Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company provides a range of benefits, including pensions and postretirement benefits to eligible current and former employees. Determining the cost associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, employee mortality, turnover rates, and healthcare cost trend rates. Actuaries perform the required calculations to determine expense in accordance with GAAP. Actual results may differ from the actuarial assumptions and are generally accumulated into Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized into earnings over future periods. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions at each measurement date and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends, if appropriate.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are based on several factors including the facts and circumstances available at the time the estimates are made, historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and the assessment of the probable future outcome. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of changes, if any, are reflected in the statement of operations in the period that they are determined.

Currency Translations

Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries, where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, have been translated at year-end exchange rates, and income and expense accounts have been translated using average exchange rates throughout the year. Adjustments resulting from the process of translating an entity's financial statements into the U.S. dollar have been recorded in the Shareholders' Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are subject to changes in exchange rates with the resulting gains and losses recorded within current earnings.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less. The Company maintains amounts on deposit at various financial institutions, which may at times exceed federally insured limits. However, management periodically evaluates the credit-worthiness of those institutions and has not experienced any losses on such deposits.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts represents the best estimate of probable loss inherent within the Company's accounts receivable balance. Estimates are based upon both the creditworthiness of specific customers and the overall probability of losses based upon an analysis of the overall aging of receivables as well as past collection trends and general economic conditions.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or fair market value. The Company performs periodic assessments to determine the existence of obsolete, slow-moving and non-saleable inventories and records necessary provisions to reduce such inventories to net realizable value. Costs include direct materials, direct labor and applicable manufacturing overhead.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, assets placed in service are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic useful life or the related lease term. The range of useful lives used to depreciate property and equipment is as follows:



	Range of Useful Lives
Building and improvements	10 to 31 years
Machinery and equipment	3 to 15 years
Other	3 to 7 years

Major expenditures for replacements and significant improvements that increase asset values and extend useful lives are also capitalized. Capitalized costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Repairs and maintenance expenditures that do not extend the useful life of the asset are charged to expense as incurred. The carrying amounts of assets that are sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts in the year of disposal, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in within current earnings.

The Company capitalizes costs, including interest, incurred to develop or acquire internal-use software. These costs are capitalized subsequent to the preliminary project stage once specific criteria are met. Costs incurred in the preliminary project planning stage are expensed. Other costs, such as maintenance and training, are also expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.

Pursuant to ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment" ("ASC 360"), the Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of its property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Pursuant to ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized, but are tested and reviewed annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or whenever there is a significant change in events or circumstances that indicate that the fair value of the asset may be less than the carrying amount of the asset.

Recoverability of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level and begins with a qualitative assessment to determine, as a basis for whether it is necessary to perform the two-step impairment test under ASC 350, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For the reporting units where it is required, the first step compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. To the extent that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a second step is performed, wherein the reporting unit's carrying value of goodwill is compared to the implied fair value of goodwill. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value, impairment exists and must be recognized.

Recoverability of other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives begins with a qualitative assessment to determine, as a basis for whether it is necessary to calculate the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. When required, recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the intangible assets to the estimated fair value of the respective intangible assets. Any excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment loss equal to that excess.

Intangible assets such as customer-related intangible assets and non-compete agreements with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives. The weighted-average useful lives approximate the following:



	Weighted-Average Useful Lives
Technology	13 years
Customer relationships	16 years
Patents	6 years

The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of its intangible assets with finite useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Loan Acquisition Costs

Loan acquisition costs are expenditures associated with obtaining financings that are capitalized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over the term of the loans to which such costs relate. Amounts capitalized are recorded within Intangible assets, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Derivative Instruments

For derivative instruments, the Company applies ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815") which establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. This statement requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized in current earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. In addition, a company must also formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized and earned when all of the following criteria are satisfied: (a) persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; (b) price is fixed or determinable; (c) collectability is reasonably assured; and (d) delivery has occurred or service has been rendered. The Company recognizes revenue when the title and the risks and rewards of ownership have substantially transferred to the customer. The Company permits customers from time to time to return certain products and continuously monitors and tracks such returns and records an estimate of such future returns, which is based on historical experience and recent trends.

In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit, on open accounts, to its customers after performing a credit analysis based on a number of financial and other criteria. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and does not normally require collateral; however, letters of credit and other security are occasionally required for certain new and existing customers.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Pursuant to ASC 605, "Revenue Recognition" ("ASC 605"), the Company determined that shipping fees shall be reported on a gross basis. As a result, all amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling fees represent revenues earned for the goods provided and therefore recorded within Net sales in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Shipping and handling costs include expenses incurred to store, move, and prepare products for shipment. The Company classifies these costs as Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and includes a portion of internal costs such as salaries and overhead related to these activities.

Research and Development Costs

The Company conducts research and development activities for the purpose of developing and improving new products and services. These costs are expensed when incurred and included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Income Taxes

The Company records a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. The provision is computed using the asset and liability method of accounting, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. In addition, the Company recognizes future tax benefits, such as net operating losses and tax credits, to the extent that realizing these benefits is considered in its judgment to be more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax items are expected to be realized or settled. The Company regularly reviews the recoverability of its deferred tax assets considering historic profitability, projected future taxable income, and timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences as well as the feasibility of our tax planning strategies. Where appropriate, a valuation allowance is recorded if available evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes to valuation allowances are recognized in earnings in the period such determination is made.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination. The tax impacts recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest impact that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax positions as a component of the provision for income taxes.

Recent Accounting Standards

In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items" ("ASU 2015-01") which eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Under the new guidance, an event or transaction that meets the criteria for extraordinary classification is segregated from the results of ordinary operations and shown as a separate item in the income statement, net of tax. In addition, certain other related disclosures are required. ASU 2015-01 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on its financial results.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”). The new guidance addresses management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Substantial doubt is defined as an indication that it is probable that an entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that financial statements are issued. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on its financial results.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"), which creates a comprehensive, five-step model for revenue recognition that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Under the new guidance, a company will be required to use more judgment and make more estimates when considering contract terms as well as relevant facts and circumstances when identifying performance obligations, estimating the amount of variable consideration in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In addition, ASU 2014-09 enhances disclosures about revenue, provides guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively and improves guidance for multiple-element arrangements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on its financial results.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08"), which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or a group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. In addition, ASU 2014-08 enhances disclosures for reporting discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this accounting pronouncement effective January 1, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial results.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"), which requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with retroactive application permitted. The Company adopted this accounting pronouncement effective December 29, 2013.