8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 4, 2020

The Williams Companies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	1-4174	73-0569878
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

One Williams Center
Tulsa	Oklahoma	74172-0172
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (918) 573-2000

NOT APPLICABLE

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value	WMB	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 8.01. Other Events

As disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, effective January 1, 2020, following an organizational realignment, our interstate natural gas pipeline Northwest Pipeline LLC, which was reported within the West reporting segment throughout 2019, is now managed within the Transmission & Gulf of Mexico reporting segment (previously identified as the Atlantic-Gulf reporting segment). All segment disclosures have been recast for this segment change.

The following items of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, have been recast to reflect the previously described change in reportable segments and are filed as exhibits to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference:

• Exhibit 99.1

◦ Item 6. Selected Financial Data

◦ Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

◦ Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

◦ Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

• Exhibit 101.INS - XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.

• Exhibit 101.SCH - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

• Exhibit 101.CAL - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

• Exhibit 101.DEF - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

• Exhibit 101.LAB - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

• Exhibit 101.PRE - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

• Exhibit 104 - Cover Page Interactive Data File. The cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document (contained in Exhibit 101).

The recast items of the Form 10-K described above have been updated for only the aforementioned segment change, as well as certain other events disclosed in Note 21 – Subsequent Events within Item 8 of Exhibit 99.1. We have not otherwise updated for activities or events occurring after the date these items were originally presented. This Current Report should be read in conjunction with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF

THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

The reports, filings, and other public announcements of The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams) may contain or incorporate by reference statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings, market conditions, and other matters. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events, or developments that we expect, believe, or anticipate will exist or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by various forms of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “might,” “goals,” “objectives,” “targets,” “planned,” “potential,” “projects,” “scheduled,” “will,” “assumes,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “in-service date,” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and include, among others, statements regarding:

• Levels of dividends to Williams stockholders;

• Future credit ratings of Williams and its affiliates;

• Amounts and nature of future capital expenditures;

• Expansion and growth of our business and operations;

• Expected in-service dates for capital projects;

• Financial condition and liquidity;

• Business strategy;

• Cash flow from operations or results of operations;

• Seasonality of certain business components;

• Natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil prices, supply, and demand;

• Demand for our services;

• The impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this report. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

• Availability of supplies, market demand, and volatility of prices;

• Development and rate of adoption of alternative energy sources;

• The impact of existing and future laws and regulations, the regulatory environment, environmental liabilities, and litigation, as well as our ability to obtain necessary permits and approvals, and achieve favorable rate proceeding outcomes;

• Our exposure to the credit risk of our customers and counterparties;

• Our ability to acquire new businesses and assets and successfully integrate those operations and assets into existing businesses as well as successfully expand our facilities, and to consummate asset sales on acceptable terms;

• Whether we are able to successfully identify, evaluate, and timely execute our capital projects and investment opportunities;

• The strength and financial resources of our competitors and the effects of competition;

• The amount of cash distributions from and capital requirements of our investments and joint ventures in which we participate;

• Whether we will be able to effectively execute our financing plan;

• Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social, and governance practices;

• The physical and financial risks associated with climate change;

• The impact of operational and developmental hazards and unforeseen interruptions;

• The risks resulting from outbreaks or other public health crises, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19);

• Risks associated with weather and natural phenomena, including climate conditions and physical damage to our facilities;

• Acts of terrorism, cybersecurity incidents, and related disruptions;

• Our costs and funding obligations for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans;

• Changes in maintenance and construction costs, as well as our ability to obtain sufficient construction-related inputs including skilled labor;

• Inflation, interest rates, and general economic conditions (including future disruptions and volatility in the global credit markets and the impact of these events on customers and suppliers);

• Risks related to financing, including restrictions stemming from debt agreements, future changes in credit ratings as determined by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, and the availability and cost of capital;

• The ability of the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil exporting nations to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls and the impact on domestic production;

• Changes in the current geopolitical situation;

• Whether we are able to pay current and expected levels of dividends;

• Additional risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, we caution investors not to unduly rely on our forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligations to and do not intend to update the above list or announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.

In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above and referred to below may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in this report. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions, or otherwise.

Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, we caution that there are important factors, in addition to those listed above, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For a detailed discussion of those factors, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020, and in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on May 4, 2020.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(a) None

(b) None

(c) None

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Description
23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
99.1	Selected Financial Data, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, and Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of The Williams Companies, Inc. including Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Part II, Items 6, 7, 7A, and 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019).
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File. The cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document (contained in Exhibit 101).

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

			THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
Dated:	May 4, 2020	By:	/s/ JOHN D. PORTER
			John D. Porter
			Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-3 Nos. 333-29185 and 333-223149) of The Williams Companies, Inc.,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-03957) pertaining to The Williams Companies, Inc. 1996 Stock
Plan for Non-Employee Directors,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-85542) pertaining to The Williams Investment Plus Plan,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-85546) pertaining to The Williams Companies, Inc. 2002 Incentive
Plan,

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-142985) pertaining to The Williams Companies, Inc. 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and The Williams Companies, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan,

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-167123) pertaining to The Williams Companies, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, and

(7) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-198050) pertaining to The Williams Companies, Inc. 2007 Incentive
Plan and The Williams Companies, Inc. 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan;

of our report dated February 24, 2020, except as it relates to the change in segments described in Note 1, Note 7 and Note 20 as to which the date is May 4, 2020, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of The Williams Companies, Inc. included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Tulsa, Oklahoma
May 4, 2020

EX-23.2

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-29185 and 333-223149) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-03957, 333-85542, 333-85546, 333-142985, 333-167123 and 333-198050) of The Williams Companies, Inc. of our report dated February 24, 2020 relating to the financial statements of Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C., which appears in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas

May 4, 2020

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

DEFINITIONS

The following is a listing of certain abbreviations, acronyms, and other industry terminology that may be used throughout this Annual Report.

Measurements:

Barrel: One barrel of petroleum products that equals 42 U.S. gallons

Bcf : One billion cubic feet of natural gas

Bcf/d: One billion cubic feet of natural gas per day

British Thermal Unit (Btu): A unit of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree

Fahrenheit

Dekatherms (Dth): A unit of energy equal to one million British thermal units

Mbbls/d: One thousand barrels per day

Mdth/d: One thousand dekatherms per day

MMcf/d: One million cubic feet per day

MMdth: One million dekatherms or one trillion British thermal units

MMdth/d: One million dekatherms per day

Tbtu: One trillion British thermal units

Consolidated Entities:

Cardinal: Cardinal Gas Services, L.L.C.

Gulfstar One: Gulfstar One LLC

Northwest Pipeline: Northwest Pipeline LLC

Transco: Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC

UEOM: Utica East Ohio Midstream LLC, previously a Partially Owned Entity until acquiring remaining interest in March 2019

Northeast JV: Ohio Valley Midstream LLC, a partially owned venture that includes our Ohio Valley assets and UEOM

WPZ: Williams Partners L.P. Effective August 10, 2018, we completed our merger with WPZ, pursuant to which we acquired all outstanding common units of WPZ held by others and Williams continued as the surviving entity.

Partially Owned Entities: Entities in which we do not own a 100 percent ownership interest and which, as of December 31, 2019, we account for as an equity-method investment, including principally the following:

Aux Sable: Aux Sable Liquid Products LP

Brazos Permian II: Brazos Permian II, LLC

Caiman II: Caiman Energy II, LLC

Constitution: Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC

Discovery: Discovery Producer Services LLC

Gulfstream: Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.

Jackalope: Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C., which was sold in April 2019

1

Laurel Mountain: Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC

OPPL: Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC

RMM: Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC

Government and Regulatory:

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

Exchange Act, the: Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

FERC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

IRS: Internal Revenue Service

SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission

Other:

Fractionation: The process by which a mixed stream of natural gas liquids is separated into its constituent products,

such as ethane, propane, and butane

GAAP: U.S. generally accepted accounting principles

Geismar Incident: An explosion and fire which occurred on June 13, 2013, at our formerly owned Geismar olefins plant and rendered the facility temporarily inoperable.

LNG: Liquefied natural gas; natural gas which has been liquefied at cryogenic temperatures

MVC: Minimum volume commitment

NGLs: Natural gas liquids; natural gas liquids result from natural gas processing and crude oil refining and are

used as petrochemical feedstocks, heating fuels, and gasoline additives, among other applications

NGL margins:  NGL revenues less Btu replacement cost, plant fuel, transportation, and fractionation

WPZ Merger: The August 10, 2018, merger transactions pursuant to which we acquired all outstanding common units of WPZ held by others, merged WPZ into Williams, and Williams continued as the surviving entity.

The statements in this Annual Report that are not historical information, including statements concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations, economic performance or related assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by various forms of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “might,” “goals,” “objectives,” “targets,” “planned,” “potential,” “projects,” “scheduled,” “will,” “assumes,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “in-service date,” or other similar expressions and other words and terms of similar meaning. Although we believe that our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that such expectations or assumptions will be achieved. Additional information regarding forward-looking statements and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are described under Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report.

2

PART II

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following financial data at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and for each of the three preceding years in the period ended December 31, 2019, should be read in conjunction with the other financial information included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Exhibit 99.1. All other financial data has been prepared from our accounting records.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017		2016			2015
	(Millions, except per-share amounts)
Revenues	$	8,201	$	8,686		$	8,031	$	7,499		$	7,360
Income (loss) from continuing operations (1)	729		193			2,509		(350		)	(1,314		)
Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (2)	862		(156		)	2,174		(424		)	(571		)
Diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per common share	.71		(.16		)	2.62		(.57		)	(.76		)
Total assets at December 31	46,040		45,302			46,352		46,835			49,020
Commercial paper, lease liabilities, and long-term debt (including current portions) at December 31	22,497		22,414			20,935		23,502			24,487
Stockholders’ equity at December 31 (3)	13,363		14,660			9,656		4,643			6,148
Cash dividends declared per common share	1.52		1.36			1.20		1.68			2.45
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (thousands)	1,214,011		973,626			828,518		750,673			749,271

_________

(1) Income (loss) from continuing operations:

• For 2019 includes $464 million of impairments of certain assets, including a $354 million impairment of Constitution’s capitalized project costs, and $186 million impairments of certain equity-method investments, partially offset by a $122 million gain on the sale of our Jackalope equity-method investment;

• For 2018 includes a $1.849 billion impairment of certain assets located in the Barnett Shale region, partially offset by a $591 million gain on the sale of our Four Corners area assets, a $141 million gain on the deconsolidation of certain Permian assets, and a $101 million gain from the sale of our Gulf Coast pipeline system assets;

• For 2017 includes a $1.923 billion benefit for income taxes resulting from Tax Reform rate change and a $1.095 billion pre-tax gain on the sale of our Geismar Interest, partially offset by $1.248 billion of pre-tax impairments of certain assets and $776 million of pre-tax regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform;

• For 2016 includes an $873 million impairment of certain assets and a $430 million impairment of certain equity-method investments;

• For 2015 includes a $1.4 billion impairment of certain equity-method investments and a $1.1 billion impairment of goodwill.

(2) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders:

• For 2019 includes benefit of $209 million reflecting the noncontrolling interests’ share of the impairment of Constitution’s capitalized project costs.     

(3) Stockholders’ equity at December 31:

• For 2019 includes a decrease related to a sale of a partial interest in our Northeast JV business;

• For 2018 includes an increase reflecting our issuance of common stock associated with our merger with WPZ in August 2018;

3

• For 2017 includes increases reflecting our issuance of common stock as part of our Financial Repositioning and a significant increase in our ownership of WPZ.

4

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

We are an energy infrastructure company focused on connecting North America’s significant hydrocarbon resource plays to growing markets for natural gas and NGLs through our gas pipeline and midstream business. Our operations are located in the United States.

Our interstate natural gas pipeline strategy is to create value by maximizing the utilization of our pipeline capacity by providing high quality, low cost transportation of natural gas to large and growing markets. Our gas pipeline businesses’ interstate transmission and storage activities are subject to regulation by the FERC and as such, our rates and charges for the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce, and the extension, expansion or abandonment of jurisdictional facilities and accounting, among other things, are subject to regulation. The rates are established through the FERC’s ratemaking process. Changes in commodity prices and volumes transported have limited near-term impact on these revenues because the majority of cost of service is recovered through firm capacity reservation charges in transportation rates.

The ongoing strategy of our midstream operations is to safely and reliably operate large-scale midstream infrastructure where our assets can be fully utilized and drive low per-unit costs. We focus on consistently attracting new business by providing highly reliable service to our customers. These services include natural gas gathering, processing, treating, and compression, NGL fractionation and transportation, crude oil production handling and transportation, marketing services for NGL, crude oil and natural gas, as well as storage facilities.

Effective January 1, 2020, following an organizational realignment, our interstate natural gas pipeline Northwest Pipeline LLC, reported within the West reporting segment throughout 2019, is now managed within the Transmission & Gulf of Mexico reporting segment (previously identified as the Atlantic-Gulf reporting segment). Consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources, our operations are conducted, managed, and presented within the following reportable segments: Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, and West. All remaining business activities as well as corporate activities are included in Other. Our reportable segments are comprised of the following businesses:

• Transmission & Gulf of Mexico is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipelines, Transco and Northwest Pipeline, as well as natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, including a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One (a consolidated variable interest entity), which is a proprietary floating production system, a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream, a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery, and a 41 percent equity-method investment in Constitution as of December 31, 2019.

• Northeast G&P is comprised of our midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio, as well as a 65 percent interest in our Northeast JV (a consolidated variable interest entity) which operates in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, a 66 percent interest in Cardinal (a consolidated variable interest entity) which operates in Ohio, a 69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain, a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman II, and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns equity-method investments with an approximate average 66 percent interest in multiple gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments).

• West is comprised of our gas gathering, processing, and treating operations in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming, the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, Delaware, and Permian basins. This segment also includes our NGL and natural gas marketing business, storage facilities, an undivided 50 percent interest in an NGL fractionator near Conway, Kansas, a 50 percent equity-method investment in OPPL, a 50 percent equity-method investment in RMM, and a 15 percent equity-method investment in Brazos Permian II. West also included our former natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado, which were sold during

5

the fourth quarter of 2018 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), and our former 50 percent interest in Jackalope (an equity-method investment following deconsolidation as of June 30, 2018), which was sold in April 2019, and our previously owned 50 percent equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system (DBJV) (see Note 6 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

• Other includes minor business activities that are not operating segments, as well as corporate operations. Other also includes our previously owned operations, including an 88.5 percent undivided interest in an olefins production facility in Geismar, Louisiana, which was sold in July 2017 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), and a refinery grade propylene splitter in the Gulf region, which was sold in June 2017.

Unless indicated otherwise, the following discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition and liquidity relates to our current continuing operations and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Dividends

In December 2019, we paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share. On January 28, 2020, our board of directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share payable on March 30, 2020.

Overview

Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc., for the year ended December 31, 2019, increased $1.005 billion compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, reflecting:

• A $1.451 billion decrease in Impairment of certain assets;

• A $431 million increase in Service revenues primarily associated with Transco expansion projects, the consolidation of UEOM beginning March 2019, and growth in Northeast G&P volumes, partially offset by lower revenues from our Barnett Shale operations primarily associated with the reduced recognition of deferred revenue and the end of a contractual MVC period, as well as the absence of revenues from operations sold or deconsolidated during 2018;

• A $484 million decrease to Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily due to the WPZ Merger in the third quarter of 2018, as well as the noncontrolling interests’ share of the 2019 Constitution impairment.

These favorable changes were partially offset by:

• A $694 million decrease in the Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses primarily related to the sale of the Four Corners area business in the fourth quarter of 2018;

• A $266 million decrease in Other investing income (loss) – net primarily due to the absence of 2018 gains on deconsolidations and 2019 impairments of equity-method investments, partially offset by a 2019 gain on the sale of our interest in Jackalope;

• $138 million of lower commodity margins;

• $74 million of higher net interest expense;

• $58 million lower allowance for equity funds used during construction (AFUDC);

• A $197 million increase in provision for income taxes driven by higher pre-tax income, partially offset by the absence of a 2018 charge to establish a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets that may not be realized following the WPZ merger.

6

Acquisition of UEOM

As of December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM which we accounted for as an equity-method investment. On March 18, 2019, we signed and closed the acquisition of the remaining 38 percent interest in UEOM. Total consideration paid, including post-closing adjustments, was $741 million in cash funded through credit facility borrowings and cash on hand. As a result of acquiring this additional interest, we obtained control of and now consolidate UEOM. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Northeast JV

Concurrent with the UEOM acquisition, we executed an agreement whereby we contributed our consolidated interests in UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream business to a newly formed partnership. In June 2019, our partner invested approximately $1.33 billion for a 35 percent ownership interest, and we retained 65 percent ownership of, as well as operate and consolidate, the Northeast JV business. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Sale of Jackalope

In April 2019, we sold our 50 percent equity-method interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash, resulting in a gain on the disposition of $122 million. (See Note 6 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Constitution

Although Constitution received a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the FERC to construct and operate the proposed pipeline and obtained, among other approvals, a waiver of the water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the New York portion of the project, the members of Constitution, following extensive evaluation and discussion, recently determined that the underlying risk-adjusted return for this greenfield pipeline project has diminished in such a way that further development is no longer supported. (See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.)

