Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The financial information included herein reflects the consolidated financial position of the Corporation as of December 31, 2019, and 2018, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended.
Consolidation	Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures over which the Corporation exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Corporation has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. Investments in joint ventures where the Corporation owns 20% to 50% of the voting stock and has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the joint venture are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in joint ventures where the Corporation does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the joint venture are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Investments in joint ventures are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the carrying amount and such decline is determined to be “other than temporary,” then the investment may not be fully recoverable potentially resulting in a write-down of the investment value. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Securities with purchased original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Corporation maintains cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions which may exceed federally insured amounts.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Cost includes the cost of raw materials, direct labor and overhead for those items manufactured but not yet sold or for which control has not yet transferred to the customer. Fixed production overhead is allocated to inventories based on normal capacity of the production facilities. In periods of abnormally high production, the amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of production is decreased so that inventories are not measured above cost. The amount of fixed overhead allocated to inventories is not increased as a consequence of abnormally low production or plant idling. Costs for abnormal amounts of spoilage, handling costs and freight costs are charged to expense when incurred. Cost of domestic raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventories is primarily determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Cost of domestic supplies and foreign inventories is determined primarily by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment purchased new is recorded at cost with depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: land improvements – 15 to 20 years, buildings – 25 to 50 years and machinery and equipment – 3 to 25 years. Assets under finance leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Property, plant and equipment acquired as part of a business combination is recorded at its estimated fair value with depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives based in part on third-party valuations. Expenditures that extend economic useful lives are capitalized. Routine maintenance is charged to expense. Gains or losses are recognized on retirements or disposals. Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows generated from the use and eventual disposition of the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. Estimates of future cash flows are based on expected market conditions over the remaining useful life of the primary asset(s). In addition, the remaining depreciation period for the impaired asset would be reassessed and, if necessary, revised. Proceeds from government grants are recorded as a reduction in the purchase price of the underlying assets and amortized against depreciation over the lives of the related assets.
Right-of-Use Assets	Right-of-Use Assets See Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements below for information on the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). A right-of-use (“ROU”) asset represents the right to use an underlying asset for the term of the lease and the corresponding liability represents an obligation to make periodic payments arising from the lease. A determination of whether an arrangement includes a lease is made at the inception of the arrangement. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet, at the commencement date of the lease, in an amount equal to the present value of the lease payments over the term of the lease calculated using the interest rate implicate in the lease arrangement or, if not known, the Corporation’s incremental borrowing rate. The present value of a ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement of the lease and excludes any lease incentives received or to be received under the arrangement. The lease term includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. Operating leases that are for a period less than 12 months, inclusive of options to extend that are reasonably certain to be exercised, are classified as short-term and are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheet. ROU assets are recorded as a noncurrent asset on the consolidated balance sheet. The corresponding liabilities are recorded as an operating lease liability, either current or noncurrent, as applicable, on the consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term within costs of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) or selling and administrative expenses based on the use of the related ROU asset.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets primarily consist of developed technology, customer relationships and trade name. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life, which is determined by identifying the period over which most of the cash flows are expected to be generated. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but reviewed for impairment at least annually, as of October 1. Additionally, intangible assets, both finite and indefinite lived, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For finite-lived intangible assets, if the undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable, potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, if the discounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable, potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. Also, if the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life changes, the remaining carrying value of the intangible asset will be amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life.
Assets of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale	Assets of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale Assets are classified as “held for sale” when all of the following criteria for a plan of sale have been met: (1) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the assets; (2) the assets are available for immediate sale, in their present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the assets have been initiated; (4) the sale of the assets is probable and is expected to be completed within one year; (5) the assets are being actively marketed for a price that is reasonable in relation to their current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or the plan will be withdrawn. When all of these criteria have been met, the assets are classified as “held for sale” in the consolidated balance sheet. Assets classified as “held for sale” are reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation of assets ceases upon designation as “held for sale”. If the “held for sale” criteria have been met and the sale represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, the assets and liabilities are classified separately as “discontinued operations” in the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the operating results and cash flows of the discontinued operation are presented as “discontinued operations” in the consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs are amortized as interest expense over the scheduled maturity period of the debt. The costs related to a line-of-credit arrangement are amortized over the term of the arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings. Unamortized debt issuance costs are either recognized as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt or, if related to a line-of-credit facility, as an other noncurrent asset on the consolidated balance sheet.
