XML 29 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.3.1.900

Operations and Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] |
Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Financial Statement Preparation. References in this report to “we,” “us,” and “our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries, collectively. We prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make informed judgments, best estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Subsequent Events. The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the time of the financial statements issuance. Principles of Consolidation. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ALLETE and all of our majority-owned subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications. As a result of recent acquisitions, certain financial statement captions have been added and we have reclassified certain prior-period amounts on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Income to conform to the presentation for the current period. Consolidated Balance Sheet. In conformity with the current presentation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, we have reclassified our December 31, 2014, Consolidated Balance Sheet to include $1.6 million and $3.2 million of goodwill and intangible assets previously disclosed in Property, Plant and Equipment - Net and Other Non-Current Assets, respectively, under Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Net. There was no impact to Total Assets as a result of the reclassification. Consolidated Statement of Income. In conformity with the current presentation of Cost of Sales on the Consolidated Statement of Income, we have reclassified $77.9 million from Operating and Maintenance expenses to Cost of Sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $71.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Cost of Sales includes purchased gas at SWL&P, expenses incurred to deliver coal at BNI Energy, and the cost of land and other sales at ALLETE Properties. Cost of Sales also includes costs associated with the manufacture and delivery of inventories at U.S. Water Services which was acquired on February 10, 2015, and ALLETE Clean Energy’s cost to construct a wind energy facility that was sold to Montana-Dakota Utilities in 2015. (See Note 7. Acquisitions.) In addition to the presentation of Cost of Sales, we have created new captions on the Consolidated Statement of Income to provide additional detail for Transmission Services and Taxes Other than Income Taxes. Transmission Services are MISO-related costs incurred for the transmission of electricity. In conformity with the current presentation, we have reclassified from Operating and Maintenance expenses $45.6 million of Transmission Services and $45.6 million of Taxes Other than Income Taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $32.3 million of Transmission Services and $41.7 million of Taxes Other than Income Taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013. There was no impact to Operating Income, Net Income, or Net Income Attributable to ALLETE as a result of these reclassifications. Business Segments. During the year ended December 31, 2015, management updated our reportable segment presentation to reflect the manner in which we operate, assess, and allocate resources after our recent acquisitions. We now present three reportable segments, Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy, and U.S. Water Services. Our segments were determined in accordance with the guidance on segment reporting. We measure performance of our operations through budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated net income by each business segment. Regulated Operations includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers. Minnesota Power also has 16 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated electric, natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility operations include retail and wholesale activities under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities. ALLETE Clean Energy was established in 2011, and focuses on developing, acquiring and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in four states, approximately 535 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that are under long-term power sales agreements. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy constructed a 107 MW wind energy facility for sale to Montana-Dakota Utilities; construction and sale were completed in 2015. NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) U.S. Water Services is our integrated water management company which was acquired on February 10, 2015. Corporate and Other is comprised of BNI Energy, ALLETE Properties, other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, approximately 5,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments. BNI Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary, mines and sells lignite coal to two North Dakota mine-mouth generating units, one of which is Square Butte. In 2015, Square Butte supplied 50 percent (227.5 MW) of its output to Minnesota Power under long-term contracts. (See Note 12. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.) ALLETE Properties represents our legacy Florida real estate investment. Our strategy for the assets had been to complete and maintain key entitlements and infrastructure improvements without requiring significant additional investment, sell the portfolio when opportunities arise and reinvest the proceeds in our growth initiatives. During the fourth quarter of 2015 the Company reevaluated its strategy related to the real estate assets of ALLETE Properties. The revised strategy incorporates the possibility of a bulk sale of its entire portfolio which, if consummated, is likely to result in sales proceeds below the book value of the real estate assets. ALLETE also continues to pursue sales of individual parcels over time. Proceeds from such a sale would be strategically deployed to support growth in our energy infrastructure and related services businesses. ALLETE will continue to maintain key entitlements and infrastructure without making additional investments or acquisitions. (See Note 9. Investments.) Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Supplemental Statement of Cash Flow Information
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows |  |  |
Year Ended December 31 | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2013 |
Millions |  |  |
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest – Net of Amounts Capitalized |  | $59.0 |  |  | $51.3 |  |  | $47.5 |
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes |  | $0.4 |  |  | $5.1 |  |  | $0.5 |
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable for Capital Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment | $(40.6) |  | $21.7 |  |  | $8.3 |
Capitalized Asset Retirement Costs |  | $12.4 |  |  | $22.4 |  | $(0.7)
AFUDC–Equity |  | $3.3 |  |  | $7.8 |  |  | $4.6 |
ALLETE Common Stock Contributed to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan | — |  |  | $19.5 |  | — |
Contingent Consideration |  | $35.7 |  | — |  | — |
Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is based on our evaluation of the receivable portfolio under current conditions, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problems and such other factors that, in our judgment, deserve recognition in estimating losses.
