XML 21 R11.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.5.0.2

Significant Accounting Policies | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Orbitz |  |
Entity Information [Line Items] |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and our critical accounting estimates in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Use of Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes in conformity with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions. Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to matters that require a significant level of judgment or are otherwise subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our significant estimates include elements of revenue recognition, the realization of deferred tax assets, amounts that may be due under the tax sharing agreement, the reserve for fraudulent transactions, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, costs to be capitalized as well as the useful life of capitalized software, and contingent liabilities, including taxes related to hotel occupancy. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company experienced a significant increase in fraudulent transaction expense. While we have taken extensive actions to reduce such transactions, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in further reducing fraudulent transactions in the future or that the losses from such transactions will be reduced to a rate experienced prior to 2015. We utilize recent loss experience, including reported debit memo information and expected delays and processing times to estimate our reserve for fraudulent transaction expense. It is possible that changes in the frequency of losses or lag times or changes in the effectiveness of our counter-measures could cause actual losses from fraudulent transactions to differ materially from our estimates. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes in conformity with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions. Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to matters that require a significant level of judgment or are otherwise subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our significant estimates include elements of revenue recognition, the realization of deferred tax assets, amounts that may be due under the tax sharing agreement, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, costs to be capitalized as well as the useful life of capitalized software, and contingent liabilities, including taxes related to hotel occupancy. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates. Foreign Currency Translation Balance sheet accounts of our operations outside of the United States are translated from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Foreign currency translation gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, which are denominated in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency, are included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when it is earned and realizable, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. We have two primary types of contractual arrangements with our vendors, which we refer to herein as the “merchant” and “retail” models. Under both the merchant and retail models, we record revenue earned net of all amounts paid to our suppliers. We provide customers the ability to book air travel, hotels, car rentals and other travel products and services through our various websites. These travel products and services are made available to our customers for booking on a stand-alone basis or as part of a vacation package. Under the merchant model, we generate revenue for our services based on the difference between the total amount the customer pays for the travel product and the negotiated net rate plus estimated taxes that the supplier charges us for that product. Customers generally pay us for reservations at the time of booking. Initially, we record these customer receipts as accrued merchant payables and either deferred income or net revenue, depending on the travel product. In the merchant model we do not take on credit risk with the customer since we are paid via a credit card, debit card or certain other electronic payment processors (collectively “Payment Processors”), while the cardholder’s Payment Processors collects funds from the customer. However we are subject to charge-backs and fraud risk, which we monitor closely; we have the ability to determine the price; we are not responsible for the actual delivery of the flight, hotel room or car rental; we take no inventory risk; we have no ability to determine or change the products or services delivered; and the customer chooses the supplier. Transaction related taxes are recorded net of any amounts received from customers. Under the merchant model we receive payment for a reservation from a customer via the Payment Processors. The Payment Processors transmit payment for the reservation within one to two days of the booking date. The Payment Processors take on the risk of collecting funds from the customer. We are subject to fraud because we may be charged by the Payment Processors for fraudulent charges after we remit funds to the supplier. In other instances, the customer may be dissatisfied with some aspect of their travel and contest the charges with the Payment Processors, which could result in a charge-back. We recognize net revenue under the merchant model when we have no further obligations to the customer. For merchant air transactions, this is at the time of booking. For merchant hotel transactions and merchant car transactions, net revenue is recognized at the time of check-in or customer pick-up, respectively. The timing of revenue recognition is different for merchant air travel because our primary service to the customer is fulfilled at the time of booking. We accrue for the cost of merchant hotel and merchant car transactions based on amounts we expect to be invoiced by suppliers. If we do not receive an invoice within a certain period of time, generally within six months, or the invoice received is less than the accrued amount, we reverse a portion of the accrued cost when we determine it is not probable that we will be required to pay the supplier, based on our historical experience and contract terms. This results in an increase in net revenue and a decrease to the accrued merchant payable. Under the retail model, we pass reservations booked by our customers to the travel supplier for a commission. In the retail model: we do not take on credit risk with the customer; we are not the primary obligor with the customer; we have no latitude in determining pricing; we take no inventory risk; we have no ability to determine or change the products or services delivered; and the customer chooses the supplier. We recognize net revenue under the retail model when the reservation is made, secured by a customer with a credit card and we have no further obligations to the customer. For air transactions, this is at the time of booking. For hotel transactions and car transactions, net revenue is recognized at the time of check-in or customer pick-up, respectively, net of an allowance for cancelled reservations. The timing of recognition is different for retail hotel and retail car transactions than for retail air travel because unlike air travel where the reservation is secured by a customer’s Payment Processors at booking, car rental bookings and hotel bookings are not secured by a customer’s credit card until the pick-up date and check-in date, respectively. Allowances for cancelled reservations primarily relate to cancellations that do not occur through our websites, but instead occur directly through the supplier of the travel product. The amount of the allowance is determined based on our historical experience. The majority of commissions earned under the retail model are based upon contractual agreements. Vacation packages offer customers the ability to book a combination of travel products. For example, travel products booked in a vacation package may include a combination of air travel, hotel and car rental reservations. We recognize net revenue for the entire package when the customer uses the reservation, which generally occurs on the same day for each travel product included in the vacation package. Under both the merchant and retail models, we may, depending upon the brand and the travel product, charge our customers a service fee for