title to the product and risk of loss have transferred to the customer, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured, most of which occur upon shipment of goods to customers. The majority of the Company’s revenue relates to the sale of inventory to customers, and revenue is recognized when title and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. Given the nature of the Company’s business and the applicable rules guiding revenue recognition, the Company’s revenue recognition practices do not contain estimates that materially affect the results of operations, with the exception of estimated returns and credit memos. The Company provides for an allowance for estimated product returns and credit memos which is recognized as a deduction from net sales at the time of the sale. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had a reserve for estimated product returns and credit memos of $3,873 and $3,713, respectively. Sales Incentives — The Company accounts for cash consideration (such as sales incentives and cash discounts) given to its customers or resellers as a reduction of revenue rather than an operating expense. Sales incentives for the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $37,134, $36,084, and $36,591, respectively. Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs — Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling fees are reported as net sales and the related costs incurred for shipping and handling are reported as cost of goods sold. Advertising Costs — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except catalog and mailing costs as outlined previously. Advertising expense for the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $68,268, $74,204, and $86,090, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation — The Company has an incentive stock plan under which the Board of Directors may grant nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), or restricted and unrestricted shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to employees and non-employee directors. Certain awards may be subject to pre-established performance goals. The options issued under the plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and generally vest over a three-year service period, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. Options issued under the plan, referred to herein as “service-based” stock options, generally expire 10 years from the date of grant. Restricted and unrestricted shares and RSUs issued under the plan have a grant date fair value equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. Shares issued under the plan are referred to herein as either "service-based" or "performance-based" restricted shares and RSUs. The service-based RSUs granted under the plan generally vest over a three-year service period, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. The performance-based RSUs granted under the plan vest at the end of a three-year service period provided specified company financial performance metrics are met. In accordance with ASC 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation," the Company measures and recognizes the compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors based on estimated grant-date fair values. The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to determine the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation cost of all share-based awards at the time it is deemed probable the award will vest. This cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. If it is determined that it is unlikely the award will vest, the expense recognized to date for the award is reversed in the period in which this is evident and the remaining expense is not recorded. The Black-Scholes model requires the use of assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards. The Company uses historical data regarding stock option exercise behaviors to estimate the expected term of options granted based on the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s historical dividend payments and historical yield. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the grant date for the length of time corresponding to the expected term of the option. The market value is calculated as the average of the high and the low stock price on the date of the grant. The Company includes as part of cash flows from financing activities the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the tax-effected compensation of the related stock-based awards for options exercised and restricted shares and RSUs vested during the period. See Note 7 “Stockholders' Investment” for more information regarding the Company’s incentive stock plans. Research and Development — Amounts expended for research and development are expensed as incurred. Other Comprehensive Income — Other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, net investment hedge and long-term intercompany loan translation adjustments, net unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedges, and the unamortized gain on defined-benefit pension plans net of their related tax effects. Foreign Currency Translation — Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at end of period rates of exchange, and income and expense accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income. Risk Management Activities — The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 "Income Taxes", which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if sustaining those positions is more likely than not. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs. Foreign Currency Hedging — The objective of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management is to minimize the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions and minimize the foreign currency translation impact on the Company’s foreign operations. While the Company’s risk management objectives and strategies are driven from an economic perspective, the Company attempts, where possible and practical, to ensure that the hedging strategies it engages in qualify for hedge accounting and result in accounting treatment where the earnings effect of the hedging instrument provides substantial offset (in the same period) to the earnings effect of the hedged item. Generally, these risk management transactions will involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to protect against exposure resulting from transactions in a currency differing from the respective functional currency. The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of the derivatives are recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings as "Investment and other income (expense) - net" or as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), as discussed below. The Company utilizes forward foreign exchange currency contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk of specific foreign currency denominated transactions. These contracts typically require the exchange of a foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a fixed rate at a future date, with maturities of less than 18 months. These instruments may or may not qualify as hedges under the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities based upon the intended objective of the contract. Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis. Gains or losses on the derivative related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not material for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. The Company has designated a portion of its foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges. For these instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of AOCI and in the cash flow hedge section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Company also utilizes Euro-denominated debt designated as a hedge instrument to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments in Euro-denominated foreign operations. For net investment hedges that meet the effectiveness requirements, the net gains or losses attributable to changes in spot exchange rates are recorded as cumulative translation within AOCI and are included in the net investment hedge section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Any ineffective portions are to be recognized in earnings. Recognition in earnings of amounts previously recorded in cumulative translation is limited to circumstances such as complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the hedged foreign operation. The Company also enters into foreign exchange contracts to create economic hedges to manage foreign exchange risk exposure. The Company has not designated these derivative contracts as hedge transactions, and accordingly, the mark-to-market impact of these derivative contracts is recorded each period in current earnings. See Note 12 "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" for more information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. New Accounting Standards — In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2017-04, "Goodwill and Other, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. The new guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain largely unchanged. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods thereafter; however early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. This guidance will only impact the Company's consolidated financial statements if there is a future impairment of goodwill. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which will simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions. The update will require, among other items, that all excess tax deficiencies or benefits be recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of earnings, and not in additional paid-in capital. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption of the ASU is permitted and the prospective transition method should be applied. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which replaces the current lease accounting standard. The update will require, among other items, lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from most leases on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The ASU must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory," which requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) is not impacted by the new standard. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted and the prospective transition method should be applied. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which eliminates the transaction-and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaces it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. The new guidance requires revenue recognition when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, replacing the existing guidance which requires revenue recognition when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer. ASU 2014-09 (and related updates) is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the standard. The Company's efforts to evaluate the impact and to prepare for its adoption on August 1, 2018 are underway as the Company has reviewed representative samples of contracts and other forms of agreements with customers globally and is in the process of evaluating the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements. The Company currently anticipates applying the modified retrospective approach when adopting this guidance.

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