Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of wholly-owned subsidiaries and majority-owned controlled subsidiaries. The Company records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated Company (generally 20-50 percent ownership in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence) at its respective equity in net assets. Other investments (less than 20 percent ownership) are recorded at cost. All intercompany transactions and balances among the consolidated companies have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are based on historical experience and information that is available to management about current events and actions the Company may take in the future. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include valuation allowances for accounts receivable and deferred income taxes; legal, compliance, environmental and asbestos liabilities; uncertain tax positions; inventory costing and valuation, assets and obligations related to pension and other postretirement benefits; business combination accounting and related purchase accounting valuations; long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible valuations; financial instruments; self-insured workers’ compensation and health insurance reserves; and revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from these estimates. Historically, the Company has not experienced material changes in estimates as it relates to the revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method. However, in the fourth quarter of 2012 changes in estimates across all submarine turnkey projects in the Europe segment resulted in a reduction to gross profit of $27.5 million, with $20.8 million of the reduction associated with one certain submarine turnkey project at the Company's German submarine power cable manufacturing facility. Equipment failure at the German facility resulted in costs, for this particular project, related to cable damage, equipment repairs and ship rental of $13.3 million. Due to these failures the Company decided to use the zero-profit method of accounting for this project which resulted in a reduction of margin by an additional $7.5 million. In 2014, the Company completed a number of critical project milestones related to this project and resolved certain claims with the customer, as a result the Company determined to no longer use the zero-profit method. Based on this change in estimate and the resolution of certain claims, the Company's gross profit increased $18.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. There was no material impact to gross profit as a result of changes in estimates related to revenue recognition under the percentage of completion method in 2013.
Revenue Recognition	The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when goods are shipped to the customer, title and risk of loss are transferred, pricing is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Most revenue transactions represent sales of inventory. A provision for payment discounts, product returns, warranty and customer rebates is estimated based upon historical experience and other relevant factors and is recorded within the same period that the revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s revenue consists of long-term product installation contract revenue that is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method generally based on the cost-to-cost method if there are reasonably reliable estimates of total revenue, total cost, and the extent of progress toward completion; and there is an enforceable agreement between parties who can fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company reviews contract price and cost estimates periodically as the work progresses and reflects adjustments proportionate to the percentage-of-completion to income in the period when those estimates are revised. For these contracts, if a current estimate of total contract cost indicates a loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full in the period when determined.
Stock-Based Compensation	The Company has various plans which provide for granting options and common stock to certain employees and independent directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The appropriate fair value model is used for valuing share-based payments and in determining the amortization method for the compensation cost for new awards, and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after January 1, 2006. Information on General Cable’s equity compensation plans and additional information on compensation costs from stock-based compensation are described in Notes 14 and 15.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings or loss per common share-basic is determined by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares-basic outstanding. Earnings per common share-assuming dilution is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares-assuming dilution outstanding which gives effect (when dilutive) to stock options, other stock-based awards, the assumed conversion of the Subordinated Convertible Notes, if applicable, and other potentially dilutive securities. Refer to discussion in Note 17 - Earnings Per Common Share.
Foreign Currency Transaction	For operations outside the United States that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at spot exchange rates at the end of the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in total equity. The effects of changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) within other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Cash Equivalents	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Accounts Receivable	The accounts receivable balance is recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. At the time of the sale and at each quarter, the Company evaluates the accounts receivable balance to determine a best estimate for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. The Company reviews general historical trends in the account, customer overdue balances, high risk accounts that have been specifically identified based on historical and current customer patterns, contractual obligations, and current economic conditions to determine an estimate for these allowances.
