| Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting and Financial Reporting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are presented on a consolidated basis and include all of the accounts and operations of GCP and its majority-owned subsidiaries, except as noted below with respect to the Company's Venezuela subsidiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of GCP in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-K. |
| Discontinued Operations | Discontinued Operations On July 3, 2017, the Company completed the sale of Darex to Henkel. In conjunction with this transaction and applicable GAAP, the assets and liabilities related to Darex in the applicable delayed close countries have been reclassified and reflected as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, as discussed further in Note 21, "Discontinued Operations". Additionally, Darex results of operations and cash flows have been reclassified and reflected as "discontinued operations" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented. |
| Deconsolidation of Venezuelan Operations, Separation from Grace and Noncontrolling Interests | Deconsolidation of Venezuelan Operations Prior to July 3, 2017, the Company included the results of its Venezuelan operations (“GCP Venezuela”) in the Consolidated Financial Statements using the consolidation method of accounting. Venezuelan exchange control regulations have resulted in an other-than-temporary lack of exchangeability between the Venezuelan bolivar and U.S. dollar, and have restricted GCP Venezuela’s ability to pay dividends and meet obligations denominated in U.S. dollars. These exchange regulations, combined with other regulations, have constrained availability of raw materials and have significantly limited GCP Venezuela’s ability to maintain normal production. As a result of these conditions, combined with the loss of scale in Venezuela resulting from the sale of the Company’s Darex-related operations and assets in Venezuela, GCP deconsolidated its Venezuelan operations as of July 3, 2017 in accordance with provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation . During the year ended December 31, 2017, GCP recognized a pre-tax loss of $36.7 million which is included in “Loss in Venezuela” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The loss is primarily related to the recognition of unfavorable cumulative translation adjustments of $33.4 million associated with the Venezuelan business. Subsequent to the deconsolidation, the Company began accounting for GCP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting. The Company's financial results no longer include the operating results of GCP Venezuela. The Company records cash and recognizes income from its Venezuelan operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements to the extent GCP is paid for inventory sold to or dividends are received from GCP Venezuela. During 2018, the Company sold its remaining SCC operations within its Venezuela subsidiary. Both the proceeds from the sale and the loss on the sale did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the remaining operations within GCP Venezuela represent the Darex operations sold to Henkel in January 2020 under a delayed close arrangement. The Company does not expect to record a gain or a loss on the closing of the sale of the Darex business in Venezuela. The remaining investment in GCP Venezuela is classified as held for sale within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and is not material. Separation from Grace On January 27, 2016, GCP entered into a separation and distribution agreement pursuant to which W.R. Grace & Co. ("Grace") agreed to transfer its Grace Construction Products operating segment and the packaging technologies business, operated under the “Darex” name, of its Grace Materials Technologies operating segment to GCP (the "Separation"). The Separation occurred on February 3, 2016, by means of a pro rata distribution to Grace stockholders of all of the then-outstanding shares of Company common stock, at which time GCP became an independent public company and its common stock listed and began trading under the symbol "GCP" on the New York Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the Separation, Grace continued providing to GCP certain general corporate services related to finance, information technology, human resources and other services under a transition services agreement which remained in place for a period of 18 months from the Separation. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the activities related to the transition services agreement were complete. Please refer to Note 16, "Related Party Transactions and Transactions with Grace" for further information on the transition services agreement between GCP and Grace. Subsequent to the Separation, Grace no longer represents a related party of the Company. All transactions between GCP and Grace have been included in these Consolidated Financial Statements. Noncontrolling Interests GCP conducts certain business through joint ventures with unaffiliated third parties. GCP consolidates the results of joint ventures in which it has controlling financial interest in the Consolidated Financial Statements. GCP reduces its consolidated net income (loss) by the amount of net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. The Company assesses the estimates on an ongoing basis and records changes in estimates in the period they occur and become known. Actual results could differ from these estimates. GCP's accounting measurements that are most affected by management's estimates related to future events are as follows: • Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are subject to an impairment assessment on an annual basis or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce their fair values below carrying values. Such impairment assessment requires judgment based on market and operational conditions at the time it is conducted since it is based on estimates and assumptions related to determining fair values of reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including future expected cash flow projections, discount and royalty rates, as well as forecasts of long term sales growth rates (please refer to Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"); • Realization values of net deferred tax assets which depend on projections of future taxable income (please refer to Note 9, "Income Taxes"); • Contingent liabilities, which depend on an assessment of the probability of loss occurrence and an estimate of ultimate resolution cost, that may arise from circumstances, such as legal disputes, environmental remediation, product liability claims, material commitments (please refer to Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies") and income taxes (please refer to Note 9, "Income Taxes"); • Pension and postretirement liabilities that depend