Commitments and Contingencies (Notes) |
3 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Mar. 31, 2017 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES CONTINGENCIES In the ordinary course of business, we may become party to lawsuits, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental, regulatory and other matters. The outcome of these matters cannot always be predicted accurately, but we will accrue liabilities for these matters if the amount is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Other than described below and Note 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, we do not have any other material outstanding lawsuits, administrative proceedings or governmental investigations. ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES TIOGA, NORTH DAKOTA CRUDE OIL PIPELINE RELEASE. In September 2013, the Partnership responded to the release of crude oil in a rural field northeast of Tioga, North Dakota (the “Crude Oil Pipeline Release”). No events have occurred in 2017 to require an adjustment to previously recognized amounts for this matter. In February 2017, we settled the Notice of Violation issued in March 2015 by the North Dakota Department of Health (“NDDOH”). The NDDOH had alleged violations of water pollution regulations as a result of the Crude Oil Pipeline Release. The ultimate resolution of the matter did not have a material impact on our liquidity, financial position, or results of operations. LEGAL XTO ENERGY INC. V. QEP FIELD SERVICES COMPANY. XTO is seeking monetary damages related to our allocation of charges related to XTO’s share of natural gas liquid transportation, fractionation and marketing costs associated with shortfalls in contractual firm processing volumes. Trial is set for July 2017. We continue to believe that a loss is not probable nor estimable in relation to $34 million and $31 million of amounts in our receivables as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, that are subject to dispute with XTO as a result of this matter. See Note 10 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for additional information regarding the dispute. |