Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation —The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “RR Donnelley”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounts of businesses acquired during 2016, 2015, and 2014 are included in the consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition. During the fourth quarter of 2016, management realigned the Company’s reportable segments to reflect the impact of the Spinoff Transactions described below and to reflect the management reporting structure of the remaining business and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker regularly assesses information for decision-making purposes. All prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the Company’s current reporting structure. See Note 20, Segment Information, for additional details regarding the Company’s current reportable segments. Spinoff Transactions On October 1, 2016, the Company completed the separation of its financial communications and data services business (“Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.” or “Donnelley Financial”) and the publishing and retail-centric print services and office products business (“LSC Communications, Inc.” or “LSC”) into two separate publicly-traded companies (the "Separation"). The Company completed the tax free distribution of approximately 26.2 million shares, or 80.75%, of the outstanding common stock of Donnelley Financial and 26.2 million shares, or 80.75%, of the outstanding common stock of LSC, to the Company’s stockholders (the “Distribution”). The Distribution was made to the Company’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 23, 2016, who received one share of Donnelley Financial common stock and one share of LSC common stock for every eight shares of RR Donnelley common stock held as of the record date. As a result of the Distribution, Donnelley Financial and LSC are now independent public companies trading under the symbols “DFIN” and “LKSD”, respectively, on the New York Stock Exchange. Immediately following the Distribution, the Company held 6.2 million shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions common stock and 6.2 million shares of LSC common stock. The Company accounts for these investments as available-for-sale equity securities. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, the financial results of Donnelley Financial and LSC for periods prior to the Distribution have been reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. Sales from RR Donnelley to Donnelley Financial and LSC previously eliminated in consolidation have been recast and are now shown as external sales of RR Donnelley within the financial results of continuing operations. See Note 2, Discontinued Operations, for additional information. Reverse Stock Split Immediately following the Distribution on October 1, 2016, the Company effected a one for three reverse stock split for RR Donnelley common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on September 14, 2016 and previously approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting on May 19, 2016. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding and treasury shares of the Company’s common stock were reduced proportionally based on the Reverse Stock Split ratio of one share for every three shares of common stock held before the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares of RR Donnelley common stock were distributed to stockholders in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, but instead, all fractional shares were aggregated by the Company’s transfer agent and sold at the prevailing price in the open-market on October 6, 2016. The total number of aggregated shares of the Company’s common stock of 3,088 shares was sold for total net cash proceeds of less than $0.1 million which was then paid to stockholders in an amount equal to their respective pro rata share of the total net cash proceeds. All references in these consolidated financial statements to the number of shares of common stock and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split. Nature of Operations —RR Donnelley is a global, integrated communications provider enabling organizations to create, manage, deliver and optimize their multichannel marketing and business communications. The Company has a flexible and comprehensive portfolio of integrated communications solutions that allows its customers to engage audiences, reduce costs and drive revenues. RR Donnelley’s innovative content management offering, production platform, logistics services, supply chain management, outsourcing capabilities and customized consultative expertise assist its customers in the delivery of integrated messages across multiple media to highly targeted audiences at optimal times for customers in virtually every private and public sector. Use of Estimates —The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires the extensive use of management’s estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters including, but not limited to, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventory obsolescence, asset valuations and useful lives, employee benefits, self-insurance reserves, taxes, restructuring and other provisions and contingencies. Foreign Operations —Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at the average rates during the respective periods. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) while transaction gains and losses are recorded in net earnings. Deferred taxes are not provided on cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments when the Company expects foreign earnings to be permanently reinvested. Fair Value Measurements— Certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company records the fair value of its foreign exchange forward contracts, available-for-sale securities, interest rate swaps, pension plan assets and other postretirement plan assets on a recurring basis. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include long-lived assets held and used, long-lived assets held for sale, goodwill and other intangible assets. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. The three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes valuation methodologies based on the reliability of the inputs, is: Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. Revenue Recognition —The Company recognizes revenue for the majority of its products upon transfer of title and the passage of the risk of ownership, which is generally upon shipment to the customer. Contracts generally specify F.O.B. shipping point terms. Under agreements with certain customers, custom products may be stored by the Company for future delivery. In these situations, the Company may also receive a logistics or warehouse management fee for the services it provides. In certain of these cases, delivery and billing schedules are outlined in the customer agreement and product revenue is recognized when manufacturing is complete, title and risk of ownership transfer to the customer, and there is a reasonable assurance as to collectability. Because the majority of products are customized, product returns are not significant; however, the Company accrues for the estimated amount of customer credits at the time of sale. Revenue from services is recognized as services are performed. For the Company’s logistics operations, whose operations include the delivery of printed material and other products, the Company recognizes revenue upon completion of the delivery of services. Within the Company’s business process outsourcing operations, the Company provides various outsourcing services. Depending on the nature of the service performed, revenue is recognized for outsourcing services either as services are rendered or upon completion of the service. Revenues related to the Company’s digital and creative solutions operations, which include digital content management, photography, color services and page production, are recognized in accordance with the terms of the contract, typically upon completion of the performed service and acceptance by the customer. The Company records deferred revenue in situations where amounts are invoiced but the revenue recognition criteria outlined above are not met. Such revenue is recognized when all criteria are subsequently met. Certain revenues earned by the Company require judgment to determine if revenue should be recorded gross, as a principal, or net of related costs, as an agent. Billings for third-party shipping and handling costs as well as certain postage costs, primarily in the Company’s logistics operations, and out-of-pocket expenses are recorded gross. In the Company’s Global Turnkey Solutions and Sourcing operations, contracts are evaluated using various criteria to determine if revenue for components and other materials should be recognized on a gross or net basis. In general, these revenues are recognized on a gross basis if the Company has control over selecting vendors and pricing, is the primary obligor in the arrangement, bears all credit risk and bears the risk of loss for inventory in its possession. Revenue from contracts that do not meet these criteria is recognized on a net basis. Many of the Company’s operations process materials, primarily paper, that may be supplied directly by customers or may be purchased by the Company and sold to customers. No revenue is recognized for customer-supplied paper, but revenues for Company-supplied paper are recognized on a gross basis. The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis. By-product recoveries —The Company records the sale of by-products as a reduction of cost of sales. Cash and cash equivalents —The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Short-term securities consist of investment grade instruments of governments, financial institutions and corporations. Receivables— Receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts and primarily include trade receivables, notes receivable and miscellaneous receivables from suppliers. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2016, 2015 or 2014. Specific customer provisions are made when a review of significant outstanding amounts, utilizing information about customer creditworthiness and current economic trends, indicates that collection is doubtful. In addition, provisions are made at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable and the Company’s historical collection experience. See Note 6, Accounts Receivable, for details of activity affecting the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable. Inventories —Inventories include material, labor and factory overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or market and net of excess and obsolescence reserves for raw materials and finished goods. Provisions for excess and obsolete inventories are made at differing rates, utilizing historical data and current economic trends, based upon the age and type of the inventory. Specific excess and obsolescence provisions are also made when a review of specific balances indicates that the inventories will not be utilized in production or sold. The cost of 44.6% and 45.9% of the inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, has been determined using the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) method. This method is intended to reflect the effect of inventory replacement costs within results of operations; accordingly, charges to cost of sales generally reflect recent costs of material, labor and factory overhead. The Company uses an external-index method of valuing LIFO inventories. The remaining inventories, primarily related to certain acquired and international operations, are valued using the First-In, First-Out or specific identification methods. Long-Lived Assets —The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair value based upon the most recent information available. Estimated fair market value is generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, that are held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying value or the fair market value less the estimated cost to sell. Property, plant and equipment —Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Useful lives range from 15 to 40 years for buildings, the lesser of 7 years or the lease term for leasehold improvements and from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major overhauls that extend the useful lives of existing assets are capitalized. When properties are retired or disposed, the costs and accumulated depreciation are eliminated and the resulting profit or loss is recognized in the results of operations. Goodwill —Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value. For certain reporting units, the Company may perform a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In performing this qualitative analysis, the Company considers various factors, including the excess of prior year estimates of fair value compared to carrying value, the effect of market or industry changes and the