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Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2020
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, Albany, we, us, or our) after elimination of intercompany transactions. We have a 50 percent 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.” The Company owns 90 percent of the common equity of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC) which is reported within the Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment. Additional information regarding that entity is included in Note 10. 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, revenue recognition, contract profitability, allowances for doubtful accounts, rebates and sales allowances, inventory allowances, pension benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies, income tax related balances, 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 effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Revenue Recognition Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 606, Revenue from contracts with customers, using the modified retrospective (or cumulative effect) method for transition. Under this transition method, periods prior to 2018 were not restated and the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard was recorded as an adjustment to Retained earnings at January 1, 2018. The standard replaces numerous requirements in U.S. GAAP, including industry-specific requirements, and provides companies with a single model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. We applied the new accounting standard to contracts which were not completed by December 31, 2017. In our Machine Clothing (MC) business segment, we recognize revenue when we satisfy our performance obligations related to the manufacture and delivery of products. In our Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) business segment, revenue from most long-term contracts is recognized over time using an input method as the measure of progress. The classification of revenue in excess of progress billings on long-term contracts is included in Contract assets, net, which are rights to consideration that are conditional on something other than the passage of time, such as completion of remaining performance obligations. We are required to limit our estimate of contract values to the period of the legally enforceable contract. While certain contracts are expected to be profitable over the course of the program life when including expected renewals, our estimate of contract revenues and costs is limited to the estimated value of enforceable rights and obligations, excluding anticipated renewals. This contract period may result in a loss contract provision at contract inception. Expected losses on projects include losses on contract options that are probable of exercise, excluding profitable options that often follow. For contracts with anticipated losses, a provision for the entire amount of the estimated remaining loss is charged against income in the period in which the loss becomes known. Contract losses are determined considering all direct and indirect contract costs, exclusive of any selling, general or administrative cost allocations, which are treated as period expenses. Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of sales in the Albany Engineered Composites segment. We have a contract with a major customer for which revenue is recognized under a cost-plus-fee agreement. We also have fixed price long-term contracts, for which we use the percentage of completion (actual cost to estimated cost) method. 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 period the change occurs. The sum of net adjustments to the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased AEC operating income by $9.9 million and $10.8 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, and decreased AEC operating income by $2.0 million in 2018. The favorable effects in 2020 and 2019 were largely attributable to efficiency improvements during the ramp-up of several programs. Additional accounting policies related to revenue from contracts with customers are set forth in Note 2. 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. Cost of goods sold also includes provisions for loss contracts and charges for the write-off of inventories that result from an exit activity. Selling, General, Administrative, Technical, and Research Expenses Selling, general, administrative, and technical expenses are primarily comprised of wages, incentive compensation, benefits, travel, professional fees, revaluation of trade foreign currency balances, and other costs, and are expensed as incurred. Selling expense includes costs related to contract acquisition and provisions for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. Research expenses are charged to operations as incurred and consist primarily of compensation, supplies, and professional fees incurred in connection with intellectual property. Total company research expense was $25.8 million in 2020, $26.9 million in 2019, and $29.8 million in 2018. The Albany 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 and considered to be a collaborative arrangement, in which case both parties are active participants and are exposed to the risks and rewards dependent on the success of the activity. In such cases, amounts charged to the collaborating entity are credited against research and development expense. For customer-funded research and development in which we anticipate funding to exceed expenses, we include amounts charged to the customer in Net sales, while expenses are included in Cost of goods sold. Restructuring Expense We may incur expenses related to exiting a line of business or restructuring of our operations, which could include employee termination costs, costs to consolidate or close facilities, or costs to terminate contractual relationships. Restructuring expenses may also include impairment of Property, plant and equipment, as described below under “Property, Plant and Equipment”. Employee termination costs include 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, outplacement 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 and tax attributes by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable for future years to differences between existing assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax return purposes. 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 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 valuation 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 percent 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 have also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Earnings Per Share Basic 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 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 statement accounts are translated at average exchange rates. Gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in other comprehensive income and accumulated in Shareholders’ equity in the caption “Translation adjustments”. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include foreign currency gains and losses resulting from third party balances, such as receivables and payables, which are denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency. Gains or losses resulting from cash and short-term intercompany loans and balances denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency, and foreign currency options are generally included in Other 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. The following table summarizes foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized in the income statement:
