Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Magna International Inc. [collectively “Magna” or the “Company”] is a global automotive supplier which has complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing expertise, as well as product capabilities which include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, electronics, vision, mechatronics and roof systems. Magna also has electronic and software capabilities across many of these areas. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in U.S. dollars following accounting principles generally accepted in the United States [“GAAP”]. Principles of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Magna and its subsidiaries in which Magna has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. The Company presents non-controlling interests as a separate component within Shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Foreign currency translation The Company operates globally, which gives rise to a risk that its earnings and cash flows may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations having a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at year end, and revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate during the year. Exchange gains or losses on translation of the Company’s net investment in these operations are included in comprehensive income and are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign exchange gains or losses on debt that was designated as a hedge of the Company’s net investment in these operations are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than an operation’s functional currency are reflected in income, except for gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts used to hedge specific future commitments in foreign currencies and on intercompany balances which are designated as long-term investments. In particular, the Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts for the sole purpose of hedging certain of the Company’s future committed foreign currency based outflows and inflows. Most of the Company’s foreign exchange contracts are subject to master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of contracts, by counterparty, in the event of default or termination. All derivative instruments, including foreign exchange contracts, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair values of derivatives are recorded on a gross basis in prepaid expenses and other, other assets, other accrued liabilities or other long-term liabilities. To the extent that cash flow hedges are effective, the change in their fair value is recorded in other comprehensive income; any ineffective portion is recorded in net income. Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to net income in the period in which the hedged item affects net income. If the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts cease to be effective as hedges, for example, if projected foreign cash inflows or outflows declined significantly, gains or losses pertaining to the portion of the hedging transactions in excess of projected foreign currency denominated cash flows would be recognized in income at the time this condition was identified. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on account, demand deposits and short-term investments with remaining maturities of less than three months at acquisition. Inventories Production inventories and tooling inventories manufactured in-house are valued at the lower of cost determined substantially on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. Cost includes the cost of materials plus direct labour applied to the product and the applicable share of manufacturing overhead. Outsourced tooling inventories are valued at the lower of subcontracted costs and market. Long-lived assets Fixed assets are recorded at historical cost. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of fixed assets at annual rates of 2¹⁄₂% to 5% for buildings, 7% to 10% for general purpose equipment and 10% to 33% for special purpose equipment. Finite-lived intangible assets, which have arisen principally through acquisitions, include customer relationship intangibles and patents and licences. These finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives which range from 4 to 15 years. The Company assesses fixed and finite-lived intangible assets for recoverability whenever indicators of impairment exist. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows from the use of the asset, then an impairment loss is recognized to write the asset down to fair value. The fair value of fixed and finite-lived intangible assets is generally determined using estimated discounted future cash flows. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired enterprise over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed less any subsequent write-downs for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill impairment is assessed based on a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit to the underlying carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets, including goodwill. When the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recognized based on that difference. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the estimated discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit. Investments The Company accounts for investments in companies over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not hold a controlling financial interest, under the equity method [“Equity method investments”]. In some cases, investments are accounted for under the equity method despite holding a controlling ownership interest, as a result of significant participating rights that prevent control. Under the equity method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or losses in Equity income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has private equity investments comprised of technology investments in certain non-consolidated affiliates over which it does not have the ability to exercise significant influence. The Company has elected to use the measurement alternative, defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes to measure these private equity investments. As a result, these private equity investments are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because the Company estimates the value based on valuation methods using the observable transaction price at the transaction date and other observable inputs including rights and obligations of the securities held by the Company. The Company monitors its equity method investments for indicators of other-than-temporary declines in value on an ongoing basis in accordance with GAAP. If the Company determines that an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred, it recognizes an impairment loss, which is measured as the difference between the recorded book value and the fair value of the investment. Private equity investments are also subject to impairment reviews conducted on a quarterly basis. The Company’s impairment analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact on the investee’s fair value. Upon determining that an impairment may exist, the security’s fair value is calculated and compared to its carrying value. An impairment is recognized immediately if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is generally determined using an income approach based on discounted cash flows. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement” and primarily consist of expected investee revenue and costs, estimated production volumes and discount rates. Other assets Other assets include the long-term portion of certain receivables, which represent the recognized sales value of tooling and design and engineering services provided to customers under certain long-term contracts. The receivables will be paid in full upon completion of the contracts or in instalments based on forecasted production volumes. In the event that actual production volumes are less than those forecasted, a reimbursement for any shortfall will be made. Tooling and Pre-Production Engineering Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Agreements The Company incurs pre-production engineering and tooling costs related to the products produced for its customers under long-term supply agreements. Customer reimbursements for tooling and pre-production engineering activities that are part of a long-term supply arrangement, are accounted for as a reduction of cost. Pre-production costs related to long-term supply arrangements with a contractual guarantee for reimbursement are included in the Company’s Other assets. The Company expenses all pre-production engineering costs for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer. All pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the Company does not have a non-cancelable right to use the tooling is also expensed. Warranty The Company has assurance warranties and records product warranty liabilities based on its individual customer agreements. Under most customer agreements, the Company only accounts for existing or probable claims on product default issues when amounts related to such issues are probable and reasonably estimable. Under certain powertrain and complete vehicle engineering and assembly contracts, the Company records an estimate of future warranty-related costs based on the terms of the specific customer agreements and the specific customer’s warranty experience. Product liability provisions are established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle existing claims on product default issues. Recall costs are costs incurred when government regulators and/or the customer decides to recall a product due to a known or suspected performance issue, and the Company is required to participate, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Costs typically include the cost of the product being replaced, the customer’s cost of the recall and labour to remove and replace the defective part. When a decision to recall a product has been made or is probable, the Company’s portion of the estimated cost of the recall is recorded as a charge to income in that period. In making this estimate, judgement is required as to the number of units that may be returned as a result of the recall, the total cost of the recall campaign and the ultimate negotiated sharing of the cost between the Company, the customer and, in some cases, a supplier to the Company. The Company monitors warranty activity on an ongoing basis and adjusts reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates. Employee future benefit plans The cost of providing benefits through defined benefit pensions, lump sum termination and long service payment arrangements, and post-retirement benefits other than pensions is actuarially determined and recognized in income using the projected benefit method pro-rated on service and management’s best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and, with respect to medical benefits, expected health care costs. Differences arising from plan amendments, changes in assumptions and experience gains and losses that are greater than 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation at the beginning of the year and the fair value, or market related value, of plan assets at the beginning of the year, are recognized in income over the expected average remaining service life of employees. Gains related to plan curtailments are recognized when the event giving rise to the curtailment has occurred. Plan assets are valued at fair value. The cost of providing benefits through defined contribution pension plans is charged to income in the period in respect of which contributions become payable. The funded status of the plans is measured as the difference between the plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation [“PBO”]. The aggregate of all overfunded plans is recorded in other assets, and the aggregate of all underfunded plans in long-term employee benefit liabilities. The portion of the amount by which the actuarial present value of benefits included in the PBO exceeds the fair value of plan assets, payable in the next twelve months, is reflected in other accrued liabilities. This is determined on a plan by plan basis. Revenue recognition The Company enters into contracts with its customers to provide production parts or assembled vehicles. Contracts do not commit the customer to a specified quantity of products; however, the Company is generally required to fulfill its customers’ purchasing requirements for the production life of the vehicle. Contracts do not typically become a performance obligation until the Company receives either a purchase order and/or a customer release for a specific number of parts or assembled vehicles at a specified price. While long-term supply agreements may range from five to seven years, contracts may be terminated by customers at any time. Historically, terminations have been minimal. Contracts may also provide for annual price reductions over the production life of the vehicle, and prices are adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in product content/cost and other commercial factors. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the parts produced or assembled vehicles are transferred to the customer according to the terms of the contract. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products based on purchase orders, annual price reductions and ongoing price adjustments [some of which is accounted for as variable consideration]. The Company uses the expected value method, taking into account historical data and the status of current negotiations, to estimate the amount to which it expects to be entitled. Significant changes to the Company’s estimates of variable consideration are not expected. The Company’s complete vehicle assembly contracts with customers are complex and often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer, some of which may be implicitly contracted for. For these complex arrangements, each good or service is evaluated to determine whether it represents a distinct performance obligation, and whether it should be characterized as revenue or reimbursement of costs incurred. The total transaction price is then allocated to the distinct performance obligations based on the expected cost or cost plus a margin approach and recognized as revenue as discussed above. The Company also performs tooling and engineering activities for its customers that are not part of a long-term production arrangement. Tooling and engineering revenue are recognized at a point in time or over time depending, among other considerations, on whether the Company has an enforceable right to payment plus a reasonable profit, for performance completed to date. Over-time recognition utilizes costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion, to measure progress toward satisfying performance obligations. Revenue is recognized as control is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Total tooling and engineering sales were $824.6 million [2017—$669.5 million] for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company’s customers pay for products received in accordance with payment terms that are customary in the industry, typically 30 to 90 days. The Company’s contracts with its customers do not have significant financing components. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Shipping and handling costs are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction that are collected by the Company from a customer are excluded from revenue. For revenues disaggregated by product group and geography, refer to Segmented Information [note 24]. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for [i] contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and [ii] contracts for which it recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed. Contract Assets and Liabilities The Company’s contract assets include both billed and unbilled accounts receivable and are included in the Accounts Receivable balance. Unbilled amounts typically result from sales of standalone tooling and engineering activities where revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. Amounts may not exceed their net realizable value. As at December 31, 2018, the Company’s unbilled accounts receivable balance was $293 million [2017—$305 million]. Accounts receivable related to production, tooling and engineering sales were $4.3 billion as of December 31, 2018 [2017—$5 billion]. Contract assets do not include the costs of obtaining or fulfilling a contract with a customer, as these amounts are generally expensed as incurred. Customer advances are recorded as deferred revenue [a contract liability]. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the contract liability balance was $176 million. There were no significant contract liabilities recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition there were no significant contract liabilities recognized in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2018. Government assistance The Company makes periodic applications for financial assistance under available government assistance programs in the various jurisdictions that the Company operates. Grants relating to capital expenditures are reflected as a reduction of the cost of the related assets. Grants relating to current operating expenditures are generally recorded as a reduction of the related expense at the time the eligible expenses are incurred. The Company also receives tax credits and tax super allowances, the benefits of which are recorded as a reduction of income tax expense. In addition, the Company receives loans which are recorded as liabilities in amounts equal to the cash received. When a government loan is issued to the Company at a below-market rate of interest, the loan is initially recorded at its net present value, and accreted to its face value over the period of the loan. The benefit of the below-market rate of interest is accounted for like a government grant. It is measured as the difference between the initial carrying value of the loan and the cash proceeds received. Research and development Costs incurred in connection with research and development activities, to the extent not recoverable from the Company’s customers, are charged to expense as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, research and development costs charged to expense were approximately $588 million and $522 million, respectively. Income taxes The Company uses the liability method of tax allocation to account for income taxes. Under the liability method of tax allocation, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. No deferred tax liability is recorded for taxes on undistributed earnings and translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries if these items are either considered to be reinvested for the foreseeable future or if they are available for repatriation and are not subject to further tax on remittance. Taxes are recorded on such foreign undistributed earnings and translation adjustments when it becomes apparent that such earnings will be distributed in the foreseeable future and the Company will incur further significant tax on remittance. Recognition of uncertain tax positions is dependent on whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per Common Share are calculated on net income attributable to Magna International Inc. using the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per Common Share are calculated on the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding, including an adjustment for stock options outstanding using the treasury stock method. Common Shares that have not been released under the Company’s restricted stock plan or are being held in trust for purposes of the Company’s restricted stock unit program have been excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share but have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Use of estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain amounts in the prior period have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation [note 2].

