Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

9. Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following three categories:


•	Level 1 — Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets to which we have access at the date of measurement.

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Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 inputs are those in markets for which there are few transactions, the prices are not current, little public information exists or prices vary substantially over time or among brokered market makers.


•	Level 3 — Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Unobservable inputs are those inputs that reflect our own assumptions regarding how market participants would price the asset or liability based on the best available information.

Asset and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

On a quarterly basis, our interest rate swaps are valued based on the income approach (discounted cash flow) using market observable inputs, including forward LIBOR curves. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.

The following table presents our interest rate swaps asset and liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, with pricing levels as of the date of valuation (in thousands):



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps asset	$	1,884		$	413
Interest rate swaps liability	(1,297		)	(3,603		)

Asset and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded non-recurring fair value measurements related to our idle and previously-culled compressor units. Our estimate of the compressor units’ fair value was primarily based on either the expected net sale proceeds compared to other fleet units we recently sold and/or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use. We discounted the expected proceeds, net of selling and other carrying costs, using a weighted average disposal period of four years. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 3. The fair value of our impaired compressor units was $1.1 million and $6.5 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. See Note 10 (“Long-Lived Asset Impairment”) for further details.

Other Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of our cash, receivables and payables approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those instruments.

The carrying amounts of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility and Partnership Credit Facility approximate fair value due to their variable interest rates. The fair value of these outstanding borrowings was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates offered on loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality, which are Level 3 inputs.

The fair value of our fixed rate debt was estimated based on quoted prices in inactive markets and is considered a Level 2 measurement. The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our fixed rate debt as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Carrying amount of fixed rate debt ⁽¹⁾	$	685,947	$	683,577
Fair value of fixed rate debt	687,000		686,000


⁽¹⁾	Carrying amounts are shown net of unamortized debt discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs. See Note 7 (“Long-Term Debt”) for further details.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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