Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting and Financial Reporting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Grace and entities as to which Grace exercises control over operating and financial policies. Grace consolidates the activities of variable interest entities in circumstances where management determines that Grace is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliated companies in which Grace can significantly influence operating and financial policies are accounted for under the equity method, unless Grace's investment is deemed to be temporary, in which case the investment is accounted for under the cost method.

Operating Segments

Grace reports financial results of each of its operating segments that engage in business activities that generate revenues and expenses, and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by Grace's Chief Executive Officer.

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities

Grace conducts certain of its business through joint ventures with unaffiliated third parties. For joint ventures in which Grace has a controlling financial interest, Grace consolidates the results of such joint ventures in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Grace recognizes a liability for cumulative amounts due to the third parties based on the financial results of the joint ventures, and deducts the amount of income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the measurement of its consolidated net income.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in prior years' Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications have not materially affected previously reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount 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 for the periods presented. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates, and the differences could be material. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period identified. Grace's accounting measurements that are most affected by management's estimates of future events are:

• Contingent liabilities, which depend on an assessment of the probability of loss and an estimate of ultimate resolution cost, such as asbestos-related matters and litigation (see Notes 2 and 3), income taxes (see Note 9), and environmental remediation (see Note 12);

• Pension and postretirement liabilities that depend on assumptions regarding participant life spans, future inflation, discount rates and total returns on invested funds (see Note 10);

• Realization values of net deferred tax assets and insurance receivables, which depend on projections of future income and cash flows and assessments of insurance coverage and insurer solvency; and

• Recoverability of goodwill, which depends on assumptions used to value reporting units, such as observable market inputs, projections of future cash flows and weighted average cost of capital.

The accuracy of management's estimates may be materially affected by the uncertainties arising under Grace's Chapter 11 proceeding.

Revenue Recognition

Grace recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are satisfied: risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed and determinable; persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; and collectability is reasonably assured. Risk of loss and title transfers to customers are based on individual contractual terms which generally specify the point of shipment. Terms of delivery are generally included in customer contracts of sale, order confirmation documents and invoices.

Certain customer arrangements include conditions for volume rebates. Grace accrues a rebate allowance and reduces recorded sales for anticipated selling price adjustments at the time of sale. Grace regularly reviews rebate accruals based on actual and anticipated sales patterns.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of liquid instruments and investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. The recorded amounts approximate fair value.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The method used to determine cost is first-in/first-out, or "FIFO." Market values for raw materials are based on current cost and, for other inventory classifications, net realizable value. Inventories are evaluated regularly for salability, and slow moving and/or obsolete items are adjusted to expected salable value. Inventory values include direct and certain indirect costs of materials and production. Abnormal costs of production are expensed as incurred.

Long Lived Assets

Properties and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of properties and equipment is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Estimated useful lives range from 20 to 40 years for buildings, 3 to 7 years for information technology equipment, 3 to 10 years for operating machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for furniture and fixtures. Interest is capitalized in connection with major project expenditures. Fully depreciated assets are retained in properties and equipment and related accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. In the case of disposals, assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less any proceeds from disposal, is charged or credited to earnings. Obligations for costs associated with asset retirements, such as requirements to restore a site to its original condition, are accrued at net present value and amortized along with the related asset.

Other intangible assets with finite lives consist of customer lists, technology, patents and trademarks and other intangibles and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 1 to 20 years.

Grace reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. No impairment charge was required in 2012 or 2010; however, there were impairment charges related to certain restructuring activities in 2011 (see Note 13).

Goodwill

Goodwill arises from certain business combinations. Grace reviews its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis at October 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is assessed at the reporting unit level most directly associated with the business combination that generated the goodwill. For the purpose of measuring impairment under the provisions of ASC 350 "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other", Grace has identified its reporting units as the product groups at one level below its operating segments. Grace has evaluated its goodwill annually with no impairment charge required in any of the periods presented.

The Grace Construction Products Europe reporting unit continues to operate in a challenging environment. Grace believes that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeds its carrying value; however, if market conditions or business performance deteriorate further, Grace may be required to record a non-cash impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of this reporting unit.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized with respect to the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements. If it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is provided against such deferred tax assets. The assessment of realization of deferred tax assets is performed under scenarios of future taxable income and tax planning strategies that are considered reasonable in the circumstances.

Grace records a liability for income tax contingencies when it is more likely than not that a tax position it has taken will not be sustained upon audit. Grace evaluates such likelihood based on relevant facts and tax law. Grace adjusts its recorded liability for income tax matters due to changes in circumstances or new uncertainties, such as amendments to existing tax law. Grace's ultimate tax liability depends upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which it operates, outcomes of tax litigation, and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state, and foreign tax audits. Due to the varying tax laws in each jurisdiction senior management, with the assistance of local tax advisors as necessary, assesses individual matters in each jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. Grace researches and evaluates its income tax positions, including why it believes they are compliant with income tax regulations, and these positions are documented internally.

Tax benefits from an uncertain tax position are recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. Tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries (other than those located in countries with highly inflationary economies) are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, while revenues, costs and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during each reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in "accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The financial statements of any subsidiaries located in countries with highly inflationary economies are remeasured as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar; the remeasurement creates translation adjustments that are reflected in net income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Financial Instruments

Grace uses commodity forward, swap and/or option contracts and currency forward and/or option contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates. Grace does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Derivative instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities at their fair value. For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments closely offset changes in the fair values of the hedged items in "other (income) expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, if the derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting pursuant to ASC 815, the effective portion of any hedge is reported as "accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until it is cleared to earnings during the same period in which the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion of all hedges, and changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, are recorded in current period earnings. Cash flows from derivative instruments are reported in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.