Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounting Policies

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Albany International Corp. and its subsidiaries (the Company, Albany, we, us, or our) after elimination of intercompany transactions. We have a 50% interest in an entity in Russia. The consolidated financial statements include our original investment in the entity, plus our share of undistributed earnings or losses, in the account “Other Assets.”

The Company owns 90 percent of the common equity of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC) which is reported within the Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment. Additional information regarding that entity is included in Note 10.

Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, contract profitability, allowances for doubtful accounts, rebates and sales allowances, inventory allowances, pension benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies, income tax related balances, and other accruals. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.

Revenue Recognition

We record sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has been transferred, the selling price is fixed, and collectability is reasonably assured. We include in revenue any amounts invoiced for shipping and handling. The timing of revenue recognition is dependent upon the contractual arrangement with customers. These arrangements, which may include provisions for transfer of title and guarantees of workmanship, are specific to each customer. Some of these contracts provide for a transfer of title upon delivery, or upon reaching a specific date, while other contracts provide for title transfer to occur upon consumption of the product.

Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of sales in the Albany Engineered Composites segment. We have a contract with a major customer for which revenue is recognized under a cost plus fixed fee arrangement. We also have fixed price long-term contracts, for which we use the percentage of completion method (actual cost to estimated cost, or units of delivery). Accounting for long-term contracts requires significant judgment and estimation, which could be considerably different if the underlying circumstances were to change. When adjustments in estimated contract revenues or costs are required, any changes from prior estimates are included in earnings in the period the change occurs. In 2015, we recorded a charge of $14.0 million on our BR 725 contract. That charge included the write-off of $10.9 million of deferred contract costs and a reserve of $3.1 million for additional anticipated losses. Changes in estimates on other contracts increased gross profit by $1.5 million in 2016, increased gross profit by $0.4 million in 2015, and reduced gross profit by $0.6 million in 2014. For contracts with anticipated losses at completion, a provision for the entire amount of the estimated remaining loss is charged against income in the period in which the loss becomes known. Contract losses are determined considering all direct and indirect contract costs, exclusive of any selling, general or administrative cost allocations that are treated as period expenses.

For programs in which we use the units of delivery method, there are generally two phases: a phase during which the production part is designed and tested, and a phase of supplying production parts. Certain costs are capitalized during the first phase, such as costs for engineering, equipment, and inventory, where recovery is probable. Revenue is recognized during the second phase, as parts are delivered. Accumulated capitalized costs are written off when those costs are determined to be unrecoverable.

We limit the concentration of credit risk in receivables by closely monitoring credit and collection policies. We record allowances for sales returns as a deduction in the computation of net sales. Such provisions are recorded on the basis of written communication with customers and/or historical experience. Any value added taxes that are imposed on sales transactions are excluded from net sales.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials, provisions for obsolete inventories, labor and supplies, shipping and handling costs, depreciation of manufacturing facilities and equipment, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, and other expenses.

Selling, General, Administrative, Technical, Product Engineering, and Research Expenses

Selling, general, administrative, technical, and product engineering expenses are primarily comprised of wages, benefits, travel, professional fees, revaluation of trade foreign currency balances, and other costs, and are expensed as incurred. Selling expense includes provisions for bad debts and costs related to contract acquisition. Research expenses are charged to operations as incurred and consist primarily of compensation, supplies, and professional fees incurred in connection with intellectual property. Total Company research expense was $28.8 million in 2016, $31.7 million in 2015, and $32.4 million in 2014.

The Albany Engineered Composites segment participates in both Company-sponsored, and customer-funded research and development. Some customer-funded research and development may be on a cost-sharing basis, in which case amounts charged to the customer are credited against research and development expense. Expenses were reduced by $0.4 million in 2014 as a result of such arrangements, while no such arrangements existed in 2015 or 2016. For customer-funded research and development in which we anticipate funding to exceed expenses, we include amounts charged to the customer in Net sales, while expenses are included in Cost of goods sold.

Restructuring Expense

We may incur expenses related to restructuring of our operations, which could include employee termination costs, costs to consolidate or close facilities, or costs to terminate contractual relationships. Restructuring expenses may also include impairment of Property, plant and equipment, as described below. Employee termination costs include the severance pay and social costs for periods after employee service is completed. Termination costs related to an ongoing benefit arrangement are recognized when the amount becomes probable and estimable. Termination costs related to a one-time benefit arrangement are recognized at the communication date to employees. Costs related to contract termination, relocation of employees, outplacement and the consolidation or the closure of facilities, are recognized when incurred.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable for future years to differences between existing assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax return purposes. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes is recognized in the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the event it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset allowances will not be needed, the valuation allowance will be adjusted.

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have determined the amount of the tax benefit to be recognized by estimating the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share

Net income or loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of all potentially dilutive securities. If we report a net loss from continuing operations, the diluted loss is equal to the basic earnings per share calculation.

