Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation: The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and the change in equity for the periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (which may be referred to as “West”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”), appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“2013 Annual Report”). The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Stock Split

Stock Split: On August 1, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock, effected in the form of a stock dividend. The record date for the stock split was September 12, 2013, and the share distribution occurred on September 26, 2013. All share and per share amounts presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of this stock split.

New Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Standards

In July 2013, the FASB issued revised guidance to address the diversity in practice related to the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014, on a prospective basis. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the application of U.S. GAAP to the release of cumulative translation adjustments related to changes of ownership in or within foreign entities, including step acquisitions. This guidance, which we adopted as of January 1, 2014, will be applied prospectively if and when changes of ownership related to foreign entities occur.

Standards Issued Not Yet Adopted

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance for the reporting of discontinued operations, which also contains new disclosure requirements for both discontinued operations and other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Management believes that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our financial statements.