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Summary of Principal Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Principal Accounting Policies | Summary of Principal Accounting Policies Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates are subject to uncertainties due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change and affect items such as valuing identified intangible assets; determining the fair value of derivative instruments; evaluating impairments of long-lived assets, goodwill and equity investments; establishing estimated useful lives for long-lived assets; acquisition accounting; recognizing share-based compensation expense; estimating revenues, expense accruals and capital expenditures; valuing AROs; and determining liabilities, if any, for environmental and legal contingencies. Revenue Recognition – As a result of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard, as described further in Note 3, MPLX has updated its policies as they relate to revenue recognition. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer. MPLX recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or providing services to a customer. MPLX enters into a variety of contract types in order to generate “Product sales” and “Service revenue.” MPLX provides services under the following types of arrangements:
• | Fee-based arrangements – Under fee-based arrangements, MPLX receives a fee or fees for one or more of the following services: gathering, processing and transportation of natural gas; gathering, transportation, fractionation, exchange and storage of NGLs; and transportation, storage and distribution of crude oil, refined products and other hydrocarbon-based products. The revenue MPLX earns from these arrangements is generally directly related to the volume of natural gas, NGLs, refined products or crude oil that is handled by or flows through MPLX’s systems and facilities and is not normally directly dependent on commodity prices. In certain cases, MPLX’s arrangements provide for minimum annual payments or fixed demand charges.
Fee-based arrangements are reported as “Service revenue” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenue is recognized over time as services are performed. In certain instances when specifically stated in the contract terms, MPLX purchases product after fee-based services have been provided. Revenue from the sale of products purchased after services are provided is reported as “Product sales” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and recognized on a gross basis, as MPLX takes control of the product and is the principal in the transaction.
• | Percent-of-proceeds arrangements – Under percent-of-proceeds arrangements, MPLX: gathers and processes natural gas on behalf of producers; sells the resulting residue gas, condensate and NGLs at market prices; and remits to producers an agreed-upon percentage of the proceeds. In other cases, instead of remitting cash payments to the producer, MPLX delivers an agreed-upon percentage of the residue gas and NGLs to the producer (take-in-kind arrangements) and sells the volumes MPLX retains to third parties. Revenue is recognized on a net basis when MPLX acts as an agent and does not have control of the gross amount of gas and/or NGLs prior to it being sold. Percent-of-proceeds revenue is reported as “Service revenue - product related” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
• | Keep-whole arrangements – Under keep-whole arrangements, MPLX gathers natural gas from the producer, processes the natural gas and sells the resulting condensate and NGLs to third parties at market prices. Because the extraction of the condensate and NGLs from the natural gas during processing reduces the Btu content of the natural gas, MPLX must either purchase natural gas at market prices for return to producers or make cash payment to the producers equal to the value of the energy content of this natural gas. Certain keep-whole arrangements also have provisions that require MPLX to share a percentage of the keep-whole profits with the producers based on the oil to gas ratio or the NGL to gas ratio. “Service revenue - product related” is recorded based on the value of the NGLs received on the date the services are performed. Natural gas purchased to return to the producer and shared NGL profits are recorded as a reduction of “Service revenue - product related” on the Consolidated Statements of Income on the date the services are performed. Sales of NGLs under these arrangements are reported as “Product sales” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and are reported on a gross basis as MPLX is the principal in the arrangement and controls the product prior to sale. The sale of the NGLs may occur shortly after services are performed at the tailgate of the plant, or after a period of time as determined by MPLX.
• | Purchase arrangements – Under purchase arrangements, MPLX purchases natural gas at either the wellhead or the tailgate of a plant. MPLX then gathers and delivers the natural gas to pipelines where MPLX may resell the natural gas. Wellhead purchase arrangements represent an arrangement with a supplier and are recorded in “Purchased product costs.” Often, MPLX earns fees for services performed prior to taking control of the product in these arrangements and “Service revenue” is recorded for these fees. Revenue generated from the sale of product obtained in tailgate purchase arrangements is reported as “Product sales” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and is recognized on a gross basis as MPLX purchases and takes control of the product prior to sale and is the principal in the transaction.