Expansion Project Updates

Significant expansion project updates for the period, including projects placed into service are described below. Ongoing major expansion projects are discussed later in Company Outlook.

Northeast G&P

Ohio River Supply Hub Expansion

We agreed to expand our services for certain customers to provide additional rich gas processing capacity in the Marcellus and Upper Devonian Shale in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Associated with these agreements, we have expanded the inlet processing capacity of our Oak Grove facility to 400 MMcf/d. We have also constructed a new NGL pipeline from Moundsville to the Harrison Hub fractionation facility to provide an additional outlet for NGLs. These expansions are supported by long-term, fee-based agreements and volumetric commitments.

Susquehanna Supply Hub Expansion

In November 2019, we completed a 500 MMcf/d expansion of the gathering systems in the Susquehanna Supply Hub to bring the capacity to approximately 4.3 Bcf/d.

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico

Rivervale South to Market

In August 2018, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from the existing Rivervale interconnection with Tennessee Gas Pipeline on Transco’s North New Jersey Extension to other existing Transco locations within New

7

Jersey. The project was placed into partial service in July 2019. The remaining portion of the project was placed into service in September 2019. The full project increased capacity by 190 Mdth/d.

Norphlet Project

In March 2016, we announced that we reached an agreement to provide deepwater gas gathering services to the Appomattox development in the Gulf of Mexico. We completed modifications to install an alternate delivery route to our Main Pass 261 Platform, as well as modifications to our onshore Mobile Bay processing facility. The project went in service early in July 2019, at which time we also purchased a 54-mile-long, 16-inch-diameter pipeline (the Norphlet Pipeline) for $200 million. This pipeline transports gas from the Appomattox development to our Main Pass 261 Platform.

Gateway

In December 2018, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from PennEast Pipeline Company’s proposed interconnection with Transco’s mainline south of Station 205 in New Jersey to other existing Transco meter stations within New Jersey. The project was placed into service in December 2019 and increased capacity by 65 Mdth/d.

Gulf Connector

In January 2019, the Gulf Connector project was placed into service. This project expanded Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 65 in Louisiana to delivery points in Wharton and San Patricio Counties, Texas. The project increased capacity by 475 Mdth/d.

North Seattle Lateral Upgrade

In July 2018, we received approval from the FERC to expand delivery capabilities on Northwest Pipeline’s North Seattle Lateral. The project consists of the removal and replacement of approximately 5.9 miles of 8-inch diameter pipeline with new 20-inch diameter pipeline. The project was placed into service in November 2019. The project increased delivery capacity by approximately 159 Mdth/d.

West

Wamsutter Expansion

We have expanded our gathering and processing infrastructure in the Wamsutter region of Wyoming in order to meet our customers’ production plans. We have completed construction of new compressor stations and modifications to our processing facilities, which were placed into service throughout 2019. The expansion added approximately 20 miles of gathering pipelines and approximately 15,000 horsepower of compression.

Filing of Rate Case

On August 31, 2018, Transco filed a general rate case with the FERC for an overall increase in rates. In September 2018, with the exception of certain rates that reflected a rate decrease, the FERC accepted and suspended our general rate filing to be effective March 1, 2019, subject to refund and the outcome of a hearing. The specific rates that reflected a rate decrease were accepted, without suspension, to be effective October 1, 2018, as requested by Transco, and were not subject to refund. In March 2019, the FERC accepted our motion to place the rates that were suspended by the September 2018 order into effect on March 1, 2019, subject to refund. In October 2019, we reached an agreement on the terms of a settlement with the participants that would resolve all issues in the rate case without the need for a hearing, and on December 31, 2019, we filed a formal stipulation and agreement with the FERC setting forth such terms of settlement. We anticipate FERC approval of the stipulation and agreement in the second quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2019, we have provided a $189 million reserve for rate refunds related to increased rates collected since March 2019, which we believe is adequate for any refunds that may be required.

8

Commodity Prices

NGL per-unit margins were approximately 44 percent lower in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due to a 31 percent and a 44 percent decrease in per-unit non-ethane and ethane sales prices, respectively, slightly offset by an approximate 10 percent decrease in per-unit natural gas feedstock prices.

NGL margins are defined as NGL revenues less any applicable Btu replacement cost, plant fuel, and third-party transportation and fractionation. Per-unit NGL margins are calculated based on sales of our own equity volumes at the processing plants. Our equity volumes include NGLs where we own the rights to the value from NGLs recovered at our plants under both “keep-whole” processing agreements, where we have the obligation to replace the lost heating value with natural gas, and “percent-of-liquids” agreements whereby we receive a portion of the extracted liquids with no obligation to replace the lost heating value.

The potential impact of commodity prices on our business is further discussed in the following Company Outlook.

Company Outlook

Our strategy is to provide large-scale energy infrastructure designed to maximize the opportunities created by the vast supply of natural gas and natural gas products that exists in the United States. We accomplish this by connecting the growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks with our major positions in the premier natural gas and natural gas products supply basins. We continue to maintain a strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. We believe that accomplishing these goals will position us to deliver safe and reliable service to our customers and an attractive return to our shareholders.

Our business plan for 2020 includes a continued focus on earnings and cash flow growth, while continuing to improve leverage metrics and control operating costs. Many of our producer customers are being impacted by extremely low natural gas and NGL prices, which are driving decreased drilling. We are responding by reducing the pace of our capital growth spending in our gathering and processing business and remaining committed to operating cost discipline.

In 2020, our operating results are expected to include increases from Transco’s recent expansion projects placed in-service and general rate settlement as previously discussed. We also expect an increase from a full year contribution from the Norphlet project, partially offset by lower deferred revenue amortization from Gulfstar, both in the Eastern Gulf region. Northeast results are expected to increase from higher gathering and processing volumes.We expect decreases in the West primarily due to lower deferred revenue amortization in the Barnett Shale and lower revenues from our Haynesville operations, partially offset by increased results from our DJ Basin and Eagle Ford operations. Additionally, we expect our recently implemented organizational realignment will benefit our expenses.

Our growth capital and investment expenditures in 2020 are expected to be in a range from $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion. Growth capital spending in 2020 primarily includes Transco expansions, all of which are fully contracted with firm transportation agreements, and our Bluestem NGL pipeline project in the Mid-Continent region. In addition to growth capital and investment expenditures, we also remain committed to projects that maintain our assets for safe and reliable operations, as well as projects that meet legal, regulatory, and/or contractual commitments.

Potential risks and obstacles that could impact the execution of our plan include:

• Opposition to, and legal regulations affecting, our infrastructure projects, including the risk of delay or denial in permits and approvals needed for our projects;

• Counterparty credit and performance risk;

• Unexpected significant increases in capital expenditures or delays in capital project execution;

• Unexpected changes in customer drilling and production activities, which could negatively impact gathering and processing volumes;

9

• Lower than anticipated demand for natural gas and natural gas products which could result in lower than expected volumes, energy commodity prices, and margins;

• General economic, financial markets, or further industry downturns, including increased interest rates;

• Physical damages to facilities, including damage to offshore facilities by named windstorms;

• Other risks set forth under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020.

We seek to maintain a strong financial position and liquidity, as well as manage a diversified portfolio of energy infrastructure assets which continue to serve key growth markets and supply basins in the United States.

Expansion Projects

Our ongoing major expansion projects include the following:

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico

Hillabee

In February 2016, the FERC issued a certificate order for the initial phases of Transco’s Hillabee Expansion Project. The project involves an expansion of Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system from Station 85 in west central Alabama to a new interconnection with the Sabal Trail pipeline in Alabama. The project is being constructed in phases, and all of the project expansion capacity is dedicated to Sabal Trail pursuant to a capacity lease agreement. Phase I was completed in 2017 and it increased capacity by 818 Mdth/d. The in-service date of Phase II is planned for the second quarter of 2020, and together Phases I and II are expected to increase capacity by 1,025 Mdth/d.

Northeast Supply Enhancement

In May 2019, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 195 in Pennsylvania to the Rockaway Delivery Lateral transfer point in New York. Approvals required for the project from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection remain pending, with each such agency having denied, without prejudice, Transco’s applications for such approvals. We have refiled our applications for those approvals and have addressed the technical issues identified by the agencies. We plan to place the project into service in the fall of 2021, assuming timely receipt of these remaining approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 400 Mdth/d.

Southeastern Trail

In October 2019, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from the Pleasant Valley interconnect with Dominion’s Cove Point Pipeline in Virginia to the Station 65 pooling point in Louisiana. We plan to place the project into service in late 2020. The project is expected to increase capacity by 296 Mdth/d.

Leidy South

In July 2019, we filed an application with the FERC for approval of the project to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system and also extend its system through a capacity lease with National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation that will enable us to provide incremental firm transportation from Clermont, Pennsylvania and from the Zick interconnection on Transco’s Leidy Line to the River Road regulating station in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We plan to place the project into service as early as the fourth quarter of 2021, assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 582 Mdth/d.

10

West

Project Bluestem

We are expanding our presence in the Mid-Continent region through building a 188-mile NGL pipeline from our fractionator near Conway, Kansas to an interconnect with a third-party NGL pipeline system in Oklahoma, providing us with firm access to Mt. Belvieu pricing. As part of the project, the third-party intends to construct a 110-mile pipeline extension of their existing NGL pipeline system that will have an initial capacity of 120 Mbbls/d. Further, during the first quarter of 2019, we exercised an option to purchase a 20 percent equity interest in a Mt. Belvieu fractionation train developed by the third party. The pipeline and extension projects are expected to be placed into service during the first quarter of 2021.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. We believe that the nature of these estimates and assumptions is material due to the subjectivity and judgment necessary, or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and the impact of these on our financial condition or results of operations.

Pension and Postretirement Obligations

We have employee benefit plans that include pension and other postretirement benefits. Net periodic benefit cost and obligations for these plans are impacted by various estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, cash balance interest crediting rate, and employee demographics, including retirement age and mortality. These assumptions are reviewed annually and adjustments are made as needed. The assumptions utilized to compute cost and the benefit obligations are shown in Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table presents the estimated increase (decrease) in net periodic benefit cost and obligations resulting from a one-percentage-point change in the specific assumption.

	Benefit Cost						Benefit Obligation
	One- Percentage- Point Increase			One- Percentage- Point Decrease			One- Percentage- Point Increase			One- Percentage- Point Decrease
	(Millions)
Pension benefits:
Discount rate	$	(2	)	$	4		$	(102	)	$	120
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	(12		)	12			—			—
Cash balance interest crediting rate	12			(10		)	71			(60		)
Other postretirement benefits:
Discount rate	1			2			(23		)	28
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	(2		)	2			—			—

Our expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, as determined at the beginning of each fiscal year, are based on the average rate of return expected on the funds invested in the plans. We determine our long-term expected rates of return on plan assets using our expectations of capital market results, which include an analysis of historical results as well as forward-looking projections. These capital market expectations are based on a period of at least 10 years and take into account our investment strategy and mix of assets. We develop our expectations using input from our third-party independent investment consultant. The forward-looking capital market projections start with current conditions of interest rates, equity pricing, economic growth, and inflation and those are overlaid with forward looking projections of normal inflation, growth, and interest rates to determine expected returns. The capital market return projections for specific asset classes in the investment portfolio are then applied to the relative weightings of the asset classes in the investment portfolio. The resulting rates are an estimate of future results and, thus, likely to be different than actual results.

11

Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used for our pension plans was 5.26 percent in 2019. The 2019 actual return on plan assets for our pension plans was approximately 19.0 percent. The 10-year average rate of return on pension plan assets through December 2019 was approximately 8.1 percent. The expected rates of return on plan assets are long-term in nature and are not significantly impacted by short-term market performance. Changes to our asset allocation also impact the expected rates of return.

The discount rates are used to measure the benefit obligations of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The objective of the discount rates is to determine the amount, if invested at the December 31 measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt securities, that will provide the necessary cash flows when benefit payments are due. Increases in the discount rates decrease the obligation and, generally, decrease the related cost. The discount rates for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans are determined separately based on an approach specific to our plans and their respective expected benefit cash flows as described in Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Our discount rate assumptions are impacted by changes in general economic and market conditions that affect interest rates on long-term, high-quality debt securities as well as by the duration of our plans’ liabilities.

The cash balance interest crediting rate assumption represents the average long-term rate by which the pension plans’ cash balance accounts are expected to grow. Interest on the cash balance accounts is based on the 30-year U.S. Treasury securities rate and is credited to the accounts quarterly. An increase in this rate causes the pension obligation and cost to increase.

Equity-Method Investments

We continue to monitor our equity-method investments for any indications that the carrying value may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of a loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of the fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. We generally estimate the fair value of our investments using an income approach where significant judgments and assumptions include expected future cash flows and the appropriate discount rate. We also utilize a form of market approach to estimate the fair value of our investments. During 2019, we recognized impairments totaling $186 million related to our equity-method investments. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

12

Results of Operations

Consolidated Overview

The following table and discussion is a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2019. The results of operations by segment are discussed in further detail following this consolidated overview discussion.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			$ Change from 2018*	% Change from 2018*		2018			$ Change from 2017*	% Change from 2017*		2017
	(Millions)
Revenues:
Service revenues	$	5,933		+431	+8	%	$	5,502		+190	+4	%	$	5,312
Service revenues – commodity consideration	203			-197	-49	%	400			+400	NM		—
Product sales	2,065			-719	-26	%	2,784			+65	+2	%	2,719
Total revenues	8,201						8,686						8,031
Costs and expenses:
Product costs	1,961			+746	+28	%	2,707			-407	-18	%	2,300
Processing commodity expenses	105			+32	+23	%	137			-137	NM		—
Operating and maintenance expenses	1,468			+39	+3	%	1,507			+69	+4	%	1,576
Depreciation and amortization expenses	1,714			+11	+1	%	1,725			+11	+1	%	1,736
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	558			+11	+2	%	569			+25	+4	%	594
Impairment of certain assets	464			+1,451	+76	%	1,915			-667	-53	%	1,248
Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses	2			-694	NM		(692		)	-403	-37	%	(1,095		)
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform	—			-17	-100	%	(17		)	+691	NM		674
Other (income) expense – net	8			+59	+88	%	67			+4	+6	%	71
Total costs and expenses	6,280						7,918						7,104
Operating income (loss)	1,921						768						927
Equity earnings (losses)	375			-21	-5	%	396			-38	-9	%	434
Other investing income (loss) – net	(79		)	-266	NM		187			-95	-34	%	282
Interest expense	(1,186		)	-74	-7	%	(1,112		)	-29	-3	%	(1,083		)
Other income (expense) – net	33			-59	-64	%	92			+117	NM		(25		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	1,064						331						535
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	335			-197	-143	%	138			-2,112	NM		(1,974		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	729						193						2,509
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(15		)	-15	NM		—			—	—	%	—
Net income (loss)	714						193						2,509
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(136		)	+484	NM		348			-13	-4	%	335
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	$	850					$	(155	)				$	2,174

_______

* + = Favorable change; - = Unfavorable change; NM = A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a change in signs, a zero-value denominator, or a percentage change greater than 200.

13

2019 vs. 2018

Service revenues increased primarily due to higher transportation fee revenues at Transco associated with expansion projects placed in service in 2019 and 2018, as well as the impact of the consolidation of UEOM, higher Northeast volumes at the Susquehanna Supply Hub and Ohio Valley Midstream regions, and higher gathering rates and volumes at the Utica Shale region. These increases are partially offset by the absence of revenues associated with asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018, including our former Four Corners area operations, as well as lower revenue in the Barnett Shale associated with the end of a contractual MVC period and lower revenue at Gulfstar primarily associated with producer operational issues.

Service revenues – commodity consideration decreased due to lower NGL prices and lower volumes primarily due to the absence of our former Four Corners area operations. These revenues represent consideration we receive in the form of commodities as full or partial payment for processing services provided. Most of these NGL volumes are sold within the month processed and therefore are offset in Product costs below.

Product sales decreased primarily due to lower NGL and natural gas prices associated with our marketing and equity NGL sales activities, lower volumes from our equity NGL sales primarily reflecting the absence of our former Four Corners area operations, and lower system management gas sales, partially offset by higher marketing volumes. Marketing sales and system management gas sales are substantially offset in Product costs.

Product costs decreased primarily due to lower NGL and natural gas prices associated with our marketing and equity NGL production activities. This decrease also includes lower volumes acquired as commodity consideration for NGL processing services reflecting the absence of our former Four Corners area operations and lower system management gas purchases, partially offset by higher volumes for marketing activities.

Processing commodity expenses decreased primarily due to lower production of equity NGLs primarily related to ethane rejection and the absence of our former Four Corners area operations, and lower prices for natural gas purchases associated with our NGL production.

Operating and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of our former Four Corners area operations and lower contracted services at Transco primarily due to the timing of required engine overhauls and integrity testing. These decreases are partially offset by the impact of the consolidation of UEOM and by a $32 million charge for severance and related costs primarily associated with a voluntary separation program (VSP) in 2019.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to the 2018 impairment of certain assets in the Barnett Shale region and the absence of assets disposed including our former Four Corners area operations, partially offset by new assets placed in service and by the impact of the consolidation of UEOM.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to the absences of a charitable contribution of preferred stock to the Williams Foundation, Inc. (see Note 16 – Stockholders' Equity of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and fees associated with the WPZ Merger, partially offset by a $25 million charge for severance and related costs primarily associated with our 2019 VSP, and transaction expenses associated with the acquisition of UEOM and the formation of the Northeast JV.

