SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Business	We are a global specialty materials and chemicals company focused on developing, manufacturing and selling value-added products. Our products serve a diverse range of end markets including aerospace and industrial materials, mining and plastics. We use our technology and application development expertise to create chemical and material solutions that are formulated to perform specific and important functions for our customers. We operate on a global basis with 48% of our 2014 revenues in North America, 31% in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, 12% in Asia-Pacific, and 9% in Latin America. We have manufacturing and research facilities located in 11 countries.
Consolidation Policy	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cytec Industries Inc. and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The footnotes relate to continuing operations except where noted otherwise. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in associated companies that we do not control, but for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence on operating and financial policy.
Inventories	Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost using the first-in, first-out method.
Currency Translation	Currency Translation: Operations in our international subsidiaries are recorded in local currencies, which are also the functional currencies for financial reporting purposes. The results of operations for our international subsidiaries are translated from local currencies into U.S. dollars (“USD”) using the average currency rate during each period which approximates the results that would be obtained using actual currency rates on the dates of individual transactions. Assets and liabilities are translated using currency rates at the end of the period with translation adjustments recorded in accumulated translation adjustments and recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, which represent the translation of transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the impacted legal entity, are recorded as incurred in Other (expense) income, net.
Depreciation	Depreciation: Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. When these assets are retired or disposed of, the net book value of assets are removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the net gain or loss is included in the determination of earnings from operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to current operating expenses. Acquisitions, additions, and betterments, either to provide necessary capacity, improve the efficiency of production units, modernize or replace older facilities, or to install equipment for protection of the environment, are capitalized. We capitalize interest costs incurred during the period of construction of plants and equipment.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of: Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets and would be charged to income. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets: We have defined our reportable segments as our reporting units for our goodwill accounting. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1^st and more often if events occur or circumstances change that would likely reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to an amount below its carrying value. When necessary, we record charges for goodwill impairments for the amount by which the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. We test our goodwill using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Under the qualitative approach for a goodwill impairment test, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (i.e. – greater than 50% probability) that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of the facts and circumstances, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test, described below, is unnecessary. If we determined otherwise, we would be required to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. For our qualitative assessment of the reporting unit, we consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the excess fair value from the most recent fair value calculation; circumstances that could cause significant changes to the most recent carrying value calculation; the overall financial performance of the reporting unit compared to previous projections; the estimated financial performance projected in the near and long term, such as Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) and cash flows; industry and market conditions, including overall market-multiple metrics, competitive environment and demand for our products; overall macroeconomic conditions including our ability to access capital; and changes in management, key personnel or strategy for the reporting unit. More weight is placed on events or circumstances that most affect a reporting unit’s fair value or carrying amount of its net assets. If we decide to or are required to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test, we begin by comparing the reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. We initially use a market multiple approach (1A) to estimate a range of fair values by reporting unit, and then use a discounted cash flow approach (1B) if the market multiple approach indicates that a potential impairment might exist to refine and reaffirm the results of the first test. Due to the cyclical nature of our reporting units, market multiple values are determined utilizing a three-year average of EBITDA. The three-year period is comprised of the prior year, current year, and one year of projected amounts. If the reporting unit’s estimated fair value at the low end of the range is close to, in our judgment, or below the reporting unit’s carrying value, we refine the calculation using discounted cash flows to calculate a point estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value, as opposed to a range. If the discounted cash flow approach yields a fair value estimate less than the reporting unit’s carrying value, we would proceed to step two of the impairment test, which is used to measure the amount of the impairment loss. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step would then be compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge would be recorded for the difference. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with determinable useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets and would be charged to income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Securities with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments: Certain financial instruments are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value such as cash and cash equivalents, receivables, certain other assets, accounts payable, and certain other liabilities. Fair values are determined through a combination of management estimates and information obtained from third parties using the latest available market data. Long-term debt is carried at amortized cost.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: We use derivative instruments in accordance with our established policies to manage exposure to fluctuations in currency rates, interest rates, and, at times, certain commodity costs. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We enter into financial instrument transactions with either major financial institutions or highly rated counterparties and make reasonable attempts to diversify transactions among counterparties, thereby limiting exposure to credit-related and performance-related risks. Foreign Currency Risk: We use currency forward contracts and have used cross currency swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuations in currency rates on third party and intercompany transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the legal entity. We hedge such exposures with currency forward contracts denominated in the same currency and with similar terms as the underlying exposure, and therefore, the instruments are effective at generating offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item or transaction. All derivative contracts used to manage foreign currency risk are measured at fair value and reported as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. Following the termination of our cross currency swaps in July 2012, we have not elected to apply hedge accounting. Changes in fair value are recorded in Other (expense) income, net.