Product Warranty	Product Warranty A warranty that ensures basic functionality is an assurance type warranty. A warranty that goes beyond ensuring basic functionality is considered a service type warranty. The Corporation provides assurance type warranties; it does not provide service type warranties. Provisions for assurance type warranties are recognized at the time the underlying sale is recorded. The provision is based on historical experience as a percentage of sales adjusted for potential claims when a liability is probable and for known claims.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Funded Status If the fair value of the plan assets exceeds the projected benefit obligation, the over-funded projected benefit obligation is recognized as an asset (prepaid pensions within other noncurrent assets) on the consolidated balance sheet. Conversely, if the projected benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the plan assets, the under-funded projected benefit obligation is recognized as a liability (employee benefit obligations) on the consolidated balance sheet. Gains and losses arising from the difference between actuarial assumptions and actual experience and unamortized prior service costs are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs includes service cost, interest cost, expected rate of return on the market-related value of plan assets, amortization of prior service costs, and recognized actuarial gains or losses. When actuarial gains or losses exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, they are amortized to net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs over the average remaining service period of the employees expected to receive benefits under the plan or over the remaining life expectancy of the employees expected to receive benefits if “all or almost all” of the plan’s participants are inactive. When actuarial gains or losses are less than 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, they are included in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs indirectly as a result of lower/higher interest costs arising from a decrease/increase in the projected benefit obligation. The market-related value of plan assets is determined using a five-year moving average which recognizes gains or losses in the fair market value of assets at the rate of 20% per year.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in assets and liabilities from non-owner sources including foreign currency translation adjustments, unamortized prior service costs and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses associated with employee benefit plans, and changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as cash flow hedges. Certain components of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented net of income tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments exclude the effect of income tax since earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries are deemed to be reinvested for an indefinite period of time. Reclassification adjustments are amounts which are realized during the year and, accordingly, are deducted from other comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they are included in net income (loss) or when a transaction no longer qualifies as a cash flow hedge. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in net income (loss) upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity. With respect to employee benefit plans, unamortized prior service costs are included in net income (loss), either immediately upon curtailment of the employee benefit plan or over the average remaining service period or life expectancy of the employees expected to receive benefits, and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are included in net income (loss) indirectly as a result of lower/higher interest costs arising from a decrease/increase in the projected benefit obligation. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are included in net income (loss) when the projected sale occurs or, if a foreign currency purchase contract, over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of the Corporation’s foreign operations are translated at year-end exchange rates and the statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are accumulated as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss until the entity is sold or substantially liquidated.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue from sales is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and control of the product has transferred to the customer. Persuasive evidence of an arrangement identifies the final understanding between the parties as to the specific nature and terms of the agreed-upon transaction that creates enforceable obligations. It can be in the form of an executed purchase order from the customer, combined with an order acknowledgment from the Corporation, a sales agreement or longer-term supply agreement between the customer and the Corporation, or a similar arrangement deemed to be a normal and customary business practice for that particular customer or class of customer (collectively, a sales agreement). Sales agreements typically include a single performance obligation for the manufacturing of product which is satisfied upon transfer of control of the product to the customer. The sales price required to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable from the sales agreement. It is not subject to refund or adjustment, except for a variable-index surcharge provision which is known at the time of shipment and increases or decreases, as applicable, the selling price of a mill roll for corresponding changes in the published index cost of certain raw materials. The variable-index surcharge is recognized as revenue when the corresponding revenue for the inventory is recognized. Likelihood of collectability is assessed prior to acceptance of an order. In certain circumstances, the Corporation may require a deposit from the customer, a letter of credit, or another form of assurance for payment. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on historical experience. Payment terms are standard to the industry and generally require payment 30 days after control transfers to the customer. Transfer of control is assessed based on alternative use of the product manufactured and, under the terms of the sales agreement, an enforceable right to payment for performance to date. Transfer of control, and therefore revenue recognition, occurs when title, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer. Typically, this occurs when the product is shipped to the customer (i.e., FOB shipping point), delivered to the customer (i.e., FOB destination), or, for foreign sales, in accordance with trading guidelines known as Incoterms. Incoterms are standard trade definitions used in international contracts and are developed, maintained and promoted by the ICC Commission on Commercial Law and Practice. Shipping terms vary across the businesses and typically depend on the product, country of origin and type of transportation (truck or vessel). There are no customer-acceptance provisions other than customer inspection and testing prior to shipment. Post-shipment obligations are insignificant. Amounts billed to the customer for shipping and handling are recorded within net sales and the related costs are recorded within costs of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization). Amounts billed for taxes assessed by various government authorities (e.g., sales tax, value-added tax, etc.) are excluded from the determination of net income (loss) and, instead, are recorded as a liability until remitted to the government authority.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation, such as stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares, is recognized over the vesting period based upon the fair value of the award at the date of grant. For stock options, the fair value is determined by the Black Scholes option pricing model and is expensed over the vesting period of three years. For restricted stock units, the fair value is equal to the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on the date of grant and is expensed over the vesting period, typically three years. For performance share awards that vest subject to a performance condition, the fair value is equal to the closing price of the Corporation’s stock on the NYSE on the date of grant. For performance share awards that vest subject to a market condition, fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of performance share awards is expensed over the performance period when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments Derivative instruments which include forward exchange (for foreign currency sales and purchases) and futures contracts are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at their fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the use of the derivative. To the extent that a derivative is designated and effective as a cash flow hedge of an exposure to future changes in value, the change in the fair value of the derivative is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Any portion considered to be ineffective, including