Impairment of certain assets includes 2019 impairments of our Constitution development project, certain Eagle Ford Shale gathering assets, and certain assets that may no longer be in use or are surplus in nature. Asset impairments in 2018 included certain assets in the Barnett Shale region and certain idle pipelines (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses includes gains recognized on the sales of our Four Corners area and our Gulf Coast pipeline systems in 2018 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

The favorable change in Other (income) expense – net within Operating income (loss) includes net favorable changes to charges and credits to regulatory assets and liabilities, partially offset by the absence of a 2018 gain on asset retirement (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

14

The favorable change in Operating income (loss) includes lower impairments of assets, an increase in Service revenues primarily associated with Transco projects placed in-service and higher volumes in the Northeast region, the favorable impact of acquiring the additional interest of UEOM, and higher Transco rates and favorable changes in the amortization of regulatory assets and liabilities. The change is also impacted favorably by the absence of a charitable contribution of preferred stock to the Williams Foundation, Inc., and the absence of fees associated with the WPZ Merger. These favorable changes were partially offset by the impact of asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018, including the related gains on sales. They were also partially offset by lower margins associated with our equity NGL production primarily associated with lower prices, higher depreciation expense associated with new assets placed in service, and charges for severance and related costs primarily associated with our VSP.

The unfavorable change in Equity earnings (losses) is primarily due to 2019 losses from our Brazos Permian II investment acquired in December 2018 of $14 million, the impact of the consolidation of UEOM during the first quarter of 2019 which reduced equity earnings by $9 million, and a $7 million unfavorable impact related to the April 2019 sale of our Jackalope investment. Additionally, equity earnings at Aux Sable decreased $9 million related to lower rates reflecting lower NGL prices. These decreases are partially offset by improved results at our Appalachia Midstream Investments of $20 million.

The unfavorable change in Other investing income (loss) – net includes higher impairments of equity-method investments, the absence of 2018 gains on the deconsolidations of our Delaware basin assets and Jackalope, and a 2019 loss on the deconsolidation of Constitution. These were partially offset by a 2019 gain on the disposition of Jackalope (see Note 6 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Interest expense increased primarily due to an increase in financing obligations associated with Transco’s Atlantic Sunrise project and lower Interest capitalized related to construction projects that have been placed into service. (See Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

The unfavorable change in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) is primarily due to a decrease in equity AFUDC associated with reduced capital expenditures on projects, partially offset by the absence of 2018 unfavorable settlement charges from our pension early payout program (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Provision (benefit) for income taxes changed unfavorably primarily due to higher pre-tax income attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc, partially offset by the absence of a charge to establish a $105 million valuation allowance, recorded in 2018, on certain deferred tax assets that may not be realized following the WPZ merger. See Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the effective tax rate compared to the federal statutory rate for both periods.

The favorable change in Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is primarily due to our third- quarter 2018 acquisition of the publicly held interests in WPZ associated with the WPZ Merger, the impairment of Constitution project costs, and lower results at Gulfstar.

2018 vs. 2017

Service revenues increased primarily due to higher transportation fee revenues at Transco associated with expansion projects placed in-service in 2017 and 2018, as well as higher gathering volumes at the Susquehanna Supply Hub and Ohio River Supply Hub. These increases were partially offset by an unfavorable change in the rate of deferred revenue recognition resulting from implementing Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606), reduced revenues from our Four Corners area operations that were sold in October 2018, a reduction of rates resulting from a Northwest Pipeline rate case settlement, and a decrease following the Jackalope deconsolidation.

Service revenues – commodity consideration increased as the result of implementing ASC 606 using a modified retrospective approach, effective January 1, 2018. Therefore, prior periods were not recast. These revenues represent consideration we receive in the form of commodities as full or partial payment for gathering and processing services provided. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting

15

Policies of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) Most of these NGL volumes are sold within the month processed and therefore are offset in Product costs below.

Product sales increased primarily due to higher marketing sales and higher system management gas sales, which are offset in Product costs, and higher sales from the production of our equity NGLs, reflecting higher NGL prices. These increases are partially offset by the absence of $269 million in olefins sales associated with our former olefins operations in 2017.

The increase in Product costs is primarily due to the impact of ASC 606 in which costs reflected in this line item for 2018 include volumes acquired as commodity consideration for NGL processing services, as well as higher marketing and system management gas purchases. This increase is partially offset by the absence of $147 million of olefin feedstock purchases due to the sale of our former olefins operations, as well as the absence of natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs, which are reported in Processing commodity expenses in conjunction with the 2018 implementation of ASC 606.

Processing commodity expenses presents the natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs as previously described in conjunction with the implementation of ASC 606.

Operating and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of $80 million of costs associated with our former olefins and Four Corners area operations.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of our former olefins and Four Corners area operations, partially offset by new assets placed in-service.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of severance-related, organizational realignment, and Financial Repositioning costs incurred in 2017, $25 million in reduced costs associated with our former olefins and Four Corners area operations, and cost containment efforts. These decreases are partially offset by a charitable contribution of preferred stock to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. and fees associated with the WPZ Merger.

Impairment of certain assets includes 2018 impairments on certain assets in the Barnett Shale region and certain idle pipelines and 2017 impairments associated with certain assets in the Mid-Continent, Marcellus South, and Houston Ship Channel areas (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses includes gains recognized on the sales of our Four Corners area in October 2018, our Gulf Coast pipeline systems in December 2018 and our Geismar Interest in July 2017 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform relates to the 2017 establishment of regulatory liabilities for the probable return to customers through future rates of the future decrease in income taxes payable associated with Tax Reform. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

The favorable change in Other (income) expense – net within Operating income (loss) includes the benefit of establishing a regulatory asset associated with an increase in Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger in 2018, substantially offset by the absence of gains from certain contract settlements and terminations in 2017, the absence of a gain on the sale of our RGP Splitter in 2017, and 2018 charges establishing a regulatory liability associated with a decrease in Northwest Pipeline's estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Operating income (loss) changed unfavorably primarily due to higher impairments of assets, lower gains on sales of assets and businesses, and the absence of operating income associated with our former olefins and Four Corners area operations, partially offset by the absence of regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform, higher Service revenues primarily from expansion projects, and higher NGL margins.

16

The unfavorable change in Equity earnings (losses) is primarily due to a decrease in volumes at Discovery, partially offset by improved results at our Appalachia Midstream Investments and the deconsolidation of our Jackalope interest, which is accounted for as an equity-method investment beginning in the second quarter of 2018.

Other investing income (loss) – net includes a 2017 gain on disposition of our investments in DBJV and Ranch Westex JV LLC, a 2018 impairment related to our investment in UEOM, and 2018 gains on the deconsolidations of certain Permian basin assets and of our interest in Jackalope. (See Note 6 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Interest expense increased primarily due to an increase in other financing obligations associated with Transco's Dalton and Atlantic Sunrise projects, as well as expense related to the deemed financing component of certain contract liabilities resulting from our implementation of ASC 606 in 2018. This increase is partially offset by lower interest rates on our outstanding debt in 2018 and lower borrowings on our credit facilities in 2018.

Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) changed favorably primarily due to a decrease in charges reducing regulatory assets related to deferred taxes on equity AFUDC resulting from Tax Reform, an increase in equity AFUDC, and a lower settlement charge from the pension early payout program. These favorable changes were partially offset by a decrease due to the absence of a net gain on early retirement of debt in 2017 and a loss on early retirement of debt in 2018. (See Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes changed unfavorably primarily due to the absence of a $1.923 billion tax provision benefit associated with Tax Reform and releasing a $127 million valuation allowance in 2017. The unfavorable change also reflects a $105 million valuation allowance in 2018 associated with certain foreign tax credits. See Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the effective tax rate compared to the federal statutory rate for both periods.

The unfavorable change in Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is primarily related to WPZ, reflective of both our acquisition of the publicly held interests in WPZ associated with the WPZ Merger and a fourth quarter 2017 net loss incurred by WPZ, partially offset by lower operating results at Gulfstar.

Year-Over-Year Operating Results – Segments

We evaluate segment operating performance based upon Modified EBITDA. Note 20 – Segment Disclosures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements includes a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to Net income (loss). Management uses Modified EBITDA because it is an accepted financial indicator used by investors to compare company performance. In addition, management believes that this measure provides investors an enhanced perspective of the operating performance of our assets. Modified EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

17

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Service revenues	$	3,311		$	2,953		$	2,712
Service revenues – commodity consideration	41			59			—
Product sales	288			435			484
Segment revenues	3,640			3,447			3,196
Product costs	(288		)	(438		)	(437		)
Processing commodity expenses	(16		)	(16		)	—
Other segment costs and expenses	(984		)	(980		)	(973		)
Impairment of certain assets	(354		)	—			—
Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses	—			81			—
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform	—			16			(713		)
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	177			183			264
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico Modified EBITDA	$	2,175		$	2,293		$	1,337
Commodity margins	$	25		$	40		$	47

2019 vs. 2018

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico Modified EBITDA decreased primarily due to the impairment of Constitution, the absence of a 2018 Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses , and higher Other segment costs and expenses, partially offset by increased Service revenues related to expansion projects placed into service during 2018 and 2019.

Service revenues increased primarily due to a $403 million increase in Transco’s natural gas transportation revenues primarily driven by a $358 million increase related to expansion projects placed in service in 2018 and 2019, as well as higher revenue associated with Transco’s general rate case settlement and increased amounts for reimbursable power and storage expenses. Partially offsetting these increases were lower fee revenues of $62 million primarily due to producer operational issues and lower deferred revenue amortization at Gulfstar, as well as the sale of certain Gulf Coast pipeline assets in fourth-quarter 2018.

The net sum of Service revenues – commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity margins. Our commodity margins associated with our equity NGLs decreased $16 million, consisting of a $26 million decrease associated with unfavorable net realized NGL sales prices, partially offset by a $10 million increase associated with higher sales volumes. The higher NGL volumes were primarily related to the absence of 2018 downtime to modify the Mobile Bay processing plant for the Norphlet project. Additionally, the decrease in Product sales includes a $93 million decrease in commodity marketing sales due to lower NGL prices and volumes and a $39 million decrease in system management gas sales. Marketing sales and system management gas sales are substantially offset in Product costs and therefore have little impact to Modified EBITDA.

Other segment costs and expenses increased primarily due a $56 million unfavorable change in Transco’s equity AFUDC due to lower construction activity, a $39 million charge in 2019 for severance and related costs primarily associated with our 2019 VSP, a $21 million increase in reimbursable power and storage expenses, $16 million of expense in 2019 related to the reversal of expenditures previously capitalized, and the absence of a $12 million 2018 gain on asset retirements. These unfavorable changes were partially offset by $77 million of net favorable changes to charges and credits associated with regulatory assets and liabilities, which were significantly driven by the previously mentioned settlement in Transco’s general rate case, a $46 million decrease in Transco’s contracted services compared to 2018 mainly due to the timing of required engine overhauls and integrity testing, and the absence of a 2018 unfavorable charge of $12 million for a regulatory liability associated with a decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger.

18

Impairment of certain assets includes the 2019 impairment of our Constitution development project (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses reflects an $81 million gain from the sale of our Gulf Coast pipeline system assets in fourth-quarter 2018 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

2018 vs. 2017

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to the absence of regulatory charges associated with the impact of Tax Reform at Transco and Northwest Pipeline, higher Service revenues, and a 2018 gain on the sale of certain assets; partially offset by lower Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments.

Service revenues increased primarily due to a $253 million increase in Transco’s natural gas transportation fee revenues primarily due to a $241 million increase associated with expansion projects placed in-service in 2017 and 2018, partially offset by a $30 million decrease at Northwest Pipeline primarily due to the reduction of its rates as a result of a rate case settlement that became effective January 1, 2018.

Service revenues – commodity consideration increased as a result of implementing ASC 606 using a modified retrospective approach. These revenues represent consideration we received in the form of commodities as full or partial payment for gathering and processing services provided. Most of these NGL volumes are sold within the month processed and therefore are offset in Product costs below.

The decrease in Product sales includes:

• A $90 million decrease in commodity marketing sales driven by a $149 million decrease in crude oil sales as this activity is now presented on a net basis within Product costs in conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, partially offset by a $59 million increase in NGL marketing sales primarily reflecting 20 percent higher non-ethane prices;

• A $14 million decrease in sales associated with the production of our equity NGLs, as further described below as part of our commodity margins;

• A $57 million increase in system management gas sales. System management gas sales are offset in Product costs and therefore have little impact to Modified EBITDA.

Product costs slightly increased primarily due to a $59 million increase in system management gas purchases (substantially offset in Product sales) and the impact of ASC 606 in which costs reflected in this line item for 2018 include volumes acquired as commodity consideration for NGL processing services. This increase was partially offset by an $87 million decrease in marketing purchases (more than offset in Product sales) and the absence of natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs, which are now reported in Processing commodity expenses in conjunction with the implementation of ASC 606.

Processing commodity expenses presents the natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs as previously described in conjunction with the implementation of ASC 606.

The net sum of Service revenues – commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity margins.

Other segment costs and expenses increased primarily due to a $24 million regulatory charge associated with Northwest Pipeline’s approved rates related to Tax Reform and a $12 million charge for a regulatory liability associated with a decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger, partially offset by a $17 million increase in Transco’s equity AFUDC as a result of higher construction activity in 2018 and $10 million lower settlement charge from the pension early payout program.

19

Gain on sale of certain assets reflects an $81 million gain from the sale of our Gulf Coast pipeline system assets in fourth-quarter 2018, as previously mentioned.

The decrease in Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform reflects the absence of $713 million of regulatory charges in 2017 associated with the impact of Tax Reform at Transco and Northwest Pipeline (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

The decrease in Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments is due to an $89 million decrease at Discovery, primarily related to a $76 million decrease associated with production ending on certain wells.

Northeast G&P

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Service revenues	$	1,338		$	976		$	872
Service revenues – commodity consideration	12			20			—
Product sales	150			287			291
Segment revenues	1,500			1,283			1,163
Product costs	(152		)	(289		)	(286		)
Processing commodity expenses	(8		)	(9		)	—
Other segment costs and expenses	(470		)	(392		)	(386		)
Impairment of certain assets	(10		)	—			(124		)
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	454			493			452
Northeast G&P Modified EBITDA	$	1,314		$	1,086		$	819
Commodity margins	$	2		$	9		$	5

2019 vs. 2018

Northeast G&P Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to higher Service revenues due to increased gathering volumes, as well as the $38 million favorable impact of acquiring the additional interest of UEOM, partially offset by 2019 impairments.

Service revenues increased primarily due to:

• A $158 million increase associated with the consolidation of UEOM, as previously discussed;

• A $102 million increase associated with higher gathering revenues at Susquehanna Supply Hub reflecting 18 percent higher gathering volumes due to increased production from customers and higher rates;

• A $49 million increase at Ohio Valley Midstream primarily due to higher gathering, processing, and transportation volumes;

• A $36 million increase in gathering revenues in the Utica Shale region due to higher rates and volumes from new wells;

• A $14 million increase in compression revenues for services charged to an affiliate driven by higher volumes.

20

Product sales decreased primarily due to lower non-ethane volumes and prices within our marketing activities. The changes in marketing revenues are offset by similar changes in marketing purchases, reflected above as Product costs.

Other segment costs and expenses increased primarily due to:

• A $53 million increase associated with the consolidation of UEOM;

• A $10 million increase related to transaction expenses associated with the acquisition of UEOM and the formation of the Northeast JV;

• A $7 million charge in 2019 for severance and related costs primarily associated with our VSP.

Impairment of certain assets increased due to a $10 million write-down of other certain assets that may no longer be in use or are surplus in nature in 2019 (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments decreased $59 million as a result of the consolidation of UEOM and $10 million due to unfavorable rates reflecting lower NGL prices at Aux Sable. This decrease was partially offset by a $29 million increase at Appalachia Midstream Investments, reflecting higher volumes due to increased customer production.

2018 vs. 2017

Northeast G&P Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to the absence of Impairment of certain assets in 2017, and higher Service revenues and Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments.

Service revenues increased due to:

• A $65 million increase in gathering fee revenues at Susquehanna Supply Hub due to 13 percent higher gathering volumes reflecting increased customer production;

• A $24 million increase at Ohio River Supply Hub reflecting higher gathering volumes due to increased customer production;

• An $11 million increase in Utica gathering fee revenues reflecting higher rates and volumes.

Service revenues – commodity consideration increased as a result of implementing ASC 606 using a modified retrospective approach. These revenues represent consideration we receive in the form of commodities as full or partial payment for gathering and processing services provided. Most of these NGL volumes are sold within the month processed and therefore are offset in Processing commodity expenses.

Product sales decreased primarily due to $31 million lower marketing sales, driven by lower non-ethane volumes and prices. The changes in marketing sales are offset by similar changes in marketing purchases, reflected above as Product costs. The decrease in Product sales is partially offset by $21 million in higher system management gas sales. System management gas sales are offset in Product costs and therefore have no impact on Modified EBITDA.

Impairment of certain assets reflects the absence of a $115 million impairment of certain gathering operations in the Marcellus South region in 2017.

Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments increased primarily due to a $33 million increase at Appalachia Midstream Investments reflecting our increased ownership acquired in late first-quarter 2017 and higher volumes. Improvements at Aux Sable and Caiman II also contributed to the increase.

21

West

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Service revenues	$	1,364		$	1,641		$	1,773
Service revenues – commodity consideration	150			321			—
Product sales	1,797			2,448			2,013
Segment revenues	3,311			4,410			3,786
Product costs	(1,774		)	(2,448		)	(1,842		)
Processing commodity expenses	(79		)	(116		)	—
Other segment costs and expenses	(519		)	(644		)	(678		)
Impairment of certain assets	(100		)	(1,849		)	(1,032		)
Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses	(2		)	591			—
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	115			94			79
West Modified EBITDA	$	952		$	38		$	313
Commodity margins	$	94		$	205		$	171

2019 vs. 2018

West Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to lower Impairment of certain assets and lower Other segment costs and expenses, partially offset by a lower gain on sale of certain assets in 2019, lower Service revenues, and lower commodity margins.

Service revenues decreased primarily due to:

• A $218 million decrease associated with asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018 and 2019, including our former Four Corners area assets, certain Delaware basin assets that were contributed to our Brazos Permian II equity-method investment, and our Jackalope assets which were deconsolidated in second-quarter 2018 and subsequently sold in second-quarter 2019;

• A $57 million decrease driven by lower deferred revenue amortization and MVC deficiency fee revenues in the Barnett Shale region primarily associated with the expiration of a certain MVC agreement;

• A $17 million decrease driven by lower gathering volumes primarily in the Mid-Continent, Barnett Shale, and Wamsutter regions, partially offset by higher gathering volumes primarily in the Haynesville Shale and Eagle Ford regions;

• A $15 million decrease associated with lower processing rates primarily driven by lower commodity pricing in the Piceance region;

• A $15 million decrease associated with lower gathering rates primarily in the Mid-Continent and Haynesville Shale regions;

• A $17 million increase related to other MVC deficiency fee revenues;

• A $13 million increase related to higher fractionation and storage fees;

• An $8 million increase associated with the resolution of a prior period performance obligation.

22

The net sum of Service revenues – commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity margins. Our commodity margins associated with our equity NGLs decreased $127 million primarily due to:

• A $98 million decrease associated with lower sales volumes, consisting of $54 million related to the absence of our former Four Corners area assets and $44 million due to 12 percent lower non-ethane volumes and 33 percent lower ethane sales volumes primarily due to higher ethane rejection in 2019, natural declines, less producer drilling activity, and more severe weather conditions in first-quarter 2019;

• A $66 million decrease associated with lower sales prices primarily due to 29 percent and 48 percent lower average net realized per-unit non-ethane and ethane sales prices, respectively;

• A $37 million increase related to lower natural gas purchases associated with lower equity NGL production volumes and lower natural gas prices, including $9 million related to the absence of our former Four Corners area assets.

Additionally, the decrease in Product sales includes a $447 million decrease in marketing sales, which is due to lower sales prices, partially offset by higher sales volumes, and a $36 million decrease related to the sale of other products. These decreases are substantially offset in Product costs. Marketing margins increased by $27 million primarily due to favorable changes in prices.

Other segment costs and expenses decreased primarily due to a $127 million reduction associated with the absences of our former Four Corners area assets and from the Jackalope deconsolidation in second-quarter 2018, $12 million favorable settlements in 2019, as well as $7 million lower ad valorem taxes. These decreases were partially offset by an unfavorable charge in 2019 for severance and related costs primarily associated with our VSP of $10 million.

Impairment of certain assets decreased primarily due to the absence of the $1,849 million Barnett impairment in 2018, partially offset by various 2019 impairments (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

The decrease in Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses reflects the absence of the gain from the sale of our Four Corners area assets recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments increased primarily due to the additions of the RMM and Brazos Permian II equity-method investments in the second half of 2018, partially offset by the sale of our Jackalope investment in second-quarter 2019.

2018 vs. 2017

West Modified EBITDA decreased primarily due to the increase in Impairment of certain assets and lower Service revenues. These decreases were partially offset by the Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses in 2018, higher NGL margins driven by higher NGL prices and lower realized natural gas prices, partially offset by lower NGL volumes.

Service revenues decreased primarily due to:

• A $64 million decrease primarily associated with implementing the new revenue guidance under ASC 606 including a $118 million decrease related to lower amortization of deferred revenue associated with the up-front cash payments received in conjunction with the fourth quarter 2016 Barnett Shale and Mid-Continent contract restructurings, partially offset by a $54 million increase related to other deferred revenue amortization primarily in the Permian basin;

• A $42 million decrease associated with the sale of our Four Corners area assets in October 2018;

• A $29 million decrease following the Jackalope deconsolidation in second-quarter 2018;

23

• A $15 million decrease driven by lower gathering volumes primarily in the Eagle Ford Shale, Barnett Shale, and Mid-Continent regions, partially offset by higher volumes in the Niobrara (prior to the Jackalope deconsolidation), Piceance, and Permian regions;

• A $21 million increase associated with higher gathering and processing rates in the Piceance region driven by higher NGL prices as well as higher average gathering and processing rates across most other areas, partially offset by lower contract rates primarily in the Haynesville Shale region.

Service revenues – commodity consideration increased as a result of implementing ASC 606 using a modified retrospective approach. These revenues represent consideration we receive in the form of commodities as full or partial payment for gathering and processing services provided. Most of these NGL volumes are sold within the month processed and therefore are offset in Product costs below.

The increase in Product sales includes:

• A $373 million increase in marketing sales primarily due to increases in realized NGL prices including a 14 percent increase in average non-ethane per-unit sales prices and a 25 percent increase in ethane prices, in addition to a 15 percent increase in ethane volumes (more than offset by higher Product costs);

• A $47 million increase in sales associated with the production of our equity NGLs, as further described below as part of our commodity margins;

• An $18 million increase in system management gas sales due to a change in presentation in accordance with ASC 606, which are more than offset in Product costs and, therefore, have little impact on Modified EBITDA.

The increase in Product costs includes the impact of ASC 606 in which costs reflected in this line item for 2018 include volumes acquired as commodity consideration for NGL processing services, a $381 million increase in marketing purchases (substantially offset in Product sales), a $19 million increase in system management gas purchases (substantially offset in Product sales), partially offset by the absence of natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs, which are now reported in Processing commodity expenses in conjunction with the implementation of ASC 606.

Processing commodity expenses presents the natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs as previously described in conjunction with the implementation of ASC 606.

The net sum of Service revenues – commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity margins. Our commodity margins increased primarily due to a $40 million increase in NGL product margins partially offset by an $8 million decrease in marketing margins. NGL margins are driven by $56 million in higher ethane and non-ethane per-unit prices, reflecting 19 percent higher realized non-ethane per-unit sales prices and 50 percent higher realized ethane per-unit sales prices. These increases were partially offset by $18 million in lower volumes primarily due to the sale of our Four Corners area assets in October 2018.

Other segment costs and expenses decreased primarily due to $48 million lower operating and maintenance and general and administrative costs. This reduction in costs is due primarily to the Four Corners area sale in October 2018, ongoing cost containment efforts, and the deconsolidation of our Jackalope interest in second-quarter 2018. These reductions are partially offset by the absence of a $15 million gain from contract settlements and terminations in 2017.

Impairment of certain assets increased primarily due to the $1.849 billion impairment of certain assets in the Barnett Shale region in 2018, partially offset by the absence of a $1.019 billion impairment of certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent region in 2017 (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses reflects a gain from the sale of our Four Corners area assets in fourth quarter 2018.

24

Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments increased primarily due to the deconsolidation of our Jackalope interest, which is accounted for as an equity-method investment beginning in the second quarter of 2018.

Other

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other Modified EBITDA	$	6	$	(29	)	$	997

2019 vs. 2018

Other Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to:

• The absence of the $66 million impairment of certain idle pipelines in the second quarter of 2018 (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• The absence of a $35 million charge in 2018 associated with a charitable contribution of preferred stock to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) (See Note 16 – Stockholders’ Equity of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• The absence of $20 million in costs in 2018 associated with the WPZ Merger (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• An $8 million increase related to the absence of 2018 unfavorable Modified EBITDA associated with the results of certain of our former Gulf Coast area operations sold in 2018;

• The absence of a $7 million loss on early retirement of debt in 2018 (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

These increases were partially offset by:

• The absence of a $37 million benefit of establishing a regulatory asset associated with an increase in Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger in 2018 and a subsequent unfavorable $12 million adjustment in the first quarter of 2019;

• A $26 million decrease in income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction;

• The absence of a $20 million gain on the sale of certain assets and operations located in the Gulf Coast area in 2018 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

2018 vs. 2017

Modified EBITDA changed unfavorably primarily due to:

• The absence of a $1.095 billion gain on the sale of our Geismar Interest in 2017 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• The absence of $54 million of Modified EBITDA associated with the results of our former Geismar Olefins and RGP Splitter plants subsequent to their sale in July 2017;

• A $35 million charge in 2018 associated with a charitable contribution of preferred stock to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation), as previously mentioned;

25

• A $34 million decrease due to the absence of a net gain on early retirement of debt in 2017 and a loss on early retirement of debt in 2018 (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• A $26 million decrease in income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction;

• $20 million in costs in 2018 associated with the WPZ Merger, as previously mentioned;

• The absence of a $12 million gain on the sale of the Refinery Grade Propylene Splitter in 2017 (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

These decreases were partially offset by:

• The absence of a $68 million impairment for a certain NGL pipeline asset in the third quarter of 2017 and a$23 million impairment of an olefins pipeline project in the Gulf Coast region in the second quarter of 2017, partially offset by a $66 million impairment of certain idle pipelines in the second quarter of 2018 (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• A $62 million favorable change for lower charges to reduce regulatory assets related to deferred taxes on AFUDC resulting from Tax Reform (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• $40 million of lower costs, driven by the absence of expenses associated with severance and related costs, Financial Repositioning, and strategic alternative costs;

• A $37 million increase associated with the benefit of establishing a regulatory asset associated with an increase in Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger, as previously mentioned;

• A $30 million favorable change in the settlement charge expense related to the program to pay out certain deferred vested pension benefits of employees associated with former operations (see Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• A $20 million gain on the sale of certain assets and operations located in the Gulf Coast area, as previously mentioned.

26

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Liquidity

Overview

As previously discussed, we have continued to focus on earnings and cash flow growth, while continuing to improve leverage metrics and control operating costs. In 2019, we acquired the remaining outstanding ownership interests in UEOM for $728 million and subsequently formed a new partnership which includes UEOM and our Ohio Valley Midstream business. Our partner purchased a 35 percent ownership interest in the partnership for $1.3 billion. Also, during the second quarter of 2019 we sold our 50 percent ownership interest in Jackalope for $485 million. See also the following table of Sources (Uses) of Cash.

Outlook

As previously discussed in Company Outlook, our growth capital and investment expenditures in 2020 are currently expected to be in a range from $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion. Growth capital spending in 2020 includes Transco expansions, all of which are fully contracted with firm transportation agreements, and our Bluestem NGL pipeline project in the Mid-Continent region. In addition to growth capital and investment expenditures, we also remain committed to projects that maintain our assets for safe and reliable operations, as well as projects that meet legal, regulatory, and/or contractual commitments. We intend to fund substantially all of our planned 2020 capital spending with cash available after paying dividends. We retain the flexibility to adjust planned levels of growth capital and investment expenditures in response to changes in economic conditions or business opportunities.

As of December 31, 2019, we have $2.121 billion of long-term debt maturing in 2020. Our potential sources of liquidity available to address these maturities include proceeds from refinancing at attractive long-term rates or from our credit facility, as well as proceeds from asset monetizations.

Liquidity

Based on our forecasted levels of cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to manage our businesses in 2020. Our potential material internal and external sources and uses of liquidity are as follows:

Sources:
	Cash and cash equivalents on hand
	Cash generated from operations
	Distributions from our equity-method investees
	Utilization of our credit facility and/or commercial paper program
	Cash proceeds from issuance of debt and/or equity securities
	Proceeds from asset monetizations
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests
Uses:
	Working capital requirements
	Capital and investment expenditures
	Quarterly dividends to our shareholders
	Debt service payments, including payments of long-term debt
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests

Potential risks associated with our planned levels of liquidity discussed above include those previously discussed in Company Outlook.

27

As of December 31, 2019, we had a working capital deficit of $2.388 billion, including cash and cash equivalents and long-term debt due within one year. Our available liquidity is as follows:

Available Liquidity	December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	289
Capacity available under our $4.5 billion credit facility, less amounts outstanding under our $4 billion commercial paper program (1)	4,500
	$	4,789

__________

(1) In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of our credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program. We had no commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2019. The highest amount outstanding under our commercial paper program and credit facility during 2019 was $1.226 billion. At December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with the financial covenants associated with our credit facility. See Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our credit facility and commercial paper program.

Dividends

We increased our regular quarterly cash dividend to common stockholders by approximately 12 percent from the previous quarterly cash dividends of $0.34 per share paid in each quarter of 2018, to $0.38 per share for the quarterly cash dividends paid in each quarter of 2019.

Registrations

In February 2018, we filed a shelf registration statement as a well-known seasoned issuer. In August 2018, we filed a prospectus supplement for the offer and sale from time to time of shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1 billion. These sales are to be made over a period of time and from time to time in transactions at then-current prices. Such sales are to be made pursuant to an equity distribution agreement between us and certain entities who may act as sales agents or purchase for their own accounts as principals at a price agreed upon at the time of the sale.

Distributions from Equity-Method Investees

The organizational documents of entities in which we have an equity-method investment generally require distribution of their available cash to their members on a quarterly basis. In each case, available cash is reduced, in part, by reserves appropriate for operating their respective businesses. See Note 6 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for our more significant equity-method investees.

Credit Ratings

The interest rates at which we are able to borrow money are impacted by our credit ratings. The current ratings are as follows:

Rating Agency	Outlook	Senior Unsecured Debt Rating
S&P Global Ratings	Stable	BBB
Moody’s Investors Service	Stable	Baa3
Fitch Ratings	Rating Watch Positive	BBB-

These credit ratings are included for informational purposes and are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold our securities, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. No assurance can be given that the credit rating agencies will continue to assign us investment-grade ratings even if we meet or exceed their current criteria

28

for investment-grade ratios. A downgrade of our credit ratings might increase our future cost of borrowing and would require us to provide additional collateral to third parties, negatively impacting our available liquidity.

Sources (Uses) of Cash

The following table summarizes the sources (uses) of cash and cash equivalents for each of the periods presented (see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Notes referenced in the table):

	Cash Flow	Year Ended December 31,
	Category	2019			2018			2017
		(Millions)
Sources of cash and cash equivalents:
Operating activities – net	Operating	$	3,693		$	3,293		$	3,089
Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary (see Note 3)	Financing	1,334			—			—
Proceeds from credit-facility borrowings	Financing	700			1,840			1,635
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (see Note 6)	Investing	485			—			200
Proceeds from long-term debt (see Note 15)	Financing	67			2,086			1,698
Contributions in aid of construction	Investing	52			411			426
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	Financing	10			15			2,131
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash divested (see Note 3)	Investing	(2		)	1,296			2,067
Uses of cash and cash equivalents:
Capital expenditures	Investing	(2,109		)	(3,256		)	(2,399		)
Common dividends paid	Financing	(1,842		)	(1,386		)	(992		)
Payments on credit-facility borrowings	Financing	(860		)	(1,950		)	(2,140		)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (see Note 3)	Investing	(728		)	—			—
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments (see Note 6)	Investing	(453		)	(1,132		)	(132		)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	Financing	(124		)	(591		)	(822		)
Payments of long-term debt (see Note 15)	Financing	(49		)	(1,254		)	(3,785		)
Payments of commercial paper – net	Financing	(4		)	(2		)	(93		)
Other sources / (uses) – net	Financing and Investing	(49		)	(101		)	(154		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		$	121		$	(731	)	$	729

Operating activities

The factors that determine operating activities are largely the same as those that affect Net income (loss), with the exception of noncash items such as Depreciation and amortization, Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes, Equity (earnings) losses, Gain on disposition of equity-method investments, Impairment of equity-method investments, (Gain) on sale of certain assets and businesses, Impairment of certain assets, (Gain) loss on deconsolidation of businesses, and Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform.

Our Net cash provided (used) by operating activities in 2019 increased from 2018 primarily due to the net favorable changes in operating working capital in 2019, including the collection of Transco’s filed rates subject to refund and the receipt of an income tax refund, as well as higher operating income (excluding noncash items as previously discussed) in 2019, partially offset by the impact of decreased distributions from unconsolidated affiliates in 2019.