booking their travel reservation. We recognize revenue for service fees at the time we recognize the net revenue for the corresponding travel product. We also may receive override commissions from suppliers if we meet certain contractual volume thresholds. These commissions are recognized when the amount of the commissions becomes fixed or determinable, which is generally upon notification by the respective travel supplier. We utilize global distribution systems (“GDS”) services from various providers. Under our GDS service agreements, we earn revenue in the form of an incentive payment for air, car and hotel segments that are processed through a GDS. Revenue is recognized for these incentive payments at the time the travel reservation is processed through the GDS, which is generally at the time of booking. The Company issues credits in the form of points related to its loyalty programs. The value of points earned by loyalty program members is included in accrued liabilities and recorded as a reduction of revenue at the time the points are earned, based on the percentage of points that are projected to be redeemed. We also generate other revenue, which is primarily composed of revenue from advertising, including sponsoring links on our websites, and travel insurance. Advertising revenue is derived primarily from the delivery of advertisements on our websites and is recognized either at the time of display of each individual advertisement, or ratably over the advertising delivery period, depending on the terms of the advertising contract. Revenues generated from sponsoring links are recognized upon notification from the alliance partner that a transaction has occurred. Travel insurance revenue is recognized when the reservation is made, secured by a customer with a credit card and we have no further obligations to the customer, which for travel insurance is at the time of booking. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue is primarily composed of direct costs incurred to generate revenue, including costs to operate our customer service call centers, credit card processing fees and other costs, which include customer refunds and charge-backs, connectivity and other processing costs. These costs are generally variable in nature and are primarily driven by transaction volume. Marketing Expense Marketing expense is primarily composed of online marketing costs, such as search and banner advertising and affiliate commissions, and offline marketing costs, such as television, radio and print advertising. Online advertising expense is recognized based on the terms of the individual agreements, based on the ratio of actual impressions to contracted impressions, pay-per-click, or on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Offline marketing expense is recognized in the period in which it is incurred. Our online marketing costs are significantly greater than our offline marketing costs. Income Taxes Our provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated based upon the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the combined federal and state or foreign effective tax rates that are applicable to us in a given year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The deferred tax assets are recorded net of a valuation allowance when, based on the weight of available evidence, we believe it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. The realization of the deferred tax assets, net of a valuation allowance, is primarily dependent on estimated future taxable income. A change in our estimate of future taxable income may require an increase or decrease to the valuation allowance. Derivative Financial Instruments We measure derivatives at fair value and recognize them in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as assets or liabilities, depending on our rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract. For our derivatives designated as fair value hedges, if any, the changes in the fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are recorded in earnings. For our derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portions of changes in fair value of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, and ineffective portions of hedges, are recognized in earnings in the current period. We manage interest rate exposure by utilizing interest rate swaps to achieve a desired mix of fixed and variable rate debt. As of December 31, 2014, we have two interest rate swaps outstanding that effectively convert $200.0 million of the term loan from a variable to a fixed interest rate (see Note 12 - Derivative Financial Instruments). We pay a fixed interest rate on the notional amount and in exchange receive a variable interest rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate. We have entered into foreign currency contracts to manage exposure to changes in foreign currencies associated with receivables, payables and intercompany transactions. These foreign currency contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. As a result, the changes in fair values of the foreign currency contracts were recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. We require that the hedges or derivative financial instruments be effective in managing the interest rate risk or foreign currency risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. Hedges that qualify for hedge accounting are formally designated as such at the inception of the contract. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, resulting in some ineffectiveness, the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument will be included in earnings. Additionally, any derivative instrument used for risk management that becomes ineffective is marked-to-market each period. We believe that our credit risk has been mitigated by entering into these agreements with major financial institutions. Net interest differentials to be paid or received under our interest rate swaps are included in interest expense as incurred or earned. Concentration of Credit Risk Our cash and cash equivalents and foreign exchange contracts are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. We maintain cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits or that are deposited in foreign institutions. Additionally, we employ forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. At the maturity of these forward contracts, the counterparties are obligated to pay settlement values. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider cash and highly liquid investments, such as money market funds, with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates or equals fair value due to their short-term nature. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our accounts receivable are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheet net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We provide for estimated bad debts based on our assessment of our ability to realize receivables, considering historical collection experience, the general economic environment and specific customer information. When we determine that a receivable may not be collectible, bad debt is recognized. Bad debt expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. We recorded bad debt expense of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment is recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. We depreciate property and equipment over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives by asset category are:
Asset Category |  | Estimated Useful Life
Leasehold improvements |  | Shorter of asset’s useful life or non-cancellable lease term
Capitalized software |  | 3 - 10 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment |  | 3 - 7 years