Accounts Receivable |  |  |
As of December 31 | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Millions |  |  |
Trade Accounts Receivable |  |  |
Billed |  | $105.3 |  |  |  | $85.5 |
Unbilled | 16.9 |  |  | 18.6 |
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | 1.0 |  |  | 1.1 |
Total Accounts Receivable |  | $121.2 |  |  |  | $103.0 |
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Concentration of Credit Risk. We are subject to concentration of credit risk primarily as a result of accounts receivable. Minnesota Power sells electricity to 9 Large Power Customers. Receivables from these customers totaled $9.2 million at December 31, 2015 ($14.7 million at December 31, 2014). Minnesota Power does not obtain collateral to support utility receivables, but monitors the credit standing of major customers. In addition, Minnesota Power’s taconite-producing Large Power Customers are on a weekly billing cycle, which allows us to closely manage collection of amounts due. One of these customers accounted for 7.7 percent of consolidated operating revenue in 2015 (11.9 percent in 2014; 12.0 percent in 2013). Long-Term Finance Receivables. Long-term finance receivables relating to our real estate operations are collateralized by property sold, accrue interest at market-based rates and are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We assess delinquent finance receivables by comparing the balance of such receivables to the estimated fair value of the collateralized property. If the fair value of the property is less than the finance receivable, we record a reserve for the difference. We estimate fair value based on recent property tax assessed values or current appraisals. Available-for-Sale Securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Unrealized losses that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings. We use the specific identification method as the basis for determining the cost of securities sold. Our policy is to review available-for-sale securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis by assessing such factors as the share price trends and the impact of overall market conditions. (See Note 9. Investments.) Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Amounts removed from inventories in our Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy segments are recorded on an average cost basis. Amounts removed from inventories in our U.S. Water Services and Corporate and Other segments are recorded on an average cost, first-in, first-out or specific identification basis.
Inventories |  |  |
As of December 31 | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Millions |  |  |
Fuel (a) |  | $58.1 |  |  |  | $29.0 |
Materials and Supplies | 49.1 |  |  | 51.5 |
Raw Materials | 2.7 |  |  | — |
Finished Goods | 7.5 |  |  | — |
Reserve for Obsolescence | (0.3 | ) |  | — |
Total Inventories |  | $117.1 |  |  |  | $80.5 |
(a) | Fuel consists primarily of coal inventory at Minnesota Power. During 2015, Minnesota Power increased its coal inventory to take advantage of favorable pricing.
Prepayments and Other Current Assets |  |  |
As of December 31 | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Millions |  |  |
Deferred Fuel Adjustment Clause |  | $10.6 |  |  |  | $16.3 |
Construction Costs for Development Project (a) | — |  |  | 48.2 |
Restricted Cash (b) | 5.6 |  |  | 2.7 |
Other | 19.5 |  |  | 14.8 |
Total Prepayments and Other Current Assets |  | $35.7 |  |  |  | $82.0 |
(a) | Construction Costs for Development Project related to ALLETE Clean Energy’s project to construct a wind energy facility which was sold in 2015. (See Note 7. Acquisitions.)
(b) | Restricted Cash includes collateral deposits required under ALLETE Clean Energy’s loan agreements and collateral deposits required for U.S. Water Services’ standby letters of credit.