29

Our Net cash provided (used) by operating activities in 2018 increased from 2017 primarily due to higher operating income (excluding noncash items as previously discussed) in 2018, partially offset by the impact of decreased distributions from unconsolidated affiliates in 2018.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Guarantees of Debt or Other Commitments

We have various other guarantees and commitments which are disclosed in Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities, Note 12 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk, and Note 19 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We do not believe these guarantees and commitments or the possible fulfillment of them will prevent us from meeting our liquidity needs.

Contractual Obligations

The table below summarizes the maturity dates of our contractual obligations at December 31, 2019:

	2020		2021 - 2022		2023 - 2024		Thereafter		Total
					(Millions)
Long-term debt, including current portion: (1)
Principal	$	2,141	$	2,918	$	3,756	$	13,650	$	22,465
Interest	1,097		2,004		1,709		8,561		13,371
Operating leases	29		61		41		157		288
Purchase obligations (2)	890		647		245		290		2,072
Other obligations (3)(4)	3		5		—		—		8
Total	$	4,160	$	5,635	$	5,751	$	22,658	$	38,204

______________

(1) Includes any borrowings outstanding under credit facilities, but does not include any related variable-rate interest payments.

(2) Includes:

• Approximately $206 million in open property, plant, and equipment purchase orders;

• An estimated $589 million long-term mixed NGLs purchase obligation with index-based pricing terms that is reflected in this table at December 31, 2019 prices;

• An estimated $193 million long-term ethane purchase obligation with index-based pricing terms that primarily supplies third parties at their plants and is reflected in this table at a value calculated using December 31, 2019 prices. Any excess purchased volumes may be sold at comparable market prices;

• An estimated $163 million long-term ethane purchase obligation with index-based pricing terms that primarily supplies a third party for consumption at their plant and is reflected in this table at a value calculated using December 31, 2019 prices. Any excess purchased volumes may be sold at comparable market prices;

• An estimated $149 million long-term ethane purchase obligation with index-based pricing terms that is reflected in this table at December 31, 2019 prices. This obligation is part of an overall exchange agreement whereby volumes we transport on OPPL are sold at a third-party fractionator near Conway, Kansas, and we are subsequently obligated to purchase ethane volumes at Mont Belvieu. The purchased ethane volumes may be utilized or sold at comparable prices in the Mont Belvieu market;

• An estimated $129 million long-term mixed NGLs purchase obligation with index-based pricing terms that is reflected in this table at December 31, 2019 prices.

In addition, we have not included certain natural gas life-of-lease contracts for which the future volumes are indeterminable. We have not included commitments, beyond purchase orders, for the acquisition or construction of property, plant, and equipment or expected contributions to our jointly owned investments. (See Company Outlook — Expansion Projects.)

30

(3) Does not include estimated contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. We made contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $68 million in 2019 and $93 million in 2018. In 2020, we expect to contribute approximately $19 million to these plans (see Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Tax-qualified pension plans are required to meet minimum contribution requirements. In the past, we have contributed amounts to our tax-qualified pension plans in excess of the minimum required contribution. These excess amounts can be used to offset future minimum contribution requirements. During 2019, we contributed $60 million to our tax-qualified pension plans. In addition to these contributions, a portion of the excess contributions was used to meet the minimum contribution requirements. During 2020, we expect to contribute approximately $10 million to our tax-qualified pension plans and use excess amounts to satisfy minimum contribution requirements, if needed. Additionally, estimated future minimum funding requirements may vary significantly from historical requirements if actual results differ significantly from estimated results for assumptions such as returns on plan assets, interest rates, retirement rates, mortality, and other significant assumptions or by changes to current legislation and regulations.

(4) We have not included income tax liabilities in the table above. See Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of income taxes, including our contingent tax liability reserves.

Effects of Inflation

Our operations have historically not been materially affected by inflation. Approximately 49 percent of our gross property, plant, and equipment is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline assets. They are subject to regulation, which limits recovery to historical cost. While amounts in excess of historical cost are not recoverable under current FERC practices, we anticipate being allowed to recover and earn a return based on increased actual cost incurred to replace existing assets. Cost-based regulations, along with competition and other market factors, may limit our ability to recover such increased costs. For our gathering and processing assets, operating costs are influenced to a greater extent by both competition for specialized services and specific price changes in crude oil and natural gas and related commodities than by changes in general inflation. Crude oil, natural gas, and NGL prices are particularly sensitive to the market perceptions concerning the supply and demand balance in the near future, as well as general economic conditions. However, our exposure to certain of these price changes is reduced through the fee-based nature of certain of our services and the use of hedging instruments.

Environmental

We are a participant in certain environmental activities in various stages including assessment studies, cleanup operations, and/or remedial processes at certain sites, some of which we currently do not own (see Note 19 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We are monitoring these sites in a coordinated effort with other potentially responsible parties, the EPA, or other governmental authorities. We are jointly and severally liable along with unrelated third parties in some of these activities and solely responsible in others. Current estimates of the most likely costs of such activities are approximately $31 million, all of which are included in Accrued liabilities and Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019. We will seek recovery of the accrued costs related to remediation activities by our interstate gas pipelines totaling approximately $4 million through future natural gas transmission rates. The remainder of these costs will be funded from operations. During 2019, we paid approximately $6 million for cleanup and/or remediation and monitoring activities. We expect to pay approximately $8 million in 2020 for these activities. Estimates of the most likely costs of cleanup are generally based on completed assessment studies, preliminary results of studies, or our experience with other similar cleanup operations. At December 31, 2019, certain assessment studies were still in process for which the ultimate outcome may yield different estimates of most likely costs. Therefore, the actual costs incurred will depend on the final amount, type, and extent of contamination discovered at these sites, the final cleanup standards mandated by the EPA or other governmental authorities, and other factors.

The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely promulgate and propose new rules and issue updated guidance to existing rules. These rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine and combustion turbine maximum achievable control technology, air quality standards for one-hour nitrogen dioxide emissions, and volatile organic compound and methane new source performance standards impacting design

31

and operation of storage vessels, pressure valves, and compressors. The EPA previously issued its rule regarding National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone. We are monitoring the rule's implementation as it will trigger additional federal and state regulatory actions that may impact our operations. Implementation of the regulations is expected to result in impacts to our operations and increase the cost of additions to Property, plant, and equipment – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for both new and existing facilities in affected areas. We are unable to reasonably estimate the cost of additions that may be required to meet the regulations at this time due to uncertainty created by various legal challenges to these regulations and the need for further specific regulatory guidance.

Our interstate natural gas pipelines consider prudently incurred environmental assessment and remediation costs and the costs associated with compliance with environmental standards to be recoverable through rates.

32

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Our current interest rate risk exposure is related primarily to our debt portfolio. Our debt portfolio is primarily comprised of fixed rate debt, which mitigates the impact of fluctuations in interest rates. Any borrowings under our credit facility and any issuances under our commercial paper program could be at a variable interest rate and could expose us to the risk of increasing interest rates. The maturity of our long-term debt portfolio is partially influenced by the expected lives of our operating assets. (See Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

The tables below provide information by maturity date about our interest rate risk-sensitive instruments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the methods used in determining the fair value of our long-term debt.

		2020			2021			2022			2023			2024			Thereafter (1)			Total		Fair Value December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
Long-term debt, including current portion:
Fixed rate		$	2,141		$	893		$	2,025		$	1,477		$	2,279		$	13,473		$	22,288	$	25,319
Weighted-average interest rate		5.2		%	5.2		%	5.3		%	5.4		%	5.6		%	5.6		%
Variable rate		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
		2019			2020			2021			2022			2023			Thereafter (1)			Total		Fair Value December 31, 2018
	(Millions)
Long-term debt, including current portion:
Fixed rate		$	47		$	2,138		$	890		$	2,021		$	1,473		$	15,685		$	22,254	$	23,170
Weighted-average interest rate		5.2		%	5.2		%	5.2		%	5.3		%	5.5		%	5.7		%
Variable rate (2)		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	160		$	—		$	160	$	160

__________________

(1) Includes unamortized discount / premium and debt issuance costs.

(2) The weighted-average interest rate for our $160 million credit facility borrowing at December 31, 2018, was 3.77 percent.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to the impact of fluctuations in the market price of NGLs and natural gas, as well as other market factors, such as market volatility and energy commodity price correlations. We are exposed to these risks in connection with our owned energy-related assets, our long-term energy-related contracts, and limited proprietary trading activities. Our management of the risks associated with these market fluctuations includes maintaining sufficient liquidity, as well as using various derivatives and nonderivative energy-related contracts. The fair value of derivative contracts is subject to many factors, including changes in energy commodity market prices, the liquidity and volatility of the markets in which the contracts are transacted, and changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, our derivative activity was not material. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

33

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Stockholders and the Board of Directors of

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Williams Companies, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We did not audit the financial statements of Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream), a limited liability corporation in which the Company has a 50 percent interest. In the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s investment in Gulfstream was $217 million and $225 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the Company’s equity earnings in the net income of Gulfstream were $74 million in 2019, $75 million in 2018 and $75 million in 2017. Gulfstream’s financial statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Gulfstream, is based solely on the report of other auditors.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 24, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for accounting for revenue in 2018.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

34

Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
	UEOM Acquisition
Description of the Matter	During 2019, the Company completed an acquisition of the remaining 38 percent interest in Utica East Ohio Midstream LLC (UEOM) for consideration of $741 million, as disclosed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. Auditing the Company's accounting for its acquisition of UEOM was complex due to the estimation required in the Company’s determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and required the involvement of specialists due to the highly judgmental nature of certain assumptions. Estimation uncertainty was present due to the assets’ fair values being sensitive to changes in the underlying significant assumptions. The significant assumptions included the weighted average cost of capital and forecasted volume growth.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit	We tested the Company's controls over its accounting for the acquisition, including controls over the estimation process supporting the recognition and measurement of the acquired assets. We also tested controls over management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the valuation models. To test the estimated fair value of the acquired assets, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the Company's selection of the valuation methodologies, evaluating the significant assumptions used in the valuation, and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions and estimates. For example, we compared the significant assumptions used to estimate future cash flows to historical operating results, obtained third-party support, where available, to evaluate operating data, performed a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the assumptions that were most significant to the fair value estimate, and recalculated management’s estimate. We involved our valuation specialists to assist with our evaluation of the methodologies used by the Company and significant assumptions included in the fair value estimates.
	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations
Description of the Matter	At December 31, 2019, the Company’s aggregate pension and other postretirement benefit obligations were $1,452 million and were exceeded by the fair value of pension and other postretirement plan assets of $1,546 million, resulting in overfunded pension and other postretirement benefit obligations of $94 million. As explained in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company utilized key assumptions to determine the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Auditing the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations is complex and required the involvement of specialists due to the highly judgmental nature of the actuarial assumptions (e.g., discount rates, future compensation levels, mortality rates, expected returns on plan assets) used in the measurement process. These assumptions have a significant effect on the projected benefit obligations.

35

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We tested controls that address the risks of material misstatement relating to the measurement and valuation of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of the pension and postretirement benefit obligations, the significant actuarial assumptions and the data inputs provided to the actuary. To test the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the methodologies used, the significant actuarial assumptions discussed above and the underlying data used by the Company. We compared the actuarial assumptions used by management to historical trends and evaluated the changes in the funded status from prior year. In addition, we involved our actuarial specialists to assist with our procedures. For example, we evaluated management’s methodology for determining the discount rates that reflect the maturity and duration of the benefit payments and are used to measure the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. As part of this assessment, we compared the projected cash flows to prior year and compared the current year benefits paid to the prior year projected cash flows. To evaluate the future compensation levels and the mortality rates, we assessed whether the information is consistent with publicly available information, and whether any market data adjusted for entity-specific adjustments were applied. Additionally, to evaluate the expected returns on plan assets, we assessed whether management’s assumptions were consistent with a range of returns for portfolios of comparative investments. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data, including the participant data.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1962.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

February 24, 2020, except as it relates to the change in segments described under the Description of Business heading in Note 1, and in Note 7 and Note 20 as to which the date is May 4, 2020

36

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Management Committee and Members of Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the balance sheets of Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and members’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”) (not presented herein). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas

February 24, 2020

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

37

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

		Year Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
	(Millions, except per-share amounts)
Revenues:
Service revenues		$	5,933		$	5,502		$	5,312
Service revenues – commodity consideration (Note 1)		203			400			—
Product sales		2,065			2,784			2,719
Total revenues		8,201			8,686			8,031
Costs and expenses:
Product costs		1,961			2,707			2,300
Processing commodity expenses		105			137			—
Operating and maintenance expenses		1,468			1,507			1,576
Depreciation and amortization expenses		1,714			1,725			1,736
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		558			569			594
Impairment of certain assets (Note 18)		464			1,915			1,248
Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses (Note 3)		2			(692		)	(1,095		)
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform (Note 1)		—			(17		)	674
Other (income) expense – net		8			67			71
Total costs and expenses		6,280			7,918			7,104
Operating income (loss)		1,921			768			927
Equity earnings (losses)		375			396			434
Other investing income (loss) – net		(79		)	187			282
Interest incurred		(1,218		)	(1,160		)	(1,116		)
Interest capitalized		32			48			33
Other income (expense) – net		33			92			(25		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		1,064			331			535
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		335			138			(1,974		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		729			193			2,509
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(15		)	—			—
Net income (loss)		714			193			2,509
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(136		)	348			335
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.		850			(155		)	2,174
Preferred stock dividends (Note 16)		3			1			—
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	847		$	(156	)	$	2,174
Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	862		$	(156	)	$	2,174
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(15		)	—			—
Net income (loss)		$	847		$	(156	)	$	2,174
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	.71		$	(.16	)	$	2.63
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(.01		)	—			—
Net income (loss)		$	.70		$	(.16	)	$	2.63
Weighted-average shares (thousands)		1,212,037			973,626			826,177
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	.71		$	(.16	)	$	2.62
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(.01		)	—			—
Net income (loss)		$	.70		$	(.16	)	$	2.62
Weighted-average shares (thousands)		1,214,011			973,626			828,518

See accompanying notes.

38

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Net income (loss)	$	714		$	193		$	2,509
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cash flow hedging activities:
Net unrealized gain (loss) from derivative instruments, net of taxes of $1 and $2 in 2018 and 2017, respectively	—			(7		)	(9		)
Reclassifications into earnings of net derivative instruments (gain) loss, net of taxes of ($1) and ($1) in 2018 and 2017, respectively	—			8			6
Foreign currency translation activities:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			1
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost (credit), net of taxes of $2 in 2017	—			—			(3		)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of taxes of ($20), $3, and ($15) in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively	59			(6		)	44
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit), net of taxes of ($4), ($11), and ($37) in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively	12			35			61
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71			30			100
Comprehensive income (loss)	785			223			2,609
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(136		)	346			334
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	$	921		$	(123	)	$	2,275

See accompanying notes.

39

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions, except per-share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	289		$	168
Trade accounts and other receivables (net of allowance of $6 at December 31, 2019 and $9 at December 31, 2018)	996			992
Inventories	125			130
Other current assets and deferred charges	170			174
Total current assets	1,580			1,464
Investments	6,235			7,821
Property, plant, and equipment – net	29,200			27,504
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization	7,959			7,767
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	1,066			746
Total assets	$	46,040		$	45,302
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	552		$	662
Accrued liabilities	1,276			1,102
Long-term debt due within one year	2,140			47
Total current liabilities	3,968			1,811
Long-term debt	20,148			22,367
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,782			1,524
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	3,778			3,603
Contingent liabilities and commitments (Note 19)
Equity:
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	35			35
Common stock ($1 par value; 1,470 million shares authorized at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; 1,247 million shares issued at December 31, 2019 and 1,245 million shares issued at December 31, 2018)	1,247			1,245
Capital in excess of par value	24,323			24,693
Retained deficit	(11,002		)	(10,002		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(199		)	(270		)
Treasury stock, at cost (35 million shares of common stock)	(1,041		)	(1,041		)
Total stockholders’ equity	13,363			14,660
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	3,001			1,337
Total equity	16,364			15,997
Total liabilities and equity	$	46,040		$	45,302

See accompanying notes.