reporting units’ actual results compared to projected results. Based on this qualitative analysis, if management determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, no further impairment testing is performed. For the remaining reporting units, the Company compares each reporting unit’s fair value, estimated based on comparable company market valuations and expected future discounted cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit, to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the Company performs an additional fair value measurement calculation to determine the impairment loss, which is charged to operations in the period identified. See Note 4, Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges, for additional information. The Company also performs an interim review for indicators of impairment at each quarter-end to assess whether an interim impairment review is required for any reporting unit. In the Company’s interim review for indicators of impairment as of December 31, 2016, management concluded that there were no indicators that the fair value of any of the reporting units with goodwill was more likely than not below its carrying value. Amortization —Certain costs to acquire and develop internal-use computer software are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful life using the straight-line method, up to a maximum of five years. Amortization expense, primarily related to internally-developed software and excluding amortization expense related to other intangible assets, was $17.6 million, $14.9 million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Deferred debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of the related debt. Other intangible assets are recognized separately from goodwill and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for further discussion of other intangible assets and the related amortization expense. Financial Instruments —The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to interest rate and foreign exchange fluctuations in the ordinary course of business. All derivatives are recorded as other current or noncurrent assets or other current or noncurrent liabilities on the balance sheet at their respective fair values with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, or in the results of operations, depending on the purpose for which the derivative is held. For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in the results of operations. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not meet the criteria for designation as a hedge at inception, or fail to meet the criteria thereafter, are recognized currently in the results of operations. At inception of a hedge transaction, the Company formally documents the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge. In addition, the Company assesses, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative in the hedging transaction has been highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged item and whether the derivative is expected to continue to be highly effective. The impact of any ineffectiveness is recognized currently in the results of operations. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swaps are subject to enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle positive and negative positions with the respective counterparties. The Company settles foreign exchange forward contracts on a net basis when possible. Foreign exchange forward contracts that can be settled on a net basis are presented net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest rate swaps are settled on a gross basis and presented gross in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 15, Derivatives, for additional information. Share-Based Compensation —The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense based on estimated fair values for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units. The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award based on their grant date fair value. See Note 18, Stock and Incentive Programs for Employees and Directors, for further discussion. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans —The Company records annual income and expense amounts relating to its pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on calculations which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and healthcare cost trend rates. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate to do so. The effect of modifications on the value of plan obligations and assets is recognized immediately within other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized into operating earnings over future periods. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its experience, market conditions and input from its actuaries and investment advisors. See Note 12, Retirement Plans, for additional information. Taxes on Income —Deferred taxes are provided using an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities related to taxes on certain foreign earnings that are not considered to be permanently reinvested. No deferred tax liabilities are recognized for foreign earnings that are considered to be permanently reinvested. Management regularly evaluates whether foreign earnings are expected to be permanently reinvested. This evaluation requires judgment about the future operating and liquidity needs of the Company and its foreign subsidiaries. Changes in economic and business conditions, foreign or U.S. tax laws, or the Company’s financial situation could result in changes to these judgments and the need to record additional tax liabilities. The Company is regularly audited by foreign and domestic tax authorities. These audits occasionally result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution might result in the Company owing additional taxes, including in some cases, penalties and interest. The Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. This recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Although management believes that its estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of uncertain tax positions may be materially different from that which is reflected in the Company’s financial statements. The Company adjusts such reserves upon changes in circumstances that would cause a change to the estimate of the ultimate liability, upon effective settlement or upon the expiration of the statute of limitations, in the period in which such event occurs. See Note 13, Income Taxes, for further discussion.

Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation —The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “RR Donnelley”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounts of businesses acquired during 2016, 2015, and 2014 are included in the consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition. During the fourth quarter of 2016, management realigned the Company’s reportable segments to reflect the impact of the Spinoff Transactions described below and to reflect the management reporting structure of the remaining business and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker regularly assesses information for decision-making purposes. All prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the Company’s current reporting structure. See Note 20, Segment Information, for additional details regarding the Company’s current reportable segments.

Spinoff Transactions

On October 1, 2016, the Company completed the separation of its financial communications and data services business (“Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.” or “Donnelley Financial”) and the publishing and retail-centric print services and office products business (“LSC Communications, Inc.” or “LSC”) into two separate publicly-traded companies (the "Separation"). The Company completed the tax free distribution of approximately 26.2 million shares, or 80.75%, of the outstanding common stock of Donnelley Financial and 26.2 million shares, or 80.75%, of the outstanding common stock of LSC, to the Company’s stockholders (the “Distribution”). The Distribution was made to the Company’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 23, 2016, who received one share of Donnelley Financial common stock and one share of LSC common stock for every eight shares of RR Donnelley common stock held as of the record date. As a result of the Distribution, Donnelley Financial and LSC are now independent public companies trading under the symbols “DFIN” and “LKSD”, respectively, on the New York Stock Exchange. Immediately following the Distribution, the Company held 6.2 million shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions common stock and 6.2 million shares of LSC common stock. The Company accounts for these investments as available-for-sale equity securities.

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, the financial results of Donnelley Financial and LSC for periods prior to the Distribution have been reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. Sales from RR Donnelley to Donnelley Financial and LSC previously eliminated in consolidation have been recast and are now shown as external sales of RR Donnelley within the financial results of continuing operations. See Note 2, Discontinued Operations, for additional information.

Reverse Stock Split

Immediately following the Distribution on October 1, 2016, the Company effected a one for three reverse stock split for RR Donnelley common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on September 14, 2016 and previously approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting on May 19, 2016.

As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding and treasury shares of the Company’s common stock were reduced proportionally based on the Reverse Stock Split ratio of one share for every three shares of common stock held before the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares of RR Donnelley common stock were distributed to stockholders in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, but instead, all fractional shares were aggregated by the Company’s transfer agent and sold at the prevailing price in the open-market on October 6, 2016. The total number of aggregated shares of the Company’s common stock of 3,088 shares was sold for total net cash proceeds of less than $0.1 million which was then paid to stockholders in an amount equal to their respective pro rata share of the total net cash proceeds. All references in these consolidated financial statements to the number of shares of common stock and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.

Nature of Operations —RR Donnelley is a global, integrated communications provider enabling organizations to create, manage, deliver and optimize their multichannel marketing and business communications. The Company has a flexible and comprehensive portfolio of integrated communications solutions that allows its customers to engage audiences, reduce costs and drive revenues. RR Donnelley’s innovative content management offering, production platform, logistics services, supply chain management, outsourcing capabilities and customized consultative expertise assist its customers in the delivery of integrated messages across multiple media to highly targeted audiences at optimal times for customers in virtually every private and public sector.

Use of Estimates —The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires the extensive use of management’s estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters including, but not limited to, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventory obsolescence, asset valuations and useful lives, employee benefits, self-insurance reserves, taxes, restructuring and other provisions and contingencies.

Foreign Operations —Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at the average rates during the respective periods. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) while transaction gains and losses are recorded in net earnings. Deferred taxes are not provided on cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments when the Company expects foreign earnings to be permanently reinvested.

Fair Value Measurements— Certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company records the fair value of its foreign exchange forward contracts, available-for-sale securities, interest rate swaps, pension plan assets and other postretirement plan assets on a recurring basis. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include long-lived assets held and used, long-lived assets held for sale, goodwill and other intangible assets. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. The three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes valuation methodologies based on the reliability of the inputs, is:

Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants.