that arising from the unlikelihood of an anticipated transaction to occur, is reported as a component of earnings (other income/expense) immediately. Upon occurrence of the anticipated sale, the foreign currency sales contract designated and effective as a cash flow hedge is de-designated as a fair value hedge and the change in fair value previously deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified to earnings (net sales) with subsequent changes in fair value recorded as a component of earnings (other income/expense). Upon occurrence of the anticipated purchase, the foreign currency purchase contract is settled and the change in fair value deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified to earnings (depreciation and amortization expense) over the life of the underlying asset. Upon settlement of a futures contract, the change in fair value deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified to earnings (costs of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization) when the corresponding inventory is sold and revenue is recognized. To the extent that a derivative is designated and effective as a hedge of an exposure to changes in fair value, the change in the derivative’s fair value will be offset in the consolidated statement of operations by the change in the fair value of the item being hedged and is recorded as a component of earnings (other income/expense). Cash flows associated with the derivative instruments are recorded as a component of operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The Corporation does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and, therefore, holds no derivative instruments for trading purposes.
Fair Value	Fair Value Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. A hierarchy of inputs is used to determine fair value measurements with three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and are considered the most reliable evidence of fair value. Level 2 inputs are observable prices that are not quoted on active exchanges. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs used for measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities.
Legal Costs	Legal Costs Legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are accrued when such costs are probable and estimable.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are recognized during the year in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Any taxes on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations are accounted for as period costs. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book carrying amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities including net operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided against a deferred income tax asset when it is “more likely than not” the asset will not be realized. Similarly, if a determination is made that it is “more likely than not” the deferred income tax asset will be realized, the related valuation allowance would be reduced and a benefit to earnings would be recorded. Penalties and interest are recognized as a component of the income tax provision. Tax benefits are recognized in the financial statements for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return when it is “more likely than not” that the tax authorities will sustain the tax position solely on the basis of the position’s technical merits. Consideration is given primarily to legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings and case law as well as their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position when assessing the sustainability of the tax position. In the event a tax position no longer meets the “more likely than not” criteria, the tax benefit is reversed by recognizing a liability and recording a charge to earnings. Conversely, if a tax position subsequently meets the “more likely than not” criteria, a tax benefit would be recognized by reducing the liability and recording a credit to earnings.
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The computation of diluted earnings per common share is similar to basic earnings per common share except that the denominator is increased to include the dilutive effect of the net additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming exercise of outstanding stock awards, calculated using the treasury stock method. The computation of diluted earnings per share would not assume the exercise of an outstanding stock award if the effect on earnings per common share would be antidilutive. Similarly, the computation of diluted earnings per share would not assume the exercise of outstanding stock awards if the Corporation incurred a net loss since the effect on earnings per common share would be antidilutive. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming exercise of dilutive stock awards was 12,590,230 for 2019, and 12,447,919 for 2018. Weighted-average outstanding stock awards excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculation, since the effect would have been antidilutive, were 671,886 for 2019, and 904,086 for 2018. With respect to amounts attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh common shareholders, net loss from continuing operations attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh common shareholders excludes net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.
Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging, which amends and simplifies existing guidance to allow companies to present more accurately the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements. The amended guidance became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2019, and did not affect the Corporation’s financial position, operating results or liquidity. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability for all leases other than those with a term less than one year and to disclose key information about certain leasing arrangements. The guidance became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2019, and was applied on a modified retrospective basis (cumulative-effect adjustment to January 1, 2019, retained earnings). An operating lease ROU asset and operating lease liability equal to the present value of lease payments of $5,893 was recorded as of January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment to the Corporation’s retained earnings as of January 1, 2019, since initial direct costs were insignificant. Required disclosures for ROU assets are summarized in Note 5, Operating Lease Right-Of-Use Assets, and in Note 10, Operating Lease Liabilities, for the related obligations. ASU 2016-02 also provided an election for practical expedients which permitted an entity not to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts contained leases, to carry forward the existing lease classification, and not to reassess initial direct costs associate with existing leases. The Corporation applied these practical expedients as part of its adoption. The new guidance did not affect the Corporation’s operating results or liquidity.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2019-12 is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes including removing the exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income or a gain from other items such as other comprehensive income, the accounting for franchise or similar tax, and requiring an entity reflect the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in the interim period that includes the enactment date. The guidance becomes effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2021, however, early adoption is permitted. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its financial position and operating results. It is not expected to impact its liquidity. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which adds a new impairment model, known as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes an allowance for its estimate of expected credit losses and applies it to most debt instruments, trade receivables, lease receivables, financial guarantee contracts, and other loan commitments. The CECL model does not have a minimum threshold for recognition of impairment losses and entities will need to measure expected credit losses on assets that have a low risk of loss. The guidance originally became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2020, however, since the Corporation meets the definition of a Smaller Reporting Company, as defined by the Securities Exchange Commission, the effective date was subsequently revised to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its financial position and operating results. It will not, however, affect the Corporation’s liquidity.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