Inventories	Approximately 86% of the Company's inventories are valued using the average cost method and all remaining inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. During 2014, the Venezuelan entity recorded $9.5 million of lower of cost or market charges that were recognized. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. The Company has consignment inventory at certain of its customer locations for purchase and use by the customer or other parties. General Cable retains title to the inventory and records no sale until it is ultimately sold either to the customer storing the inventory or to another party. In general, the value and quantity of the consignment inventory is verified by General Cable through either cycle counting or annual physical inventory counting procedures.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs assigned to property, plant and equipment relating to acquisitions are based on estimated fair values at the acquired date. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: new buildings, from 15 to 50 years; and machinery, equipment and office furnishings, from 2 to 20 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease or over the useful life if shorter. The Company’s manufacturing facilities perform major maintenance activities during planned shutdown periods which traditionally occur in July and December, and costs related to major maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with determinable lives) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates events or changes in circumstances based mostly on actual historical operating results, but business plans, forecasts, general and industry trends and anticipated cash flows are also considered. Impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying amount. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value and are recognized in earnings. The Company also continually evaluates the estimated useful lives of all long-lived assets and, when warranted, revises such estimates based on current events. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded asset-related costs of $117.5 million related to the Company's July restructuring plan, recorded asset impairment charges of $13.1 million related to a Brazil rod mill plant and $29.3 million related to the Venezuela operations. See Note 3 - Restructuring and Review of Strategic Alternatives and Operational Structure and Note 7 - Property, Plant and Equipment for additional details. The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be sold or abandoned to determine if the long-lived assets shall be classified as held for sale. In October 2014, the Company announced the intent to divest all of the Company's operations in Africa and Asia Pacific. The Company reviewed each disposal group in the Company's Africa/Asia Pacific reportable segment to determine if the assets should be considered held for sale. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company committed to sell Dominion Wire & Cables Ltd, the Company's Fiji operations ("Fiji"), with assets of $12.6 million and liabilities of $1.2 million. At December 31, 2014, the Company classified Fiji's assets and liabilities as held for sale based on the criteria set forth in ASC 360. The assets held for sale were included in the Company's Assets held for sale caption and the liabilities held for sale were included in the Accrued liabilities caption of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively, at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, the Company determined that the remaining disposals groups within the Africa/Asia Pacific segment did not meet the held for sale criteria set forth in ASC 360 primarily driven by management’s belief that the probability of a sale within one year is uncertain. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Company had $13.1 million of property, plant and equipment within the Company's Assets held for sale caption of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet recorded as assets held for sale related to property, plant and equipment held for sale due to the July restructuring program. Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and depreciation has ceased.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill. The impairment test for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets involves comparing the fair value of the intangibles to their carrying values. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset with an indefinite life exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount equal to the excess. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized impairment charges equal to the total recorded PDIC reporting unit goodwill of $155.1 million and the Company recognized $93.4 million of impairment charges related to the PDIC trade name. Our annual impairment test for both remaining goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets after the 2014 impairment charges indicated there was no impairment. However, future changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our annual impairment testing, including discount and tax rates, future cash flow projections, or the long term growth rate could result in significantly different estimates of fair value; therefore, such changes could materially affect the financial statements in any given year. Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life, principally customer relationships and tradenames, are amortized over their useful lives based on the expected economic benefit consistent with the historical customer attrition rates.
Severance Expenses	In 2014, the Company announced restructuring plans. As a result, the Company has incurred restructuring costs which include employee separation costs. The charges relate to involuntary separations and the amounts are based on current salary levels and past service periods and are either considered one-time employee termination benefits in accordance with ASC 420 - Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations or as charges for contractual termination benefits under ASC 712 - Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits. The charges are recognized when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability is reasonably estimable. Management estimates must be applied to determine when it is appropriate to record restructuring accruals as well as assumptions in calculating the restructuring accruals as employees could choose to voluntarily leave the Company, forfeiting termination benefits. To the extent these assumptions and estimates change, there could be future subsequent adjustments to the accrual balance.
Long-Term Debt	In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets, or partially in cash, upon conversion, are separately accounted for as long-term debt and equity components (or conversion feature). The accounting applies to the Subordinated Convertible Notes. The debt component represents the Company’s contractual obligation to pay principal and interest and the equity component represents the Company’s option to convert the debt security into equity of the Company or the equivalent amount of cash. Upon issuance, the Company allocated the debt component on the basis of the estimated fair value of an identical debt instrument that it would issue excluding the convertible option and the remaining proceeds are allocated to the equity component. The bifurcation of the debt and equity components resulted in a debt discount for the aforementioned notes. In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, the Company uses the interest method to amortize the debt discount to interest expense over the amortization period which is the expected life of the debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments	It is the Company’s policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate, commodity and foreign currency risk. ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging, as amended, requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. At December 31, 2014, there were no derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges.
Forward Pricing Agreements for Purchases of Copper and Aluminum	In the normal course of business, the Company enters into forward pricing agreements for purchases of copper and aluminum to match certain sales transactions. The Company accounts for these forward pricing arrangements under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption because these arrangements are for purchases of copper and aluminum that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. For these arrangements, it is probable at the inception and throughout the life of the arrangements that the arrangements will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of the inventory. The Company expects to recover the cost of copper and aluminum under these agreements as a result of firm sales price commitments with customers. Refer to Note 11 - Financial Instruments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The Company carries derivative assets, derivative liabilities and marketable equity securities held in a rabbi trust as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan at fair value. The Company determines the fair market value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement.
Pension Plans	The Company provides retirement benefits through contributory and non-contributory qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans covering eligible domestic and international employees as well as through defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefits. Benefits under General Cable’s qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan generally are based on years of service multiplied by a specific fixed dollar amount, and benefits under the Company’s qualified non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans generally are based on years of service and a variety of other factors that can include a specific fixed dollar amount or a percentage of either current salary or average salary over a specific period of time. The amounts funded for any plan year for the qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan are neither less than the minimum required under federal law nor more than the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. General Cable’s non-qualified unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plans include a plan that provides defined benefits to select senior management employees beyond those benefits provided by other programs. The Company’s non-qualified unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans include plans that provide retirement indemnities to employees. Pension obligations for the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are based on local practices and regulations of the respective countries. General Cable makes cash contributions for the costs of the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans as the benefits are paid.
Loss Contingencies	The Company determines whether to disclose and/or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable. The Company's assessment is developed in consultation with its outside counsel and other advisers and is based on an analysis of possible outcomes. Loss contingency assumptions involve judgments that are inherently subjective and can involve matters that are in litigation, which, by its nature is unpredictable. The Company believes that its assessment of the probability of loss contingencies is reasonable, but because of the subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject matter at issue, the Company's assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect, which could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.
Self-insurance	The Company is self-insured for certain employee medical benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, environmental and asbestos-related issues. The Company purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to any significant level of workers’ compensation claims in 2014 and 2013. Certain insurers are also partly responsible for coverage on many of the asbestos-related issues (refer to Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies for information relating to the release of one of these insurers during 2006). Self-insured losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred using the Company’s historical claims experience.
Concentration of Risk Policy	General Cable sells a broad range of products globally. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers, including members of buying groups, composing General Cable’s customer base. General Cable customers generally receive a 30 to 60 day payment period on purchases from the Company, with certain exceptions in European, Mediterranean and Asian markets. Certain automotive aftermarket customers of the Company receive payment terms ranging from 45 days to 360 days, which is common in this particular market. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are performed, and generally, no collateral is required. General Cable maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management’s estimates. Certain subsidiaries also maintain credit insurance for certain customer balances. Bad debt expense associated with uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $9.9 million, $9.4 million and $21.9 million, respectively. In North America, the Company has centralized the purchasing of its copper, aluminum and other significant raw materials to capitalize on economies of scale and to facilitate the negotiation of favorable purchase terms from suppliers. In 2014, the Company’s largest supplier of copper rod accounted for approximately 70% of its North American copper purchases while the largest supplier of aluminum rod accounted for approximately 50% of its North American aluminum purchases. The Company’s non-North America operations purchase copper and aluminum rod from many suppliers or brokers with each generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased or internally produce copper and aluminum rod for production needs. Venezuela has foreign exchange and price controls which have historically limited the Company’s ability to convert bolivars to U.S. dollar and transfer funds out of Venezuela. In Venezuela, government restrictions on the transfer of cash out of the country have limited the Company’s ability to repatriate cash. Approximately 15% and 46% of the consolidated cash balance as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, was held in Venezuela. The operating cash flows attributable to Venezuela was $26.2 million and $97.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the Company's operating cash flows of $133.2 million and $38.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2014, $44.3 million of requests of U.S. dollars to settle U.S. dollar denominated intercompany payables remained pending over 180 days, which we expect will be settled at the SICAD 2 rate. Currency exchange controls in Venezuela continue to limit our ability to remit funds from Venezuela. We do not consider the net assets of Venezuela to be integral to our ability to service our debt and operational requirements. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2014, the Venezuelan government's default risk increased substantially as external finances continued to deteriorate due to the strong decrease in oil prices. Based on the increased default risk, the Company recognized a $10.3 million charge for the long-term value added tax receivable from the Venezuelan government.