Translation of Financial Statements

Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations are translated at year-end rates of exchange, and the income statements are translated at average exchange rates. Gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. currency financial statements are recorded in other comprehensive income and accumulated in Shareholders’ equity in the caption “Translation adjustments”.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses include foreign currency gains and losses resulting from third party balances, such as receivables and payables, which are denominated in a currency other than the entity’s local currency. Gains or losses resulting from cash and short-term intercompany loans and balances denominated in a currency other than the entity’s local currency, and foreign currency options are generally included in Other expense/(income), net. Gains and losses on long-term intercompany loans not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded in other comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized in the income statement:

(in thousands)	2016		2015		2014
(Gains)/losses included in:
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	($381	)	(5,090	)	($3,931	)
Other (income)/expense, net	(3,532	)	1,496		(6,379	)
Total transaction (gains)/losses	($3,913	)	($3,594	)	($10,310	)

The following table presents foreign currency gains and losses on long-term intercompany loans that were recognized in Other comprehensive income:

(in thousands)	2016	2015		2014
Gain/(loss) on long-term intercompany loans	$3,515	($5,225	)	$5,317

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes trade receivables and revenue in excess of progress billings on long-term contracts in the Albany Engineered Composites segment. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience, customer-specific facts and economic conditions. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Accounts receivable consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	2016	2015
Trade and other accounts receivable	$146,460	$123,179
Bank promissory notes	15,759	15,845
Revenue in excess of progress billings	15,926	15,889
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(6,952)	(8,530)
Total accounts receivable	$171,193	$146,383

In connection with certain sales in Asia Pacific, the Company accepts a bank promissory note as customer payment. The notes may be presented for payment at maturity, which is less than one year.

The Company also has Contract receivables representing revenue earned in 2016 which has extended payment terms. The Contract receivable will be invoiced to the customer, with 2% interest, over a 10 year period starting in 2020.

Inventories

Costs included in inventories are raw materials, labor, supplies and allocable depreciation and overhead. Raw material inventories are valued on an average cost basis. Other inventory cost elements are valued at cost, using the first-in, first out method. The Company writes down inventories for estimated obsolescence, and to the lower of cost or market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the Company, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Once established, the original cost of the inventory less the related write-down represents the new cost basis of such inventories. The AEC segment has long-term contracts under which we incur engineering and development costs that are allocable to parts that will be delivered over multiple years. These costs are included in Work in process in the table below. 

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, inventories consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	2016	2015
Raw materials	$37,691	$27,636
Work in process	58,715	41,823
Finished goods	37,500	36,947
Total inventories	$133,906	$106,406

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, or if acquired as part of a business combination, at fair value. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets for financial reporting purposes; in some cases, accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes. Significant additions or improvements extending assets’ useful lives are capitalized; normal maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of fully depreciated assets remaining in use is included in the respective asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. When items are sold or retired, related gains or losses are included in net income.

Computer software purchased for internal use, at cost, is amortized on a straight-line basis over five to eight years, depending on the nature of the asset, after being placed into service, and is included in property, plant, and equipment. We capitalize internal and external costs incurred related to the software development stage. Capitalized salaries, travel, and consulting costs related to the software development amounted to $1.2 million in 2016 and $1.3 million in 2015.

We review the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition.

Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. Our reporting units are consistent with our operating segments. See additional information set forth under Note 12.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value and amortized to Cost of goods sold or Selling, general and administrative expenses over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We review amortizable intangible asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

We have an investment in a company in Russia that is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and is included in Other assets amounting to $0.4 million in 2016 and 2015. We perform regular reviews of the financial condition of the investee to determine if our investment is other than temporarily impaired. If the financial condition of the investee were to no longer support their valuation, we would record an impairment provision.

Included in Other assets is $7.8 million in 2016 and $10.4 million in 2015 for defined benefit pension plans where plan assets exceed the projected benefit obligations. Other assets also includes financial assets of $6.5 million in 2016 and $0.8 million in 2015 (see Note 15).

Stock-Based Compensation

We have stock-based compensation plans for key employees. Stock options are accounted for in accordance with applicable guidance for the modified prospective transition method of share-based payments. No options have been granted since 2002. See additional information set forth under Note 18.

Derivatives

We use derivatives from time to time to reduce potentially large adverse effects from changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. We monitor our exposure to these risks and evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the risk of potentially large adverse effects versus the costs associated with hedging such risks.

We use interest rate swaps in the management of interest rate exposures and foreign currency derivatives in the management of foreign currency exposure related to assets and liabilities (including net investments in subsidiaries located outside the U.S.) denominated in foreign currencies. When we enter into a derivative contract, we make a determination whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. For those contracts deemed to be a hedge, we formally document the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, we specifically identify the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluate whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, we do not use hedge accounting for the derivative.