Environmental and Other Contingent Liabilities	Environmental and Other Contingent Liabilities: Accruals for environmental remediation, maintenance, and operating costs directly related to remediation, and other contingent liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Accruals for environmental liabilities and other contingent liabilities are recorded as Other noncurrent liabilities with amounts expected to be paid out in the next twelve months classified as Accrued expenses at undiscounted amounts.
Insurance/Self-Insurance	Insurance/Self-Insurance: It is our practice to conduct an analysis of our self-insured and insured contingent liabilities annually and whenever circumstances change significantly. Included in these liabilities are workers’ compensation, product liability, and toxic tort claims. Probable insurance recoveries for past and future indemnity costs are recorded in other receivables, to the extent collection is reasonably assured within the next twelve months, and longer term receivables are included in other assets at our best estimate of the ultimate expected receipts at undiscounted amounts. Defense and processing costs are expensed as incurred. Probable insurance recoveries for defense and processing costs are recognized only as actual costs are incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations: We recognize the fair value of the liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and this additional carrying amount is depreciated over the life of the asset. The liability is accreted at the end of each period through charges to operating expense. If the obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, we recognize a gain or loss on settlement.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. If repatriation of the undistributed income of our international subsidiaries and associated companies is anticipated then income taxes are provided for such earnings. The undistributed earnings of all other foreign subsidiaries will be indefinitely reinvested in their operations. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the tax authorities. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Postretirement Benefits	Postretirement Benefits: Costs of postretirement benefits are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the related benefits. We recognize an asset or liability for the overfunded or underfunded status of postretirement plans that we sponsor. We measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s statement of financial position. We utilize the mark-to-market (“MTM”) method of accounting, under which our pension and other postemployment benefit (“OPEB”) costs consist of two elements: 1) ongoing costs recognized quarterly, which are comprised of service and interest costs, expected returns on plan assets, and amortization of prior service costs/credits; and 2) MTM gains and losses recognized annually, in the fourth quarter of each year, resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions and the differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets and discount rates. Any interim remeasurements triggered by a curtailment, settlement, or significant plan changes are recognized as an MTM adjustment in the quarter in which such remeasurement event occurs. For additional information, see Note 14, “Employee Benefit Plans.”
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition: We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the selling price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss has passed to our customers. Customer rebates are estimated and recognized as a reduction of sales as such rebates are being earned.
Stock-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation: We recognize our share-based compensation cost in an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments and estimate a forfeiture rate for all share-based awards. We monitor share option exercise and employee termination patterns to estimate forfeiture rates within the valuation model.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates or assumptions affect the reported amounts and disclosures. For example, estimates are used when accounting for allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuations, useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, recoverability of goodwill, accrued expenses, environmental and other contingent liabilities, pension and other postretirement benefits, income tax valuation allowances and assumptions utilized in determining share-based compensation. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Accounting estimates require the use of judgment regarding uncertain future events and their related effects and, accordingly, may change as additional information is obtained.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which will supersede current revenue recognition guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions previously not addressed comprehensively, and clarify guidance for multiple-element arrangements. This new standard is effective for the first quarter of 2017 using one of two prescribed transition methods. We have not yet selected a transition method and continue to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on our future consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and related disclosures.
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02. This ASU required us to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income–but only if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. It also required us to cross-reference to other disclosures currently required under U.S. GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period). On January 1, 2013, we adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2013-02, which are reflected in these financial statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications: Certain amounts, including changes in our equity structure, reported for prior years in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Except for the number of authorized shares and par value, all references to shares and per share data for all periods presented herein reflect the impact of the 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a stock dividend, which was effective in September 2014 (the “September 2014 stock split”). See Note 17 for additional information related to this stock split. In the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013, we have corrected certain immaterial prior period misclassifications, which related to changes in accounts payable related to certain capital projects. These corrections resulted in a $4.9 increase to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations, and a $4.9 increase to net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations. The corrections did not impact our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2013 or consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
Earnings Per Share, Policy	Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (which includes shares outstanding, less performance and nonvested shares for which vesting criteria have not been met) plus deferred stock awards, weighted for the period outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period adjusted (i.e., increased) for all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued and any proceeds of the issuance had been used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Under this method, an increase in the fair market value of the Company’s stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive common shares. The proceeds are assumed to be the sum of the amount to be paid to the Company upon exercise of options, the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized, and the amount of income taxes that would be credited to or deducted from capital upon exercise.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

