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Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on simplifying the presentation of deferred income taxes that requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. We adopted the standards update effective October 1, 2015, electing to apply it retrospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standards update affects balance sheet presentation, and as of December 31, 2014 it resulted in an increase in noncurrent deferred income tax assets of $500 million, a reduction of current deferred income tax assets of $565 million, a reduction of noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities of $60 million and a reduction of current deferred income tax liabilities of $5 million.

Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted an accounting standards update providing new guidance on the requirements for reporting a discontinued operation. The standards update allows only those disposals representing a strategic shift in operations with a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results to be reported as a discontinued operation. It also allows companies to have significant continuing involvement and continuing cash flows with the discontinued operations. Additional disclosures are also required for discontinued operations and individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The adoption of this standards update did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance that eliminates the requirement in a business combination to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. Instead, measurement period adjustments will be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The standards update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments should be applied prospectively to measurement period adjustments that occur after the effective date of this update with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. We will adopt this standards update as required and recognize any such future adjustments accordingly.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on simplifying the measurement of inventory. Inventory within the scope of this update is required to be measured at the lower of its cost or net realizable value, with net realizable value being the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The standards update is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting this standards update on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license and the accounting for such an arrangement. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the software license element of the arrangement should be accounted for consistently with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the agreement should be accounted for as a service contract. The standards update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standards update will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs that requires all costs incurred to issue debt to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. In August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that allows debt issuance costs incurred in connection with line of credit arrangements to be presented as an asset. The standards updates are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 on a retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of these standards updates affects presentation only and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management must evaluate whether it is probable that known conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, would raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events are identified, the standard requires management's mitigation plans to alleviate the doubt or a statement of the substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern to be disclosed in the financial statements. The standards update is effective for the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standards update is not expected to impact our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The standards update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to utilize to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that will be received in exchange for the goods and services. Additional disclosures will also be required to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this standards update to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted on the original effective date of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating our significant contracts and assessing any impact of adopting this standards update on our consolidated financial statements.

Other

We were a party to shareholder agreements concerning certain of our less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries. Under the terms of certain of these agreements, the minority shareholders had the right to require us to purchase their ownership interests in the respective subsidiaries if there was a change in control of the Company, a bankruptcy of the Company, or other circumstances. Accordingly, we have reported the minority equity in those subsidiaries outside of shareholders’ equity. On October 1, 2015, we completed the dissolution of our global alliance with Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. ("SRI"). Refer to Note 5.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the value of pension assets used in the calculation of pension expense for our Canadian plans was changed from market-related value to fair value. This change is considered preferable because it better reflects recent gains or losses from pension assets in pension expense. As a result, all of our pension plans now use fair value in the calculation of pension expense. The change to the fair value method for these plans was retrospectively applied by restating all periods presented. The impact on the consolidated financial statements for the prior periods presented was insignificant.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all legal entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest generally arises from our ownership of a majority of the voting shares of our subsidiaries. We would also hold a controlling financial interest in variable interest entities if we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. Investments in companies in which we do not own a majority interest and we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in other companies are carried at cost. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Deconsolidation of Venezuelan Subsidiary

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, C.A. Goodyear de Venezuela, manufactures, markets and distributes consumer and commercial tires throughout Venezuela. Evolving conditions in Venezuela, including currency exchange control regulations and continued reductions in access to U.S. dollars through official currency exchange mechanisms, have resulted in an other-than-temporary lack of exchangeability between the Venezuelan bolivar fuerte and the U.S. dollar, and have restricted the ability of our Venezuelan subsidiary to pay dividends and royalties and to settle liabilities. These currency exchange regulations, combined with other government regulations such as price and profit margin controls and strict labor laws, have increasingly limited our ability to make and execute operational decisions at our Venezuelan subsidiary. This lack of currency exchangeability, combined with these other operating restrictions, have significantly limited our Venezuelan subsidiary's ability to maintain normal production and control over its operations. We expect these conditions to continue for the foreseeable future.

As a result of these conditions, we concluded that effective as of December 31, 2015, we do not meet the accounting criteria for control over our Venezuelan subsidiary and began reporting the results of our Venezuelan subsidiary using the cost method of accounting. This change resulted in a pre-tax charge of $646 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. The pre-tax charge includes the derecognition of the carrying amounts of our Venezuelan subsidiary's assets and liabilities, including $320 million of Cash and Cash Equivalents, that are no longer reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. The pre-tax charge also includes $248 million of foreign currency translation losses and pension losses previously included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. We have determined the fair value of our investment in, and receivables from, our Venezuelan subsidiary to be insignificant based on our expectations of dividend payments and settlements of such receivables in future periods.