Income Taxes	The Company is subject to income tax in numerous United States federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are inherent in determining the Company's consolidated income tax expense, current tax payable, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for uncertain tax positions. Future events such as changes in business conditions, tax legislation, tax audit resolutions, or foreign earnings repatriation plans could materially impact these estimates and the Company's tax position. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. At December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded a net deferred tax liability of $134.7 million ($24.0 million net current deferred tax asset less $158.7 million net long term deferred tax liability). The valuation of deferred tax assets is dependent on, among other things, the ability of the Company to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, the Company has considered both positive and negative evidence, such as historical and forecasted results of operations, including prior losses, and has considered the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $145.4 million to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount judged more likely than not to be realized. The Company has and will continue to review on a quarterly basis its assumptions and tax planning strategies, and, if the amount of the estimated realizable deferred tax assets is less than the amount currently on the balance sheet, the Company would reduce its deferred tax asset, recognizing a non-cash charge against reported earnings. Likewise, if the Company determines that a valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset is no longer appropriate, the adjustment to the valuation allowance would reduce income tax expense. The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax policies and regulations. In certain jurisdictions, the Company has taken tax positions that it believes are supportable, but which could be subject to challenge by the tax authorities. These tax positions are evaluated and liabilities for uncertain tax positions are established in accordance with the ASC 740 - Income Taxes tax accounting guidance. The status of uncertain tax positions is reviewed in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as tax audits, rulings, and case law, and the related liabilities are adjusted accordingly. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Shipping and Handling Costs	All shipping and handling amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with storage and handling of finished goods and storage and handling of shipments to customers are included in cost of sales and totaled $157.2 million, $163.5 million and $150.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Advertising Expense	Advertising expense consists of expenses relating to promoting the Company’s products, including trade shows, catalogs, and e-commerce promotions, and is charged to expense when incurred. Advertising expense was $14.2 million, $13.3 million and $10.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not change any of its existing accounting policies that are expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. The following accounting pronouncements were adopted and became effective with respect to the Company in 2014 or will become effective with respect to the Company: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", which raises the threshold for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The revised accounting guidance applies prospectively to all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity and for businesses that, upon acquisition, are classified as held for sale on or after adoption. Early adoption is permitted for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported in financial statements. The Company elected to early adopt the guidance and implemented ASU 2014-08 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The effects of applying the revised guidance will vary based upon the nature and size of future disposal transactions. It is expected that fewer disposal transactions will meet the new criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. There were no disposals of components of the Company that were reported as discontinued operations in the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company will continually evaluate the status of discontinued operations each quarter to ensure compliance with ASU 2014-08 requirements. In October 2014, the Company announced the intent to divest all of the Company's operations in Africa and Asia Pacific. The Company assessed the discontinued operations financial reporting treatment for those businesses which were announced for divestiture. Management believes the planned actions may meet the requirements of a strategic shift; however, all of the conditions do not meet the requirements to be considered held for sale at December 31, 2014. This is primarily driven by management's belief that the probability of the sale within one year is uncertain. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcome for each entity which could include possible abandonment. Therefore, when considered as a group of components, the discontinued operations criteria is not met under ASU 2014-08. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance outlines a single, comprehensive model for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The Company will adopt the standard on January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." This standard provides more explicit guidance for treating share-based payment awards that require a specific performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of wholly-owned subsidiaries and majority-owned controlled subsidiaries. The Company records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated Company (generally 20-50 percent ownership in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence) at its respective equity in net assets. Other investments (less than 20 percent ownership) are recorded at cost. All intercompany transactions and balances among the consolidated companies have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are based on historical experience and information that is available to management about current events and actions the Company may take in the future. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include valuation allowances for accounts receivable and deferred income taxes; legal, compliance, environmental and asbestos liabilities; uncertain tax positions; inventory costing and valuation, assets and obligations related to pension and other postretirement benefits; business combination accounting and related purchase accounting valuations; long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible valuations; financial instruments; self-insured workers’ compensation and health insurance reserves; and revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from these estimates.

