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Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

11. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various claims, regulatory agency audits and pending or threatened legal actions involving a variety of matters. At December 31, 2015, the Company recorded an immaterial amount for contingent liabilities representing all contingencies believed to be probable. The Company has also assessed the potential for additional losses above the amounts accrued as well as potential losses for matters that are not probable but are reasonably possible. The total potential loss on these matters cannot be determined; however, in the Company’s opinion, any ultimate liability, to the extent not otherwise recorded or accrued for, will not materially affect the Company’s financial position, cash flow or results of operations. These estimated liabilities are based on the Company’s assessment of the nature of these matters, their progress toward resolution, the advice of legal counsel and outside experts as well as management’s intention and experience.

The Company’s business is affected both directly and indirectly by governmental laws and regulations relating to the oilfield service industry in general, as well as by environmental and safety regulations that specifically apply to the Company’s business. Although the Company has not incurred material costs in connection with its compliance with such laws, there can be no assurance that other developments, such as new environmental laws, regulations and enforcement policies hereunder may not result in additional, presently unquantifiable, costs or liabilities to the Company.

The Company does not accrue for contingent losses that, in its judgment, are considered to be reasonably possible, but not probable. Estimating reasonably possible losses also requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties. NOW’s management currently estimates a range of loss for reasonably possible losses for which an estimate can be made is between zero and $25 million in the international segment primarily attributable to accounts receivable with one customer. The Company has accrued its best estimate for loss at December 31, 2015. Factors underlying this estimated range of loss may change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from this estimate.

In connection with one of the Company’s acquisitions, the Company agreed to make contingent consideration payments of up to $6 million upon the attainment of certain profitability milestones through February 2018. As of December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration of less than $1 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The change in estimated fair value of the contingent consideration was recorded in warehousing, selling and administrative in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The Company maintains credit arrangements with several banks providing for short-term borrowing capacity, overdraft protection and other bonding requirements. As of December 31, 2015, these credit arrangements totaled approximately $83 million, of which the Company was contingently liable for approximately $9 million of outstanding standby letters of credit, including bid and performance related bonds and surety bonds. The Company does not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid.

The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2029. These leases generally contain renewal options and require the lessee to pay maintenance, insurance, taxes and other operating expenses in addition to the minimum annual rentals. Rental expense related to operating leases approximated $51 million, $61 million and $70 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In connection with the acquisitions, the Company entered into leases with former owners of acquired entities for premises utilized by the acquired entities in the performance of their operations. The aggregated rental expense was approximately $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Total future commitments related to these operating leases is approximately $19 million through 2028.

Future minimum lease commitments under noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more at December 31, 2015, are payable as follows (in millions):

 

2016

 

$

38

 

2017

 

 

28

 

2018

 

 

19

 

2019

 

 

12

 

2020

 

 

10

 

Thereafter

 

 

22

 

Total future lease commitments

 

$

129