All derivative contracts are recorded at fair value, as a net asset or a net liability. For transactions that are designated as hedges, we perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge. To the extent that the hedge is effective, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. We measure the effectiveness of hedging relationships both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, and changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge, are recorded in Other expense/(income), net.

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in subsidiaries located outside the United States, changes in the fair value of derivatives are reported in other comprehensive income as part of the Cumulative translation adjustment.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

As described in Note 4, we have pension and postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees. Our defined benefit pension plan in the United States was closed to new participants as of October 1998 and, as of February 2009, benefits accrued under this plan were frozen. We have liabilities for postretirement benefits in the U.S. and Canada. Substantially all of the liability relates to the U.S. plan. Effective January 2005, our postretirement benefit plan in the U.S. was closed to new participants, except for certain life insurance benefits. In September 2008, we changed the cost sharing arrangement under this program such that increases in health care costs are the responsibility of plan participants and, in August 2013, we reduced the life insurance benefit for retirees and eliminated that benefit for active employees.

The pension plans are generally trusteed or insured, and accrued amounts are funded as required in accordance with governing laws and regulations. The annual expense and liabilities recognized for defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and expected return on plan assets, which are updated on an annual basis at the beginning of each fiscal year. We consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making these assumptions. Discount rate assumptions are based on the population of plan participants and a mixture of high-quality fixed-income investments for which the average maturity approximates the average remaining service period of plan participants. The assumption for expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets.

Reportable Segments

In accordance with applicable disclosure guidance for enterprise segments and related information, the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance is used as the basis for our reportable segments. The reportable segments, which are described in more detail in Note 3, are Machine Clothing (MC) and Albany Engineered Composites (AEC). In the determination of segment operating income, we exclude expenses for certain corporate expenses, which consist primarily of corporate headquarters and global information systems costs.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, an accounting update was issued that replaces the existing revenue recognition framework regarding contracts with customers. We will adopt the standard on January 1, 2018 and the Company is currently assessing the effects of the new standard. The new standard may result in earlier recognition of revenue in Machine Clothing due to the customized nature of our products. In Albany Engineered Composites, we use the units of delivery method for some contracts, which is considered an output method. Under the new standard, we expect that most of these contracts will be accounted for using an input method, which is expected to result in earlier recognition of revenue. However, we are currently unable to determine the full effect that the new standard will have on our financial statements. The guidance permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new standard with restatement of prior years, and one requiring prospective application of the new standard with disclosure of results under old standards. The Company is continuing to evaluate the implementation approach to be used.

In May 2015, an accounting update was issued which eliminates the requirement to categorize investments in the fair value hierarchy if their fair value is measured at net asset value (NAV) per share. We adopted this provision as of January 1, 2016 and have modified footnote disclosures accordingly.

In July 2015, an accounting update was issued simplifying the measurement of inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. This accounting update eliminates the requirement for consideration of replacement cost or net realizable value less normal profit margin measurements. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

In September 2015, an accounting update was issued which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. This accounting update was adopted January 1, 2016. Measurement period adjustments related to the Company’s 2016 business acquisition are described in Note 2.

In January 2016, an accounting update was issued which requires entities to present separately in Other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have not determined the impact of this update on our financial statements.

In February 2016, an accounting update was issued which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. The update may significantly increase reported assets and liabilities. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We have not determined the impact of this update on our financial statements.

In March 2016, an accounting update was issued which clarifies that a change in counterparty to a derivative contract, through novation, that is part of a hedge accounting relationship does not, by itself, require de-designation of that relationship, as long as all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

In March 2016, an accounting update was issued which simplifies the transition to the equity method of accounting by eliminating the requirement for an investor to retroactively apply the equity method when its increase in ownership interest, or degree of influence, triggers equity method accounting. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

In March 2016, an accounting update was issued which simplifies several aspects related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification of excess tax benefits on the statements of cash flows. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this accounting update could increase the volatility of income tax expense. However, we do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

In August 2016, an accounting update was issued in order to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

In October 2016, an accounting update was issued which modifies the recognition of income tax effects on intracompany transfers of assets, other than inventory. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have not determined the effect of this update on our financial statements.

In November 2016, an accounting update was issued which provides clarification of how changes in restricted cash should be reported in the statement of cash flows. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect this update to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In January 2017, an accounting update was issued which provides the definition of a business for the purposes of business combination accounting. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied prospectively. Accordingly, there will be no effect on prior business combinations. We have not determined the impact of the update due to the absence of transactions that would be impacted.

In January 2017, an accounting update was issued which simplifies the process for determining the amount of goodwill impairment. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are presently unable to determine the effect that the update will have on our financial statements.