40

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

	The Williams Companies, Inc. Stockholders
	Preferred Stock		Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Retained Deficit			AOCI*			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
	(Millions)
Balance – December 31, 2016	$	—	$	785	$	14,887		$	(9,649	)	$	(339	)	$	(1,041	)	$	4,643		$	9,403		$	14,046
Adoption of new accounting standard	—		—		1			36			—			—			37			—			37
Net income (loss)	—		—		—			2,174			—			—			2,174			335			2,509
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			101			—			101			(1		)	100
Issuance of common stock (Note 16)	—		75		2,043			—			—			—			2,118			—			2,118
Cash dividends – common stock ($1.20 per share)	—		—		—			(992		)	—			—			(992		)	—			(992		)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(883		)	(883		)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	—		1		73			—			—			—			74			—			74
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			61			61
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net	—		—		1,497			—			—			—			1,497			(2,407		)	(910		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			17			17
Other	—		—		7			(3		)	—			—			4			(6		)	(2		)
Net increase (decrease) in equity	—		76		3,621			1,215			101			—			5,013			(2,884		)	2,129
Balance – December 31, 2017	—		861		18,508			(8,434		)	(238		)	(1,041		)	9,656			6,519			16,175
Adoption of new accounting standards	—		—		—			(23		)	(61		)	—			(84		)	(37		)	(121		)
Net income (loss)	—		—		—			(155		)	—			—			(155		)	348			193
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			32			—			32			(2		)	30
WPZ Merger (Note 1)	—		382		6,112			—			(3		)	—			6,491			(4,629		)	1,862
Issuance of preferred stock (Note 16)	35		—		—			—			—			—			35			—			35
Cash dividends – common stock ($1.36 per share)	—		—		—			(1,386		)	—			—			(1,386		)	—			(1,386		)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(637		)	(637		)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	—		1		60			—			—			—			61			—			61
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			46			46
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net	—		—		14			—			—			—			14			(18		)	(4		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			15			15
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 6)	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(267		)	(267		)
Other	—		1		(1		)	(4		)	—			—			(4		)	(1		)	(5		)
Net increase (decrease) in equity	35		384		6,185			(1,568		)	(32		)	—			5,004			(5,182		)	(178		)
Balance – December 31, 2018	35		1,245		24,693			(10,002		)	(270		)	(1,041		)	14,660			1,337			15,997
Net income (loss)	—		—		—			850			—			—			850			(136		)	714
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			71			—			71			—			71
Cash dividends – common stock ($1.52 per share)	—		—		—			(1,842		)	—			—			(1,842		)	—			(1,842		)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(124		)	(124		)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	—		2		56			—			—			—			58			—			58
Sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary (Note 3)	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			1,334			1,334
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net (Note 3)	—		—		(426		)	—			—			—			(426		)	567			141
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			36			36
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 4)	—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(13		)	(13		)
Other	—		—		—			(8		)	—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)
Net increase (decrease) in equity	—		2		(370		)	(1,000		)	71			—			(1,297		)	1,664			367
Balance – December 31, 2019	$	35	$	1,247	$	24,323		$	(11,002	)	$	(199	)	$	(1,041	)	$	13,363		$	3,001		$	16,364

* Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

See accompanying notes.

41

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	714		$	193		$	2,509
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,714			1,725			1,736
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	376			220			(2,012		)
Equity (earnings) losses	(375		)	(396		)	(434		)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	657			693			784
Gain on disposition of equity-method investments (Note 6)	(122		)	—			(269		)
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)	186			32			—
(Gain) on sale of certain assets and businesses (Note 3)	2			(692		)	(1,095		)
Impairment of certain assets (Note 18)	464			1,915			1,249
(Gain) loss on deconsolidation of businesses (Note 6)	29			(203		)	—
Amortization of stock-based awards	57			55			78
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform (Note 1)	—			(15		)	776
Cash provided (used) by changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable	34			(36		)	(88		)
Inventories	5			(16		)	8
Other current assets and deferred charges	21			17			(21		)
Accounts payable	(46		)	(93		)	118
Accrued liabilities	153			23			(92		)
Other, including changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	(176		)	(129		)	(158		)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	3,693			3,293			3,089
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper – net	(4		)	(2		)	(93		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	767			3,926			3,333
Payments of long-term debt	(909		)	(3,204		)	(5,925		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	10			15			2,131
Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary (Note 3)	1,334			—			—
Common dividends paid	(1,842		)	(1,386		)	(992		)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(124		)	(591		)	(822		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	36			15			17
Payments for debt issuance costs	—			(26		)	(17		)
Other – net	(13		)	(46		)	(92		)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(745		)	(1,299		)	(2,460		)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant, and equipment:
Capital expenditures (1)	(2,109		)	(3,256		)	(2,399		)
Dispositions – net	(40		)	(7		)	(41		)
Contributions in aid of construction	52			411			426
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash divested	(2		)	1,296			2,067
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (Note 3)	(728		)	—			—
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (Note 6)	485			—			200
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments (Note 6)	(453		)	(1,132		)	(132		)
Other – net	(32		)	(37		)	(21		)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(2,827		)	(2,725		)	100
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	121			(731		)	729
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	168			899			170
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	289		$	168		$	899
_________
(1) Increases to property, plant, and equipment	$	(2,023	)	$	(3,021	)	$	(2,662	)
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(86		)	(235		)	263
Capital expenditures	$	(2,109	)	$	(3,256	)	$	(2,399	)

See accompanying notes.

42

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this report to “Williams,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to The Williams Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to “Williams,” “we,” “our,” and “us” include the operations in which we own interests accounted for as equity-method investments that are not consolidated in our financial statements. When we refer to our equity investees by name, we are referring exclusively to their businesses and operations.

WPZ Merger

On August 10, 2018, we completed our merger with Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ), our previously consolidated master limited partnership, pursuant to which we acquired all of the approximately 256 million publicly held outstanding common units of WPZ in exchange for 382 million shares of our common stock (WPZ Merger). Williams continued as the surviving entity. The WPZ Merger was accounted for as a noncash equity transaction resulting in increases to Common stock of $382 million, Capital in excess of par value of $6.112 billion, and Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other of $33 million and decreases to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) of $3 million, Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries of $4.629 billion, and Deferred income tax liabilities of $1.829 billion in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior to the completion of the WPZ Merger and pursuant to its distribution reinvestment program, WPZ had issued common units to the public in 2018 and 2017 associated with reinvested distributions of $46 million and $61 million, respectively.

Financial Repositioning

In January 2017, we entered into agreements with WPZ, wherein we permanently waived the general partner’s incentive distribution rights and converted our 2 percent general partner interest in WPZ to a noneconomic interest in exchange for 289 million newly issued WPZ common units. Pursuant to this agreement, we also purchased approximately 277 thousand WPZ common units for $10 million. Additionally, we purchased approximately 59 million common units of WPZ at a price of $36.08586 per unit in a private placement transaction, funded with proceeds from our equity offering (see Note 16 – Stockholders’ Equity). According to the terms of this agreement, concurrent with WPZ’s quarterly distributions in February 2017 and May 2017, we paid additional consideration totaling $56 million to WPZ for these units.

Description of Business

We are a Delaware corporation whose common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Our operations are located in the United States. Effective January 1, 2020, following an organizational realignment, our interstate natural gas pipeline Northwest Pipeline LLC, which was reported within the West reporting segment throughout 2019, is now managed within the Transmission & Gulf of Mexico reporting segment (previously identified as the Atlantic-Gulf reporting segment). As a result, beginning with the reporting of first quarter 2020, our operations are presented within the following reportable segments: Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, and West, consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. All remaining business activities as well as corporate activities are included in Other. All segment disclosures have been recast for this segment change.

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipelines, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco) and Northwest Pipeline LLC (Northwest Pipeline), as well as natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, including a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One LLC (Gulfstar One) (a consolidated variable interest entity, or VIE), which is a proprietary floating production system, as well as a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream), a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery Producer Services LLC (Discovery), and, at

43

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

December 31, 2019, a 41 percent equity-method investment in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution) (see Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities).

Northeast G&P is comprised of our midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania and New York, and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio, as well as a 66 percent interest in Cardinal Gas Services, L.L.C. (Cardinal) (a consolidated VIE) which operates in Ohio, a 69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC (Laurel Mountain), a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman Energy II, LLC (Caiman II), and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns equity-method investments with an approximate average 66 percent interest in multiple gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments). Northeast G&P includes a 65 percent interest in Ohio Valley Midstream LLC (Northeast JV) (a consolidated VIE) which operates in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Northeast JV includes our Ohio Valley assets and Utica East Ohio Midstream LLC (UEOM), a former equity-method investment in which we acquired the remaining ownership interest in March 2019 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures).

West is comprised of our gas gathering, processing, and treating operations in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming, the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, Delaware, and Permian basins. This segment also includes our natural gas liquid (NGL) and natural gas marketing business, storage facilities, an undivided 50 percent interest in an NGL fractionator near Conway, Kansas, a 50 percent equity-method investment in Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC (OPPL), a 50 percent equity-method investment in Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC (RMM), and a 15 percent equity-method investment in Brazos Permian II, LLC (Brazos Permian II). West also included our former natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado, which were sold during the fourth quarter of 2018 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures), our former 50 percent interest in Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C. (Jackalope) (an equity-method investment following deconsolidation as of June 30, 2018), which was sold in April 2019, and our previously owned 50 percent equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system (DBJV) (see Note 6 – Investing Activities).

Other includes minor business activities that are not operating segments, as well as corporate operations. Other also includes our previously owned operations, including an 88.5 percent undivided interest in an olefins production facility in Geismar, Louisiana (Geismar Interest), which was sold in July 2017 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures), and a refinery grade propylene splitter in the Gulf region, which was sold in June 2017.

Basis of Presentation

Discontinued operations

Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relates to our continuing operations.

Significant risks and uncertainties

We believe that the carrying value of certain of our property, plant, and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets, notably certain acquired assets accounted for as business combinations between 2012 and 2014, may be in excess of current fair value. However, the carrying value of these assets, in our judgment, continues to be recoverable based on our evaluation of undiscounted future cash flows. It is reasonably possible that future strategic decisions, including transactions such as monetizing non-core assets or contributing assets to new ventures with third parties, as well as unfavorable changes in expected producer activities could impact our assumptions and ultimately result in impairments of these assets. Such transactions or developments may also indicate that certain of our equity-method investments have experienced other-than-temporary declines in value, which could result in impairment, or that the fair value of the reporting unit for our goodwill is less than its carrying amount, which would result in impairment.

44

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all entities that we control and our proportionate interest in the accounts of certain ventures in which we own an undivided interest. Our judgment is required to evaluate whether we control an entity. Key areas of that evaluation include:

• Determining whether an entity is a VIE;

• Determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, including evaluating which activities of the VIE most significantly impact its economic performance and the degree of power that we and our related parties have over those activities through our variable interests;

• Identifying events that require reconsideration of whether an entity is a VIE and continuously evaluating whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary;

• Evaluating whether other owners in entities that are not VIEs are able to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of business such that we do not have the power to control such entities.

We apply the equity method of accounting to investments over which we exercise significant influence but do not control. Distributions received from equity-method investees are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows according to the nature of the distributions approach, which classifies distributions received from equity-method investees as either returns on investment (cash inflows from operating activities) or returns of investment (cash inflows from investing activities) based on the nature of the activities of the equity-method investee that generated the distribution.

Equity-method investment basis differences

Differences between the cost of our equity-method investments and our underlying equity in the net assets of investees are accounted for as if the investees were consolidated subsidiaries. Equity earnings (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes our allocable share of net income (loss) of investees adjusted for any depreciation and amortization, as applicable, associated with basis differences.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates and assumptions include:

• Impairment assessments of investments, property, plant, and equipment, goodwill, and other identifiable intangible assets;

• Litigation-related contingencies;

• Environmental remediation obligations;

• Depreciation and/or amortization of long-lived assets;

45

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

• Depreciation and/or amortization of equity-method investment basis differences;

• Asset retirement obligations (AROs);

• Pension and postretirement valuation variables;

• Measurement of regulatory liabilities;

• Measurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, including assumptions related to the realization of deferred income tax assets;

• Revenue recognition, including estimates utilized in recognition of deferred revenue;

• Purchase price accounting.

These estimates are discussed further throughout these notes.

Regulatory accounting

Transco and Northwest Pipeline are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Their rates, which are established by the FERC, are designed to recover the costs of providing the regulated services, and their competitive environment makes it probable that such rates can be charged and collected. Therefore, we have determined that it is appropriate under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 980, “Regulated Operations,” (ASC 980) to account for and report regulatory assets and liabilities related to these operations consistent with the economic effect of the way in which their rates are established. Accounting for these operations that are regulated can differ from the accounting requirements for nonregulated operations. For example, for regulated operations, allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated cost of debt and equity funds applicable to utility plant in the process of construction and is capitalized as a cost of property, plant, and equipment because it constitutes an actual cost of construction under established regulatory practices; nonregulated operations are only allowed to capitalize the cost of debt funds related to construction activities, while a component for equity is prohibited. The components of our regulatory assets and liabilities relate to the effects of deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction, asset retirement obligations, fuel cost differentials, levelized incremental depreciation, negative salvage, pension and other postretirement benefits, and rate allowances for deferred income taxes at a historically higher federal income tax rate.

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform) was enacted, which, among other things, reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent (see Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes). In accordance with ASC 980-740-25-2, Transco and Northwest Pipeline have recognized regulatory liabilities to reflect the probable return to customers through future rates of the future decrease in income taxes payable associated with Tax Reform. These liabilities represent an obligation to return amounts directly to our customers. While a majority of our customers have entered into tariff rates based on our cost-of-service proceedings and related rate base therein, certain other contracts with customers reflect contractually-based rates that are designed to recover the cost of providing those services, including an allowance for income taxes, with no expected future rate adjustment for the term of those contracts. This relative mix of contracts for services was considered in determining the probable amount to be returned to customers through future rates. The regulatory liabilities were recorded in December 2017 through regulatory charges to operating income totaling $674 million. Adjustments recorded in 2018 decreased this amount by $17 million. For Transco, the timing and actual amount of the return to the customers is stated in its formal stipulation and agreement that has been filed, subject to FERC approval (See Note 19 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments).

Certain of our equity-method investees recorded similar regulatory liabilities, for which our Equity earnings (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2017 were reduced by $11 million related to our proportionate share of the associated regulatory charges.

46

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Our regulatory assets associated with the effects of deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction were also impacted by Tax Reform and were reduced by $102 million in December 2017 through a charge to Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses). This amount, along with the previously described charges for establishing the regulatory liabilities resulting from Tax Reform, is reported within Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Our current and noncurrent regulatory asset and liability balances for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Current assets reported within Other current assets and deferred charges	$	72	$	103
Noncurrent assets reported within Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	466		495
Total regulated assets	$	538	$	598
Current liabilities reported within Accrued liabilities	$	60	$	5
Noncurrent liabilities reported within Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	1,277		1,321
Total regulated liabilities	$	1,337	$	1,326

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are carried on a gross basis, with no discounting, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing economic conditions, the financial condition of our customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. We do not offer extended payment terms and typically receive payment within one month. We consider receivables past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Interest income related to past due accounts receivable is generally recognized at the time full payment is received or collectability is assured. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted.

Inventories

Inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheet primarily consist of NGLs, natural gas in underground storage, and materials and supplies and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories is primarily determined using the average-cost method.

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is initially recorded at cost. We base the carrying value of these assets on estimates, assumptions, and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives, and salvage values.

As regulated entities, Northwest Pipeline and Transco provide for depreciation using the straight-line method at FERC-prescribed rates. Depreciation for nonregulated entities is provided primarily on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives, except for certain offshore facilities that apply an accelerated depreciation method.

47

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Gains or losses from the ordinary sale or retirement of property, plant, and equipment for regulated pipelines are credited or charged to accumulated depreciation. Other gains or losses are recorded in Other (income) expense – net included in Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are generally expensed as incurred. Costs of major renewals and replacements are capitalized as property, plant, and equipment.

We record a liability and increase the basis in the underlying asset for the present value of each expected future ARO at the time the liability is initially incurred, typically when the asset is acquired or constructed. As regulated entities, Northwest Pipeline and Transco offset the depreciation of the underlying asset that is attributable to capitalized ARO cost to a regulatory asset as we expect to recover these amounts in future rates. We measure changes in the liability due to passage of time by applying an interest rate to the liability balance. This amount is recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability and as a corresponding accretion expense included in Operating and maintenance expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, except for regulated entities, for which the liability is offset by a regulatory asset. The regulatory asset is amortized commensurate with our collection of those costs in rates.

Measurements of AROs include, as a component of future expected costs, an estimate of the price that a third party would demand, and could expect to receive, for bearing the uncertainties inherent in the obligations, sometimes referred to as a market-risk premium.

Goodwill

Goodwill included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet represents the excess of the consideration, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest or any previously held equity interest, over the fair value of the net assets acquired. It is not subject to amortization but is evaluated annually as of October 1 for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As part of the evaluation, we compare our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference (not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill). Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our management’s estimates of fair value.

Other intangible assets

Our identifiable intangible assets included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are primarily related to gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contractual customer relationships. Our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which these assets contribute to our cash flows. We evaluate these assets for changes in the expected remaining useful lives and would reflect any changes prospectively through amortization over the revised remaining useful life.

Impairment of property, plant, and equipment, other identifiable intangible assets, and investments

We evaluate our property, plant, and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When an indicator of impairment has occurred, we compare our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets to the carrying value of the assets to determine whether an impairment has occurred and we may apply a probability-weighted approach to consider the likelihood of different cash flow assumptions and possible outcomes including selling in the near term or holding for the remaining estimated useful life. If an impairment of the carrying value has occurred, we determine the amount of the impairment recognized in the financial statements by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.

For assets identified to be disposed of in the future and considered held for sale, we compare the carrying value to the estimated fair value less the cost to sell to determine if recognition of an impairment is required. Until the assets

48

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

are disposed of, the estimated fair value, which includes estimated cash flows from operations until the assumed date of sale, is recalculated when related events or circumstances change.

We evaluate our investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as an impairment charge.

Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows and an asset’s or investment’s fair value. Additionally, judgment is used to determine the probability of sale with respect to assets considered for disposal.