on assumptions regarding participant life spans, future inflation, discount rates and return on plan assets (please refer to Note 10, "Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans"); • Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination recognized based on the purchase method of accounting, including finite-lived intangible assets and their useful lives. Such fair value estimates depend on assumptions related to future expected cash flow projections, customer attrition rates, royalty cost savings, and appropriate discount rates used in computing present values (please refer to Note 20, "Acquisitions and Dispositions"); and • Stock-based compensation expense which requires making estimates of fair value of equity awards issued at the grant date, as well as expected forfeiture rates and awards expected to vest. Such estimates require significant judgment since they are based on the assumptions related to participant activity, market results and employee voluntary termination behavior. Additionally, the Company makes estimates related to the likelihood of achieving performance goals for performance-based units (the "PBUs") that vest upon the satisfaction of these goals. PBUs are remeasured during each reporting period based on the expected payout of the award. As a result, stock-based compensation expense related to these awards is subject to volatility until the payout is determined at the end of the performance period (please refer to Note 17, "Stock Incentive Plans"). |
| Acquisitions | Acquisitions The Company accounts for business acquisitions that meet the definition of a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, in accordance with which assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the acquisition date. The fair value of the consideration transferred in a business combination, including any contingent consideration, is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. Goodwill represents excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Acquisitions that do not meet the definition of a business combination are accounted for as asset acquisitions, and the purchase price is allocated to the net assets acquired based on their relative fair values without recognizing goodwill. Significant judgments are used in determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Fair value and intangible asset useful life determinations are based on, among other factors, estimates of future expected cash flows, customer attrition rates, royalty cost savings, and appropriate discount rates used in computing present values. These judgments may materially impact the estimates used in allocating the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the Company’s current and future operating results. Actual results may vary from these estimates which may result in adjustments to goodwill and acquisition date fair values of assets and liabilities during a measurement period or upon a final determination of asset and liability fair values, whichever occurs first. Adjustments to fair values of assets and liabilities made after the end of the measurement period are recorded within the Company’s operating results. |
| Operating Segments | Operating Segments GCP reports financial results of each of its operating segments that engage in business activities that generate revenues and expenses. Operating segments represents GCP's operations that engage in business activities for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by GCP's chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess the segments' performance. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash. The recorded amounts are presented at amortized cost within the "Cash and cash equivalents" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and approximate fair value. |
| Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
| Inventories | Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs are determined on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis and include direct and certain indirect costs of materials and production. GCP provides allowances for excess, obsolete or damaged inventories based on their expected selling price, net of completion and disposal costs. Abnormal costs of production are expensed as incurred. |
| Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities, Costs to Obtain a Contract and Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Effective January 1, 2018, GCP has adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Costs to Obtain a Contract GCP pays external sales agents certain commissions based on actual customer sales and has determined that such amounts represent incremental costs incurred in obtaining such customer contracts. The performance obligations associated with these costs are satisfied at a point in time and accordingly the amortization period of such costs is less than one year. The Company expenses these costs as incurred in accordance with the practical expedient that allows for such treatment, as prescribed by ASC Topic 340-40, Costs to obtain or fulfill a contract |
| Long-Lived Assets | Long-Lived Assets Properties and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense for properties and equipment is computed using the straight-line method and charged to results of operations to allocate the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives for properties and equipment range from: (i) 20 to 40 years for buildings, (ii) 3 to 7 years for information technology equipment, (iii) 3 to 10 years for operating machinery and equipment and (iv) 5 to 10 years for furniture and fixtures. Interest costs are capitalized as part of the historical cost of acquiring properties and equipment that constitute major project expenditures and require a period of time to get them ready for their intended use. Fully depreciated assets are retained in properties and equipment and related accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. Cost of disposed assets, net of accumulated depreciation, are derecognized upon their retirement or at the time of disposal, and the corresponding amount, net of any proceeds from disposal, is reflected in the Company's results of operations. Costs related to legal obligations associated with asset retirements, such as restoring a site to its original condition, are recognized as liabilities and corresponding assets at amounts equal to the net present value of estimated future cash flows that will be required to settle such liabilities. Capitalized asset costs are depreciated over the related asset's estimated useful life. |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets | Intangible assets with finite lives consist of technology, customer relationships, trademarks and other intangibles and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 1 to 20 years. Fair value and useful life determinations are based on, among other factors, estimates of future expected cash flows, customer attrition rates, royalty cost savings and appropriate discount rates used in computing present values. |
| Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | GCP reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable based on indicators of impairment. For purposes of this test, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the Company determines that indicators of potential impairment are present, it assesses the recoverability of a long-lived asset group by comparing the sum of its undiscounted future cash flows to its carrying value. The future cash flow period is based on the future service life of the primary asset within the long-lived asset group. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset group exceeds its future cash flows, the Company determines fair values of the individual net assets within the long-lived asset group to assess for potential impairment. If the aggregate fair values of the individual net assets of the group are less than their carrying values, an impairment loss is recognized for an amount in excess of the group’s aggregate carrying value over its fair value. The loss is allocated to the assets within the group based on their relative carrying values, with no asset reduced below its fair value determined in accordance with an income-based approach utilizing projected discounted cash flows model. |
| Lessee Arrangements | Lessee Arrangements Effective January 1, 2019, GCP has adopted FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). GCP determines at contract inception whether the contract represents or contains a lease and conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset over a period of time in exchange for consideration. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company recognizes right-of-use assets and lease obligations at the lease commencement date based on a present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease payments included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease obligations consist of: (i) fixed payments, including periodic rent increases and excluding any lease incentives paid or payable to the Company by a lessor, and (ii) certain variable payments that depend on an index or a market rate measured on the commencement date. The Company estimates its incremental borrowing rate based on the remaining lease term and remaining lease payments, as well as other information available at lease commencement since a readily determinable implicit rate is not provided in the Company's leases. The Company has elected to utilize a portfolio approach as it pertains to the application of the appropriate discount rates to its portfolios of leases. The weighted average discount rate for operating leases was 5.33% as of December 31, 2019 . Right-of-use assets for operating leases are initially measured on the lease commencement date and include any initial direct costs incurred, as well as lease obligation amounts, net of any lease incentives received from a lessor. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term which includes: (i) a non-cancelable term during which the Company has a right to use an underlying asset, (ii) renewal options that extend the lease, are in the control of the lessor and reasonably certain to be exercised, and (iii) options to terminate the lease before the end of its non-cancelable term that are not reasonably certain to be exercised. Variable payments that are excluded from the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease obligations consist primarily of non-lease related services, the Company's proportionate share of operating expenses for the leased facilities and certain payments related to excess mileage and usage charges for the leased vehicles and equipment. Such variable payments are recognized as lease expense in the results of operations when the obligation is incurred. The Company does not record right-of-use assets and lease obligations for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and recognizes lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance leases are included in "Properties and equipment, net", "Debt payable within one year" and "Debt payable after one year" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and not material at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . |
| Goodwill | Goodwill Goodwill arises from certain business combinations and represents the excess of a purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of the businesses acquired. GCP reviews its goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, or more often if impairment indicators are present based on events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is assessed at the reporting unit level which is most directly associated with the business combination that resulted in the recognition of the goodwill. For the purpose of the goodwill impairment assessment based on the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), GCP has determined that it has two reporting units which are its operating segments. In accordance with ASC 350, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines, based on this assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it performs a quantitative goodwill impairment test by comparing these amounts. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, no impairment loss is recognized. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit may be impaired. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is measured based upon the implied fair value of goodwill as of the valuation date. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired when its carrying amount exceeds its implied fair value. Fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a combined weighted average of a market-based approach (utilizing fair value multiples of comparable publicly traded companies) and an income-based approach (utilizing discounted projected cash flows model). In applying the income-based approach, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined in accordance with the discounted projected cash flow valuation model based on the estimated projected future cash flows and terminal value discounted at the rate which reflects the weighted average costs of capital. The inputs and assumptions that are most likely to impact the reporting unit's fair value include the discount rate, long-term sales growth rates and forecasted operating margins. In applying the market-based approach, GCP determines the reporting unit’s business enterprise fair value based on inputs and assumptions related to average revenue multiples and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization multiples derived from its peer group which are weighted and adjusted for size, risk and growth of the individual reporting unit. Application of the goodwill impairment assessment requires judgment based on market