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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include all controlled subsidiaries of the Company. A noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is considered an ownership interest in a controlled subsidiary that is not attributable to the Company. The Company includes noncontrolling interests as a component of Total equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests are presented as an adjustment from Net earnings used to arrive at Net earnings attributable to Allegion plc in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Equity method affiliates represent unconsolidated entities over which the Company demonstrates significant influence but does not have a controlling financial interest. The Company is also required to consolidate variable interest entities in which it bears a majority of the risk to the entity’s potential losses or stands to gain from a majority of the entity’s expected returns.
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 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. 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. Some of the more significant estimates include useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, purchase price allocations of acquired businesses, valuation of assets and liabilities including goodwill and other intangible assets, product warranties, sales allowances, pension plan benefits, postretirement benefits other than pensions, taxes, lease related assets and liabilities, environmental costs and product liability and other contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of changes, if any, are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in the period they are determined.
Currency Translation Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities 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 a subsidiary’s financial statements into the U.S. dollar are recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and all highly liquid investments with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: The Company provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable, which represents the best estimate of expected lifetime credit losses inherent in the Company’s accounts and notes receivable portfolios. The Company's estimates are influenced by a continuing credit evaluation of customers' financial condition, trade accounts and notes receivable aging and historical loss experience, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. The Company has reserved $6.2 million and $5.6 million for doubtful accounts and notes receivable as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Inventories Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Assets placed in service are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset except for leasehold improvements, which are depreciated over the shorter of their economic useful life or their lease term. Repair and maintenance costs that do not extend the useful life of the asset are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and significant improvements that increase asset values and extend useful lives are capitalized. The range of useful lives used to depreciate property, plant and equipment is as follows:
Buildings10to50years
Machinery and equipment2to12years
Software2to7years
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of its property, plant and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be fully 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 its fair value.
Investments Investments: The Company periodically invests in debt or equity securities of start-up companies and/or development stage technology or other companies without acquiring a controlling interest. The Company applies the equity method of accounting when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial decision making of the investee. Investments in equity method affiliates totaled $17.4 million and $18.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Equity investments that have readily determinable fair values in which the Company does not have significant influence are measured at fair value, with any unrealized holding gains and losses being recorded to earnings. Investments without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer and are qualitatively assessed for impairment indicators each reporting period. Investments in debt and equity securities not accounted for under the equity method of accounting totaled $13.7 million and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company's investments are principally recorded within Other noncurrent assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Leases Leases: In accordance with ASC 842, the Company records a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability for substantially all leases for which it is a lessee. In determining if a contract represents a lease, consideration is given to all relevant facts and circumstances to assess whether or not the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, either explicit or implicit, for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Judgment and estimation is also required in determining the lease classification and the amount of the ROU asset and corresponding lease liability for each lease, which includes determining the appropriate lease term and an applicable discount rate. The Company assesses the specific terms and conditions of each lease to determine the appropriate classification as either an operating or finance lease. In determining the appropriate length of the lease term, both the minimum period over which lease payments are required plus any renewal options that are both within the Company's control to exercise and reasonably certain of being exercised as of lease commencement are considered. When available, the rate implicit in the lease is utilized as the discount rate to determine the lease liability. If this rate is unavailable, the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate, which is the rate at inception of the lease that would hypothetically be incurred to borrow over a similar term the funds needed to purchase the leased asset. Refer to Note 11 for further details on the Company's lease accounting policies.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets: The Company records as goodwill the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Once the final valuation has been performed for each acquisition, adjustments may be recorded. In accordance with ASC 350, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other", goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested and reviewed annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or whenever there is a significant change in events or circumstances that indicate the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not less than the carrying amount of the asset.
Recoverability of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level. The carrying amount of a reporting unit is compared to its estimated fair value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds it's carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. To the extent that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill. Estimated fair value of the Company's reporting units is based on two valuation techniques, a discounted cash flow model (income approach) and a market multiple of earnings (market approach), with each method being weighted in the calculation.
As a result of the global economic disruption and uncertainty due to the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, the Company concluded a triggering event had occurred as of March 31, 2020, and accordingly, performed interim impairment tests on the goodwill balances of its EMEA and Asia Pacific reporting units. Given the high degree of market volatility and lack of reliable market data that existed as of March 31, 2020, the Company determined a discounted cash flow model (income approach) provided the best approximation of fair value of these reporting units for the purpose of performing these interim tests. This was a change in estimate, as historically the determination of reporting unit fair values has been estimated based on both an income and a market approach, as discussed above, with each method being weighted in the calculation. As markets stabilized throughout the year, the Company reverted to utilizing both an income and market approach while performing its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter.
Recoverability of other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (i.e. Trade names) is determined on a relief from royalty methodology, which is based on the implied royalty paid, at an appropriate discount rate, to license the use of an asset rather than owning the asset. The present value of the after-tax cost savings (i.e. royalty relief) indicates the estimated fair value of the asset. 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 completed technologies, patents, customer-related intangible assets and other intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives. The weighted-average useful lives approximate the following:
Customer relationships20years
Trade names (finite-lived)25years
Completed technologies/patents10years
Other7years
Recoverability of intangible assets with finite useful lives is assessed in the same manner as property, plant and equipment, as described above.
Income Taxes Income Taxes: The calculation of the Company’s income taxes involves considerable judgment and the use of both estimates and allocations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. 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. The Company regularly reviews the recoverability of its deferred tax assets considering its historic profitability, projected future taxable income, timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and the feasibility of its tax planning strategies. Where appropriate, the Company records a valuation allowance with respect to future tax benefits.Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $82.6 million and $103.0 million, respectively.
Product Warranties Product Warranties: The Company offers a standard warranty with most product sales, and the value of such warranty is included in the contractual sales price. Standard product warranty accruals are recorded at the time of sale and are estimated based upon product warranty terms and historical experience. The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its liabilities and makes adjustments as necessary based on known or anticipated warranty claims, or as new information becomes available. Refer to Note 21 for further details regarding product warranties.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition: Net revenues are recognized based on the satisfaction of performance obligations under the terms of a contract. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer control of a distinct product or to provide a service, or a bundle of products or services, to a customer. The Company has two principal revenue streams, tangible product sales and services. Approximately 99% of consolidated Net revenues involve contracts with a single performance obligation, the transfer of control of a product or bundle of products to a customer. The Company's remaining Net revenues involve services, including installation and consulting. See Note 20 for additional information regarding the Company's revenue recognition policies.

Sales returns and customer disputes involving a question of quantity or price are accounted for as variable consideration, and therefore, as a reduction to Net revenues and as a contra receivable. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had a customer claim accrual (contra receivable) of $48.6 million and $36.5 million, respectively. All other incentives or incentive programs where the customer is required to reach a certain level of purchases, remain a customer for a certain period, provide a rebate form or is subject to additional requirements are also considered variable consideration and are accounted for as a reduction of revenue and a liability. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had a sales incentive accrual of $35.0 million and $37.2 million, respectively. Variable consideration is estimated based on the most likely amount expected to be
received from customers. Each of these accruals represents the Company’s best estimate of the most likely amount expected to be received from customers based on historical experience. These estimates are reviewed regularly for accuracy, and if updated information or actual amounts are different from previous estimates, the revisions are included in the Company’s results for the period in which they become known. Historically, the aggregate differences, if any, between the Company’s estimates and actual amounts in any year have not had a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company also offers a standard warranty with most product sales, and the value of such warranty is included in the contractual price. The corresponding cost of the warranty obligation is accrued as a liability.
Environmental Costs Environmental Costs: The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. Environmental expenditures relating to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations, which do not contribute to current or future revenues, are expensed. Liabilities for remediation costs are recorded when they are probable and can be reasonably estimated, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies or the Company’s commitment to a plan of action. The assessment of this liability, which is calculated based on existing technology, does not reflect any offset for possible recoveries from insurance companies and is not discounted. Refer to Note 21 for further details related to environmental matters.
Research and Development Costs 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. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, expenses related to research and development activities amounted to approximately $54.4 million, $54.7 million and $54.4 million, respectively, and primarily consist of salaries, wages, benefits, facility costs and other overhead expenses.
Employee Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans: The Company provides a range of defined benefits, including pension, postretirement and postemployment benefits to eligible current and former employees. Determining the costs associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, employee mortality and turnover rates. Actuaries perform the required calculations to determine expense in accordance with GAAP. Actual results may differ from the actuarial estimates and are generally recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and amortized into Net earnings over future periods. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions at each measurement date and makes modifications to the assumptions as appropriate. Refer to Note 12 for further details on employee benefit plans.
Loss Contingencies Loss Contingencies: Liabilities are recorded for various contingencies arising in the normal course of business, including litigation and administrative proceedings, environmental matters, product liabilities, product warranties, worker’s compensation and other claims. The Company has recorded reserves in the financial statements related to these matters, which are developed using inputs derived from actuarial estimates and historical and anticipated experience data depending on the nature of the reserve and, in certain instances, with consultation of legal counsel, internal and external consultants and engineers. Subject to the uncertainties inherent in estimating future costs for these types of liabilities, the Company believes its estimated reserves are reasonable and does not believe the final determination of the liabilities with respect to these matters would have a material effect on the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows of the Company for any year. Refer to Note 21 for further details related to loss contingencies.
Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments: The Company periodically enters into cash flow and other derivative transactions to specifically hedge exposure to various risks related to currency and variable interest rates. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value as either assets or liabilities. For designated cash flow hedges, the changes in fair value of the derivative contract is recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into Net earnings at the time earnings are affected by the hedged transaction. For undesignated derivative transactions, the changes in the fair value of the derivative contract are immediately recognized in Net earnings. Refer to Note 10 for further details regarding derivative instruments.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." The new guidance within ASU 2016-13, along with related updates (collectively "ASC 326") introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. The new guidance became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Accordingly, the Company adopted ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective transition method through a $2.2 million cumulative-effect decrease to retained earnings. The Company has also made updates to its policies and internal controls over financial reporting as a result of adoption.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract." The new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud-based hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Accordingly, the Company adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, using the prospective method of adoption, and the adoption did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes." The new guidance is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and by updating accounting requirements around franchise taxes, goodwill recognized for tax purposes, the allocation of current and deferred tax expense among legal entities, among other minor changes. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, "Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815." The amendments in ASU 2020-01 clarify the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Topic 321 and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2020-01 on January 1, 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." This ASU, along with related updates, provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions if certain criteria are met in order to ease the potential accounting and financial reporting burden associated with the expected market transition away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The ASU is currently effective and may be applied prospectively at any point through December 31, 2022 at the Company’s option. The Company is assessing what impact ASU 2020-04 will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.