Historically, the Company has not experienced material changes in estimates as it relates to the revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method. However, in the fourth quarter of 2012 changes in estimates across all submarine turnkey projects in the Europe segment resulted in a reduction to gross profit of $27.5 million, with $20.8 million of the reduction associated with one certain submarine turnkey project at the Company's German submarine power cable manufacturing facility. Equipment failure at the German facility resulted in costs, for this particular project, related to cable damage, equipment repairs and ship rental of $13.3 million. Due to these failures the Company decided to use the zero-profit method of accounting for this project which resulted in a reduction of margin by an additional $7.5 million. In 2014, the Company completed a number of critical project milestones related to this project and resolved certain claims with the customer, as a result the Company determined to no longer use the zero-profit method. Based on this change in estimate and the resolution of certain claims, the Company's gross profit increased $18.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. There was no material impact to gross profit as a result of changes in estimates related to revenue recognition under the percentage of completion method in 2013.

Revenue Recognition

The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when goods are shipped to the customer, title and risk of loss are transferred, pricing is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Most revenue transactions represent sales of inventory. A provision for payment discounts, product returns, warranty and customer rebates is estimated based upon historical experience and other relevant factors and is recorded within the same period that the revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s revenue consists of long-term product installation contract revenue that is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method generally based on the cost-to-cost method if there are reasonably reliable estimates of total revenue, total cost, and the extent of progress toward completion; and there is an enforceable agreement between parties who can fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company reviews contract price and cost estimates periodically as the work progresses and reflects adjustments proportionate to the percentage-of-completion to income in the period when those estimates are revised. For these contracts, if a current estimate of total contract cost indicates a loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full in the period when determined.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has various plans which provide for granting options and common stock to certain employees and independent directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The appropriate fair value model is used for valuing share-based payments and in determining the amortization method for the compensation cost for new awards, and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after January 1, 2006. Information on General Cable’s equity compensation plans and additional information on compensation costs from stock-based compensation are described in Notes 14 and 15.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings or loss per common share-basic is determined by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares-basic outstanding. Earnings per common share-assuming dilution is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares-assuming dilution outstanding which gives effect (when dilutive) to stock options, other stock-based awards, the assumed conversion of the Subordinated Convertible Notes, if applicable, and other potentially dilutive securities. Refer to discussion in Note 17 - Earnings Per Common Share.

Foreign Currency Transaction

For operations outside the United States that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at spot exchange rates at the end of the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in total equity. The effects of changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) within other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Accounts Receivable

The accounts receivable balance is recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. At the time of the sale and at each quarter, the Company evaluates the accounts receivable balance to determine a best estimate for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. The Company reviews general historical trends in the account, customer overdue balances, high risk accounts that have been specifically identified based on historical and current customer patterns, contractual obligations, and current economic conditions to determine an estimate for these allowances.

Inventories

Approximately 86% of the Company's inventories are valued using the average cost method and all remaining inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. During 2014, the Venezuelan entity recorded $9.5 million of lower of cost or market charges that were recognized. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.