and operational conditions at the time of the evaluation, including management’s best estimates of the reporting unit’s future business activity and the related estimates and assumptions of future cash flows from the assets that include the associated goodwill. Different estimates and assumptions of forecasted long-term sales growth rates, operating margins, future cash flows, weighted average cost of capital discount rate, as well as peer company multiples used in the valuation models could result in different estimates of the reporting unit’s fair value as of each testing date. These periodic evaluations could cause management to conclude that impairment factors exist, requiring an adjustment of these assets to their then-current fair market values. Future business conditions could differ materially from the projections made by management which could result in additional adjustments and impairment charges. GCP performed its annual impairment test as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 for the two reporting units and, based upon the results of the qualitative assessment, determined that it was not likely that their fair values were less than their carrying amounts. As such, the Company did not perform the two-step goodwill impairment test and did not recognize impairment losses as a result of its analyses. If events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair values of the reporting units below their carrying values, goodwill will be evaluated for impairment between annual tests. There were no goodwill impairment charges recognized in any of the periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets | Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets GCP reviews its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment by performing either a qualitative evaluation or a quantitative test which requires judgment based on market and operational conditions at the time of the evaluation. GCP first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. If GCP determines, based on this assessment, that it is more likely than not that the assets are impaired, it performs a quantitative impairment test by comparing the assets' fair values with their carrying values. No impairment loss is recognized if the fair values exceed the carrying values. However, if the carrying values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets exceed their fair values, the amount of such excess is recognized as an impairment loss during the period identified and the assets' carrying values are written down to their fair values. Fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on a relief-from-royalty valuation method. The inputs and assumptions that are most likely to impact the intangible assets' fair values due to their sensitivity include the discount rate, royalty rate and long-term sales growth rates. |
| Income Tax | Income Tax As a global enterprise, GCP is subject to a complex array of tax regulations and needs to make assessments of applicable tax law and judgments in estimating its ultimate income tax liability. Income tax expense and income tax balances represent GCP’s federal, state and foreign income taxes as an independent company. GCP files a U.S. consolidated income tax return, along with foreign and state corporate income tax filings, as required. GCP's deferred taxes and effective tax rate may not be comparable to those of historical periods prior to the Separation. Please refer to Note 9, "Income Taxes," for details regarding estimates used in accounting for income tax matters, including unrecognized tax benefits. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized with respect to the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements. If it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is provided against such deferred tax assets. The assessment of realization of deferred tax assets is performed based on the weight of the positive and negative evidence available to indicate whether the asset is recoverable, including tax planning strategies that are prudent and feasible. Tax benefits from an uncertain tax position are recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. 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 ultimate settlement. GCP evaluates such likelihood based on relevant facts and tax law. |
| Pension Benefits | Pension Benefits GCP's method of accounting for actuarial gains and losses relating to its global defined benefit pension plans is referred to as "mark-to-market accounting." In accordance with mark-to-market accounting, GCP's pension costs consist of two elements: 1) ongoing costs recognized quarterly, which include service and interest costs, expected returns on plan assets and amortization of prior service costs/credits; and 2) mark-to-market gains and losses recognized annually in the fourth quarter resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, such as discount rates and the difference between actual and expected returns on plan assets. If a significant event occurs, such as a major plan amendment or curtailment, GCP's pension obligations and plan assets would be remeasured at an interim period and the mark-to-market gains or losses on remeasurement would be recognized in that period. The net periodic pension costs and the defined benefit pension plan obligation are determined based on certain assumptions related to the estimated future benefits that employees earn while providing services, the amount of which cannot be completely determined until the benefit payments cease. Key assumptions used in accounting for employee benefit plans include the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. Assumptions are determined based on Company data and appropriate market indicators in consultation with third-party actuaries and evaluated each year as of the plans’ measurement date. A change in any of these assumptions would have an effect on net periodic pension costs and the defined benefit pension plan obligation. |
| Stock-Based Compensation Expense | Stock-Based Compensation Expense GCP grants equity awards, including stock options, restricted stock units (the "RSUs") and PBUs with market conditions which vest upon the satisfaction of a performance condition and/or a service condition. GCP estimates the fair value of equity awards issued at the grant date. The fair value of the awards is recognized as stock-based compensation expense on a straight line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, for each separately vesting portion of the award over the employee’s requisite service period which may be a stated vesting period during which employees render services in exchange for equity and/or liability instruments of the Company. Estimates related to equity award forfeitures are adjusted to their actual amounts at the end of the vesting period resulting in the recognition of cumulative stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that actually vest. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the number of shares granted and the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which incorporates the assumptions related to the risk-free rate, options' expected term, expected stock price volatility and expected dividend yield. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve published as of the grant date, with maturities approximating the expected term of the options. GCP estimates the expected term of the options based on the simplified method in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718-20, Awards Classified as Equity , determined as the average term between the options’ vesting period and their contractual term. GCP estimates the expected stock price volatility based on an industry peer group’s historic stock prices over a period commensurate with the options’ expected term. The expected dividend yield is zero based on the Company’s history and expectation of not paying dividends on common shares. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the Company granted performance-based restricted stock units (“PBUs”) to certain key employees. PBUs are performance-based units which are granted by the Company with market conditions. Such PBUs are expected to cliff vest over three years and will be settled in GCP common stock. PBUs granted in 2018 and 2017 are based on 3 -year cumulative adjusted diluted earnings per share measure that is modified, up or down, based on the Company's total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the performance of the Russell 3000 Index. PBUs granted in 2019 are based on a three-year cumulative adjusted diluted earnings per share measure that is modified, up or down, based on the Company's TSR relative to the performance of the Russell 3000 Specialty Chemicals and Building Materials Indices. PBUs are remeasured during each reporting period based on their expected payout which may range between 0% to 200% based on the achievement of performance targets required for the awards' vesting. Therefore, the stock-based compensation expense recognized for these awards during each reporting period is subject to volatility until the final payout target is determined at the end of the applicable performance period. PBUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation, which is commonly used for assessing the grant date fair value of equity awards with a relative TSR modifier. The risk-free rate is a continuous rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve published as of the grant date, based on maturity commensurate with the remaining performance period (expected term) of the PBUs. Expected volatility is based on the annualized historical volatility of GCP's stock price. Historical volatility is calculated based on a look-back period commensurate with the remaining performance period of the PBUs, or the longest available based on the Company's trading history as a public company. Correlation coefficients are used in the Monte Carlo valuation to simulate future stock prices. This includes correlations between: (i) the Company's stock price and the Index, and (ii) the stock price of each constituent included in the Index and the Index itself. The correlation coefficient is based on daily stock returns of the Company and the Index using a look-back period commensurate with the remaining performance period of the PBUs, or the longest available based on the Company's trading history as a public company. The expected dividend yield is zero based on the Company’s history and expectation of not paying dividends on common shares. |
| Research and Development Expense | Research and Development Expense Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of personnel expenses related to development of new products and enhancements to existing products. Research and development costs also include depreciation and amortization expenses related to research and development assets and expenses incurred in funding external research projects. |
| Restructuring and Repositioning Expenses | Restructuring and Repositioning Expenses The Company records restructuring and repositioning expenses associated with the restructuring and repositioning actions approved by the Board of Directors. Restructuring actions are related to streamlining operations and improving profitability. Restructuring expenses generally include severance and other employee-related costs, contract termination costs, asset impairments, facility exit costs, moving and relocation, and other related costs. For the ongoing employee benefit arrangements provided to Company employees, GCP records severance and other employee termination costs associated with restructuring actions when the likelihood of future settlement is probable and the related benefit amounts can be reasonably estimated. For the one-time employee termination benefit arrangements, a liability for the termination benefits is measured at fair value and recognized on the communication date. Asset impairments are recorded in accordance with the Company's accounting policy on Long-Lived Assets described above. Repositioning activities generally represent major strategic or transformational actions to enhance the value and performance of the Company, improve business efficiency or optimize the Company’s footprint. Repositioning expenses include professional fees for legal, consulting, accounting and tax services, employment-related costs, such as recruitment, relocation and compensation, as well as other expenses incurred that are directly associated with the repositioning activity. Repositioning activities may also include capital expenditures. |
| Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation | Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation Certain transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than their functional currency. Foreign currency exchange gains (losses) generated from the settlement and remeasurement of these transactions are recognized in earnings and presented within “Other expenses (income), net” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net foreign currency transaction and remeasurement gains (losses) reflected in “Other expenses (income), net” for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were losses of $0.3 million , $2.9 million and $1.0 million , respectively. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, while revenues, costs and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during each reporting period. The resulting currency translation adjustments are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The financial statements of any subsidiaries located in countries with highly inflationary economies are remeasured based on the currency designated as the functional currency, typically the U.S. dollar. Translation adjustments recognized as a result of such remeasurements are reflected in the results of operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Argentina As of June 30, 2018, GCP concluded that Argentina is a highly inflationary economy since the three-year cumulative inflation rates commonly used to evaluate Argentina’s inflation currently exceed 100%. As a result, GCP began accounting for its operations in Argentina as a highly inflationary economy. Effective July 1, 2018, the functional currency of the Company's subsidiary operating in Argentina became the U.S. dollar and all remeasurement adjustments after the effective date are reflected in GCP's results operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the Company incurred losses of $1.1 million related to the remeasurement of these monetary net assets which are included in "Other expenses (income), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the Argentina subsidiary were not material to the Company's consolidated net sales during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Monetary net assets denominated in local currency within the Company's Argentina subsidiary were not material to GCP's consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 . Venezuela GCP deconsolidated its Venezuelan operations as of July 3, 2017 and, as a result, the Company's financial results no longer include the operations of GCP Venezuela, including currency translation adjustments, beyond that date. In May of 2017, the Venezuela government announced that it had completed its first auction under the new floating exchange rate (the "DICOM") mechanism at a rate of 2,010 bolivars per U.S. dollar, an increase of 176.1% from the previously published rate of 728 bolivar per U.S. dollar. As a result of the change in the exchange mechanism and devaluation of the bolivar, the Company recorded a foreign exchange remeasurement and impairment loss of $7.1 million , of which $2.4 million was from continuing operations and $4.7 million was from discontinued operations. The loss from continuing operations of $2.4 million consists of $1.6 million included in “Loss in Venezuela” and $0.8 million included in “Cost of goods sold” within the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the DICOM rate increased to 2,640 bolivars per U.S. dollar. As a result, the Company recorded a foreign exchange remeasurement loss of $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, of which $0.3 million was recognized in continuing operations and reflected in “Other expenses (income), net” within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and $0.9 million was recognized in discontinued operations. |
| Earnings per Share | Earnings per Share GCP computes basic earnings (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) by diluted weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted weighted average shares reflect the dilutive effect, if any, of potential common shares which consist of employee equity awards. To the extent their effect is dilutive, employee equity awards are included in the calculation of diluted income per share based on the treasury stock method. Potential common shares are excluded from the calculation of dilutive weighted average shares outstanding if their effect would be anti-dilutive at the balance sheet date based on a treasury stock method or due to a net loss. |
| Reclassifications | Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications have not materially affected previously reported amounts. |
| Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards | Recently Issued Accounting Standards Goodwill In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) . The amendments in this update eliminate the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (Step 2) when measuring a goodwill impairment loss. An impairment loss will be based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The standard is effective for the Company for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests to be performed beginning on or after January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. GCP is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, but it does not expect such impact to be material. Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in this update introduce a new "expected loss" impairment model which applies to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, held-to-maturity debt securities and other financial assets. Entities are required to estimate expected credit losses over the life of financial assets at inception and record an allowance against the assets’ amortized cost basis to present them at the amount expected to be collected. Additionally, the guidance amends the impairment model related to available for sale debt securities and requires entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on such debt security is a credit loss. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of the newly issued guidance is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The standard should be applied as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. GCP expects to adopt the guidance effective January 1, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2019, GCP initiated the data collection initiative and began evaluating the potential impact of adopting the standard on its financial position, results of operations and related disclosures, but has not yet completed such assessment. Other new pronouncements issued, but not effective until after December 31, 2019 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) whereas a lessee is required to recognize in the statement of financial position a lease liability related to making lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to control the use of the underlying asset during the lease term, including optional payments that are reasonably certain to occur. The Company adopted Topic 842 effective January 1, 2019 and elected a transition option allowing it to forgo the application of comparative period presentation in the financial statements during the year of adoption. The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 are presented in accordance with Topic 842, while the comparative periods have not been recast based on the new standard. The Company elected a package of practical expedients allowing it to forgo the reassessment of expired or existing contracts to determine their lease classification, initial direct costs and whether any of such contracts represent or contain leases. The Company also made an accounting policy election to combine lease and non-lease components into a single lease component for each class of underlying assets for the arrangements in which GCP is a lessee, with the exception of a non-lease component related to inventory purchases. The Company separates purchases of raw materials, labor and certain other inventory-related costs from lease components based on their relative standalone values determined based on observable market information. The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient related to determining the lease term. The adoption of Topic 842 related to lease arrangements in which the Company is a lessee resulted in a recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets of $40.8 million and operating lease obligations of $40.9 million as of January 1, 2019 . The adoption of Topic 842 did not result in significant accounting changes for finance leases which were not material as of January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The adoption of Topic 842 related to lease arrangements in which the Company is a lessee did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations and cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2019, as described in Note 6, "Lessee Arrangements." The Company generates revenue from certain sales arrangements within the SCC operating segment related to VERIFI ® and certain admixture contracts that include lease components, as discussed in Note 2, "Revenue from Lessor Arrangements and Contracts with Customers." Topic 842 provides a practical expedient which allows lessors to combine lease and non-lease components and account for them as one component if they have the same timing and pattern of transfer and the lease component is classified as an operating lease. The combined component is accounted for in accordance with Topic 842 if the lease component is predominant, and in accordance with Topic 606 if the non-lease component is predominant. Lessors are permitted to apply the practical expedient to all existing leases on a retrospective or prospective basis. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient prospectively based on a portfolio approach for certain classes of underlying assets. The Company does not include taxes (i.e. sales, use, value added or some excise taxes) in the contract consideration, variable lease payments or transaction price that are allocated among its products or services. The adoption of Topic 842 for the arrangements in which GCP is a lessor did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position as of December 31, 2019 and its results of operations and cash flows during the period then ended. Please refer to Note 2, "Revenue from Lessor Arrangements and Contracts with Customers" for further information on lease arrangements in which the Company is a lessor. Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments in this update improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements by expanding and refining hedge accounting for both non-financial and financial risk components and aligning the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. GCP adopted the standard effective January 1, 2019. The standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position and its results of operations and cash flows upon adoption. Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). GCP has adopted Topic 606 effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach in accordance with which GCP has elected to apply the guidance to all open contracts that are not completed or that are active as of January 1, 2018 and not to retrospectively restate any of its contracts for modifications that occurred prior to the date of the adoption. Accordingly, such modifications are reflected in the amounts reported for satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, transaction price of such performance obligations, and allocations of the transaction price among contract components, as of the date of the initial application. The impact of applying this practical expedient was immaterial to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The impact of the adoption of Topic 606 on the Company's net sales, income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, and income (loss) from continuing operations was immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2018. The cumulative impact on the Company's retained earnings at January 1, 2018 was also not material. Please refer to Note 2, "Revenue from Lessor Arrangements and Contracts with Customers" for further information on the Company's revenue recognition policies. Stock Compensation In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides guidance related to the changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award that require an application of modification accounting pursuant to Topic 718. GCP adopted the standard effective January 1, 2018. Such adoption did not have a material impact on its financial position as of December 31, 2018 and results of operations for the year then ended. Business Combinations In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which clarifies the definition of a business when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or business combinations. The amendments in this update indicate that the transaction does not meet a definition of a business if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If the threshold is not met, entities need to evaluate whether the set of assets and activities acquired meets the definition of a business and includes, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the entity's ability to create outputs. The standard should be adopted prospectively and is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted for certain transactions. GCP elected the early adoption of this standard during the year ended December 31, 2017 in conjunction with its acquisition of Stirling Lloyd Plc. Please refer to Note 20, "Acquisitions and Dispositions" for further information on this transaction. Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments, which addresses a number of specific cash flow presentation issues with the objective of reducing existing diversity in practice. GCP adopted the standard effective January 1, 2018 and classified within the cash flows from financing activities a $53.3 million payment related to the redemption premium on the extinguishment of its 9.5% Senior Notes, consistent with the provisions of the guidance. Such payment was included in "Repayments of long term note obligations" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Please refer to Note 8, "Debt and Other Borrowings" for further discussion of this transaction. There was no other material impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of the standard adoption. Income Taxes In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . This ASU requires recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of an intra-entity asset transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs, as opposed to current GAAP, which requires companies to defer the income tax effects until the asset has been sold to an outside party. GCP adopted the standard effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position as of December 31, 2018 and its results of operations for the year then ended. |