(in thousands) |  | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Losses/(gains) included in: |  |  |  |  |  |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |  | $ | 1,875 |  |  | $ | 1,281 |  |  | $ | (274) |
Other expense, net |  | 13,569 |  |  | (4,471) |  |  | (67) |
Total transaction losses/(gains) |  | $ | 15,444 |  |  | $ | (3,190) |  |  | $ | (341) |
The following table presents foreign currency gains on long-term intercompany loans that were recognized in Other comprehensive income:
(in thousands) |  | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Gain (before tax) on long-term intercompany loan |  | $ | (4,985) |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
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 bank promissory notes. In connection with certain sales in Asia Pacific, the Company accepts a bank promissory note as customer payment. The notes may be presented for payment at maturity, which is less than one year. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 326, Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL), using the effective date (or modified retrospective) approach for transition. Under this transition method, periods prior to 2020 were not restated. The pre-tax cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard was an increase in credit loss reserves of $1.8 million, primarily for Accounts receivable and Contract assets. Including tax effects, Retained earnings was reduced by $1.4 million as a result of transitioning to the new standard. The overarching purpose of the new standard is to provide greater transparency and understanding of the Company’s credit risk. The CECL accounting update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. Under the new standard, the Company recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, such as Accounts receivable, Contract assets and Noncurrent receivables. The allowance is determined using a CECL model that is based on an historical average three-year loss rate and is measured by financial asset type on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist, at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses. The estimate reflects the risk of loss due to credit default, even when the risk is remote, and considers available relevant information about the collectability of cash flows, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable expected future economic conditions. The Company also has Noncurrent receivables in the AEC segment that represent revenue earned which have extended payment terms. The Noncurrent receivables will be invoiced to the customer, with 2% interest, over a 10-year period that started in 2020. See additional information, including accounting policies related to our adoption of the CECL update, set forth in Notes 2 and 11. Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Contract assets includes unbilled amounts typically resulting from sales under contracts when the cost-to-cost method of revenue recognition is utilized, and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. Contract assets are transferred to Accounts receivable, net, when the entitlement to payment becomes unconditional. Contract liabilities include advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. Contract liabilities are included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See additional information, including accounting policies related to our adoption of the CECL update, set forth in Notes 2, 11 and 12. Inventories Costs included in inventories are raw materials, labor, supplies and allocable depreciation and overhead. Raw materials inventory is valued on an average cost basis. Other inventory cost elements are valued at cost, using the first-in, first-out method. The Company writes down the inventories for estimated obsolescence, and to lower of cost or net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Write-downs of inventories are charged to Cost of goods sold. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the Company, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Once established, the original cost of the inventory less the related write-down represents the new cost basis of such inventories. See additional information set forth in Notes 2 and 13. Leases Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the provisions of ASC 842, Leases, using the effective date (or modified retrospective) approach for transition. Under this transition method, periods prior to 2019 have not been restated, and the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard was recorded as an adjustment to Retained earnings at January 1, 2019. The new standard is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of right of use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Most prominent among the changes under the new standard is the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. Under the new standard, disclosures are required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. We applied the new accounting standard to leases existing at the date of initial application of January 1, 2019. We elected the available package of practical expedients, which permitted us to not reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We implemented processes and internal controls to enable the preparation of financial information related to this standard. The most significant impacts resulting from the adoption of the new standard were the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases on our balance sheet for our real estate and automobile operating leases, as well as to the derecognition and reassessment of assets and liabilities related to our primary manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC lease) which, previously, had been accounted for as a build-to-suit lease with a failed sale-leaseback. For that lease, transitional