Contingent liabilities

We record liabilities for estimated loss contingencies, including environmental matters, when we assess that a loss is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These liabilities are calculated based upon our assumptions and estimates with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss and upon advice of legal counsel, engineers, or other third parties regarding the probable outcomes of the matters. These calculations are made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties. We recognize insurance recoveries or reimbursements from others when realizable. Revisions to these liabilities are generally reflected in income when new or different facts or information become known or circumstances change that affect the previous assumptions or estimates.

Cash flows from revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program

Proceeds and payments related to borrowings under our credit facilities are reflected in the financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis. Proceeds and payments related to borrowings under our commercial paper program are reflected in the financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on a net basis, as the outstanding notes generally have maturity dates less than three months from the date of issuance. (See Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements.)

Treasury stock

Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as Treasury stock, at cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains and losses on the subsequent reissuance of shares are credited or charged to Capital in excess of par value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet using the average-cost method.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

We may utilize derivatives to manage a portion of our commodity price risk. These instruments consist primarily of swaps, futures, and forward contracts involving short- and long-term purchases and sales of energy commodities. We report the fair value of derivatives, except those for which the normal purchases and normal sales exception has been elected, in Other current assets and deferred charges; Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other; Accrued liabilities; or Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We determine the current and noncurrent classification based on the timing of expected future cash flows of individual trades. We report these amounts on a gross basis. Additionally, we report cash collateral receivables and payables with our counterparties on a gross basis. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.)

49

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The accounting for the changes in fair value of a commodity derivative can be summarized as follows:

Derivative Treatment	Accounting Method
Normal purchases and normal sales exception	Accrual accounting
Designated in a qualifying hedging relationship	Hedge accounting
All other derivatives	Mark-to-market accounting

We may elect the normal purchases and normal sales exception for certain short- and long-term purchases and sales of physical energy commodities. Under accrual accounting, any change in the fair value of these derivatives is not reflected on the balance sheet after the initial election of the exception.

We may also designate a hedging relationship for certain commodity derivatives. For a derivative to qualify for designation in a hedging relationship, it must meet specific criteria and we must maintain appropriate documentation. We establish hedging relationships pursuant to our risk management policies. We evaluate the hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the underlying risk being hedged. We also regularly assess whether the hedged forecasted transaction is probable of occurring. If a derivative ceases to be or is no longer expected to be highly effective, or if we believe the likelihood of occurrence of the hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and future changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized currently in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

For commodity derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative is reported in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reclassified into earnings in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. Gains or losses deferred in AOCI associated with terminated derivatives, derivatives that cease to be highly effective hedges, derivatives for which the forecasted transaction is reasonably possible but no longer probable of occurring, and cash flow hedges that have been otherwise discontinued remain in AOCI until the hedged item affects earnings. If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction designated as the hedged item in a cash flow hedge will not occur, any gain or loss deferred in AOCI is recognized in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations at that time. The change in likelihood of a forecasted transaction is a judgmental decision that includes qualitative assessments made by us.

For commodity derivatives that are not designated in a hedging relationship, and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception, we report changes in fair value currently in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Certain gains and losses on derivative instruments included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations are netted together to a single net gain or loss, while other gains and losses are reported on a gross basis. Gains and losses recorded on a net basis include unrealized gains and losses on all derivatives that are not designated as hedges and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception.

Realized gains and losses on derivatives that require physical delivery, as well as natural gas derivatives for NGL processing activities and which are not held for trading purposes nor were entered into as a pre-contemplated buy/sell arrangement, are recorded on a gross basis.

Revenue recognition (subsequent to the adoption of ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018)

Customers in our gas pipeline businesses are comprised of public utilities, municipalities, gas marketers and producers, intrastate pipelines, direct industrial users, and electrical generators. Customers in our midstream businesses are comprised of oil and natural gas producer counterparties. Customers for our product sales are comprised of public utilities, gas marketers, and direct industrial users.

50

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Service revenue contracts from our gas pipeline and midstream businesses contain a series of distinct services, with the majority of our contracts having a single performance obligation that is satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Most of our product sales contracts have a single performance obligation with revenue recognized at a point in time when the products have been sold and delivered to the customer.

Certain customers reimburse us for costs we incur associated with construction of property, plant, and equipment utilized in our operations. For our rate-regulated gas pipeline businesses that apply ASC 980, we follow FERC guidelines with respect to reimbursement of construction costs. FERC tariffs only allow for cost reimbursement and are non-negotiable in nature; thus, in our judgment, the construction activities do not represent an ongoing major and central operation of our gas pipeline businesses and are not within the scope of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606). Accordingly, cost reimbursements are treated as a reduction to the cost of the constructed asset. For our midstream businesses, reimbursement and service contracts with customers are viewed together as providing the same commercial objective, as we have the ability to negotiate the mix of consideration between reimbursements and amounts billed over time. Accordingly, we generally recognize reimbursements of construction costs from customers on a gross basis as a contract liability separate from the associated costs included within property, plant, and equipment. The contract liability is recognized into service revenues as the underlying performance obligations are satisfied.

Service Revenues

Gas pipeline businesses: Revenues from our regulated interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, which are subject to regulation by certain state and federal authorities, including the FERC, include both firm and interruptible transportation and storage contracts. Firm transportation and storage agreements provide for a fixed reservation charge based on the pipeline or storage capacity reserved, and a commodity charge based on the volume of natural gas delivered/stored, each at rates specified in our FERC tariffs or based on negotiated contractual rates, with contract terms that are generally long-term in nature. Most of our long-term contracts contain an evergreen provision, which allows the contracts to be extended for periods primarily up to one year in length an indefinite number of times following the specified contract term and until terminated generally by either us or the customer. Interruptible transportation and storage agreements provide for a volumetric charge based on actual commodity transportation or storage utilized in the period in which those services are provided, and the contracts are generally limited to one-month periods or less. Our performance obligations related to our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses include the following:

• Firm transportation or storage under firm transportation and storage contracts—an integrated package of services typically constituting a single performance obligation, which includes standing ready to provide such services and receiving, transporting or storing (as applicable), and redelivering commodities;

• Interruptible transportation and storage under interruptible transportation and storage contracts—an integrated package of services typically constituting a single performance obligation once scheduled, which includes receiving, transporting or storing (as applicable), and redelivering commodities.

In situations where, in our judgment, we consider the integrated package of services as a single performance obligation, which represents a majority of our interstate natural gas pipeline contracts with customers, we do not consider there to be multiple performance obligations because the nature of the overall promise in the contract is to stand ready (with regard to firm transportation and storage contracts), receive, transport or store, and redeliver natural gas to the customer; therefore, revenue is recognized over time upon satisfaction of our daily stand ready performance obligation.

We recognize revenues for reservation charges over the performance obligation period, which is the contract term, regardless of the volume of natural gas that is transported or stored. Revenues for commodity charges from both firm and interruptible transportation services and storage services are recognized when natural gas is delivered at the agreed upon delivery point or when natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the storage facility because they specifically relate to our efforts to provide these distinct services. Generally, reservation charges and

51

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

commodity charges in our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses are recognized as revenue in the same period they are invoiced to our customers. As a result of the ratemaking process, certain amounts collected by us may be subject to refund upon the issuance of final orders by the FERC in pending rate proceedings. We use judgment to record estimates of rate refund liabilities considering our and other third-party regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel, and other risks.

Midstream businesses: Revenues from our non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage midstream businesses include contracts for natural gas gathering, processing, treating, compression, transportation, and other related services with contract terms that are generally long-term in nature and may extend up to the production life of the associated reservoir. Additionally, our midstream businesses generate revenues from fees charged for storing customers’ natural gas and NGLs, generally under prepaid contracted storage capacity contracts. In situations where, in our judgment, we provide an integrated package of services combined into a single performance obligation, which represents a majority of this class of contracts with customers, we do not consider there to be multiple performance obligations because the nature of the overall promise in the contract is to provide gathering, processing, transportation, storage, and related services resulting in the delivery, or redelivery in the context of storage services, of pipeline-quality natural gas and NGLs to the customer. As such, revenue is recognized at the daily completion of the integrated package of services as the integrated package represents a single performance obligation. Additionally, certain contracts in our midstream businesses contain fixed or upfront payment terms that result in the deferral of revenues until such services have been performed or such capacity has been made available.

We also earn revenues from offshore crude oil and natural gas gathering and transportation and offshore production handling. These services represent an integrated package of services and are considered a single distinct performance obligation for which we recognize revenues as the services are provided to the customer.

We generally earn a contractually stated fee per unit for the volume of product transported, gathered, processed, or stored. The rate is generally fixed; however, certain contracts contain variable rates that are subject to change based on commodity prices, levels of throughput, or an annual adjustment based on a formulaic cost of service calculation. In addition, we have contracts with contractually stated fees that decline over the contract term, such as declines based on the passage of time periods or achievement of cumulative throughput amounts. For all of our contracts, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the judgmentally determined relative standalone selling price. The excess of consideration received over revenue recognized results in the deferral of those amounts until future periods based on a units of production or straight-line methodology as these methods appropriately match the consumption of services provided to the customer. The units of production methodology requires the use of production estimates that are uncertain and the use of judgment when developing estimates of future production volumes, thus impacting the rate of revenue recognition. Production estimates are monitored as circumstances and events warrant. Certain of our gas gathering and processing agreements have minimum volume commitments (MVC). If a customer under such an agreement fails to meet its MVC for a specified period (thus not exercising all the contractual rights to gathering and processing services within the specified period, herein referred to as “breakage”), it is obligated to pay a contractually determined fee based upon the shortfall between the actual gathered or processed volumes and the MVC for the period contained in the contract. When we conclude, based on management’s judgment, it is probable that the customer will not exercise all or a portion of its remaining rights, we recognize revenue associated with such breakage amount in proportion to the pattern of exercised rights within the respective MVC period.

Under keep-whole and percent-of-liquids processing contracts, we receive commodity consideration in the form of NGLs and take title to the NGLs at the tailgate of the plant. We recognize such commodity consideration as service revenue based on the market value of the NGLs retained at the time the processing is provided. The current market value, as opposed to the market value at the contract inception date, is used due to a combination of factors, including the fact that the volume, mix, and market price of NGL consideration to be received is unknown at the time of contract execution and is not specified in our contracts with customers. Additionally, product sales revenue (discussed below) is recognized upon the sale of the NGLs to a third party based on the sales price at the time of sale. As a result, revenue is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations both at the time the

52

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

processing service is provided in Service revenues – commodity consideration and at the time the NGLs retained as part of the processing service are sold in Product sales. The recognition of revenue related to commodity consideration has the impact of increasing the book value of NGL inventory, resulting in higher cost of goods sold at the time of sale. Given that most inventory is sold in the same period that it is generated, the impact of these transactions is expected to have little impact to operating income.

Product Sales

In the course of providing transportation services to customers of our gas pipeline businesses and gathering and processing services to customers of our midstream businesses, we may receive different quantities of natural gas from customers than the quantities delivered on behalf of those customers. The resulting imbalances are primarily settled through the purchase or sale of natural gas with each customer under terms provided for in our FERC tariffs or gathering and processing agreements, respectively. Revenue is recognized from the sale of natural gas upon settlement of imbalances.

In certain instances, we purchase NGLs, crude oil, and natural gas from our oil and natural gas producer customers. In addition, we retain NGLs as consideration in certain processing arrangements, as discussed above in the Service Revenues - Midstream businesses section. We recognize revenue from the sale of these commodities when the products have been sold and delivered. Our product sales contracts are primarily short-term contracts based on prevailing market rates at the time of the transaction.

Contract Assets

Our contract assets primarily consist of revenue recognized under contracts containing MVC features whereby management has concluded it is probable there will be a short-fall payment at the end of the current MVC period, which typically follows the calendar year, and that a significant reversal of revenue recognized currently for the future MVC payment will not occur. As a result, our contract assets related to our future MVC payments are generally expected to be collected within the next 12 months and are included within Other current assets and deferred charges in our Consolidated Balance Sheet until such time as the MVC short-fall payments are invoiced to the customer.

Contract Liabilities

Our contract liabilities consist of advance payments primarily from midstream business customers which include construction reimbursements, prepayments, and other billings for which future services are to be provided under the contract. These amounts are deferred until recognized in revenue when the associated performance obligation has been satisfied, which is primarily based on a units of production methodology over the remaining contractual service periods, and are classified as current or noncurrent according to when such amounts are expected to be recognized. Current and noncurrent contract liabilities are included within Accrued liabilities and Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other, respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Contracts requiring advance payments and the recognition of contract liabilities are evaluated to determine whether the advance payments provide us with a significant financing benefit. This determination is based on the combined effect of the expected length of time between when we transfer the promised good or service to the customer, when the customer pays for those goods or services, and the prevailing interest rates. We have assessed our contracts for significant financing components and determined, in our judgment, that one group of contracts entered into in contemplation of one another for certain capital reimbursements contains a significant financing component. As a result, we recognize noncash interest expense based on the effective interest method and revenue (noncash) is recognized when the underlying asset is placed into service utilizing a units of production or straight-line methodology over the life of the corresponding customer contract.

53

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Revenue recognition (prior to the adoption of ASC 606)

Revenues

As a result of the ratemaking process, certain revenues collected by us may be subject to refunds upon the issuance of final orders by the FERC in pending rate proceedings. We record estimates of rate refund liabilities considering our and other third-party regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel, and other risks.

Service revenues

Revenues from our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses include services pursuant to long-term firm transportation and storage agreements. These agreements provide for a reservation charge based on the volume of contracted capacity and a commodity charge based on the volume of gas delivered, both at rates specified in our FERC tariffs. We recognize revenues for reservation charges ratably over the contract period regardless of the volume of natural gas that is transported or stored. Revenues for commodity charges, from both firm and interruptible transportation services and storage injection and withdrawal services, are recognized when natural gas is delivered at the agreed upon delivery point or when natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the storage facility.

Certain revenues from our midstream operations include those derived from natural gas gathering, processing, treating, and compression services and are performed under volumetric-based fee contracts. These revenues are recorded when services have been performed.

Certain of our gas gathering and processing agreements have MVCs. If a customer under such an agreement fails to meet its MVC for a specified period, generally measured on an annual basis, it is obligated to pay a contractually determined fee based upon the shortfall between actual production volumes and the MVC for that period. The revenue associated with MVCs is recognized in the period that the actual shortfall is determined and is no longer subject to future reduction or offset, which is generally at the end of the annual period or fourth quarter.

Crude oil gathering and transportation revenues and offshore production handling fees are recognized when the services have been performed. Certain offshore production handling contracts contain fixed payment terms that result in the deferral of revenues until such services have been performed or such capacity has been made available.

Storage revenues from our midstream operations associated with prepaid contracted storage capacity contracts are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract as services are provided.

Product sales

In the course of providing transportation services to customers of our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, we may receive different quantities of gas from shippers than the quantities delivered on behalf of those shippers. The resulting imbalances are primarily settled through the purchase and sale of gas with our customers under terms provided for in our FERC tariffs. Revenue is recognized from the sale of gas upon settlement of the transportation and exchange imbalances.

We market NGLs, crude oil, and natural gas that we purchase from our producer customers as part of the overall service provided to producers. Revenues from marketing activities are recognized when the products have been sold and delivered.

Under our keep-whole and percent-of-liquids processing contracts, we retain the rights to all or a portion of the NGLs extracted from the producers’ natural gas stream and recognize revenues when the extracted NGLs are sold and delivered.

Our former domestic olefins business produced olefins from purchased or produced feedstock and we recognized revenues when the olefins were sold and delivered.

54

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Leases (subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019)

We recognize a lease liability with an offsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet for operating leases based on the present value of the future lease payments. We have elected to combine lease and nonlease components for all classes of leased assets in our calculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.

Our lease agreements require both fixed and variable periodic payments, with initial terms typically ranging from one year to 15 years, but a certain land lease has a term of 108 years. Payment provisions in certain of our lease agreements contain escalation factors which may be based on stated rates or a change in a published index at a future time. The amount by which a lease escalates based on the change in a published index, which is not known at lease commencement, is considered a variable payment and is not included in the present value of the future lease payments, which only includes those that are stated or can be calculated based on the lease agreement at lease commencement. In addition to the noncancellable periods, many of our lease agreements provide for one or more extensions of the lease agreement for periods ranging from one year in length to an indefinite number of times following the specified contract term. Other lease agreements provide for extension terms that allow us to utilize the identified leased asset for an indefinite period of time so long as the asset continues to be utilized in our operations. In consideration of these renewal features, we assess the term of the lease agreements, which includes using judgment in the determination of which renewal periods and termination provisions, when at our sole election, will be reasonably certain of being exercised. Periods after the initial term or extension terms that allow for either party to the lease to cancel the lease are not considered in the assessment of the lease term. Additionally, we have elected to exclude leases with an original term of one year or less, including renewal periods, from the calculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.

We use judgment in determining the discount rate upon which the present value of the future lease payments is determined. This rate is based on a collateralized interest rate corresponding to the term of the lease agreement using company, industry, and market information available.

When permitted under our lease agreements, we may sublease certain unused office space for fixed periods that could extend up to the length of the original lease agreement.

Interest capitalized

We capitalize interest during construction on major projects with construction periods of at least 3 months and a total project cost in excess of $1 million. Interest is capitalized on borrowed funds and, where regulation by the FERC exists, on internally generated funds (equity AFUDC). The latter is included in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The rates used by regulated companies are calculated in accordance with FERC rules. Rates used by nonregulated companies are based on our average interest rate on debt.