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at original cost and are reported on the balance sheet net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for additions, significant replacements, improvements and major plant overhauls are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on non-rate base property, plant and equipment are recognized when they are retired or otherwise disposed. When regulated utility property, plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed, no gain or loss is recognized in accordance with the accounting standards for the effects of certain types of regulation. Our Regulated Operations capitalize AFUDC, which includes both an interest and equity component. AFUDC represents the cost of both debt and equity funds used to finance utility plant additions during construction periods. AFUDC amounts capitalized are included in rate base and are recovered from customers as the related property is depreciated. Upon MPUC approval of cost recovery, the recognition of AFUDC ceases. (See Note 3. Property, Plant and Equipment.) We believe that long-standing ratemaking practices approved by applicable state and federal regulatory commissions allow for the recovery of the remaining book value of retired plant assets. Minnesota Power retired Taconite Harbor Unit 3 and converted Laskin to natural gas in 2015, which were actions included in Minnesota Power’s 2013 IRP approved by the MPUC in a November 2013 order. On September 1, 2015, Minnesota Power filed its 2015 IRP with the MPUC. The 2015 IRP contains the next steps in Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward plan including the economic idling of Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2 in the fall of 2016 and the ceasing of coal-fired operations at Taconite Harbor in 2020. We do not expect to record any impairment charge as a result of the retirement of Taconite Harbor Unit 3, the ceasing of coal-fired operations at Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2, or the conversion of Laskin. In addition, we expect to be able to continue depreciating these assets over their established remaining useful lives; however we are unable to predict the impact of unanticipated regulatory outcomes resulting in changes to their established remaining useful lives. The remaining net book value for Taconite Harbor as of December 31, 2015 was approximately $100 million. We would seek recovery in a general rate case of additional depreciation expense as a result of material changes in useful lives. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Land inventory is accounted for as held for use and is recorded at cost or estimated fair value. We review our long-lived assets, which include the legacy real estate assets of ALLETE Properties, for indicators of impairment in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment on a quarterly basis. In accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment, if indicators of impairment exist, we test our real estate assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Cash flows are assessed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which may include a bulk sale of its entire portfolio, the sale of each individual land parcel, combining various parcels, or other combinations thereof. Our consideration of possible impairment for our real estate assets requires us to make estimates of future net cash flows on an undiscounted basis. The undiscounted future net cash flows are impacted by trends and factors known to us at the time they are calculated and our expectations related to: management’s best estimate of future sales prices; holding period and timing of sales; method of disposition; and future expenditures necessary to maintain the operations, including community development district assessments, property taxes and normal operation and maintenance costs. These estimates and expectations are specific to each land parcel, may vary among each land parcel, and may change in the future. If the excess of undiscounted future net cash flows over the carrying amount of a property is small, there is a greater risk of future impairment in the event of such future changes and any resulting impairment charges could be material. In recent years, market conditions for real estate in Florida have required us to review our land inventories for impairment. In response to market conditions and recent transaction activity, during the fourth quarter of 2015 the Company reevaluated its strategy related to the real estate assets of ALLETE Properties. The revised strategy incorporates the possibility of a bulk sale of its entire portfolio which, if consummated, is likely to result in sales proceeds below the book value of the real estate assets. ALLETE also continues to pursue sales of individual parcels over time. Proceeds from such a sale would be strategically deployed to support growth in our energy infrastructure and related services businesses. ALLETE will continue to maintain key entitlements and infrastructure without making additional investments or acquisitions. In connection with implementing the revised strategy in 2015, management evaluated its impairment analysis for its real estate assets using updated assumptions to determine estimated future net cash flows on an undiscounted basis. Future net cash flows were adjusted to consider the possibility of a bulk sale of its entire portfolio, in addition to sales over time under the existing divestiture plan. Estimated fair values were based upon current market data and pricing for individual parcels. Our impairment analysis incorporates a probability-weighted approach considering the alternative courses of sales noted above. NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Continued) Based on the results of undiscounted cash flow analysis, the undiscounted future net cash flows were not adequate to recover the carrying value of the real estate assets totaling $83.3 million. Estimated fair value was derived from current market interest in the property for a bulk sale of its entire portfolio, and discounted cash flow analysis of estimated selling price for sales over time. As a result, a non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million was recorded in 2015 to reduce the carrying value of the real estate to its estimated fair value at December 31, 2015. If our real estate assets are sold differently than anticipated, the actual results could be materially different from our undiscounted future net cash flow analysis. In 2014 and 2013, impairment analyses of estimated undiscounted future net cash flows were conducted based on the strategy existing at that time, and indicated that the cash flows were adequate to recover the carrying value of ALLETE Properties real estate assets. As a result, no impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Derivatives. ALLETE is exposed to certain risks relating to its business operations that can be managed through the use of derivative instruments. ALLETE may enter into derivative instruments to manage those risks including interest rate risk related to certain variable-rate borrowings. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. We apply the fair value recognition guidance for share-based payments. Under this guidance, we recognize stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payments granted, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. (See Note 18. Employee Stock and Incentive Plans.) Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair value of net assets of acquired businesses. In accordance with GAAP, goodwill is not amortized. To align with the annual budgeting and forecasting process, goodwill is assessed annually in the fourth quarter for impairment and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at the reporting unit level. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The estimated fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Intangible Assets. Intangible assets include customer relationships, patents, non-compete agreements and trademarks and trade names. Intangible assets with definite lives consist of customer relationships, which are amortized using an attrition model, and patents and non-compete agreements, which are amortized on a straight-line basis with estimated useful lives ranging from approximately 3 years to approximately 22 years. We review definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and trade names, which are tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment is calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Other Non-Current Assets. As of December 31, 2015, included in Other Non-Current Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was restricted cash of $8.1 million related to collateral deposits required under ALLETE Clean Energy’s loan agreements ($5.3 million as of December 31, 2014). NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Other Current Liabilities |  |  |
As of December 31 | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Millions |  |  |
Customer Deposits |  | $15.1 |  |  |  | $19.7 |
Power Purchase Agreements (a) | 23.3 |  |  | 19.4 |
Construction Deposits Received for Development Project (b) | — |  |  | 54.3 |
Other (c) | 47.7 |  |  | 27.4 |
Total Other Current Liabilities |  | $86.1 |  |  |  | $120.8 |
(a) | Power Purchase Agreements acquired in conjunction with the ALLETE Clean Energy wind energy facilities acquisitions. (See Note 7. Acquisitions.)
(b) | Construction Deposits Received for Development Project relate to ALLETE Clean Energy’s project to construct a wind energy facility which was sold in 2015. (See Note 7. Acquisitions.)
(c) | Increase in 2015 includes customer refund liabilities of approximately $7 million, pending regulatory approval.
Other Non-Current Liabilities |  |  |
As of December 31 | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Millions |  |  |
Asset Retirement Obligation |  | $131.4 |  |  |  | $109.2 |
Power Purchase Agreements (a) | 138.1 |  |  | 110.7 |
Contingent Consideration (b) | 36.6 |  |  | — |
Other | 42.9 |  |  | 45.1 |
Total Other Non-Current Liabilities |  | $349.0 |  |  |  | $265.0 |
(a) | Power Purchase Agreements acquired in conjunction with the ALLETE Clean Energy wind energy facilities acquisitions. (See Note 7. Acquisitions.)
(b) | Contingent Consideration relates to the estimated fair value of the earnings-based payment resulting from the U.S. Water Services acquisition. (See Note 7. Acquisitions and Note 10. Fair Value.)
Environmental Liabilities. We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based on current law and existing technologies. Accruals are adjusted as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are expensed unless recoverable in rates from customers. (See Note 12. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.) Revenue Recognition. Regulated Operations utility rates are under the jurisdiction of Minnesota, Wisconsin and federal regulatory authorities. Customers are billed on a cycle basis. Revenue is accrued for service provided but not yet billed. Regulated utility electric rates include adjustment clauses that: (1) bill or credit customers for fuel and purchased energy costs above or below the base levels in rate schedules; (2) bill retail customers for the recovery of conservation improvement program expenditures not collected in base rates; and (3) bill customers for the recovery of certain transmission, renewable energy and environmental expenditures. Fuel and purchased power expense is deferred to match the period in which the revenue for fuel and purchased power expense is collected from customers pursuant to the fuel adjustment clause. Revenue from our cost recovery riders (renewable resources, transmission and environmental improvement) is accounted for in accordance with the accounting standards for alternative revenue programs. These standards allow for recognizing revenue under an alternative revenue program if the program is established by an order from the utility’s regulatory commission, the order allows automatic adjustment of future rates, the amount of the revenue recognized is objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and the revenue will be collected within 24 months following the end of the annual period in which it is recognized. Revenue recognized using the alternative revenue program guidance is included in Operating Revenue on our Consolidated Statement of Income and Regulatory Assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet until it is subsequently collected from customers. NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Revenue Recognition (Continued) Minnesota Power participates in MISO. MISO transactions are accounted for on a net hourly basis in each of the day-ahead and real-time markets. Minnesota Power records net sales in Operating Revenue and net purchases in Fuel and Purchased Power Expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income. The revenue and charges from MISO related to serving retail and municipal electric customers are recorded on a net basis as Fuel and Purchased Power Expense. ALLETE Clean Energy recognizes revenue from the sale of energy under long-term PPAs. Revenue is recognized when delivered to an agreed upon point or production is curtailed at the request of its customers at specified prices. As part of the wind energy facilities acquisitions in 2014 and 2015, ALLETE Clean Energy assumed various PPAs that