We capitalize the costs of software developed for internal use when the preliminary project stage of the application has been completed and it is probable that the project will be completed and used to perform the function intended. Depreciation commences when the software is placed into service. We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be fully recoverable. This analysis is performed by comparing the carrying values of the assets to the expected undiscounted future cash flows to be generated from these assets, including estimated sales proceeds when appropriate. If this analysis indicates that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the carrying value is reduced to fair value through an impairment charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Annually, we write off the cost and accumulated depreciation of any assets that are no longer in service. Goodwill, Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of a business. We assign goodwill to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the business combination as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is not subject to amortization. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets include our trademarks and trade names, which are not subject to amortization. Our finite-lived intangible assets primarily include our customer and vendor relationships and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally 4 to 8 years, using the straight-line method. Our intangible assets relate to the acquisition of entities accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and are estimated by management based on the fair value of assets acquired. We assess the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently whenever events occur and circumstances change indicating potential impairment. We perform our annual impairment testing of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31. We assess goodwill for possible impairment using a two-step process. The first step identifies if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the step one analysis indicates that impairment may exist, a step two analysis is performed to measure the amount of the goodwill impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. If impairment exists, the carrying value of the goodwill is reduced to fair value through an impairment charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, we estimate the fair value of our reporting units to which goodwill is allocated using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including market and income based approaches, and relevant data available through and as of the testing date. The market approach is a valuation method in which fair value is estimated based on observed prices in actual transactions and on asking prices for similar assets. Under the market approach, the valuation process is essentially that of comparison and correlation between the subject asset and other similar assets. The income approach is a method in which fair value is estimated based on the cash flows that an asset could be expected to generate over its useful life, including residual value cash flows. These cash flows are then discounted to their present value equivalents using a rate of return that accounts for the relative risk of not realizing the estimated annual cash flows and for the time value of money. Variations of the income approach are used to estimate certain of the intangible asset fair values. We assess our trademarks and trade names for impairment by comparing their carrying values to their estimated fair values. Impairment exists when the estimated fair value of the trademark or trade name is less than its carrying value. If impairment exists, then the carrying value is reduced to fair value through an impairment charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. We use an income based valuation approach to estimate fair values of the relevant trademarks and trade names. Restricted Cash In order to collateralize letters of credit and similar instruments, as well as for other general business purposes, we have funds deposited as restricted cash. Tax Sharing Liability We have a liability included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that relates to a tax sharing agreement between Orbitz and the Founding Airlines. The agreement governs the allocation of tax benefits resulting from a taxable exchange that took place in connection with the Orbitz initial public offering in December 2003 (the “Orbitz IPO”). As a result of this taxable exchange, the Founding Airlines incurred a taxable gain. The taxable exchange caused Orbitz to have additional future tax deductions for depreciation and amortization due to the increased tax basis of its assets. The additional tax deductions for depreciation and amortization may reduce the amount of taxes we are required to pay in future years. For each tax period during the term of the tax sharing agreement, we are obligated to pay the Founding Airlines a significant percentage of the amount of the tax benefit realized as a result of the taxable exchange. The tax sharing agreement commenced upon consummation of the Orbitz IPO and continues until all tax benefits have been utilized. We use discounted cash flows in calculating and recognizing the tax sharing liability. We review the calculation of the tax sharing liability on a quarterly basis and make revisions to our estimated timing of payments when appropriate. We also assess whether there are any significant changes, such as changes in the amount of payments and tax rates that could materially affect the present value of the tax sharing liability. Although the expected gross remaining payments that may be due under this agreement were $96.2 million as of December 31, 2014, the timing and amount of payments may change. Any changes in timing of payments are recognized prospectively as accretions to the tax sharing liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet and non-cash interest expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Any changes in the estimated amount of payments, including changes to tax rates, are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Equity-Based Compensation We measure equity-based compensation cost at fair value and recognize the corresponding compensation expense over the service period during which awards are expected to vest. Performance-based compensation is amortized on a graded basis over the requisite service period of each vesting tranche. We include equity-based compensation in Selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is determined based on the average of the high and low price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the restricted stock subject to market-based conditions is determined on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation for sampling random outcomes. The amount of equity-based compensation expense recorded each period is net of estimated forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates. Hotel Occupancy Taxes Some states and localities impose a tax on the use or occupancy of hotel accommodations (“hotel occupancy tax”). Generally, hotels collect hotel occupancy tax based on the amount of money they receive for renting their hotel rooms and remit the tax to the appropriate taxing authorities. Using the travel services our websites offer, customers are able to make hotel room reservations. While applicable tax laws vary among different taxing jurisdictions, we generally believe that these laws do not require us to collect and remit hotel occupancy tax on the compensation that we receive for our travel services. Some tax authorities have initiated lawsuits or administrative proceedings asserting that we are required to collect and remit hotel occupancy tax on the amount of money we receive from customers for facilitating their reservations and are more frequently addressing the taxability of fees by online travel companies through new legislation. The ultimate resolution of these lawsuits and proceedings in all jurisdictions cannot be determined at this time. We establish an accrual for legal proceedings (tax or otherwise) when we determine that a loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated. See Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued a new financial accounting standard on revenue from contracts with customers, ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The accounting standard is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern”. ASU 2014-15 provides guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and sets rules for how this information should be disclosed in the financial statements. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have an impact on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dei_EntityInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | dei_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18726-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18854-107790 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=expe_OrbitzMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |