Fair-Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

We classify financial assets and liabilities into the following three levels based on the inputs used to measure fair value:

(1) Level 1 fair values are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

(2) Level 2 fair values are based on pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date; and

(3) Level 3 fair values are based on unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.

As required by fair value accounting guidance, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.



	December 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
Recurring Fair Value Measures	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
Commodity derivatives:
Assets	$	1,703		$	—	$	—	$	16,383		$	—	$	—
Liabilities	$	(411	)	$	—	$	—	$	(2,310	)	$	—	$	—

Our commodity derivatives include exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded options contracts. The fair value of these exchange-traded derivative contracts is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and is, therefore, included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

See Note 17 for additional information on our derivative instruments.

Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities

We utilize fair value on a non-recurring basis to perform impairment tests as required on our property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets. Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are recorded at their fair value as of the date of acquisition. The inputs used to determine such fair value are primarily based upon internally developed cash flow models and would generally be classified in Level 3, in the event that we were required to measure and record such assets within our Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, we use fair value to determine the inception value of our asset retirement obligations. The inputs used to determine such fair value are primarily based upon costs incurred historically for similar work, as well as estimates from independent third parties for costs that would be incurred to restore leased property to the contractually stipulated condition, and would generally be classified in Level 3.

Other Fair Value Measurements

We believe the debt outstanding under our credit facility approximates fair value as the stated rate of interest approximates current market rates of interest for similar instruments with comparable maturities. At December 31, 2015 our senior unsecured notes had a carrying value of $1.8 billion and a fair value of $1.5 billion, compared to $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively at December 31, 2014. The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is determined based on trade information in the financial markets of our public debt and is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.

Additionally, we recorded the estimated fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with our Enterprise acquisition as of the acquisition date of July 24, 2015. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) developed using company-specific information. See Note 3 for further information associated with the values recorded in our Enterprise acquisition.

Additionally, the fair value measurements, using unobservable (Level 3) inputs, used in recording the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed of CHOPS and SEKCO (which we now own 100% interest in and consolidate given the respective 50% ownership interest acquired from Enterprise for each of these subsidiaries) as a result of our Enterprise acquisition were used to calculate the effects of the re-measurement of our pre-acquisition historical interest in CHOPS and SEKCO at fair value, based on accounting guidance involving step acquisitions as discussed in ASC 805-10-25.

- 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.

+ References + Details