The Company has consignment inventory at certain of its customer locations for purchase and use by the customer or other parties. General Cable retains title to the inventory and records no sale until it is ultimately sold either to the customer storing the inventory or to another party. In general, the value and quantity of the consignment inventory is verified by General Cable through either cycle counting or annual physical inventory counting procedures.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs assigned to property, plant and equipment relating to acquisitions are based on estimated fair values at the acquired date. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: new buildings, from 15 to 50 years; and machinery, equipment and office furnishings, from 2 to 20 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease or over the useful life if shorter. The Company’s manufacturing facilities perform major maintenance activities during planned shutdown periods which traditionally occur in July and December, and costs related to major maintenance activities are expensed as incurred.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with determinable lives) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates events or changes in circumstances based mostly on actual historical operating results, but business plans, forecasts, general and industry trends and anticipated cash flows are also considered. Impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying amount. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value and are recognized in earnings. The Company also continually evaluates the estimated useful lives of all long-lived assets and, when warranted, revises such estimates based on current events. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded asset-related costs of $117.5 million related to the Company's July restructuring plan, recorded asset impairment charges of $13.1 million related to a Brazil rod mill plant and $29.3 million related to the Venezuela operations. See Note 3 - Restructuring and Review of Strategic Alternatives and Operational Structure and Note 7 - Property, Plant and Equipment for additional details.

The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be sold or abandoned to determine if the long-lived assets shall be classified as held for sale. In October 2014, the Company announced the intent to divest all of the Company's operations in Africa and Asia Pacific. The Company reviewed each disposal group in the Company's Africa/Asia Pacific reportable segment to determine if the assets should be considered held for sale. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company committed to sell Dominion Wire & Cables Ltd, the Company's Fiji operations ("Fiji"), with assets of $12.6 million and liabilities of $1.2 million. At December 31, 2014, the Company classified Fiji's assets and liabilities as held for sale based on the criteria set forth in ASC 360. The assets held for sale were included in the Company's Assets held for sale caption and the liabilities held for sale were included in the Accrued liabilities caption of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively, at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, the Company determined that the remaining disposals groups within the Africa/Asia Pacific segment did not meet the held for sale criteria set forth in ASC 360 primarily driven by management’s belief that the probability of a sale within one year is uncertain.

In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Company had $13.1 million of property, plant and equipment within the Company's Assets held for sale caption of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet recorded as assets held for sale related to property, plant and equipment held for sale due to the July restructuring program. Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and depreciation has ceased.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill. The impairment test for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets involves comparing the fair value of the intangibles to their carrying values. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset with an indefinite life exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount equal to the excess.

In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized impairment charges equal to the total recorded PDIC reporting unit goodwill of $155.1 million and the Company recognized $93.4 million of impairment charges related to the PDIC trade name. Our annual impairment test for both remaining goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets after the 2014 impairment charges indicated there was no impairment. However, future changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our annual impairment testing, including discount and tax rates, future cash flow projections, or the long term growth rate could result in significantly different estimates of fair value; therefore, such changes could materially affect the financial statements in any given year.

Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life, principally customer relationships and tradenames, are amortized over their useful lives based on the expected economic benefit consistent with the historical customer attrition rates.

Severance Expenses

In 2014, the Company announced restructuring plans. As a result, the Company has incurred restructuring costs which include employee separation costs. The charges relate to involuntary separations and the amounts are based on current salary levels and past service periods and are either considered one-time employee termination benefits in accordance with ASC 420 - Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations or as charges for contractual termination benefits under ASC 712 - Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits. The charges are recognized when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability is reasonably estimable. Management estimates must be applied to determine when it is appropriate to record restructuring accruals as well as assumptions in calculating the restructuring accruals as employees could choose to voluntarily leave the Company, forfeiting termination benefits. To the extent these assumptions and estimates change, there could be future subsequent adjustments to the accrual balance.

Long-Term Debt

In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets, or partially in cash, upon conversion, are separately accounted for as long-term debt and equity components (or conversion feature). The accounting applies to the Subordinated Convertible Notes. The debt component represents the Company’s contractual obligation to pay principal and interest and the equity component represents the Company’s option to convert the debt security into equity of the Company or the equivalent amount of cash. Upon issuance, the Company allocated the debt component on the basis of the estimated fair value of an identical debt instrument that it would issue excluding the convertible option and the remaining proceeds are allocated to the equity component. The bifurcation of the debt and equity components resulted in a debt discount for the aforementioned notes. In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, the Company uses the interest method to amortize the debt discount to interest expense over the amortization period which is the expected life of the debt.