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Magna International Inc. [collectively “Magna” or the “Company”] is a global automotive supplier which has complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing expertise, as well as product capabilities which include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, electronics, vision, mechatronics and roof systems. Magna also has electronic and software capabilities across many of these areas.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in U.S. dollars following accounting principles generally accepted in the United States [“GAAP”].

Principles of consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Magna and its subsidiaries in which Magna has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. The Company presents non-controlling interests as a separate component within Shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Foreign currency translation

The Company operates globally, which gives rise to a risk that its earnings and cash flows may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations having a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at year end, and revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate during the year. Exchange gains or losses on translation of the Company’s net investment in these operations are included in comprehensive income and are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign exchange gains or losses on debt that was designated as a hedge of the Company’s net investment in these operations are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Foreign exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than an operation’s functional currency are reflected in income, except for gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts used to hedge specific future commitments in foreign currencies and on intercompany balances which are designated as long-term investments. In particular, the Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts for the sole purpose of hedging certain of the Company’s future committed foreign currency based outflows and inflows. Most of the Company’s foreign exchange contracts are subject to master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of contracts, by counterparty, in the event of default or termination. All derivative instruments, including foreign exchange contracts, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair values of derivatives are recorded on a gross basis in prepaid expenses and other, other assets, other accrued liabilities or other long-term liabilities. To the extent that cash flow hedges are effective, the change in their fair value is recorded in other comprehensive income; any ineffective portion is recorded in net income. Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to net income in the period in which the hedged item affects net income.

If the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts cease to be effective as hedges, for example, if projected foreign cash inflows or outflows declined significantly, gains or losses pertaining to the portion of the hedging transactions in excess of projected foreign currency denominated cash flows would be recognized in income at the time this condition was identified.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on account, demand deposits and short-term investments with remaining maturities of less than three months at acquisition.

Inventories

Production inventories and tooling inventories manufactured in-house are valued at the lower of cost determined substantially on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. Cost includes the cost of materials plus direct labour applied to the product and the applicable share of manufacturing overhead.

Outsourced tooling inventories are valued at the lower of subcontracted costs and market.

Long-lived assets

Fixed assets are recorded at historical cost. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of fixed assets at annual rates of 2¹⁄₂% to 5% for buildings, 7% to 10% for general purpose equipment and 10% to 33% for special purpose equipment.

Finite-lived intangible assets, which have arisen principally through acquisitions, include customer relationship intangibles and patents and licences. These finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives which range from 4 to 15 years.

The Company assesses fixed and finite-lived intangible assets for recoverability whenever indicators of impairment exist. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows from the use of the asset, then an impairment loss is recognized to write the asset down to fair value. The fair value of fixed and finite-lived intangible assets is generally determined using estimated discounted future cash flows.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired enterprise over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed less any subsequent write-downs for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill impairment is assessed based on a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit to the underlying carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets, including goodwill. When the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recognized based on that difference. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the estimated discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit.

Investments

The Company accounts for investments in companies over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not hold a controlling financial interest, under the equity method [“Equity method investments”]. In some cases, investments are accounted for under the equity method despite holding a controlling ownership interest, as a result of significant participating rights that prevent control. Under the equity method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or losses in Equity income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company has private equity investments comprised of technology investments in certain non-consolidated affiliates over which it does not have the ability to exercise significant influence. The Company has elected to use the measurement alternative, defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes to measure these private equity investments. As a result, these private equity investments are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because the Company estimates the value based on valuation methods using the observable transaction price at the transaction date and other observable inputs including rights and obligations of the securities held by the Company.

The Company monitors its equity method investments for indicators of other-than-temporary declines in value on an ongoing basis in accordance with GAAP. If the Company determines that an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred, it recognizes an impairment loss, which is measured as the difference between the recorded book value and the fair value of the investment. Private equity investments are also subject to impairment reviews conducted on a quarterly basis. The Company’s impairment analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact on the investee’s fair value. Upon determining that an impairment may exist, the security’s fair value is calculated and compared to its carrying value. An impairment is recognized immediately if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is generally determined using an income approach based on discounted cash flows. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement” and primarily consist of expected investee revenue and costs, estimated production volumes and discount rates.