The financial information included herein reflects the consolidated financial position of the Corporation as of December 31, 2019, and 2018, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended.

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures over which the Corporation exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Corporation has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. Investments in joint ventures where the Corporation owns 20% to 50% of the voting stock and has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the joint venture are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in joint ventures where the Corporation does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the joint venture are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Investments in joint ventures are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the carrying amount and such decline is determined to be “other than temporary,” then the investment may not be fully recoverable potentially resulting in a write-down of the investment value. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Securities with purchased original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Corporation maintains cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions which may exceed federally insured amounts.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Cost includes the cost of raw materials, direct labor and overhead for those items manufactured but not yet sold or for which control has not yet transferred to the customer. Fixed production overhead is allocated to inventories based on normal capacity of the production facilities. In periods of abnormally high production, the amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of production is decreased so that inventories are not measured above cost. The amount of fixed overhead allocated to inventories is not increased as a consequence of abnormally low production or plant idling. Costs for abnormal amounts of spoilage, handling costs and freight costs are charged to expense when incurred. Cost of domestic raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventories is primarily determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Cost of domestic supplies and foreign inventories is determined primarily by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment purchased new is recorded at cost with depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: land improvements – 15 to 20 years, buildings – 25 to 50 years and machinery and equipment – 3 to 25 years. Assets under finance leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Property, plant and equipment acquired as part of a business combination is recorded at its estimated fair value with depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives based in part on third-party valuations. Expenditures that extend economic useful lives are capitalized. Routine maintenance is charged to expense. Gains or losses are recognized on retirements or disposals. Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows generated from the use and eventual disposition of the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. Estimates of future cash flows are based on expected market conditions over the remaining useful life of the primary asset(s). In addition, the remaining depreciation period for the impaired asset would be reassessed and, if necessary, revised. Proceeds from government grants are recorded as a reduction in the purchase price of the underlying assets and amortized against depreciation over the lives of the related assets.