Revenue Recognition —The Company recognizes revenue for the majority of its products upon transfer of title and the passage of the risk of ownership, which is generally upon shipment to the customer. Contracts generally specify F.O.B. shipping point terms. Under agreements with certain customers, custom products may be stored by the Company for future delivery. In these situations, the Company may also receive a logistics or warehouse management fee for the services it provides. In certain of these cases, delivery and billing schedules are outlined in the customer agreement and product revenue is recognized when manufacturing is complete, title and risk of ownership transfer to the customer, and there is a reasonable assurance as to collectability. Because the majority of products are customized, product returns are not significant; however, the Company accrues for the estimated amount of customer credits at the time of sale.

Revenue from services is recognized as services are performed. For the Company’s logistics operations, whose operations include the delivery of printed material and other products, the Company recognizes revenue upon completion of the delivery of services. Within the Company’s business process outsourcing operations, the Company provides various outsourcing services. Depending on the nature of the service performed, revenue is recognized for outsourcing services either as services are rendered or upon completion of the service. Revenues related to the Company’s digital and creative solutions operations, which include digital content management, photography, color services and page production, are recognized in accordance with the terms of the contract, typically upon completion of the performed service and acceptance by the customer.

The Company records deferred revenue in situations where amounts are invoiced but the revenue recognition criteria outlined above are not met. Such revenue is recognized when all criteria are subsequently met.

Certain revenues earned by the Company require judgment to determine if revenue should be recorded gross, as a principal, or net of related costs, as an agent. Billings for third-party shipping and handling costs as well as certain postage costs, primarily in the Company’s logistics operations, and out-of-pocket expenses are recorded gross. In the Company’s Global Turnkey Solutions and Sourcing operations, contracts are evaluated using various criteria to determine if revenue for components and other materials should be recognized on a gross or net basis. In general, these revenues are recognized on a gross basis if the Company has control over selecting vendors and pricing, is the primary obligor in the arrangement, bears all credit risk and bears the risk of loss for inventory in its possession. Revenue from contracts that do not meet these criteria is recognized on a net basis. Many of the Company’s operations process materials, primarily paper, that may be supplied directly by customers or may be purchased by the Company and sold to customers. No revenue is recognized for customer-supplied paper, but revenues for Company-supplied paper are recognized on a gross basis.

The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis.

By-product recoveries —The Company records the sale of by-products as a reduction of cost of sales.

Cash and cash equivalents —The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Short-term securities consist of investment grade instruments of governments, financial institutions and corporations.

Receivables— Receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts and primarily include trade receivables, notes receivable and miscellaneous receivables from suppliers. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2016, 2015 or 2014. Specific customer provisions are made when a review of significant outstanding amounts, utilizing information about customer creditworthiness and current economic trends, indicates that collection is doubtful. In addition, provisions are made at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable and the Company’s historical collection experience. See Note 6, Accounts Receivable, for details of activity affecting the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

Inventories —Inventories include material, labor and factory overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or market and net of excess and obsolescence reserves for raw materials and finished goods. Provisions for excess and obsolete inventories are made at differing rates, utilizing historical data and current economic trends, based upon the age and type of the inventory. Specific excess and obsolescence provisions are also made when a review of specific balances indicates that the inventories will not be utilized in production or sold. The cost of 44.6% and 45.9% of the inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, has been determined using the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) method. This method is intended to reflect the effect of inventory replacement costs within results of operations; accordingly, charges to cost of sales generally reflect recent costs of material, labor and factory overhead. The Company uses an external-index method of valuing LIFO inventories. The remaining inventories, primarily related to certain acquired and international operations, are valued using the First-In, First-Out or specific identification methods.

Long-Lived Assets —The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair value based upon the most recent information available. Estimated fair market value is generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, that are held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying value or the fair market value less the estimated cost to sell.

Property, plant and equipment —Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Useful lives range from 15 to 40 years for buildings, the lesser of 7 years or the lease term for leasehold improvements and from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major overhauls that extend the useful lives of existing assets are capitalized. When properties are retired or disposed, the costs and accumulated depreciation are eliminated and the resulting profit or loss is recognized in the results of operations.