Derivative Financial Instruments

It is the Company’s policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate, commodity and foreign currency risk. ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging, as amended, requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. At December 31, 2014, there were no derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges.

Forward Pricing Agreements for Purchases of Copper and Aluminum

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into forward pricing agreements for purchases of copper and aluminum to match certain sales transactions. The Company accounts for these forward pricing arrangements under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption because these arrangements are for purchases of copper and aluminum that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. For these arrangements, it is probable at the inception and throughout the life of the arrangements that the arrangements will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of the inventory. The Company expects to recover the cost of copper and aluminum under these agreements as a result of firm sales price commitments with customers. Refer to Note 11 - Financial Instruments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company carries derivative assets, derivative liabilities and marketable equity securities held in a rabbi trust as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan at fair value. The Company determines the fair market value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement.

Pension Plans

The Company provides retirement benefits through contributory and non-contributory qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans covering eligible domestic and international employees as well as through defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefits. Benefits under General Cable’s qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan generally are based on years of service multiplied by a specific fixed dollar amount, and benefits under the Company’s qualified non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans generally are based on years of service and a variety of other factors that can include a specific fixed dollar amount or a percentage of either current salary or average salary over a specific period of time. The amounts funded for any plan year for the qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan are neither less than the minimum required under federal law nor more than the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. General Cable’s non-qualified unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plans include a plan that provides defined benefits to select senior management employees beyond those benefits provided by other programs. The Company’s non-qualified unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans include plans that provide retirement indemnities to employees. Pension obligations for the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are based on local practices and regulations of the respective countries. General Cable makes cash contributions for the costs of the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans as the benefits are paid.

Loss Contingencies

The Company determines whether to disclose and/or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable. The Company's assessment is developed in consultation with its outside counsel and other advisers and is based on an analysis of possible outcomes. Loss contingency assumptions involve judgments that are inherently subjective and can involve matters that are in litigation, which, by its nature is unpredictable. The Company believes that its assessment of the probability of loss contingencies is reasonable, but because of the subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject matter at issue, the Company's assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect, which could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.

Self-insurance

The Company is self-insured for certain employee medical benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, environmental and asbestos-related issues. The Company purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to any significant level of workers’ compensation claims in 2014 and 2013. Certain insurers are also partly responsible for coverage on many of the asbestos-related issues (refer to Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies for information relating to the release of one of these insurers during 2006). Self-insured losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred using the Company’s historical claims experience.

Concentration of Risk Policy

General Cable sells a broad range of products globally. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers, including members of buying groups, composing General Cable’s customer base. General Cable customers generally receive a 30 to 60 day payment period on purchases from the Company, with certain exceptions in European, Mediterranean and Asian markets. Certain automotive aftermarket customers of the Company receive payment terms ranging from 45 days to 360 days, which is common in this particular market. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are performed, and generally, no collateral is required. General Cable maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management’s estimates. Certain subsidiaries also maintain credit insurance for certain customer balances. Bad debt expense associated with uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $9.9 million, $9.4 million and $21.9 million, respectively.

In North America, the Company has centralized the purchasing of its copper, aluminum and other significant raw materials to capitalize on economies of scale and to facilitate the negotiation of favorable purchase terms from suppliers. In 2014, the Company’s largest supplier of copper rod accounted for approximately 70% of its North American copper purchases while the largest supplier of aluminum rod accounted for approximately 50% of its North American aluminum purchases. The Company’s non-North America operations purchase copper and aluminum rod from many suppliers or brokers with each generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased or internally produce copper and aluminum rod for production needs.

