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Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012
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 "Other Assets." 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. 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. The Engineered Composites segment participates in both Company-sponsored, and customer-funded research and development. Some customer-funded research and development may be on a cost-sharing basis, in which case amounts charged to the customer are credited against research and development expense. Expenses were reduced by $0.8 million in 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011 as a result of such arrangements. For customer funded research and development in which we anticipate funding to exceed expenses, we include amounts charged to the customer in net sales. Through 2012, revenue earned under these arrangements has been insignificant. Total Company research expense was $27.6 million in 2012, $29.0 million in 2011, and $26.1 million in 2010. 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. In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have determined the amount of the tax benefit to be recognized by estimating the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties has also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Discontinued Operations The income/(loss) from discontinued operations includes operating income and expenses previously attributed to businesses that were sold in 2012 and, additionally, amounts previously reported as Unallocated expenses, and Other income/expense that were directly related to the divested businesses. 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. If we report a net loss, or net loss from continuing operations, the diluted loss is equal to the basic earnings per share calculation. 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) |  | 2012 |  | 2011 |  | 2010
Losses/(gains) included in: |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling and general expenses |  | $1,642 |  | ($2,677) |  | ($384)
Other expense/(income), net |  | 5,708 |  | (84) |  | (4,626)
Total transaction losses/(gains) |  | $7,350 |  | ($2,761) |  | ($5,010)
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. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable includes trade receivables and revenue in excess of progress billings on Engineered Composites contracts accounted for under the percentage of completion method. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience, customer specific facts and economic conditions. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
(in thousands) |  | 2012 |  | 2011
Trade accounts receivable |  | $149,737 |  | $152,009
Revenue in excess of progress billings |  | 17,105 |  | 6,231
Receivables related to the sale of discontinued businesses |  | 16,555 |  | -
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts |  | (11,862) |  | (10,729)
Total Accounts Receivable |  | $171,535 |  | $147,511
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, 2012 and 2011, inventories consisted of the following:
(in thousands) |  | 2012 |  | 2011
Raw materials |  | $25,082 |  | $28,711
Work in process |  | 44,866 |  | 39,552
Finished goods |  | 49,235 |  | 61,540
Total inventories |  | $119,183 |  | $129,803
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 $0.4 million in 2012 and $2.3 million in 2011. 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. We perform an annual evaluation of goodwill during the second quarter of each year. In 2012, we applied the qualitative assessment approach as described in "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" below. 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 included in Other assets. 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. 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. 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. Effective January 2005, our postretirement benefit plan was closed to new participants, except for certain life insurance benefits, and in September 2008, we changed the cost sharing arrangement under this program such that increases in health care costs are the responsibility of plan participants. 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 basis for our reportable segments. The reportable segments, which are described in more detail in Note 3, are Machine Clothing and Engineered Composites. 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 On February 5, 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued authoritative guidance related to reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This pronouncement affects the reporting of reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income. The new requirements will take effect for quarterly and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We are required to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of 2013. The guidance affects financial statement presentation only, and we do not expect the adoption of these requirements 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 did 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 Company adopted this approach in 2012, and it did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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