Recent Accounting Developments (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]

3. Recent Accounting Developments

Recently Issued

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that will require the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements as a direct reduction of related debt liabilities with amortization of debt issuance costs reported as interest expense. Under current U.S. GAAP standards, debt issuance costs are reported as deferred charges (i.e., as an asset). This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and is to be applied retrospectively upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We are currently evaluating this guidance.

In May 2014, the FASB issued revised guidance on revenue from contracts with customers that will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard provides a five-step analysis for transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The guidance permits the use of either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach.

In July 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral of the effective date of this standard to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The FASB also approved early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the transition methods and the impact of the amended guidance on our financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.