Right-of-Use Assets

See Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements below for information on the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).

A right-of-use (“ROU”) asset represents the right to use an underlying asset for the term of the lease and the corresponding liability represents an obligation to make periodic payments arising from the lease. A determination of whether an arrangement includes a lease is made at the inception of the arrangement. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet, at the commencement date of the lease, in an amount equal to the present value of the lease payments over the term of the lease calculated using the interest rate implicate in the lease arrangement or, if not known, the Corporation’s incremental borrowing rate. The present value of a ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement of the lease and excludes any lease incentives received or to be received under the arrangement. The lease term includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. Operating leases that are for a period less than 12 months, inclusive of options to extend that are reasonably certain to be exercised, are classified as short-term and are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheet.

ROU assets are recorded as a noncurrent asset on the consolidated balance sheet. The corresponding liabilities are recorded as an operating lease liability, either current or noncurrent, as applicable, on the consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term within costs of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) or selling and administrative expenses based on the use of the related ROU asset.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets primarily consist of developed technology, customer relationships and trade name. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life, which is determined by identifying the period over which most of the cash flows are expected to be generated. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but reviewed for impairment at least annually, as of October 1. Additionally, intangible assets, both finite and indefinite lived, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For finite-lived intangible assets, if the undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable, potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, if the discounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable, potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. Also, if the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life changes, the remaining carrying value of the intangible asset will be amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life.

Assets of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale

Assets are classified as “held for sale” when all of the following criteria for a plan of sale have been met: (1) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the assets; (2) the assets are available for immediate sale, in their present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the assets have been initiated; (4) the sale of the assets is probable and is expected to be completed within one year; (5) the assets are being actively marketed for a price that is reasonable in relation to their current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or the plan will be withdrawn. When all of these criteria have been met, the assets are classified as “held for sale” in the consolidated balance sheet. Assets classified as “held for sale” are reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation of assets ceases upon designation as “held for sale”. If the “held for sale” criteria have been met and the sale represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, the assets and liabilities are classified separately as “discontinued operations” in the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the operating results and cash flows of the discontinued operation are presented as “discontinued operations” in the consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs are amortized as interest expense over the scheduled maturity period of the debt. The costs related to a line-of-credit arrangement are amortized over the term of the arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings. Unamortized debt issuance costs are either recognized as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt or, if related to a line-of-credit facility, as an other noncurrent asset on the consolidated balance sheet.

Product Warranty

A warranty that ensures basic functionality is an assurance type warranty. A warranty that goes beyond ensuring basic functionality is considered a service type warranty. The Corporation provides assurance type warranties; it does not provide service type warranties. Provisions for assurance type warranties are recognized at the time the underlying sale is recorded. The provision is based on historical experience as a percentage of sales adjusted for potential claims when a liability is probable and for known claims.

Employee Benefit Plans

Funded Status

If the fair value of the plan assets exceeds the projected benefit obligation, the over-funded projected benefit obligation is recognized as an asset (prepaid pensions within other noncurrent assets) on the consolidated balance sheet. Conversely, if the projected benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the plan assets, the under-funded projected benefit obligation is recognized as a liability (employee benefit obligations) on the consolidated balance sheet. Gains and losses arising from the difference between actuarial assumptions and actual experience and unamortized prior service costs are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs

Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs includes service cost, interest cost, expected rate of return on the market-related value of plan assets, amortization of prior service costs, and recognized actuarial gains or losses. When actuarial gains or losses exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, they are amortized to net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs over the average remaining service period of the employees expected to receive benefits under the plan or over the remaining life expectancy of the employees expected to receive benefits if “all or almost all” of the plan’s participants are inactive. When actuarial gains or losses are less than 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, they are included in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs indirectly as a result of lower/higher interest costs arising from a decrease/increase in the projected benefit obligation. The market-related value of plan assets is determined using a five-year moving average which recognizes gains or losses in the fair market value of assets at the rate of 20% per year.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in assets and liabilities from non-owner sources including foreign currency translation adjustments, unamortized prior service costs and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses associated with employee benefit plans, and changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as cash flow hedges.

Certain components of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented net of income tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments exclude the effect of income tax since earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries are deemed to be reinvested for an indefinite period of time.

