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Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Accounting Policies | 1. Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Albany International Corp. and its subsidiaries (the Company, we, us, or our) after elimination of intercompany transactions. We have a 50% interest in an entity in Russia. The consolidated financial statements include our original investment in the entity, plus our share of undistributed earnings or losses, in the account "Investments in associated companies." Estimates The preparation of the consolidated 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 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for doubtful accounts, rebates and sales allowances, inventory allowances, pension benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies and other accruals. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effect of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Revenue Recognition We record sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has been transferred, the selling price is fixed, and collectability is reasonably assured. We include in revenue any amounts invoiced for shipping and handling. The timing of revenue recognition is dependent upon the contractual arrangement with customers. These arrangements, which may include provisions for transfer of title and guarantees of workmanship, are specific to each customer. Some of these contracts provide for a transfer of title upon delivery, or upon reaching a specific date, while other contracts provide for title transfer to occur upon consumption of the product. Effective January 1, 2011, we adopted a recent accounting pronouncement regarding multiple-element arrangements, which had the effect of accelerating the timing on revenue recognition on some contracts in the Albany Door Systems segment, which is now reported as a discontinued operation. As a result of adopting this accounting pronouncement, revenue and operating income for the first quarter of 2011 were increased by $2.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively. However, since the Albany Door Systems business is reported as a discontinued operation, the effect of adopting this accounting pronouncement does not affect results from continuing operations. Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of sales in the Engineered Composites segment. We use the percentage of completion (actual cost to estimated cost) method for accounting for these projects. That method requires significant judgment and estimation, which could be considerably different if the underlying circumstances were to change. When adjustments in estimated contract revenues or costs are required, any changes from prior estimates are included in earnings in the current period. The Engineered Composites segment also has long-term aerospace contracts under which there are two phases: a phase during which the production part is designed and tested, and a phase of supplying production parts. Certain costs are capitalized during the first phase, such as costs for engineering, equipment, and inventory, where recovery is probable. Revenue will be recognized during the second phase using a percentage of completion method. Accumulated capitalized costs are written off when those costs are determined to be unrecoverable. Depending on the type of contract, we determine our percentage of completion using either the cost to cost method, or the units of delivery method. We limit the concentration of credit risk in receivables by closely monitoring credit and collection policies. We record allowances for sales returns as a deduction in the computation of net sales. Such provisions are recorded on the basis of written communication with customers and/or historical experience. Any value added taxes that are imposed on sales transactions are excluded from net sales. Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials, provisions for obsolete inventories, labor and supplies, shipping and handling costs, depreciation of manufacturing facilities and equipment, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, and other expenses. Selling, General, Technical, Product Engineering, and Research Expenses Selling, general, technical, and product engineering expenses are primarily comprised of wages, benefits, travel, professional fees, revaluation of trade foreign currency balances, and other costs, and are expensed as incurred. Provisions for bad debts are included in selling expense. Research expenses are charged to operations as incurred and consist primarily of compensation, supplies, and professional fees incurred in connection with intellectual property. Restructuring Expense We may incur expenses related to restructuring of our operations, which could include employee termination costs, costs to consolidate or close facilities, or costs to terminate contractual relationships. Employee termination costs include the severance pay and social costs for periods after employee service is completed. Termination costs related to an ongoing benefit arrangement are recognized when the amount becomes probable and estimable. Termination costs related to a one-time benefit arrangement are recognized at the communication date to employees. Costs related to contract termination, relocation of employees, and the consolidation or the closure of facilities, are recognized when incurred. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable for future years to differences between financial statement and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes is recognized in the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the event it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset allowances will not be needed, the valuation allowance will be adjusted. Discontinued Operations The income/(loss) from discontinued operations includes operating income and expenses previously attributed to that business and, additionally, amounts previously reported as Unallocated expenses, and Other income/expense that were directly related to the divested business. Unallocated expenses attributed to the discontinued business include expenses related to global information systems. Interest expense is attributed to the discontinued business only when such expense results from direct third-party borrowings. Earnings Per Share Net income or loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of all potentially dilutive securities. Translation of Financial Statements Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations are translated at year-end rates of exchange, and the income statements are translated at the average rates of exchange for the year. Gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. currency financial statements are recorded in other comprehensive income and accumulated in shareholders' equity in the caption Translation adjustments. Gains or losses resulting from short-term intercompany loans and balances denominated in a currency other than the entity's local currency, forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, and futures contracts are generally included in income in Other (income)/expense, net. Gains and losses on long-term intercompany loans not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from other balances denominated in a currency other than the entity's local currency are recorded in Selling and general expenses. The following table summarizes foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized in the income statement:
(in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | 2009
(Gains)/losses included in: |  |  |
Selling and general expenses | ($2,675) | ($377) | $2,715
Other (income)/expense, net | (84) | (4,626) | (2,253)
Total transaction (gains)/losses | ($2,759) | ($5,003) | $462
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and are valued at average cost, net of reserves. We record a provision for obsolete inventory based on the age and category of the inventories. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, inventories consisted of the following:
(in thousands) | 2011 | 2010
Raw materials | $30,769 | $29,679
Work in process | 39,552 | 43,200
Finished goods | 63,328 | 70,678
Total inventories | $133,649 | $143,557
Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets for financial reporting purposes; in some cases, accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes. Significant additions or improvements extending assets' useful lives are capitalized; normal maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of fully depreciated assets remaining in use is included in the respective asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. When items are sold or retired, related gains or losses are included in net income. Computer software purchased for internal use, at cost, is amortized on a straight-line basis over five to eight years, depending on the nature of the asset, after being placed into service, and is included in property, plant, and equipment. In 2006, we initiated a project to migrate our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to SAP and the implementation was completed in 2011. We capitalize internal and external costs incurred related to the software development stage. Capitalized salaries, travel, and consulting costs related to the software development amounted to $2.3 million in 2011 and $4.2 million in 2010. We review the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. Our reporting units are consistent with our operating segments. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, and future market conditions, among others. Annually, the company performs a qualitative assessment for each of its reporting units to determine if the two step process for impairment testing is required. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill using a two-step impairment test approach at the reporting unit level. In addition, goodwill and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events, such as significant changes in the business climate, plant closures, changes in product offerings, or other circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We are continuing to amortize certain patents, trade names, customer contracts, and technology assets that have finite lives. We have an investment in a company that is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and is reported as Investments in associated companies. We perform regular reviews of the financial condition of the investee to determine if our investment is other than temporarily impaired. If the financial condition of the investee were to no longer support their valuation, we would record an impairment provision. Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance We were the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain present and former employees. The cash surrender value of the policies generated income that was reported as a reduction to selling and general expenses. The rate of return on the policies varies with market conditions and was approximately 5.2% in 2009. In 2010, we converted the cash surrender value of these policies to cash by surrendering the policies for $49.3 million. Due to the timing of our liquidation, there was no return on these policies during 2010. We reported the cash surrender value of life insurance as a separate noncurrent asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Stock-Based Compensation As described in Note 17, we have stock-based compensation plans for key employees. Stock options are accounted for in accordance with applicable guidance for the modified prospective transition method of share-based payments. No options have been granted since 2002. In 2011, shareholders approved the Albany International 2011 Incentive Plan, replacing the similar 2005 Incentive Plan approved by shareholders in 2005. Awards granted to date under these plans provide key members of management with incentive compensation based on achieving certain performance targets. Awards under these plans have had performance periods of from one to three years. Awards with one-year performance periods have been payable in full after the performance period, or over a three-year period following the performance period, partly in cash and partly in shares of Class A Common Stock. Awards with a three-year performance period have been payable in full after the performance period. These awards are measured at fair value as of the end of each reporting period. If a person terminates employment prior to the award becoming fully vested, the person will forfeit all or a portion of the incentive compensation award. Expense associated with this these awards is recognized over the vesting period, which includes the year for which performance targets are measured and may, if payment is made over three years, include the two subsequent years. In 2008, we decided to use our Class A Common Stock to pay portions of incentive compensation earned in that year, in lieu of making cash payments. Accordingly, shares were distributed to covered employees in 2009. Derivatives We use derivatives from time to time to reduce potentially large adverse effects from changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. We monitor our exposure to these risks and evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the risk of potentially large adverse effects versus the costs associated with hedging such risks. We use interest rate swaps in the management of interest rate exposures and foreign currency derivatives in the management of foreign currency exposure related to assets and liabilities (including net investments in subsidiaries located outside the U.S.) denominated in foreign currencies. When we enter into a derivative contract, we make a determination whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. For those contracts deemed to be a hedge, we formally document the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, we specifically identify the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluate whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, we do not use hedge accounting for the derivative. All derivative contracts are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. For transactions that are designated as hedges, we perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge. To the extent that the hedge is effective, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. We measure the effectiveness of hedging relationships both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, and changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge, are recorded in Other (income)/expense, net. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in subsidiaries located outside the United States, changes in the fair value of derivatives are reported in other comprehensive income as part of the Cumulative translation adjustment. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans As described in Note 4, we have pension and postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees. Our defined benefit pension plan in the United States was closed to new participants as of October 1998 and, as of February 2009, benefits accrued under this plan were frozen. The plans are generally trusteed or insured, and accrued amounts are funded as required in accordance with governing laws and regulations. We have provided certain postretirement medical, dental, and life insurance benefits to certain retirees in the United States and Canada. The annual expense and liabilities recognized for defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and expected return on plan assets, which are updated on an annual basis at the beginning of each fiscal year. We consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making these assumptions. Discount rate assumptions are based on the population of plan participants and a mixture of high-quality fixed-income investments for which the average maturity approximates the average remaining service period of plan participants. The assumption for expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. Reportable Segments In accordance with applicable disclosure guidance for enterprise segments and related information, the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance is used as the source of our reportable segments. The reportable segments, which are described in more detail in Note 3, are Paper Machine Clothing, Engineered Fabrics, Engineered Composites, and PrimaLoft® Products. In the determination of segment operating income, we exclude expenses for Research and Development, and Unallocated expenses, which consist primarily of corporate headquarters and global information systems costs. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended authoritative guidance related to accounting and disclosure of revenue recognition for multiple-element arrangements. This guidance provides principles for allocation of consideration among multiple elements, allowing more flexibility in identifying and accounting for separate deliverables under an arrangement. This guidance introduces an estimated selling price method for allocating revenue to the elements of a bundled arrangement if vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price is not available, and significantly expands related disclosure requirements. We adopted this pronouncement on January 1, 2011, and it resulted in the recognition of additional revenue and operating income in the Albany Doors reportable segment, which is now reported as a discontinued operation. In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended authoritative guidance related to common fair value measurements and disclosure requirements. This pronouncement was issued to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This pronouncement changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements, particularly for level 3 fair value measurements, and is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements. In June and December 2011, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance concerns presentation and disclosure only and will not have a material impact on our financial statements. In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual goodwill impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a "qualitative" assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Annually, the company performs a qualitative assessment for each of its reporting units to determine if the two step process for impairment testing is required. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill using a two-step impairment test approach at the reporting unit level This pronouncement is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements.

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