Venezuela has foreign exchange and price controls which have historically limited the Company’s ability to convert bolivars to U.S. dollar and transfer funds out of Venezuela. In Venezuela, government restrictions on the transfer of cash out of the country have limited the Company’s ability to repatriate cash. Approximately 15% and 46% of the consolidated cash balance as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, was held in Venezuela. The operating cash flows attributable to Venezuela was $26.2 million and $97.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the Company's operating cash flows of $133.2 million and $38.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At December 31, 2014, $44.3 million of requests of U.S. dollars to settle U.S. dollar denominated intercompany payables remained pending over 180 days, which we expect will be settled at the SICAD 2 rate. Currency exchange controls in Venezuela continue to limit our ability to remit funds from Venezuela. We do not consider the net assets of Venezuela to be integral to our ability to service our debt and operational requirements.

In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2014, the Venezuelan government's default risk increased substantially as external finances continued to deteriorate due to the strong decrease in oil prices. Based on the increased default risk, the Company recognized a $10.3 million charge for the long-term value added tax receivable from the Venezuelan government.

Income Taxes

The Company is subject to income tax in numerous United States federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are inherent in determining the Company's consolidated income tax expense, current tax payable, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for uncertain tax positions. Future events such as changes in business conditions, tax legislation, tax audit resolutions, or foreign earnings repatriation plans could materially impact these estimates and the Company's tax position.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. At December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded a net deferred tax liability of $134.7 million ($24.0 million net current deferred tax asset less $158.7 million net long term deferred tax liability). The valuation of deferred tax assets is dependent on, among other things, the ability of the Company to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, the Company has considered both positive and negative evidence, such as historical and forecasted results of operations, including prior losses, and has considered the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $145.4 million to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount judged more likely than not to be realized. The Company has and will continue to review on a quarterly basis its assumptions and tax planning strategies, and, if the amount of the estimated realizable deferred tax assets is less than the amount currently on the balance sheet, the Company would reduce its deferred tax asset, recognizing a non-cash charge against reported earnings. Likewise, if the Company determines that a valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset is no longer appropriate, the adjustment to the valuation allowance would reduce income tax expense.

The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax policies and regulations. In certain jurisdictions, the Company has taken tax positions that it believes are supportable, but which could be subject to challenge by the tax authorities. These tax positions are evaluated and liabilities for uncertain tax positions are established in accordance with the ASC 740 - Income Taxes tax accounting guidance. The status of uncertain tax positions is reviewed in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as tax audits, rulings, and case law, and the related liabilities are adjusted accordingly.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Shipping and Handling Costs

All shipping and handling amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with storage and handling of finished goods and storage and handling of shipments to customers are included in cost of sales and totaled $157.2 million, $163.5 million and $150.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Advertising Expense

Advertising expense consists of expenses relating to promoting the Company’s products, including trade shows, catalogs, and e-commerce promotions, and is charged to expense when incurred. Advertising expense was $14.2 million, $13.3 million and $10.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not change any of its existing accounting policies that are expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. The following accounting pronouncements were adopted and became effective with respect to the Company in 2014 or will become effective with respect to the Company:

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", which raises the threshold for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The revised accounting guidance applies prospectively to all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity and for businesses that, upon acquisition, are classified as held for sale on or after adoption. Early adoption is permitted for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported in financial statements. The Company elected to early adopt the guidance and implemented ASU 2014-08 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The effects of applying the revised guidance will vary based upon the nature and size of future disposal transactions. It is expected that fewer disposal transactions will meet the new criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. There were no disposals of components of the Company that were reported as discontinued operations in the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company will continually evaluate the status of discontinued operations each quarter to ensure compliance with ASU 2014-08 requirements.

In October 2014, the Company announced the intent to divest all of the Company's operations in Africa and Asia Pacific. The Company assessed the discontinued operations financial reporting treatment for those businesses which were announced for divestiture. Management believes the planned actions may meet the requirements of a strategic shift; however, all of the conditions do not meet the requirements to be considered held for sale at December 31, 2014. This is primarily driven by management's belief that the probability of the sale within one year is uncertain. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcome for each entity which could include possible abandonment. Therefore, when considered as a group of components, the discontinued operations criteria is not met under ASU 2014-08.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance outlines a single, comprehensive model for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The Company will adopt the standard on January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." This standard provides more explicit guidance for treating share-based payment awards that require a specific performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.