guidance required the derecognition of existing assets and liabilities and a reassessment of lease classification. We determined that the lease met the criteria for recording as a finance lease and we determined the January 1, 2019 values of the ROU asset and lease liability on the basis of that reassessment. The change in the SLC lease-related assets and liabilities resulted in a $0.3 million pre-tax reduction to Retained earnings at the date of adoption. We have certain lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For most of these leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component, in accordance with the practical expedient that is available for ongoing accounting. Additionally, for certain other leases, such as for vehicles, we apply a portfolio approach. Such new leases are classified as financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. Expenses related to operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis, while those determined to be financing leases are recognized following a front-loaded expense profile, in which interest and amortization are presented separately in the income statement. Operating lease ROU assets are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, while finance lease ROU assets are included in Property, plant, and equipment, net. Lease liabilities for both operating and finance leases are included in Accrued liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See additional information set forth in Note 20. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, or if acquired as part of a business combination, at fair value. 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. We capitalize internal and external costs incurred related to the software development stage. Capitalized salaries, travel, and consulting costs related to the software development were immaterial in 2020 and 2019. 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 group may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. See additional information set forth in Note 14. Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets 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. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. Our reportable segments are consistent with our operating segments. See additional information set forth in Note 15. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value and amortized to Cost of goods sold or Selling, general and administrative expenses over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We review amortizable intangible asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We have an investment in a company in Russia 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. For some AEC contracts, we perform pre-production or nonrecurring engineering services. These costs are normally considered a fulfillment activity, rather than a performance obligation. Fulfillment activities that create resources that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and are expected to be recovered, are capitalized to Other assets, which is classified as a noncurrent asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The capitalized costs are amortized into Cost of goods sold over the period over which the asset is expected to contribute to future cash flows, which includes anticipated renewal periods. Included in Other assets is $31.1 million in 2020 and $21.3 million in 2019 for defined benefit pension plans where plan assets exceed the projected benefit obligations. Other assets also includes financial assets of $0.7 million in 2020 and $0.8 million in 2019. See additional information set forth in Note 18. Stock-Based Compensation We have stock-based compensation plans for key employees. No options have been granted since 2002. Unexercised options generally terminate twenty years after the date of grant for all plans, and must be exercised within ten years of retirement. We recognized no stock option expense during 2020, 2019, or 2018 and there are currently no remaining unvested options for which stock-option compensation costs will be recognized in future periods. See information for other stock-based compensation plans in Note 22. 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 may 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 at fair value, as a net asset or a net liability. Changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. For transactions that are designated as hedges, we perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge. We measure the effectiveness of hedging relationships both at inception and on an ongoing basis. 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 Translation adjustments. 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. We have liabilities for postretirement benefits in the U.S. and Canada. Substantially all of the liability relates to the U.S. plan. Effective January 2005, our postretirement benefit plan in the U.S. was closed to new participants, except for certain life insurance benefits. 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 and, in August 2013, we reduced the life insurance benefit for retirees and eliminated that benefit for active employees. The pension plans are generally trusteed or insured, and accrued amounts are funded as required in accordance with governing laws and regulations. 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. 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 with durations that match expected future payments. The assumption for expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December, 2019, an accounting update was issued which removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments and performing intra-period tax allocations. The update also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. We plan to adopt the new standard as of January 1, 2021 and do not expect it will have a material effect on our financial statements. In March 2020, an accounting update was issued which provides optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates such as LIBOR. The expedients and exceptions provided by this update will not be available after December 31, 2022, other than for certain hedging relationships entered into prior. We are currently assessing the potential impact on our financial statements. In October 2020, an accounting update was issued which clarifies various topics in the Codification by providing consistency in codification wording and moving existing disclosure requirements to the relevant disclosure sections. We are required to adopt the new standard for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and we are assessing the potential impact on our financial statements.

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