In future reporting periods, our financial results will not include the operating results of our Venezuelan subsidiary. We will record income from sales of inventory and raw materials or from dividends or royalties to the extent cash is received from our Venezuelan subsidiary. Our exposure to future losses resulting from our Venezuelan subsidiary is limited to the extent that we decide to provide raw materials or finished goods to, or make future investments in, our Venezuelan subsidiary.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including those related to:


•	recoverability of intangibles and other long-lived assets,


•	deferred tax asset valuation allowances and uncertain income tax positions,


•	workers’ compensation,


•	general and product liabilities and other litigation,


•	pension and other postretirement benefits, and


•	various other operating allowances and accruals, based on currently available information.

Changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and affect results of operations and financial position in future periods.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable Valuation

Revenues are recognized when finished products are shipped to unaffiliated customers, both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred or services have been rendered and accepted, and collectability is reasonably assured.

Accounts Receivable Valuation

A provision for sales returns, discounts and allowances is recorded at the time of sale. Appropriate provisions are made for uncollectible accounts based on historical loss experience, portfolio duration, economic conditions and credit risk. The adequacy of the allowances are assessed quarterly.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Costs incurred for transportation of products to customers are recorded as a component of Cost of Goods Sold (“CGS”).

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs include, among other things, materials, equipment, compensation and contract services. These costs are expensed as incurred and included as a component of CGS.

Warranty

Warranties are provided on the sale of certain of our products and services and an accrual for estimated future claims is recorded at the time revenue is recognized. Tire replacement under most of the warranties we offer is on a prorated basis. Warranty reserves are based on past claims experience, sales history and other considerations. Refer to Note 19.

Environmental Cleanup Matters

We expense environmental costs related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. We determine our liability on a site by site basis and record a liability at the time when it is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our estimated liability is reduced to reflect the anticipated participation of other potentially responsible parties in those instances where it is probable that such parties are legally responsible and financially capable of paying their respective shares of the relevant costs. Our estimated liability is not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers. Refer to Note 19.

Legal Costs

We record a liability for estimated legal and defense costs related to pending general and product liability claims, environmental matters and workers’ compensation claims. Refer to Note 19.

Advertising Costs

Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are generally expensed when incurred as a component of Selling, Administrative and General Expense (“SAG”). Costs incurred under our cooperative advertising programs with dealers and franchisees are generally recorded as reductions of sales as related revenues are recognized.

Rationalizations

We record costs for rationalization actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity and operating and administrative costs. Associate-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments, postretirement benefits, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These conditions are generally met when the restructuring plan is approved by management. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and must be accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is calculated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations, and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Rationalization charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded in CGS or SAG. Refer to Note 2.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are recognized during the year in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income, with deferred taxes being provided for temporary differences between carrying values of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such carrying values as measured under applicable tax laws. The effect on deferred tax assets or liabilities of a change in the tax law or tax rate is recognized in the period the change is enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The calculation of our tax liabilities also involves considering uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on our estimate of whether it is more likely than not that additional taxes will be required and we report related interest and penalties as income taxes. Refer to Note 6.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents / Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. Substantially all of our cash and short-term investment securities are held with investment grade-rated counterparties.

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows

Cash flows associated with derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of identifiable transactions or events are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the related hedged items. Cash flows associated with derivative financial instruments not designated as hedges are classified as operating activities. Bank overdrafts are recorded within Notes Payable and Overdrafts. Cash flows associated with bank overdrafts are classified as financing activities.

Customer prepayments for products and government grants received that are related to operations are reported as operating activities. Government grants received that are solely related to capital expenditures are reported as investing activities. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are presented net of capital leases of $3 million, $12 million and $19 million originating in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and net of capitalized costs related to the Global and North America Headquarters facility and parking deck of $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Restricted Net Assets

In certain countries where we operate, transfers of funds into or out of such countries by way of dividends, loans or advances are generally or periodically subject to various governmental regulations. In addition, certain of our credit agreements and other debt instruments limit the ability of foreign subsidiaries to make cash distributions.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or the average cost method. Costs include direct material, direct labor and applicable manufacturing and engineering overhead. We allocate fixed manufacturing overheads based on normal production capacity and recognize abnormal manufacturing costs as period costs. We determine a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on management’s review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales. Refer to Note 10.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are assessed for impairment annually with the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary or to perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible to its carrying amount. Under the qualitative assessment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount. If under the quantitative assessment the fair value is less than the carrying amount, then the amount of the impairment loss, if any, must be measured.

In addition to annual testing, impairment testing is conducted when events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives would be written down to fair value if considered impaired. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized to their estimated residual values over such finite lives, and reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances warrant such a review. Refer to Note 11.