Goodwill —Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value.

For certain reporting units, the Company may perform a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In performing this qualitative analysis, the Company considers various factors, including the excess of prior year estimates of fair value compared to carrying value, the effect of market or industry changes and the reporting units’ actual results compared to projected results. Based on this qualitative analysis, if management determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, no further impairment testing is performed.

For the remaining reporting units, the Company compares each reporting unit’s fair value, estimated based on comparable company market valuations and expected future discounted cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit, to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the Company performs an additional fair value measurement calculation to determine the impairment loss, which is charged to operations in the period identified. See Note 4, Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges, for additional information.

The Company also performs an interim review for indicators of impairment at each quarter-end to assess whether an interim impairment review is required for any reporting unit. In the Company’s interim review for indicators of impairment as of December 31, 2016, management concluded that there were no indicators that the fair value of any of the reporting units with goodwill was more likely than not below its carrying value.

Amortization —Certain costs to acquire and develop internal-use computer software are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful life using the straight-line method, up to a maximum of five years. Amortization expense, primarily related to internally-developed software and excluding amortization expense related to other intangible assets, was $17.6 million, $14.9 million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Deferred debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of the related debt. Other intangible assets are recognized separately from goodwill and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for further discussion of other intangible assets and the related amortization expense.

Financial Instruments —The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to interest rate and foreign exchange fluctuations in the ordinary course of business.

All derivatives are recorded as other current or noncurrent assets or other current or noncurrent liabilities on the balance sheet at their respective fair values with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, or in the results of operations, depending on the purpose for which the derivative is held. For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in the results of operations. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not meet the criteria for designation as a hedge at inception, or fail to meet the criteria thereafter, are recognized currently in the results of operations. At inception of a hedge transaction, the Company formally documents the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge. In addition, the Company assesses, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative in the hedging transaction has been highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged item and whether the derivative is expected to continue to be highly effective. The impact of any ineffectiveness is recognized currently in the results of operations.

The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swaps are subject to enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle positive and negative positions with the respective counterparties. The Company settles foreign exchange forward contracts on a net basis when possible. Foreign exchange forward contracts that can be settled on a net basis are presented net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest rate swaps are settled on a gross basis and presented gross in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 15, Derivatives, for additional information.

Share-Based Compensation —The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense based on estimated fair values for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units. The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award based on their grant date fair value. See Note 18, Stock and Incentive Programs for Employees and Directors, for further discussion.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans —The Company records annual income and expense amounts relating to its pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on calculations which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and healthcare cost trend rates. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate to do so. The effect of modifications on the value of plan obligations and assets is recognized immediately within other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized into operating earnings over future periods. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its experience, market conditions and input from its actuaries and investment advisors. See Note 12, Retirement Plans, for additional information.

Taxes on Income —Deferred taxes are provided using an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities related to taxes on certain foreign earnings that are not considered to be permanently reinvested. No deferred tax liabilities are recognized for foreign earnings that are considered to be permanently reinvested. Management regularly evaluates whether foreign earnings are expected to be permanently reinvested. This evaluation requires judgment about the future operating and liquidity needs of the Company and its foreign subsidiaries. Changes in economic and business conditions, foreign or U.S. tax laws, or the Company’s financial situation could result in changes to these judgments and the need to record additional tax liabilities.

The Company is regularly audited by foreign and domestic tax authorities. These audits occasionally result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution might result in the Company owing additional taxes, including in some cases, penalties and interest. The Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. This recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Although management believes that its estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of uncertain tax positions may be materially different from that which is reflected in the Company’s financial statements. The Company adjusts such reserves upon changes in circumstances that would cause a change to the estimate of the ultimate liability, upon effective settlement or upon the expiration of the statute of limitations, in the period in which such event occurs. See Note 13, Income Taxes, for further discussion.