were above or below estimated market prices at the time of acquisition and amortizes the resulting differences between contract prices and estimated market prices to Operating Revenue. In 2015, we recognized $23.2 million of non-cash revenue amortization relating to the difference between contract prices and estimated market prices as an increase in Operating Revenue on the Consolidated Statement of Income ($12.7 million in 2014). U.S. Water Services recognizes revenue from the sale of products when the earnings process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the contract or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed and determinable. Revenue from services is recognized as the services are performed. Corporate and Other BNI Energy recognizes coal sales when delivered at the cost of production plus a specified profit per ton of coal delivered. ALLETE Properties records full profit recognition on sales of real estate upon closing, provided that cash collections are at least 20 percent of the contract price and the other requirements under the guidance for sales of real estate are met. From time to time, certain contracts with customers allow us to receive participation revenue from land sales to third parties if various formula-based criteria are achieved. Unamortized Discount and Premium on Debt. Discount and premium on debt are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments using a method which approximates the effective interest method. Income Taxes. ALLETE and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return as well as combined and separate state income tax returns. We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for all temporary differences in the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the taxes become payable. Due to the effects of regulation on Minnesota Power and SWL&P, certain adjustments made to deferred income taxes are, in turn, recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Federal investment tax credits have been recorded as deferred credits and are being amortized to income tax expense over the service lives of the related property. In accordance with the accounting standards for uncertainty in income taxes, we are required to recognize in our financial statements the largest tax benefit of a tax position that is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained on audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position as of the reporting date. The term “more-likely-than-not” means more than 50 percent likely. (See Note 15. Income Tax Expense.) Excise Taxes. We collect excise taxes from our customers levied by government entities. These taxes are stated separately on the billing to the customer and recorded as a liability to be remitted to the government entity. We account for the collection and payment of these taxes on a net basis. NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Purchase Accounting. In accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance, the purchase price of an acquired business is generally allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Any unallocated purchase price amount is recognized as goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheet if it exceeds the estimated fair value and as a bargain purchase gain on the Consolidated Income Statement if it is below the estimated fair value. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment, and the utilization of independent valuation experts as well as involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives, among other items. The judgments made in the determination of the estimated fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the estimated useful life of each asset and the duration of each liability, can materially impact the financial statements in periods after acquisition, such as through depreciation and amortization expense. (See Note 7. Acquisitions.) New Accounting Standards. Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update modifying the criteria for determining which disposals should be presented as discontinued operations and modifying the related disclosure requirements. Additionally, the new guidance requires that a business which qualifies as held for sale upon acquisition should be reported as discontinued operations. The new guidance was effective beginning in the first quarter of 2015, and will be applied prospectively to disposals and classifications of disposal groups as held for sale. The impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows will be evaluated when future transactions arise. Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued amended revenue recognition guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required regarding customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This accounting guidance was to have been effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017 using one of two prescribed retrospective methods. On July 9, 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of the standard by one year which will make the guidance effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2017 for public companies. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended revenue recognition guidance on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued revised guidance addressing the presentation requirements for debt issuance costs. Under the revised guidance, all costs incurred to issue debt are to be presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The revised guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard which requires entities that measure inventory using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017; early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under the new standard, both deferred tax liabilities and assets are required to be classified as noncurrent instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This accounting guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we elected to prospectively adopt the new standard, reclassifying $39.4 million of current deferred income tax assets to noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for 2015. Previously reported periods have not been adjusted. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on our Consolidated Statement of Income, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for the general note to the financial statements for the reporting entity which may include, descriptions of the basis of presentation, business description, significant accounting policies, consolidations, reclassifications, new pronouncements not yet adopted and changes in accounting principles. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration