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Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) | 6 Months Ended
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Jun. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities VIEs [Abstract] |
Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) | Note 4—Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) We hold variable interests in VIEs that have not been consolidated because we are not considered the primary beneficiary. Information on our significant VIE s follow s: Freeport LNG Development, L.P. (Freeport LNG) We have an agreement with Freeport LNG to participate in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in Quintana, Texas. We have no ownership in Freeport LNG; however, we own a 50 percent interest in Freeport LNG GP, Inc. (Freeport GP), which serves as the general partner managing the venture. We entered into a credit agreement with Freeport LNG, whereby we agreed to provide loan financing for the construction of the terminal. We also entered into a long-term agreement with Freeport LNG to use 0.9 billion cubic feet per day of regasification capacity, which expires in 2033. The terminal became operational in June 2008, and we began making payments under the terminal use agreement. At June 30, 2013, the prepaid balance of the terminal use agreement was $256 million, which is primarily reflected in the “Other assets” line on our consolidated balance sheet. Freeport LNG began making loan repayments in September 2008, and the loan balance outstanding was $536 million at June 30, 2013, and $565 million at December 31, 2012. In July 2013, we reached an agreement with Freeport LNG to terminate our long-term agreement at the Freeport LNG Terminal, subject to Freeport LNG obtaining regulatory approval and project financing for a n LNG liquefaction and export facility in Texas, in which we are not a participant. Upon satisfaction of these conditions, currently expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2014, we will pay Freeport LNG a termination fee of approximately $600 million. Freeport LNG will repay the outstanding ConocoPhillips loan used by Freeport to partially fund the original construction of the terminal. When the agreement becomes effective, we expect to recognize a n after-tax charge to earnings of approximately $540 million. Our terminal regasification capacity will be reduced from 0.9 billion cubic feet per day to 0.4 billion cubic feet per day, until July 1, 2016, at which time it will be reduced to zero. Freeport LNG is a VIE because Freeport GP holds no equity in Freeport LNG, and the limited partners of Freeport LNG do not have any substantive decision making ability. Since we do not have the unilateral power to direct the key activities which most significantly impact its economic performance, we are not the primary beneficiary of Freeport LNG. These key activities primarily involve or relate to operating and maintaining the terminal. We also performed an analysis of the expected losses and determined we are not the primary beneficiary. This expected loss analysis took into account that the credit support arrangement requires Freeport LNG to maintain sufficient commercial insurance to mitigate any loan losses. The loan to Freeport LNG is accounted for as a financial asset, and our investment in Freeport GP is accounted for as an equity investment. Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) APLNG is considered a VIE, as it has entered into certain contractual arrangements that provide it with additional forms of subordinated financial support. We are not the primary beneficiary of APLNG because we share with Origin Energy and China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec) the power to direct the key activities of APLNG that most significantly impact its economic performance, which involve activities related to the production and commercialization of coalbed methane, as well as LNG processing and export marketing. As a result, we do not consolidate APLNG, and it is accounted for as an equity method investment. As of June 30, 2013, we have not provided, nor do we expect to provide in the future, any financial support to APLNG other than amounts previously contractually required. In addition, unless we elect otherwise, we have no requirement to provide liquidity or purchase the assets of APLNG. See Note 7—Investments, Loans and Long-Term Receivables, and Note 13—Guarantees, for additional information.

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- Definition Disclosure of variable interest entities (VIE), including, but not limited to the nature, purpose, size, and activities of the VIE and the nature of our involvement with the VIE. + References No definition available. + Details
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