In many cases, MPLX provides services under contracts that contain a combination of more than one of the arrangements described above. When fees are charged (in addition to product received) under percent-of-proceeds arrangements, keep-whole arrangements or purchase arrangements, MPLX records such fees as “Service revenue” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The terms of MPLX’s contracts vary based on gas quality conditions, the competitive environment when the contracts are signed and customer requirements. Performance obligations are determined based on the specific terms of the arrangements, economics of the geographical regions, and the services offered and whether they are deemed distinct. MPLX allocates the consideration earned between the performance obligations based on the stand-alone selling price when multiple performance obligations are identified. Revenue from MPLX’s service arrangements will generally be recognized over time as the performance obligation is satisfied as services are provided. MPLX has elected to use the output measure of progress to recognize revenue based on the units delivered, processed or transported. The transaction price has fixed components related to minimum volume commitments and variable components which are primarily dependent on volumes. Variable consideration will generally not be estimated at contract inception as the transaction price is specifically allocable to the services provided each period. In instances in which tiered pricing structures do not reflect our efforts to perform, MPLX will estimate variable consideration at contract inception. “Product sales” will be recognized at a point in time when control of the product transfers to the customer. Minimum volume commitments may create contract liabilities or deferred credits if current period payments can be used for future services. Breakage is estimated and recognized into service revenue in instances where it is probable the customer will not use the credit in future periods. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling, electricity, and other costs to perform services are included in “Service revenue” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Shipping and handling costs associated with product sales are included in “Purchased product costs” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Facility expenses, costs of revenues and depreciation represent those expenses related to operating our various facilities and are necessary to provide both “Product sales” and “Service revenue.” Customers usually pay monthly based on the products purchased or services performed that month. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority are excluded from revenue. Based on the terms of certain natural gas gathering, transportation and processing agreements, MPLX is considered to be the lessor under several implicit operating lease arrangements in accordance with GAAP. Revenue and costs related to the portion of the revenue earned under these contracts considered to be implicit leases are recorded as “Rental income” and “Rental cost of sales,” respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenue and Expense Accruals – MPLX routinely makes accruals based on estimates for both revenues and expenses due to the timing of compiling billing information, receiving certain third-party information and reconciling MPLX’s records with those of third parties. The delayed information from third parties includes, among other things, actual volumes purchased, transported or sold, adjustments to inventory and invoices for purchases, actual natural gas and NGL deliveries and other operating expenses. MPLX makes accruals to reflect estimates for these items based on its internal records and information from third parties. Estimated accruals are adjusted when actual information is received from third parties and MPLX’s internal records have been reconciled. Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit and investments in highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less. Restricted Cash – Restricted cash consists of cash and investments that must be maintained as collateral for letters of credit issued to certain third-party producer customers. The balances will be outstanding until certain capital projects are completed and the third party releases the restriction. Restricted cash also consists of cash advances to be used for the operation and maintenance of an operated pipeline. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the amount of restricted cash included in “Other current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $8 million and $4 million, respectively. Receivables – Receivables primarily consist of customer accounts receivable, which are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. Management reviews the allowance quarterly. Past-due balances over 90 days and other higher- risk amounts are reviewed individually for collectability. Balances that remain outstanding after reasonable collection efforts have been unsuccessful are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. Inventories – Inventories consist primarily of natural gas, propane, other NGLs and materials and supplies to be used in operations. Natural gas, propane, and other NGLs are valued at the lower of cost or market value. Materials and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost for materials and supplies are determined primarily using the weighted-average cost method. Imbalances – Within our pipelines and storage assets, we experience volume gains and losses due to pressure and temperature changes, evaporation and variances in meter readings and other measurement methods. Until settled, positive imbalances are recorded as other current assets and negative imbalances are recorded as accounts payable. Positive and negative product imbalances are settled in cash, settled by physical delivery of gas from a different source, or tracked and settled in the future. Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures that extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized. Such assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment assessment is performed and the excess of the book value over the fair value is recorded as an impairment loss. Interest costs for the construction or development of long-lived assets are capitalized and amortized over the related asset’s estimated useful life. When items of property, plant and equipment are sold or otherwise disposed of, any gains or losses are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gains on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognized when they occur, which is generally at the time of closing. If a loss on disposal is expected, such losses are recognized when the assets are classified as held for sale. Goodwill and Intangibles – Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill has been reduced below carrying value. The impairment test requires allocating goodwill and other assets and liabilities to reporting units. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined and compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. The fair value is calculated using the expected present value of future cash flows method. Significant assumptions used in the cash flow forecasts include future Net operating margins, future volumes, discount rates, and future capital requirements. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, including goodwill, the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated. The excess, if any, of the book value over the implied fair value of goodwill is charged to net income as an impairment expense. Amortization of intangibles with definite lives is calculated using the straight-line method which is reflective of the benefit pattern in which the estimated economic benefit is expected to be received over the estimated useful life of the intangible asset. Intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset. Intangibles not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually and when circumstances indicate that the fair value is less than the carrying amount of the intangible. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, an impairment is recorded for the difference. There were no impairments as a result of MPLX’s November 30, 2018 and November 30, 2017 annual goodwill impairment analyses. During 2016, impairment charges of approximately $130 million were recorded. Other Taxes – Other taxes primarily include real estate taxes. Environmental Costs – Environmental expenditures are capitalized if the costs mitigate or prevent future contamination or if the costs improve environmental safety or efficiency of the existing assets. MPLX recognizes remediation costs and penalties when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs can be reasonably estimated. The timing of remediation accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the commitment to a formal plan of action. Remediation liabilities are accrued based on estimates of known environmental exposure. Asset Retirement Obligations – An ARO is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that generally result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the asset. AROs are recorded at fair value in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and added to the carrying amount of the associated asset. This additional carrying amount is then depreciated over the life of the asset. The liability is determined using a credit adjusted risk free interest rate and increases due to the passage of time based on the time value of money until the obligation is settled. MPLX recognizes a liability of a conditional ARO as soon as the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. A conditional ARO is defined as an unconditional legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. AROs have not been recognized for certain assets because the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated since the settlement dates of the obligations are indeterminate. Such obligations will be recognized in the period when sufficient information becomes available to estimate a range of potential settlement dates. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates – Equity investments in which MPLX exercises significant influence, but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity method and are reported in “Equity method investments” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. This includes entities in which we hold majority ownership but the minority shareholders have substantive participating rights. Differences in the basis of the investments and the separate net asset values of the investees, if any, are amortized into net income over the remaining useful lives of the underlying assets and liabilities, except for the excess related to goodwill. MPLX believes the equity method is an appropriate means for it to recognize increases or decreases measured by GAAP in the economic resources underlying the investments. Regular evaluation of these investments is appropriate to evaluate any potential need for impairment. MPLX uses evidence of a loss in value to identify if an investment has an other than a temporary decline. Deferred Financing Costs – Deferred financing costs are an asset for credit facility costs and netted against debt for senior notes. These costs are amortized over the contractual term of the related obligations using the effective interest method or, in certain circumstances, accelerated if the obligation is refinanced. Derivative Instruments – MPLX uses commodity derivatives to economically hedge a portion of its exposure to commodity price risk. All derivative instruments (including derivatives embedded in other contracts) are recorded at fair value. Certain commodity derivatives are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets on a net basis by counterparty as they are governed by master netting arrangements. MPLX discloses the fair value of all derivative instruments under the captions “Other noncurrent assets,” “Other current liabilities” and “Deferred credits and other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income in accounts related to the item whose value or cash flows are being managed. All derivative instruments are marked to market through “Product sales,” “Purchased product costs,” or “Cost of revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenue gains and losses relate to contracts utilized to manage the cash flow for the sale of a product, typically NGLs. Purchased product costs gains and losses relate to contracts utilized to manage the cost of natural gas purchases, typically related to keep-whole arrangements. Cost of revenues gains and losses relate to a contract utilized to manage electricity costs. Changes in risk management for unrealized activities are reported as an adjustment to net income in computing cash flow from operating activities on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, MPLX did not elect hedge accounting for any derivatives. MPLX has elected the normal purchases and normal sales designation for certain contracts related to the physical purchase of electric power. Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Management believes the carrying amount of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, receivables from related parties, other current assets, accounts payable, accounts payable to related parties and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The recorded value of the amounts outstanding under the bank revolving credit facility, if any, approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate that approximates current market rates (see Note 16). Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value, based on available market information (see Note 17). Fair Value Measurement – Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy established by GAAP, which classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The methods and assumptions utilized may produce a fair value that may not be realized in future periods upon settlement. Furthermore, while MPLX believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. For further discussion see Note 16. Equity-Based Compensation Arrangements – MPLX issues phantom units under its share-based compensation plan as described further in Note 22. A phantom unit entitles the grantee a right to receive a common unit upon the issuance of the phantom unit. The fair value of phantom unit awards granted to employees and non-employee directors is based on the fair market value of MPLX LP common units on the date of grant. The fair value of the units awarded is amortized into earnings using a straight-line amortization schedule over the period of service corresponding with the vesting period. For phantom units that vest immediately and are not forfeitable, equity-based compensation expense is recognized at the time of grant. Performance units paying out in cash are accounted for as liability awards and recorded at fair value with a mark-to-market adjustment made each quarter. The performance units paying out in units are accounted for as equity awards and use a Monte Carlo valuation model to calculate a grant date fair value. To satisfy common unit awards, MPLX may issue new common units, acquire common units in the open market or use common units already owned by the general partner. Tax Effects of Share-Based Compensation – MPLX elected to adopt the simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC Pool and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the tax effects of share-based compensation awards that were outstanding upon adoption. Additional paid-in capital is reported as “Common unitholders - public” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income Taxes – MPLX is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. As a result of the MarkWest Merger, MarkWest was