Reclassification adjustments are amounts which are realized during the year and, accordingly, are deducted from other comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they are included in net income (loss) or when a transaction no longer qualifies as a cash flow hedge. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in net income (loss) upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity. With respect to employee benefit plans, unamortized prior service costs are included in net income (loss), either immediately upon curtailment of the employee benefit plan or over the average remaining service period or life expectancy of the employees expected to receive benefits, and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are included in net income (loss) indirectly as a result of lower/higher interest costs arising from a decrease/increase in the projected benefit obligation. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are included in net income (loss) when the projected sale occurs or, if a foreign currency purchase contract, over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of the Corporation’s foreign operations are translated at year-end exchange rates and the statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are accumulated as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss until the entity is sold or substantially liquidated.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and control of the product has transferred to the customer. Persuasive evidence of an arrangement identifies the final understanding between the parties as to the specific nature and terms of the agreed-upon transaction that creates enforceable obligations. It can be in the form of an executed purchase order from the customer, combined with an order acknowledgment from the Corporation, a sales agreement or longer-term supply agreement between the customer and the Corporation, or a similar arrangement deemed to be a normal and customary business practice for that particular customer or class of customer (collectively, a sales agreement). Sales agreements typically include a single performance obligation for the manufacturing of product which is satisfied upon transfer of control of the product to the customer.

The sales price required to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable from the sales agreement. It is not subject to refund or adjustment, except for a variable-index surcharge provision which is known at the time of shipment and increases or decreases, as applicable, the selling price of a mill roll for corresponding changes in the published index cost of certain raw materials. The variable-index surcharge is recognized as revenue when the corresponding revenue for the inventory is recognized.

Likelihood of collectability is assessed prior to acceptance of an order. In certain circumstances, the Corporation may require a deposit from the customer, a letter of credit, or another form of assurance for payment. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on historical experience. Payment terms are standard to the industry and generally require payment 30 days after control transfers to the customer.

Transfer of control is assessed based on alternative use of the product manufactured and, under the terms of the sales agreement, an enforceable right to payment for performance to date. Transfer of control, and therefore revenue recognition, occurs when title, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer. Typically, this occurs when the product is shipped to the customer (i.e., FOB shipping point), delivered to the customer (i.e., FOB destination), or, for foreign sales, in accordance with trading guidelines known as Incoterms. Incoterms are standard trade definitions used in international contracts and are developed, maintained and promoted by the ICC Commission on Commercial Law and Practice. Shipping terms vary across the businesses and typically depend on the product, country of origin and type of transportation (truck or vessel). There are no customer-acceptance provisions other than customer inspection and testing prior to shipment. Post-shipment obligations are insignificant.

Amounts billed to the customer for shipping and handling are recorded within net sales and the related costs are recorded within costs of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization). Amounts billed for taxes assessed by various government authorities (e.g., sales tax, value-added tax, etc.) are excluded from the determination of net income (loss) and, instead, are recorded as a liability until remitted to the government authority.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation, such as stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares, is recognized over the vesting period based upon the fair value of the award at the date of grant. For stock options, the fair value is determined by the Black Scholes option pricing model and is expensed over the vesting period of three years. For restricted stock units, the fair value is equal to the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on the date of grant and is expensed over the vesting period, typically three years. For performance share awards that vest subject to a performance condition, the fair value is equal to the closing price of the Corporation’s stock on the NYSE on the date of grant. For performance share awards that vest subject to a market condition, fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of performance share awards is expensed over the performance period when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments which include forward exchange (for foreign currency sales and purchases) and futures contracts are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at their fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the use of the derivative. To the extent that a derivative is designated and effective as a cash flow hedge of an exposure to future changes in value, the change in the fair value of the derivative is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Any portion considered to be ineffective, including that arising from the unlikelihood of an anticipated transaction to occur, is reported as a component of earnings (other income/expense) immediately.

Upon occurrence of the anticipated sale, the foreign currency sales contract designated and effective as a cash flow hedge is de-designated as a fair value hedge and the change in fair value previously deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified to earnings (net sales) with subsequent changes in fair value recorded as a component of earnings (other income/expense). Upon occurrence of the anticipated purchase, the foreign currency purchase contract is settled and the change in fair value deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified to earnings (depreciation and amortization expense) over the life of the underlying asset. Upon settlement of a futures contract, the change in fair value deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified to earnings (costs of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization) when the corresponding inventory is sold and revenue is recognized. To the extent that a derivative is designated and effective as a hedge of an exposure to changes in fair value, the change in the derivative’s fair value will be offset in the consolidated statement of operations by the change in the fair value of the item being hedged and is recorded as a component of earnings (other income/expense). Cash flows associated with the derivative instruments are recorded as a component of operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

The Corporation does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and, therefore, holds no derivative instruments for trading purposes.

Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. A hierarchy of inputs is used to determine fair value measurements with three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and are considered the most reliable evidence of fair value. Level 2 inputs are observable prices that are not quoted on active exchanges. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs used for measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities.

Legal Costs

Legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are accrued when such costs are probable and estimable.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are recognized during the year in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Any taxes on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations are accounted for as period costs. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book carrying amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities including net operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided against a deferred income tax asset when it is “more likely than not” the asset will not be realized. Similarly, if a determination is made that it is “more likely than not” the deferred income tax asset will be realized, the related valuation allowance would be reduced and a benefit to earnings would be recorded. Penalties and interest are recognized as a component of the income tax provision.

Tax benefits are recognized in the financial statements for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return when it is “more likely than not” that the tax authorities will sustain the tax position solely on the basis of the position’s technical merits. Consideration is given primarily to legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings and case law as well as their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position when assessing the sustainability of the tax position. In the event a tax position no longer meets the “more likely than not” criteria, the tax benefit is reversed by recognizing a liability and recording a charge to earnings. Conversely, if a tax position subsequently meets the “more likely than not” criteria, a tax benefit would be recognized by reducing the liability and recording a credit to earnings.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The computation of diluted earnings per common share is similar to basic earnings per common share except that the denominator is increased to include the dilutive effect of the net additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming exercise of outstanding stock awards, calculated using the treasury stock method. The computation of diluted earnings per share would not assume the exercise of an outstanding stock award if the effect on earnings per common share would be antidilutive. Similarly, the computation of diluted earnings per share would not assume the exercise of outstanding stock awards if the Corporation incurred a net loss since the effect on earnings per common share would be antidilutive. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming exercise of dilutive stock awards was 12,590,230 for 2019, and 12,447,919 for 2018. Weighted-average outstanding stock awards excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculation, since the effect would have been antidilutive, were 671,886 for 2019, and 904,086 for 2018. With respect to amounts attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh common shareholders, net loss from continuing operations attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh common shareholders excludes net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging, which amends and simplifies existing guidance to allow companies to present more accurately the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements. The amended guidance became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2019, and did not affect the Corporation’s financial position, operating results or liquidity.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability for all leases other than those with a term less than one year and to disclose key information about certain leasing arrangements. The guidance became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2019, and was applied on a modified retrospective basis (cumulative-effect adjustment to January 1, 2019, retained earnings). An operating lease ROU asset and operating lease liability equal to the present value of lease payments of $5,893 was recorded as of January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment to the Corporation’s retained earnings as of January 1, 2019, since initial direct costs were insignificant. Required disclosures for ROU assets are summarized in Note 5, Operating Lease Right-Of-Use Assets, and in Note 10, Operating Lease Liabilities, for the related obligations. ASU 2016-02 also provided an election for practical expedients which permitted an entity not to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts contained leases, to carry forward the existing lease classification, and not to reassess initial direct costs associate with existing leases. The Corporation applied these practical expedients as part of its adoption. The new guidance did not affect the Corporation’s operating results or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2019-12 is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes including removing the exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income or a gain from other items such as other comprehensive income, the accounting for franchise or similar tax, and requiring an entity reflect the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in the interim period that includes the enactment date. The guidance becomes effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2021, however, early adoption is permitted. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its financial position and operating results. It is not expected to impact its liquidity.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which adds a new impairment model, known as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes an allowance for its estimate of expected credit losses and applies it to most debt instruments, trade receivables, lease receivables, financial guarantee contracts, and other loan commitments. The CECL model does not have a minimum threshold for recognition of impairment losses and entities will need to measure expected credit losses on assets that have a low risk of loss. The guidance originally became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2020, however, since the Corporation meets the definition of a Smaller Reporting Company, as defined by the Securities Exchange Commission, the effective date was subsequently revised to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its financial position and operating results. It will not, however, affect the Corporation’s liquidity.