Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the “Company”) is principally engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of firearms to domestic customers. Approximately 99% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 were from the firearms segment. Export sales represent approximately 5% of firearms sales. The Company’s design and manufacturing operations are located in the United States and almost all product content is domestic. The Company’s firearms are sold through a select number of independent wholesale distributors principally to the commercial sporting market. The Company also manufactures and sells investment castings made from steel alloys for both outside customers and internal use in the firearms segment. Investment castings sold to outside customers, either directly to or through manufacturers’ representatives, were approximately 1% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. Preparation of Financial Statements The Company follows United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 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 these estimates. The significant accounting policies described below, together with the notes that follow, are an integral part of the Financial Statements. Revenue Recognition Substantially all product sales are sold FOB (free on board) shipping point. Revenue is recognized when product is shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss. Accruals are made for sales discounts and incentives based on the Company’s experience. The Company accounts for cash sales discounts as a reduction in sales and sales incentives as a charge to selling expense. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in net sales and costs incurred by the Company for the delivery of goods are classified as selling expenses in the Statement of Income. Taxes on revenue producing transactions are excluded from net sales. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions with remaining maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Short-term Investments Short-term investments consist principally of United States Treasury instruments, all maturing within one year, and are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. The income from short-term investments is included in other income, net. As of December 31, 2011, the Company held no short-term investments. Accounts Receivable The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the credit worthiness of its customers and historical experience. While the Company uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic and industry conditions or any other factors considered in the Company’s evaluation. Bad debt expense has been immaterial during each of the last three years. Inventories The majority of the Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost, principally determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. Elements of cost in inventories include raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed over useful lives using the straight-line and declining balance methods predominately over 15 years for buildings, 10 years for machinery and equipment and 3 years for tools and dies. When assets are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying values and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and a gain or loss on such disposals is recognized when appropriate. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations; replacements and improvements are capitalized. Long-lived Assets The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In performing this review, the carrying value of the assets is compared to the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the assets. If the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets are considered to be impaired. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value. The Company bases fair value of the assets on quoted market prices if available or, if not available, quoted market prices of similar assets. Where quoted market prices are not available, the Company estimates fair value using the estimated future cash flows generated by the assets discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks associated with the recovery of the assets. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of “temporary differences” by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Product Liability The Company provides for product liability claims including estimated legal costs to be incurred defending such claims. The provision for product liability claims is charged to cost of products sold. Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, were $2.9 million, $2.3 million, and $2.7 million, respectively. Shipping Costs Costs incurred related to the shipment of products are included in selling expense. Such costs totaled $3.5 million, $3.0 million, and $2.7 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Research and Development In 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company spent approximately $4.0 million, $3.2 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, on research activities relating to the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect the impact of options, restricted stock units, and deferred stock outstanding using the treasury stock method. Reclassifications Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

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