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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Jul. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 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. 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, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term debt) 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 12 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 $5,005 and $4,471 as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2019, 2018, or 2017, or 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of July 31, 2019 or 2018. 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 net realizable value. Cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for certain inventories in the U.S. (13.4% of total inventories at July 31, 2019, and 15.0% of total inventories at July 31, 2018) 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 $7,259 and $7,015 as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Inventories consist of the following as of July 31:
| 2019 |  | 2018
Finished products | $ | 77,532 |  |  | $ | 73,133 |
Work-in-process | 20,515 |  |  | 19,903 |
Raw materials and supplies | 21,990 |  |  | 20,035 |
Total inventories | $ | 120,037 |  |  | $ | 113,071 |
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, 2019, 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, 2019. 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 2019, 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
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of July 31:
| 2019 |  | 2018
Land | $ | 9,752 |  |  | $ | 6,994 |
Buildings and improvements | 99,685 |  |  | 96,245 |
Machinery and equipment | 266,991 |  |  | 270,989 |
Construction in progress | 7,500 |  |  | 4,495 |
Property, plant and equipment—gross | 383,928 |  |  | 378,723 |
Accumulated depreciation | (273,880 | ) |  | (280,778 | )
Property, plant and equipment—net | $ | 110,048 |  |  | $ | 97,945 |
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 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 $18,023, $19,009, and $20,190 for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2019 and 2018, $5,617 and $6,154, respectively, of prepaid catalog costs were included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue Recognition — The majority of the Company’s revenue relates to the sale of identification solutions and workplace safety products to customers. Prior to August 1, 2018, the Company's policy was to recognize revenue when title to the product and risk of loss had transferred to the customer, persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, and collection of the sales proceeds was reasonably assured, most of which occurred upon shipment of goods to customers. Effective August 1, 2018, the Company’s policy is to recognize revenue when control of the product or service transfers to the customer in an amount that represents the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those products and services. The Company considers control to have transferred when legal title, physical possession, and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have transferred to the customer and the collection of the transaction price is reasonably assured, most of which occur upon shipment or delivery of goods to customers. Given the nature of the Company’s business, revenue recognition practices do not contain estimates that materially affect the results of operations, with the exception of estimated customer returns and credit memos. The Company records an allowance for estimated product returns and credit memos using the expected value method based on historical experience, which is recognized as a deduction from net sales at the time of sale. As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had a reserve for estimated product returns and credit memos of $5,796 and $4,546, respectively. Sales Incentives — The Company accounts for cash consideration (such as sales incentives, rebates, and cash discounts) given to its customers or resellers as a reduction of revenue. Sales incentives for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 were $40,811, $40,671, and $37,134, 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, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $62,454, $67,429, and $68,268, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation — 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, net of estimated forfeitures, of all share-based awards 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 operating 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' Equity” for more information regarding the Company’s incentive stock plans. Research and Development — Amounts expended for R&D are expensed as incurred. Other Comprehensive Income — Other comprehensive income consists of net unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedges, the unamortized gain on defined-benefit pension plans net of their related tax effects, and foreign currency translation adjustments, which include net investment hedge and long-term intercompany loan translation adjustments,. 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. 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 income 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 Income as "Investment and other income" or as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, as discussed below. 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 income. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not material for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. See Note 13, "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" for more information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. New Accounting Standards — In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," which simplifies and reduces the complexity of the hedge accounting requirements and better aligns an entity's financial reporting for hedging relationships with its risk management activities. The guidance is effective for interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance will require a modified retrospective adoption approach to existing hedging relationships as of the adoption date. The Company adopted ASU 2017-12 effective August 1, 2019, which did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the 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. The Company has not adopted this guidance, which will only impact the Company's consolidated financial statements if there is a future impairment of goodwill. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments," which changes the impairment model for most financial instruments. Current guidance requires the recognition of credit losses based on an incurred loss impairment methodology that reflects losses once the losses are probable. Under ASU 2016-13, the Company will be required to use a current expected credit loss model ("CECL") that will immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the financial instruments that are in the scope of this update, including trade receivables. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in the development of credit loss estimates. This guidance becomes effective for interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASC 842"), which replaces the current lease accounting standards. The update requires, among other items, lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from most leases on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements," which provides, among other items, an additional transition method allowing a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during the period of adoption. ASC 842 is effective for interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 (and related updates) effective August 1, 2019, using the optional transition method provided in ASU 2018-11 to apply this guidance to the impacted lease population at the date of initial application. Results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2019, will be presented under ASU 2016-02, while comparative prior period amounts will not be restated and continue to be presented under accounting standards in effect during those periods. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which among other things, allows the Company to carryforward the historical lease accounting of expired or existing leases with respect to lease identification, lease classification and accounting treatment for initial direct costs as of the adoption date. The Company also elected the practical expedient related to lease versus nonlease components, allowing the Company to recognize lease and nonlease components as a single lease. Lastly, the Company elected the hindsight practical expedient, allowing the Company to use hindsight in determining the lease term and assessing impairment of right-of-use assets when transitioning to ASC 842. The Company has made a policy election not to capitalize leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. The Company expects the adoption of ASC 842 to result in the recording of additional lease assets and liabilities of approximately $60,000 based on the present value of the remaining lease payments as of August 1, 2019, and does not expect the cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings to be material due to the package of practical expedients elected. As the adoption of ASC 842 is non-cash in nature, the Company does not anticipate the standard will have a material impact on its cash flows or operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"), which eliminates the transaction and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance and replaced 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. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 (and related updates) effective August 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method to apply this guidance to all contracts at the date of initial application. Results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while comparative prior period amounts have not been restated and continue to be presented under accounting standards in effect in those periods. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, business processes, controls, or systems. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of August 1, 2018, which resulted in a decrease to retained earnings of $2,137, net of tax. The adjustment was primarily due to a change in timing of when revenue and the related costs for certain extended service warranties are recognized, as required per ASC 606. See Note 8, "Revenue Recognition" for additional information and required disclosures under the new standard.

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