Other assets

Other assets include the long-term portion of certain receivables, which represent the recognized sales value of tooling and design and engineering services provided to customers under certain long-term contracts. The receivables will be paid in full upon completion of the contracts or in instalments based on forecasted production volumes. In the event that actual production volumes are less than those forecasted, a reimbursement for any shortfall will be made.

Tooling and Pre-Production Engineering Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Agreements

The Company incurs pre-production engineering and tooling costs related to the products produced for its customers under long-term supply agreements. Customer reimbursements for tooling and pre-production engineering activities that are part of a long-term supply arrangement, are accounted for as a reduction of cost. Pre-production costs related to long-term supply arrangements with a contractual guarantee for reimbursement are included in the Company’s Other assets.

The Company expenses all pre-production engineering costs for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer. All pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the Company does not have a non-cancelable right to use the tooling is also expensed.

Warranty

The Company has assurance warranties and records product warranty liabilities based on its individual customer agreements. Under most customer agreements, the Company only accounts for existing or probable claims on product default issues when amounts related to such issues are probable and reasonably estimable. Under certain powertrain and complete vehicle engineering and assembly contracts, the Company records an estimate of future warranty-related costs based on the terms of the specific customer agreements and the specific customer’s warranty experience.

Product liability provisions are established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle existing claims on product default issues. Recall costs are costs incurred when government regulators and/or the customer decides to recall a product due to a known or suspected performance issue, and the Company is required to participate, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Costs typically include the cost of the product being replaced, the customer’s cost of the recall and labour to remove and replace the defective part. When a decision to recall a product has been made or is probable, the Company’s portion of the estimated cost of the recall is recorded as a charge to income in that period. In making this estimate, judgement is required as to the number of units that may be returned as a result of the recall, the total cost of the recall campaign and the ultimate negotiated sharing of the cost between the Company, the customer and, in some cases, a supplier to the Company.

The Company monitors warranty activity on an ongoing basis and adjusts reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates.

Employee future benefit plans

The cost of providing benefits through defined benefit pensions, lump sum termination and long service payment arrangements, and post-retirement benefits other than pensions is actuarially determined and recognized in income using the projected benefit method pro-rated on service and management’s best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and, with respect to medical benefits, expected health care costs. Differences arising from plan amendments, changes in assumptions and experience gains and losses that are greater than 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation at the beginning of the year and the fair value, or market related value, of plan assets at the beginning of the year, are recognized in income over the expected average remaining service life of employees. Gains related to plan curtailments are recognized when the event giving rise to the curtailment has occurred. Plan assets are valued at fair value. The cost of providing benefits through defined contribution pension plans is charged to income in the period in respect of which contributions become payable.

The funded status of the plans is measured as the difference between the plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation [“PBO”]. The aggregate of all overfunded plans is recorded in other assets, and the aggregate of all underfunded plans in long-term employee benefit liabilities. The portion of the amount by which the actuarial present value of benefits included in the PBO exceeds the fair value of plan assets, payable in the next twelve months, is reflected in other accrued liabilities. This is determined on a plan by plan basis.

Revenue recognition

The Company enters into contracts with its customers to provide production parts or assembled vehicles. Contracts do not commit the customer to a specified quantity of products; however, the Company is generally required to fulfill its customers’ purchasing requirements for the production life of the vehicle. Contracts do not typically become a performance obligation until the Company receives either a purchase order and/or a customer release for a specific number of parts or assembled vehicles at a specified price. While long-term supply agreements may range from five to seven years, contracts may be terminated by customers at any time. Historically, terminations have been minimal. Contracts may also provide for annual price reductions over the production life of the vehicle, and prices are adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in product content/cost and other commercial factors.

Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the parts produced or assembled vehicles are transferred to the customer according to the terms of the contract. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products based on purchase orders, annual price reductions and ongoing price adjustments [some of which is accounted for as variable consideration]. The Company uses the expected value method, taking into account historical data and the status of current negotiations, to estimate the amount to which it expects to be entitled. Significant changes to the Company’s estimates of variable consideration are not expected.

The Company’s complete vehicle assembly contracts with customers are complex and often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer, some of which may be implicitly contracted for. For these complex arrangements, each good or service is evaluated to determine whether it represents a distinct performance obligation, and whether it should be characterized as revenue or reimbursement of costs incurred. The total transaction price is then allocated to the distinct performance obligations based on the expected cost or cost plus a margin approach and recognized as revenue as discussed above.

The Company also performs tooling and engineering activities for its customers that are not part of a long-term production arrangement. Tooling and engineering revenue are recognized at a point in time or over time depending, among other considerations, on whether the Company has an enforceable right to payment plus a reasonable profit, for performance completed to date. Over-time recognition utilizes costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion, to measure progress toward satisfying performance obligations. Revenue is recognized as control is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Total tooling and engineering sales were $824.6 million [2017—$669.5 million] for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company’s customers pay for products received in accordance with payment terms that are customary in the industry, typically 30 to 90 days. The Company’s contracts with its customers do not have significant financing components.

Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Shipping and handling costs are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction that are collected by the Company from a customer are excluded from revenue.

For revenues disaggregated by product group and geography, refer to Segmented Information [note 24].

The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for [i] contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and [ii] contracts for which it recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The Company’s contract assets include both billed and unbilled accounts receivable and are included in the Accounts Receivable balance. Unbilled amounts typically result from sales of standalone tooling and engineering activities where revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. Amounts may not exceed their net realizable value. As at December 31, 2018, the Company’s unbilled accounts receivable balance was $293 million [2017—$305 million]. Accounts receivable related to production, tooling and engineering sales were $4.3 billion as of December 31, 2018 [2017—$5 billion]. Contract assets do not include the costs of obtaining or fulfilling a contract with a customer, as these amounts are generally expensed as incurred.

Customer advances are recorded as deferred revenue [a contract liability]. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the contract liability balance was $176 million. There were no significant contract liabilities recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition there were no significant contract liabilities recognized in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Government assistance

The Company makes periodic applications for financial assistance under available government assistance programs in the various jurisdictions that the Company operates. Grants relating to capital expenditures are reflected as a reduction of the cost of the related assets. Grants relating to current operating expenditures are generally recorded as a reduction of the related expense at the time the eligible expenses are incurred. The Company also receives tax credits and tax super allowances, the benefits of which are recorded as a reduction of income tax expense. In addition, the Company receives loans which are recorded as liabilities in amounts equal to the cash received. When a government loan is issued to the Company at a below-market rate of interest, the loan is initially recorded at its net present value, and accreted to its face value over the period of the loan. The benefit of the below-market rate of interest is accounted for like a government grant. It is measured as the difference between the initial carrying value of the loan and the cash proceeds received.

Research and development

Costs incurred in connection with research and development activities, to the extent not recoverable from the Company’s customers, are charged to expense as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, research and development costs charged to expense were approximately $588 million and $522 million, respectively.

Income taxes

The Company uses the liability method of tax allocation to account for income taxes. Under the liability method of tax allocation, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

No deferred tax liability is recorded for taxes on undistributed earnings and translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries if these items are either considered to be reinvested for the foreseeable future or if they are available for repatriation and are not subject to further tax on remittance. Taxes are recorded on such foreign undistributed earnings and translation adjustments when it becomes apparent that such earnings will be distributed in the foreseeable future and the Company will incur further significant tax on remittance.

Recognition of uncertain tax positions is dependent on whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per Common Share are calculated on net income attributable to Magna International Inc. using the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings per Common Share are calculated on the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding, including an adjustment for stock options outstanding using the treasury stock method.

Common Shares that have not been released under the Company’s restricted stock plan or are being held in trust for purposes of the Company’s restricted stock unit program have been excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share but have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain amounts in the prior period have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation [note 2].