We are a global specialty materials and chemicals company focused on developing, manufacturing and selling value-added products. Our products serve a diverse range of end markets including aerospace and industrial materials, mining and plastics. We use our technology and application development expertise to create chemical and material solutions that are formulated to perform specific and important functions for our customers. We operate on a global basis with 48% of our 2014 revenues in North America, 31% in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, 12% in Asia-Pacific, and 9% in Latin America. We have manufacturing and research facilities located in 11 countries.

Consolidation Policy

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cytec Industries Inc. and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The footnotes relate to continuing operations except where noted otherwise. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in associated companies that we do not control, but for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence on operating and financial policy.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost using the first-in, first-out method.

Currency Translation

Currency Translation: Operations in our international subsidiaries are recorded in local currencies, which are also the functional currencies for financial reporting purposes. The results of operations for our international subsidiaries are translated from local currencies into U.S. dollars (“USD”) using the average currency rate during each period which approximates the results that would be obtained using actual currency rates on the dates of individual transactions. Assets and liabilities are translated using currency rates at the end of the period with translation adjustments recorded in accumulated translation adjustments and recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, which represent the translation of transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the impacted legal entity, are recorded as incurred in Other (expense) income, net.

Depreciation

Depreciation: Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. When these assets are retired or disposed of, the net book value of assets are removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the net gain or loss is included in the determination of earnings from operations.

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to current operating expenses. Acquisitions, additions, and betterments, either to provide necessary capacity, improve the efficiency of production units, modernize or replace older facilities, or to install equipment for protection of the environment, are capitalized. We capitalize interest costs incurred during the period of construction of plants and equipment.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of: Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets and would be charged to income. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets: We have defined our reportable segments as our reporting units for our goodwill accounting. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1^st and more often if events occur or circumstances change that would likely reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to an amount below its carrying value. When necessary, we record charges for goodwill impairments for the amount by which the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.

We test our goodwill using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Under the qualitative approach for a goodwill impairment test, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (i.e. – greater than 50% probability) that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of the facts and circumstances, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test, described below, is unnecessary. If we determined otherwise, we would be required to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. For our qualitative assessment of the reporting unit, we consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the excess fair value from the most recent fair value calculation; circumstances that could cause significant changes to the most recent carrying value calculation; the overall financial performance of the reporting unit compared to previous projections; the estimated financial performance projected in the near and long term, such as Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) and cash flows; industry and market conditions, including overall market-multiple metrics, competitive environment and demand for our products; overall macroeconomic conditions including our ability to access capital; and changes in management, key personnel or strategy for the reporting unit. More weight is placed on events or circumstances that most affect a reporting unit’s fair value or carrying amount of its net assets.

If we decide to or are required to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test, we begin by comparing the reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. We initially use a market multiple approach (1A) to estimate a range of fair values by reporting unit, and then use a discounted cash flow approach (1B) if the market multiple approach indicates that a potential impairment might exist to refine and reaffirm the results of the first test. Due to the cyclical nature of our reporting units, market multiple values are determined utilizing a three-year average of EBITDA. The three-year period is comprised of the prior year, current year, and one year of projected amounts. If the reporting unit’s estimated fair value at the low end of the range is close to, in our judgment, or below the reporting unit’s carrying value, we refine the calculation using discounted cash flows to calculate a point estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value, as opposed to a range. If the discounted cash flow approach yields a fair value estimate less than the reporting unit’s carrying value, we would proceed to step two of the impairment test, which is used to measure the amount of the impairment loss. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step would then be compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge would be recorded for the difference.

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with determinable useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets and would be charged to income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Securities with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments: Certain financial instruments are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value such as cash and cash equivalents, receivables, certain other assets, accounts payable, and certain other liabilities. Fair values are determined through a combination of management estimates and information obtained from third parties using the latest available market data. Long-term debt is carried at amortized cost.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: We use derivative instruments in accordance with our established policies to manage exposure to fluctuations in currency rates, interest rates, and, at times, certain commodity costs. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We enter into financial instrument transactions with either major financial institutions or highly rated counterparties and make reasonable attempts to diversify transactions among counterparties, thereby limiting exposure to credit-related and performance-related risks.

Foreign Currency Risk: We use currency forward contracts and have used cross currency swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuations in currency rates on third party and intercompany transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the legal entity. We hedge such exposures with currency forward contracts denominated in the same currency and with similar terms as the underlying exposure, and therefore, the instruments are effective at generating offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item or transaction. All derivative contracts used to manage foreign currency risk are measured at fair value and reported as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. Following the termination of our cross currency swaps in July 2012, we have not elected to apply hedge accounting. Changes in fair value are recorded in Other (expense) income, net.

Environmental and Other Contingent Liabilities

Environmental and Other Contingent Liabilities: Accruals for environmental remediation, maintenance, and operating costs directly related to remediation, and other contingent liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Accruals for environmental liabilities and other contingent liabilities are recorded as Other noncurrent liabilities with amounts expected to be paid out in the next twelve months classified as Accrued expenses at undiscounted amounts.

Insurance/Self-Insurance

Insurance/Self-Insurance: It is our practice to conduct an analysis of our self-insured and insured contingent liabilities annually and whenever circumstances change significantly. Included in these liabilities are workers’ compensation, product liability, and toxic tort claims.

Probable insurance recoveries for past and future indemnity costs are recorded in other receivables, to the extent collection is reasonably assured within the next twelve months, and longer term receivables are included in other assets at our best estimate of the ultimate expected receipts at undiscounted amounts. Defense and processing costs are expensed as incurred. Probable insurance recoveries for defense and processing costs are recognized only as actual costs are incurred.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations: We recognize the fair value of the liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and this additional carrying amount is depreciated over the life of the asset. The liability is accreted at the end of each period through charges to operating expense. If the obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, we recognize a gain or loss on settlement.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. If repatriation of the undistributed income of our international subsidiaries and associated companies is anticipated then income taxes are provided for such earnings. The undistributed earnings of all other foreign subsidiaries will be indefinitely reinvested in their operations.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the tax authorities. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits: Costs of postretirement benefits are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the related benefits. We recognize an asset or liability for the overfunded or underfunded status of postretirement plans that we sponsor. We measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s statement of financial position.

We utilize the mark-to-market (“MTM”) method of accounting, under which our pension and other postemployment benefit (“OPEB”) costs consist of two elements: 1) ongoing costs recognized quarterly, which are comprised of service and interest costs, expected returns on plan assets, and amortization of prior service costs/credits; and 2) MTM gains and losses recognized annually, in the fourth quarter of each year, resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions and the differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets and discount rates. Any interim remeasurements triggered by a curtailment, settlement, or significant plan changes are recognized as an MTM adjustment in the quarter in which such remeasurement event occurs. For additional information, see Note 14, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition: We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the selling price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss has passed to our customers. Customer rebates are estimated and recognized as a reduction of sales as such rebates are being earned.

Stock-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation: We recognize our share-based compensation cost in an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments and estimate a forfeiture rate for all share-based awards. We monitor share option exercise and employee termination patterns to estimate forfeiture rates within the valuation model.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates or assumptions affect the reported amounts and disclosures. For example, estimates are used when accounting for allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuations, useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, recoverability of goodwill, accrued expenses, environmental and other contingent liabilities, pension and other postretirement benefits, income tax valuation allowances and assumptions utilized in determining share-based compensation. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Accounting estimates require the use of judgment regarding uncertain future events and their related effects and, accordingly, may change as additional information is obtained.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which will supersede current revenue recognition guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions previously not addressed comprehensively, and clarify guidance for multiple-element arrangements. This new standard is effective for the first quarter of 2017 using one of two prescribed transition methods. We have not yet selected a transition method and continue to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on our future consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and related disclosures.

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02. This ASU required us to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income–but only if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. It also required us to cross-reference to other disclosures currently required under U.S. GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period). On January 1, 2013, we adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2013-02, which are reflected in these financial statements.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications: Certain amounts, including changes in our equity structure, reported for prior years in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Except for the number of authorized shares and par value, all references to shares and per share data for all periods presented herein reflect the impact of the 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a stock dividend, which was effective in September 2014 (the “September 2014 stock split”). See Note 17 for additional information related to this stock split.

In the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013, we have corrected certain immaterial prior period misclassifications, which related to changes in accounts payable related to certain capital projects. These corrections resulted in a $4.9 increase to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations, and a $4.9 increase to net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations. The corrections did not impact our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2013 or consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (which includes shares outstanding, less performance and nonvested shares for which vesting criteria have not been met) plus deferred stock awards, weighted for the period outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period adjusted (i.e., increased) for all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued and any proceeds of the issuance had been used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Under this method, an increase in the fair market value of the Company’s stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive common shares. The proceeds are assumed to be the sum of the amount to be paid to the Company upon exercise of options, the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized, and the amount of income taxes that would be credited to or deducted from capital upon exercise.