the surviving entity for tax purposes. MarkWest is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. As such, MPLX does not directly pay federal income tax. Taxes on MPLX’s net income generally are borne by its partners through the allocation of taxable income. MPLX’s taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from the net income or loss reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income, is includable in the federal income tax returns of each partner. MPLX and certain legal entities are, however, taxable entities under certain state jurisdictions. MPLX accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, capital loss carryforwards and net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of any tax rate change on deferred taxes is recognized as tax expense/(benefit) from continuing operations in the period that includes the enactment date of the tax rate change. Realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed and, if not more likely than not, a valuation allowance is recorded to reflect the deferred tax assets at net realizable value as determined by management. All deferred tax balances are classified as long-term in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. All changes in the tax bases of assets and liabilities are allocated among operations and items charged or credited directly to equity. Distributions – In preparing the Consolidated Statements of Equity, net income attributable to MPLX LP is allocated to preferred unitholders based on a fixed distribution schedule, as discussed in Note 9, and subsequently allocated to the general partner and limited partner unitholders. Distributions, although earned, are not accrued as a liability until declared. However, when distributions related to the eliminated IDRs were made, earnings equal to the amount of those distributions were first allocated to the general partner before the remaining earnings are allocated to the limited partner unitholders based on their respective ownership percentages. The allocation of net income attributable to MPLX LP for purposes of calculating net income per limited partner unit is described in below. Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit – MPLX uses the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners, because there is more than one class of participating security. The classes of participating securities include common units, general partner units, preferred units, certain equity-based compensation awards and eliminated IDRs. Class B units are considered to be a separate class of common units that do not participate in distributions. Net income attributable to MPLX LP is allocated to the unitholders differently for preparation of the Consolidated Statements of Equity and the calculation of net income per limited partner unit. In preparing the Consolidated Statements of Equity, net income attributable to MPLX LP is allocated to preferred unitholders based on a fixed distribution schedule and subsequently allocated to remaining unitholders in accordance with their respective ownership percentages. However, prior to 2018 when distributions related to the eliminated IDRs were made, earnings equal to the amount of those distributions are first allocated to the general partner before the remaining earnings are allocated to the unitholders, except Class B unitholders, based on their respective ownership percentages. Subsequent to the conversion of the general partner to a non-economic interest as described in Note 8, no earnings will be allocated to the general partner. Distributions, although earned, are not accrued until declared. The allocation of net income attributable to MPLX LP for purposes of calculating net income per limited partner unit is described in Note 7. In preparing net income per limited partner units, during periods in which a net loss attributable to MPLX is reported or periods in which the total distributions exceed the reported net income attributable to MPLX’s unitholders, the amount allocable to certain equity-based compensation awards is based on actual distributions to the equity-based compensation awards. Diluted earnings per unit is calculated by dividing net income attributable to MPLX’s common unitholders, after deducting amounts allocable to other participating securities, by the weighted average number of common units and potential common units outstanding during the period. Potential common units are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per unit during periods in which net income attributable to MPLX’s unitholders, after deducting amounts that are allocable to the outstanding equity-based compensation awards, preferred units, and eliminated IDRs, is a loss as the impact would be anti-dilutive. Business Combinations – MPLX recognizes and measures the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with any remaining difference recorded as goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase. For all material acquisitions, management engages an independent valuation specialist to assist with the determination of fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests, if any, and goodwill, based on recognized business valuation methodologies. If the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs, an estimate will be recorded. Subsequent to the acquisition, and not later than one year from the acquisition date, MPLX will record any material adjustments to the initial estimate based on new information obtained that would have existed as of the acquisition date. An adjustment that arises from information obtained that did not exist as of the date of the acquisition will be recorded in the period of the adjustment. An income, market or cost valuation method may be utilized to estimate the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests, if any, in a business combination. The income valuation method represents the present value of future cash flows over the life of the asset using: (i) discrete financial forecasts, which rely on management’s estimates of volumes, NGL prices, revenue and operating expenses; (ii) long-term growth rates; and (iii) appropriate discount rates. The market valuation method uses prices paid for a reasonably similar asset by other purchasers in the market, with adjustments relating to any differences between the assets. The cost valuation method is based on the replacement cost of a comparable asset at prices at the time of the acquisition reduced for depreciation of the asset. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred in connection with each business combination. See Note 4 for more information about the acquisitions. Accounting for Changes in Ownership Interests in Subsidiaries – MPLX’s ownership interest in a consolidated subsidiary may change if it sells a portion of its interest or acquires additional interest or if the subsidiary issues or repurchases its own shares. If the transaction does not result in a change in control over the subsidiary, the transaction is accounted for as an equity transaction. If a sale results in a loss of control, it would result in the deconsolidation of a subsidiary with a gain or loss recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income unless the subsidiary meets the definition of in-substance real estate. Deconsolidation of in-substance real estate is recorded at cost with no gain or loss recognized. If the purchase of additional interest occurs which changes the acquirer’s ownership interest from noncontrolling to controlling, the acquirer’s preexisting interest in the acquiree is remeasured to its fair value, with a resulting gain or loss recorded in earnings upon consummation of the business combination. Once an entity has control of a subsidiary, its acquisitions of some or all of the noncontrolling interests in that subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions and are not considered to be a business combination.

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