Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation Standard Motor Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (referred to hereinafter in these notes to the consolidated financial statements as “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of replacement parts for motor vehicles in the automotive aftermarket industry with a complementary focus on heavy duty, industrial equipment and the original equipment service market. The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and all domestic and international companies in which we have more than a 50% equity ownership. Our investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for on the equity method, as we do not have a controlling financial interest but have the ability to exercise significant influence. All significant inter-company items have been eliminated. Use of Estimates In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements. Some of the more significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, cash discounts, valuation of inventory, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, product liability exposures, other postretirement benefits, asbestos, environmental and litigation matters, valuation of deferred tax assets, share based compensation and sales returns and other allowances. We can give no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Although we do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimate or in the assumptions that we use in calculating the estimate, unforeseen changes in the industry, or business could materially impact the estimate and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Reclassification Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Cash Discounts We do not generally require collateral for our trade accounts receivable. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. These allowances are established based on a combination of write-off history, aging analysis, and specific account evaluations. When a receivable balance is known to be uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Cash discounts are provided based on an overall average experience rate applied to qualifying accounts receivable balances. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in first-out basis. Where appropriate, standard cost systems are utilized for purposes of determining cost; the standards are adjusted as necessary to ensure they approximate actual costs. Estimates of lower of cost and net realizable value of inventory are determined by comparing the actual cost of the product to the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation of the inventory. We also evaluate inventories on a regular basis to identify inventory on hand that may be obsolete or in excess of current and future projected market demand. For inventory deemed to be obsolete, we provide a reserve on the full value of the inventory. Inventory that is in excess of current and projected use is reduced by an allowance to a level that approximates our estimate of future demand. Future projected demand requires management judgment and is based upon (a) our review of historical trends and (b) our estimate of projected customer specific buying patterns and trends in the industry and markets in which we do business. Using rolling twelve month historical information, we estimate future demand on a continuous basis. As such, the historical volatility of such estimates has been minimal. We maintain provisions for inventory reserves of $41.5 million and $47.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We utilize cores (used parts) in our remanufacturing processes for air conditioning compressors, diesel injectors, and diesel pumps. The production of air conditioning compressors, diesel injectors, and diesel pumps involves the rebuilding of used cores, which we acquire either in outright purchases from used parts brokers, or from returns pursuant to an exchange program with customers. Under such exchange programs, we reduce our inventory, through a charge to cost of sales, when we sell a finished good compressor, diesel injector, or diesel pump and put back to inventory the used core exchanged at standard cost through a credit to cost of sales when it is actually received from the customer. Property, Plant and Equipment These assets are recorded at historical cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method of depreciation over the estimated useful lives as follows: Estimated Life Buildings 25 to 33-1/2 years Building improvements 10 to 25 years Machinery and equipment 5 to 12 years Tools, dies and auxiliary equipment 3 to 8 years Furniture and fixtures 3 to 12 years Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. Costs related to maintenance and repairs which do not prolong the assets useful lives are expensed as incurred. We assess our property, plant and equipment to be held and used for impairment when indicators are present that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Valuation of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill At acquisition, we estimate and record the fair value of purchased intangible assets, which primarily consists of customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, patents and non-compete agreements. The fair values of these intangible assets are estimated based on our assessment. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill and certain other intangible assets having indefinite lives are not amortized to earnings, but instead are subject to periodic testing for impairment. Intangible assets determined to have definite lives are amortized over their remaining useful lives. We assess the impairment of long‑lived assets, identifiable intangibles assets and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. With respect to goodwill and identifiable intangible assets having indefinite lives, we test for impairment on an annual basis or in interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that may indicate the fair value is below its carrying amount. Factors we consider important, which could trigger an impairment review, include the following: (a) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (b) significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and (c) significant negative industry or economic trends. We review the fair values using the discounted cash flows method and market multiples. When performing our evaluation of goodwill for impairment, if we conclude qualitatively that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test is not required. If we are unable to reach this conclusion, then we would perform the two-step impairment test. Initially, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit; we are required to perform a second step, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In this step, we compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill and recognize a charge for impairment to the extent the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. In addition, identifiable intangible assets having indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis using a methodology consistent with that used to evaluate goodwill. Intangible assets having definite lives and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events such as product discontinuance, plant closures, product dispositions or other changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In reviewing for impairment, we compare the carrying value of such assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. When the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than their carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference between the assets fair value and their carrying value. There are inherent assumptions and estimates used in developing future cash flows requiring our judgment in applying these assumptions and estimates to the analysis of identifiable intangibles and long‑lived asset impairment including projecting revenues, interest rates, tax rates and the cost of capital. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside our control and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods. These changes can result in future impairments. In the event our planning assumptions were modified resulting in impairment to our assets, we would be required to include an expense in our statement of operations, which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. New Customer Acquisition Costs New customer acquisition costs refer to arrangements pursuant to which we incur change-over costs to induce a new customer to switch from a competitor’s brand. In addition, change-over costs include the costs related to removing the new customer’s inventory and replacing it with our inventory commonly referred to as a stocklift. New customer acquisition costs are recorded as a reduction to revenue when incurred. Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and remains there until the underlying foreign operation is liquidated or substantially disposed of. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recorded in the statement of operations under the caption “other non-operating income (expense), net.” Revenue Recognition We derive our revenue primarily from sales of replacement parts for motor vehicles from both our Engine Management and Temperature Control Segments. We recognize revenues when products are shipped and title has been transferred to a customer, the sales price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. For certain of our sales of remanufactured products, we also charge our customers a deposit for the return of a used core component which we can use in our future remanufacturing activities. Such deposit is not recognized as revenue but rather carried as a core liability. The liability is extinguished when a core is actually returned to us. We estimate and record provisions for cash discounts, quantity rebates, sales returns and warranties in the period the sale is recorded, based upon our prior experience and current trends. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in estimating sales returns and allowances relating to revenue recognized in any accounting period. Selling, General and Administration Expenses Selling, general and administration expenses include shipping costs and advertising, which are expensed as incurred. Shipping and handling charges, as well as freight to customers, are included in distribution expenses as part of selling, general and administration expenses. Deferred Financing Costs Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in conjunction with our debt financing activities. Deferred financing costs related to our revolving credit facility are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related financing arrangement. If the debt is retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired and are recorded in the statement of operations under the caption other non-operating income (expense), net. Post-Retirement Medical Benefits The determination of postretirement plan obligations and their associated expenses requires the use of actuarial valuations to estimate participant plan benefits employees earn while working as well as the present value of those benefits. Inherent in these valuations are financial assumptions including the eligibility criteria of participants and discount rates at which liabilities can be settled. Management reviews these assumptions annually with its actuarial advisors. The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, or longer or shorter life spans of participants. We recognize the underfunded or overfunded status of a postretirement plan as an asset or liability and recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders’ equity. Share-Based Compensation We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values on the grant date. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods in our consolidated statements of operations. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on historical trends in order to estimate the amount of share-based awards that will ultimately vest. We monitor actual forfeitures for any subsequent adjustment to forfeiture rates. Accounting for Income Taxes Income taxes are calculated using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by the current enacted tax rates. We maintain valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance is intended to provide for the uncertainty regarding the ultimate utilization of our U.S. foreign tax credit carryovers and foreign net operating loss carryovers. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider all positive and negative evidence and all sources of taxable income such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to realize the deferred tax asset. The assessment of the adequacy of our valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or we adjust these estimates in future periods for current trends or expected changes in our estimating assumptions, we may need to modify the level of valuation allowance which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. The valuation allowance of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2017 is intended to provide for the uncertainty regarding the ultimate realization of our U.S. foreign tax credit carryovers and foreign net operating loss carryovers. Based on these considerations, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of the net deferred tax asset of $32.4 million as of December 31, 2017, which is net of the remaining valuation allowance. Tax benefits are recognized for an uncertain tax position when, in management’s judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount that is judged to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances and when new information becomes available. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. The effective tax rate includes the net impact of changes in the liability for uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2017, we do not believe there is a need to establish a liability for uncertain tax positions. In December 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), which included a broad range of tax reform affecting businesses, including the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, changes in the deductibility of certain business expenses, and the manner in which international operations are taxed in the U.S. For a discussion of the impact of the Act on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 16, “Income Taxes,” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Net Earnings per Common Share We present two calculations of earnings per common share. “Basic” earnings per common share equals net income divided by weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. “Diluted” earnings per common share equals net income divided by the sum of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period plus potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares that are anti-dilutive are excluded from net earnings per common share. The following is a reconciliation of the shares used in calculating basic and dilutive net earnings per common share. 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic 22,726 22,723 22,812 Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions: Dilutive effect of restricted shares and performance shares 472 360 330 Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted 23,198 23,083 23,142 The average shares listed below were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented or because they were excluded under the treasury method. 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Restricted and performance shares 248 304 307 Environmental Reserves We are subject to various U.S. Federal and state and local environmental laws and regulations and are involved in certain environmental remediation efforts. We estimate and accrue our liabilities resulting from such matters based upon a variety of factors including the assessments of environmental engineers and consultants who provide estimates of potential liabilities and remediation costs. Such estimates are not discounted to reflect the time value of money due to the uncertainty in estimating the timing of the expenditures, which may extend over several years. Potential recoveries from insurers or other third parties of environmental remediation liabilities are recognized independently from the recorded liability, and any asset related to the recovery will be recognized only when the realization of the claim for recovery is deemed probable. Asbestos Litigation In evaluating our potential asbestos-related liability, we use an actuarial study that is prepared by a leading actuarial firm with expertise in assessing asbestos-related liabilities. We evaluate the estimate of the range of undiscounted liability to determine which amount to accrue. Based on the information contained in the actuarial study and all other available information considered by us, we have concluded that no amount within the range was more likely than any other and, therefore, in assessing our asbestos liability we compare the low end of the range to our recorded liability to determine if an adjustment is required. Legal costs are expensed as incurred. Loss Contingencies We have loss contingencies, for such matters as legal claims and legal proceedings. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires estimates, judgment of risk exposure and ultimate liability. We record provisions when the liability is considered probable and reasonably estimable. Significant judgment is required for both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated. We maintain an ongoing monitoring and identification process to assess how the activities are progressing against the accrued estimated costs. As additional information becomes available, we reassess our potential liability related to these matters. Adjustments to the liabilities are recorded in the statement of operations in the period when additional information becomes available. Such revisions of the potential liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Product Warranty and Overstock Returns Many of our products carry a warranty ranging from a 90-day limited warranty to a lifetime limited warranty, which generally covers defects in materials or workmanship and failure to meet industry published specifications and/or the result of installation error. In addition to warranty returns, we also permit our customers to return new, undamaged products to us within customer-specific limits (which are generally limited to a specified percentage of their annual purchases from us) in the event that they have overstocked their inventories. We accrue for product warranties and overstock returns as a percentage of sales at the time products are sold, based upon estimates established using historical information on the nature, frequency and average cost of claims. Revision to the accrual is made when necessary, based upon changes in these factors. We regularly study trends of such claims. Trade Receivables In compliance with accounting standards, sales of accounts receivable are reflected as a reduction of accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheet at the time of sale and any related expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments with high quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one institution. Although we are directly affected by developments in the vehicle parts industry, management does not believe significant credit risk exists. With respect to accounts receivable, such receivables are primarily from warehouse distributors and major retailers in the automotive aftermarket industry located in the U.S. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions. Our five largest individual customers accounted for approximately 70% of our consolidated net sales in 2017 and 2016, and approximately 68% of our consolidated net sales in 2015. During 2017, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., Advance Auto Parts, Inc., NAPA Auto Parts, and AutoZone, Inc. accounted for 21%, 17%, 16% and 10% of our consolidated net sales, respectively. Net sales from each of the customers were reported in both our Engine Management and Temperature Control Segments. The loss of one or more of these customers or, a significant reduction in purchases of our products from any one of them, could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Substantially all of the cash and cash equivalents, including foreign cash balances, at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were uninsured. Foreign cash balances at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $13.1 million and $16.5 million, respectively. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Standards not yet adopted as of December 31, 2017 Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of the Effective Date Effective January 1, 2018, we will adopt the requirements of Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method. Upon adoption, we will recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Using the modified retrospective method of adoption, the comparative information for periods prior to 2018 will not be restated and instead will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. We anticipate that the adoption of the new standard will not result in a material difference between the recognition of revenue under Topic 606 and prior accounting standards. For the majority of our net sales, revenue will continue to be recognized when products are shipped from our distribution facilities, or when received by our customers, depending upon the terms of the contract. Under the new revenue standard, (1) the return of cores from customers used in our manufacturing processes for air conditioning compressors, diesel injectors, and diesel pumps will be estimated and recorded to inventory at the time of sale instead of upon receipt of the returned cores, and (2) overstock returns will be recorded gross of expected recoveries. Adoption of the new standard will result in an increase in inventory and accrued customer returns, and offsetting changes in net sales and cost of sales, with no material change to our net income on an ongoing basis. In addition, to meet the disaggregation disclosure requirements under Topic 606, we anticipate our disclosure of revenue disaggregation will be by major product group, geographic area and major sales channels. The following table provides a brief description of the additional recent accounting pronouncements that could have an impact on our financial statements: Standard Description Date of adoption Effects on the financial statements or other significant matters Standards that are not yet adopted as of December 31, 2017 ASU 2016-02, Leases This standard outlines the need to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). For income statement purposes, the FASB retained the dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or financing. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern. January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted The new standard must be adopted utilizing a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain expedients. The new standard will require that we recognize all of our leases, including our current operating leases, on the balance sheet. To date, we have taken an inventory of all of our operating leases, which consist primarily of real estate and auto leases, and are currently evaluating the appropriate discount rates to use in calculating the right to use asset. We will be continuously assessing the impact of the new standard and the impact on our systems and processes through January 1, 2019, our planned date of adoption. ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows This standard is intended to reduce diversity in practice and to provide guidance as to how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted The new standard requires application using a retrospective transition method. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. ASU Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment This standard is intended to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted The new standard should be applied prospectively. We will consider the new standard when performing our annual impairment test and evaluate when we will adopt the new standard. ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost This standard requires employers that present operating income in their consolidated statement of operations to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs). The other components of net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost/credit, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in other non-operating income (expense). The new standard requires retrospective reclassification of the effects of the new standard on the statement of operations. January 1, 2018, with early adopted permitted The new standard will require that we retrospectively reclassify all components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost, other than the service cost component, in our statement of operations from selling, general and administrated expenses, as presently reported, to other non-operating income (expense). Standards that were adopted ASU Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes This standard requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The new guidance requires entities to offset all deferred tax assets and liabilities (and valuation allowances) for each tax-paying jurisdiction within each tax-paying component. The net deferred tax must be presented as a single noncurrent amount. January 1, 2017 The adoption of the new standard resulted in the reclassification of deferred tax assets previously reported as current deferred tax assets to noncurrent deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We adopted the new standard retrospectively, and as such, all prior period current deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets have also been reclassified to noncurrent deferred tax assets for comparative purposes. ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory This standard changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value for entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out or average cost. In addition, this standard eliminates the requirement for these entities to consider replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximate normal profit margin when measuring inventory. January 1, 2017 The prospective adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting This standard requires (1) that the tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement (or expiration) be recorded through the tax provision (benefit) in the income statement rather than in equity as permitted under prior guidance under certain circumstances; (2) that all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payme |