Investments

Investments in marketable securities are stated at fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period and, when appropriate, exchange rates at that date. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded in AOCL, net of tax. We regularly review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Notes 12 and 21.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Additions and improvements that substantially extend the useful life of property, plant and equipment, and interest costs incurred during the construction period of major projects are capitalized. Government grants to us that are solely related to capital expenditures are recorded as reductions of the cost of the associated assets. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives, and reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances warrant such a review.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for most subsidiaries outside the United States is the local currency. Financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate for each period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. The U.S. dollar is used as the functional currency in countries with a history of high inflation and in countries that predominantly sell into the U.S. dollar export market. For all operations, gains or losses from remeasuring foreign currency transactions into the functional currency are included in Other (Income) Expense. Translation adjustments are recorded in AOCL. Income taxes are generally not provided for foreign currency translation adjustments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

To qualify for hedge accounting, hedging instruments must be designated as hedges and meet defined correlation and effectiveness criteria. These criteria require that the anticipated cash flows and/or changes in fair value of the hedging instrument substantially offset those of the position being hedged.

Derivative contracts are reported at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Accounts Receivable or Other Current Liabilities. Deferred gains and losses on contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recorded net of tax in AOCL. Ineffectiveness in hedging relationships is recorded in Other (Income) Expense in the current period.

Interest Rate Contracts — Gains and losses on contracts designated as cash flow hedges are initially deferred and recorded in AOCL. Amounts are transferred from AOCL and recognized in income as Interest Expense in the same period that the hedged item is recognized in income. Gains and losses on contracts designated as fair value hedges are recognized in income in the current period as Interest Expense. Gains and losses on contracts with no hedging designation are recorded in the current period in Other (Income) Expense.

Foreign Currency Contracts — Gains and losses on contracts designated as cash flow hedges are initially deferred and recorded in AOCL. Amounts are transferred from AOCL and recognized in income in the same period and on the same line that the hedged item is recognized in income. Gains and losses on contracts designated as fair value hedges, excluding premiums and discounts, are recorded in Other Expense in the current period. Gains and losses on contracts with no hedging designation are also recorded in Other Expense in the current period. We do not include premiums or discounts on forward currency contracts in our assessment of hedge effectiveness. Premiums and discounts on contracts designated as hedges are recognized in Other (Income) Expense over the life of the contract.

Net Investment Hedging — Nonderivative instruments denominated in foreign currencies are used from time to time to hedge net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Gains and losses on these instruments are deferred and recorded in AOCL as Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments. These gains and losses are only recognized in income upon the complete or partial sale of the related investment or the complete liquidation of the investment.

Termination of Contracts — Gains and losses (including deferred gains and losses in AOCL) are recognized in Other (Income) Expense when contracts are terminated concurrently with the termination of the hedged position. To the extent that such position remains outstanding, gains and losses are amortized to Interest Expense or to Other Expense over the remaining life of that position. Gains and losses on contracts that we temporarily continue to hold after the early termination of a hedged position, or that otherwise no longer qualify for hedge accounting, are recognized in Other (Income) Expense. Refer to Note 15.

Share-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure compensation cost arising from the grant of stock-based awards to employees at fair value and recognize such cost in income over the period during which the service is provided, usually the vesting period. We recognize compensation expense using the straight-line approach.

Stock-based awards to employees include grants of performance share units, restricted stock units and stock options. We measure the fair value of grants of performance share units and restricted stock units based primarily on the closing market price of a share of our common stock on the date of the grant, modified as appropriate to take into account the features of such grants.

We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Assumptions used to estimate compensation expense are determined as follows:


•	Expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding based on our historical experience of option exercises;


•	Expected volatility is measured using the weighted average of historical daily changes in the market price of our common stock over the expected term of the award and implied volatility calculated for our exchange traded options with an expiration date greater than one year;


•	Risk-free interest rate is equivalent to the implied yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bonds with a remaining maturity equal to the expected term of the awards; and


•	Forfeitures are based substantially on the history of cancellations of similar awards granted in prior years.

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share primarily reflects the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options, mandatory convertible preferred stock and related dividends. All earnings per share amounts in these notes to the consolidated financial statements are diluted, unless otherwise noted. Refer to Note 7.

Fair Value Measurements

Valuation Hierarchy

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date.


•	Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.


•	Level 3 — Valuation is based upon other unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

Investments

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, investments are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds, certain mortgage products and exchange-traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the security, and would be classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities would be classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Exchange-traded derivative financial instruments that are valued using quoted prices would be classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Derivative financial instruments valued using internally-developed models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Derivative financial instruments that are valued based upon models with significant unobservable market parameters, and that are normally traded less actively, would be classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Refer to Notes 15 and 16.

Reclassifications

Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.