Employee stock-based awards

We recognize compensation expense on employee stock-based awards on a straight-line basis; forfeitures are recognized when they occur. (See Note 17 – Equity-Based Compensation.)

Pension and other postretirement benefits

The funded status of each of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as either an asset or liability. The funded status is the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the plan’s benefit obligation. The plans’ benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs (credits) are actuarially determined and impacted by various assumptions and estimates. (See Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans.)

The discount rates are determined separately for each of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on an approach specific to our plans. The year-end discount rates are determined considering a yield curve comprised of high-quality corporate bonds and the timing of the expected benefit cash flows of each plan.

55

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets are determined by combining a review of the historical returns within the portfolio, the investment strategy included in the plans’ investment policy statement, and capital market projections for the asset classes in which the portfolio is invested, as well as the weighting of each asset class.

Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior service costs and credits are deferred and recorded in AOCI or, for Transco and Northwest Pipeline, as a regulatory asset or liability, until amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (credit). Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized over the participants’ average remaining future years of service, which is approximately 13 years for our pension plans and approximately 7 years for our other postretirement benefit plan.

The expected return on plan assets component of net periodic benefit cost (credit) is calculated using the market-related value of plan assets. For our pension plans, the market-related value of plan assets is equal to the fair value of plan assets adjusted to reflect the amortization of gains or losses associated with the difference between the expected and actual return on plan assets over a 5-year period. Additionally, the market-related value of assets may be no more than 110 percent or less than 90 percent of the fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The market-related value of plan assets for our other postretirement benefit plan is equal to the unadjusted fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year.

Income taxes

We include the operations of our domestic corporate subsidiaries and income from our subsidiary partnerships in our consolidated federal income tax return and also file tax returns in various foreign and state jurisdictions as required. Deferred income taxes are computed using the liability method and are provided on all temporary differences between the financial basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Our judgment and income tax assumptions are used to determine the levels, if any, of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets.

Earnings (loss) per common share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share in the Consolidated Statement of Operations is based on the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and vested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes any dilutive effect of stock options, nonvested restricted stock units, and convertible debt, unless otherwise noted. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share are calculated using the treasury-stock method.

Accounting standards issued and adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. ASU 2016-02 modifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to prior lease accounting, and causes lessees to recognize operating leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability measured as the present value of the future lease payments with a corresponding right-of-use asset, with an exception for leases with a term of one year or less. Additional disclosures are required regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01 “Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” (ASU 2018-01). Per ASU 2018-01, land easements and rights-of-way are required to be assessed under ASU 2016-02 to determine whether the arrangements are or contain a lease. ASU 2018-01 permits an entity to elect a transition practical expedient to not apply ASU 2016-02 to land easements that exist or expired before the effective date of ASU 2016-02 and that were not previously assessed under the previous lease guidance in ASC Topic 840 “Leases.”

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements” (ASU 2018-11). Prior to ASU 2018-11, a modified retrospective transition was required for financing or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. ASU 2018-11 allows entities an additional transition method to the existing requirements whereby an entity could adopt the provisions of

56

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

ASU 2016-02 by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption without adjustment to the financial statements for periods prior to adoption. ASU 2018-11 also allows a practical expedient that permits lessors to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component if certain conditions are present. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We prospectively adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, and did not adjust prior periods as permitted by ASU 2018-11 (see Note 11 – Leases).

We completed our review of contracts to identify leases based on the modified definition of a lease and implemented changes to our internal controls to support management in the accounting for and disclosure of leasing activities upon adoption of ASU 2016-02. We implemented a financial lease accounting system to assist management in the accounting for leases upon adoption. The most significant changes to our financial statements as a result of adopting ASU 2016-02 relate to the recognition of a $225 million lease liability and offsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet for operating leases. We also evaluated ASU 2016-02’s available practical expedients on adoption and have generally elected to adopt the practical expedients, which includes the practical expedient to not separate lease and nonlease components by both lessees and lessors by class of underlying assets and the land easements practical expedient.

Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The guidance also requires increased disclosures. ASU 2016-13 is effective for us for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are adopting ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020. We anticipate that ASU 2016-13 will primarily apply to our trade receivables. While we do not expect a significant financial impact, we have analyzed our historical credit loss experience, and considered current conditions and reasonable forecasts, in developing our expected credit loss rate, and continue to develop and implement processes, procedures, and internal controls in order to make the necessary credit loss assessments and required disclosures upon adoption.

57

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Note 2 – Revenue Recognition

Revenue by Category

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by major service line:

	Transco		Northwest Pipeline		Gulf of Mexico Midstream		Northeast Midstream		West Midstream		Other		Eliminations			Total
	(Millions)
2019
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Service revenues:
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:
Monetary consideration	$	—	$	—	$	479	$	1,171	$	1,309	$	—	$	(75	)	$	2,884
Commodity consideration	—		—		41		12		150		—		—			203
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage	2,336		450		—		—		—		—		(6		)	2,780
Other	11		—		26		147		42		—		(16		)	210
Total service revenues	2,347		450		546		1,330		1,501		—		(97		)	6,077
Product Sales:
NGL and natural gas	106		—		185		150		1,795		—		(173		)	2,063
Total revenues from contracts with customers	2,453		450		731		1,480		3,296		—		(270		)	8,140
Other revenues (1)	1		—		8		20		14		30		(12		)	61
Total revenues	$	2,454	$	450	$	739	$	1,500	$	3,310	$	30	$	(282	)	$	8,201
2018
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Service revenues:
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:
Monetary consideration	$	—	$	—	$	541	$	861	$	1,590	$	2	$	(73	)	$	2,921
Commodity consideration	—		—		59		20		321		—		—			400
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage	1,921		443		—		—		—		—		(2		)	2,362
Other	2		—		17		94		46		—		(15		)	144
Total service revenues	1,923		443		617		975		1,957		2		(90		)	5,827
Product Sales:
NGL and natural gas	127		—		307		287		2,421		—		(382		)	2,760
Other	—		—		—		—		21		—		(4		)	17
Total product sales	127		—		307		287		2,442		—		(386		)	2,777
Total revenues from contracts with customers	2,050		443		924		1,262		4,399		2		(476		)	8,604
Other revenues (1)	11		—		18		21		12		32		(12		)	82
Total revenues	$	2,061	$	443	$	942	$	1,283	$	4,411	$	34	$	(488	)	$	8,686

______________________________

(1) Revenues not within the scope of ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” consist of leasing revenues associated with our headquarters building and management fees that we receive for certain services we provide to operated equity-method investments, which are reported in Service revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, and amounts associated with our derivative contracts, which are reported in Product sales in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

58

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Contract Assets

The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract assets:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	4		$	4
Revenue recognized in excess of amounts invoiced	62			66
Minimum volume commitments invoiced	(58		)	(66		)
Balance at end of period	$	8		$	4

Contract Liabilities

The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract liabilities:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,397		$	1,596
Payments received and deferred	157			314
Significant financing component	13			16
Deconsolidation of Jackalope interest (Note 6)	—			(52		)
Deconsolidation of certain Permian assets (Note 6)	—			(26		)
Recognized in revenue	(352		)	(451		)
Balance at end of period	$	1,215		$	1,397

Remaining Performance Obligations

Remaining performance obligations primarily include reservation charges on contracted capacity for our gas pipeline firm transportation contracts with customers, storage capacity contracts, long-term contracts containing minimum volume commitments associated with our midstream businesses, and fixed payments associated with offshore production handling. For our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, remaining performance obligations reflect the rates for such services in our current FERC tariffs for the life of the related contracts; however, these rates may change based on future tariffs approved by the FERC and the amount and timing of these changes are not currently known.

Our remaining performance obligations exclude variable consideration, including contracts with variable consideration for which we have elected the practical expedient for consideration recognized in revenue as billed. Certain of our contracts contain evergreen and other renewal provisions for periods beyond the initial term of the contract. The remaining performance obligation amounts as of December 31, 2019, do not consider potential future performance obligations for which the renewal has not been exercised and excludes contracts with customers for which the underlying facilities have not received FERC authorization to be placed into service. Consideration received prior to December 31, 2019, that will be recognized in future periods is also excluded from our remaining performance obligations and is instead reflected in contract liabilities.

The following table presents the amount of the contract liabilities balance expected to be recognized as revenue when performance obligations are satisfied and the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under certain contracts as of December 31, 2019.

59

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

	Contract Liabilities		Remaining Performance Obligations
	(Millions)
2020	$	160	$	3,418
2021	121		3,241
2022	113		3,117
2023	101		2,524
2024	91		2,339
Thereafter	629		18,815
Total	$	1,215	$	33,454

Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures

UEOM

As of December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM which we accounted for as an equity-method investment. On March 18, 2019, we signed and closed the acquisition of the remaining 38 percent interest in UEOM. Total consideration paid, including post-closing adjustments, was $741 million in cash funded through credit facility borrowings and cash on hand. As a result of acquiring this additional interest, we obtained control of and now consolidate UEOM.

UEOM is involved primarily in the processing and fractionation of natural gas and natural gas liquids in the Utica Shale play in eastern Ohio. The purpose of the acquisition was to enhance our position in the region. We expect synergies through common ownership of UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream systems to create a more efficient platform for capital spending in the region, resulting in reduced operating and maintenance expenses and creating enhanced capabilities and benefits for producers in the area.

The acquisition of UEOM was accounted for as a business combination, which requires, among other things, that identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their acquisition date fair values. In March 2019, based on the transaction price for our purchase of the remaining interest in UEOM as finalized just prior to the acquisition, we recognized a $74 million noncash impairment loss related to our existing 62 percent interest (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk). Thus, there was no gain or loss on remeasuring our existing equity-method investment to fair value due to the impairment recognized just prior to closing the acquisition of the additional interest.

The valuation techniques used to measure the acquisition date fair value of the UEOM acquisition consisted of the market approach for our previous equity-method investment in UEOM and the income approach (excess earnings method) for valuation of intangible assets and depreciated replacement costs for property, plant, and equipment.

The following table presents the allocation of the acquisition date fair value of the major classes of the assets acquired, which are presented in the Northeast G&P segment, and liabilities assumed at March 18, 2019. The net assets acquired reflect the sum of the consideration transferred and the noncash elimination of the fair value of our existing equity-method investment upon our acquisition of the additional interest. The fair value of accounts receivable acquired, presented in current assets in the table, equals contractual amounts receivable. After the March 31, 2019 financial statements were issued, we received an updated valuation report from a third-party valuation firm. Significant changes from the preliminary allocation disclosed in the first quarter to the final allocation, which were recorded in the second quarter of 2019, reflect an increase of $169 million in goodwill, and decreases of $106 million in property, plant, and equipment and $61 million in other intangible assets.

60

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

	(Millions)
Current assets, including $13 million cash acquired	$	55
Property, plant, and equipment	1,387
Other intangible assets	328
Total identifiable assets acquired	1,770
Current liabilities	7
Total liabilities assumed	7
Net identifiable assets acquired	1,763
Goodwill	188
Net assets acquired	$	1,951

The goodwill recognized in the acquisition relates primarily to enhancing and diversifying our basin positions and is reported within the Northeast G&P segment. Substantially all of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represents the excess of the consideration, plus the fair value of any previously held equity interest, over the fair value of the net assets acquired.

Other intangible assets recognized in the acquisition are related to contractual customer relationships from gas gathering, processing, and fractionation agreements with our customers. The basis for determining the value of these intangible assets is estimated future net cash flows to be derived from acquired contractual customer relationships discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. These intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 years which represents the term over which the contractual customer relationships are expected to contribute to our cash flows. Approximately 49 percent of the expected future revenues from these contractual customer relationships are impacted by our ability and intent to renew or renegotiate existing customer contracts. We expense costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contracts with customers. Based on the estimated future revenues during the current contract periods (as estimated at the time of the acquisition), the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension of the existing contractual customer relationships was approximately 10 years.

The following unaudited pro forma Revenues and Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are presented as if the UEOM acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2018. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results would have been if the acquisition had in fact occurred on the date or for the periods indicated, nor do they purport to project Revenues or Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for any future periods or as of any date. These amounts do not give effect to any potential cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements to result from the transaction or the potential costs to achieve these cost savings, operating synergies, and revenue enhancements.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Revenues	$	8,233	$	8,836
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	928		(128		)

Adjustments to pro forma Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. include the removal of the previously described $74 million impairment loss recognized in March 2019 just prior to the acquisition.

61

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

During the period from the acquisition date of March 18, 2019 to December 31, 2019, UEOM contributed Revenues of $179 million and Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. of $53 million.

Costs related to this acquisition are $4 million and are reported within our Northeast G&P segment and included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Northeast JV

Concurrent with the UEOM acquisition, we executed an agreement whereby we contributed our consolidated interests in UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream business to a newly formed partnership. In June 2019, our partner invested approximately $1.33 billion for a 35 percent ownership interest, and we retained 65 percent ownership of, as well as operate and consolidate, the Northeast JV business. The change in ownership due to this transaction increased Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries by $567 million, and decreased Capital in excess of par value by $426 million and Deferred income tax liabilities by $141 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Costs related to this transaction are $6 million and are reported within our Northeast G&P segment and included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Sale of Gulf Coast Pipeline Systems

In November 2018, we completed the sale of certain assets and operations located in the Gulf Coast area for $177 million in cash. As a result of this sale, we recorded a gain of approximately $101 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, consisting of $81 million in our Transmission & Gulf of Mexico segment and $20 million in Other.

Previous impairments made to a portion of these assets and operations include $66 million related to certain idle pipelines in the second quarter of 2018, as well as $68 million and $23 million related to an NGL pipeline near the Houston Ship Channel region and project development costs associated with an olefins pipeline project, respectively, in 2017. These impairments are reflected in Impairment of certain assets in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.) The results of operations for this disposal group, excluding the impairments and gains noted, were not significant for the reporting periods.

Sale of Four Corners Assets

In October 2018, we completed the sale of our natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado for total consideration of $1.125 billion. As a result of this sale, we recorded a gain of approximately $591 million within the West segment in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The following table presents the results of operations for the Four Corners area, excluding the gain noted above:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2018		2017
	(Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of Four Corners area	$	52	$	47
Income (loss) before income taxes of Four Corners area attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	43		35

Sale of Geismar Interest

In July 2017, we completed the sale of Williams Olefins, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary which owned our Geismar Interest, for total consideration of $2.084 billion in cash. We received a final working capital adjustment of $12 million in October 2017. Upon closing of the sale, we entered into a long-term supply and transportation agreement with the purchaser to provide feedstock to the plant via its Bayou Ethane pipeline system. As a result of this sale, we recorded a gain of $1.095 billion in the third quarter of 2017 in our Other segment.

62

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The following table presents the results of operations for the Geismar Interest, excluding the gain noted above:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017
	(Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest	$	26
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	19

Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities

Consolidated VIEs

As of December 31, 2019, we consolidate the following VIEs:

Gulfstar One

We own a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One, a subsidiary that, due to certain risk-sharing provisions in its customer contracts, is a VIE. Gulfstar One includes a proprietary floating-production system, Gulfstar FPS, and associated pipelines which provide production handling and gathering services in the eastern deepwater Gulf of Mexico. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Gulfstar One’s economic performance.

Cardinal

We own a 66 percent interest in Cardinal, a subsidiary that provides gathering services for the Utica Shale region and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Cardinal’s economic performance. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from us and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.

Northeast JV

As a result of the June 2019 sale of a 35 percent interest in the Northeast JV (Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures), we now own a 65 percent interest in the Northeast JV, a subsidiary that is a VIE due to certain of our voting rights being disproportionate to our obligation to absorb losses and substantially all of the Northeast JV’s activities being performed on our behalf. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Northeast JV’s economic performance. The Northeast JV provides midstream services for producers in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale regions. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from us and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.

63

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The following table presents amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are only for the use or obligation of our consolidated VIEs:

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Cash and cash equivalents	$	102		$	33
Trade accounts and other receivables – net	167			62
Other current assets and deferred charges	5			2
Property, plant, and equipment – net	5,745			2,363
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization	2,669			1,177
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	13			—
Accounts payable	(58		)	(15		)
Accrued liabilities	(66		)	(115		)
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	(283		)	(264		)

Nonconsolidated VIEs

Jackalope

At December 31, 2018, we owned a 50 percent interest in Jackalope, which provides gathering and processing services for the Powder River basin and was a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. In April 2019, we sold our interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash (see Note 6 – Investing Activities).

Brazos Permian II

We own a 15 percent interest in Brazos Permian II (see Note 6 – Investing Activities), which provides gathering and processing services in the Delaware basin and is a VIE due primarily to our limited participating rights as the minority equity holder.  At December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our investment in Brazos Permian II was $194 million. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment.

Constitution

As of December 31, 2019, we own a 41 percent interest in Constitution, a subsidiary which proposed a pipeline project extending from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to the Iroquois Gas Transmission and the Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems in New York. Constitution was considered a VIE due to shipper fixed-payment commitments under its long-term firm transportation contracts, and we were the primary beneficiary because we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted Constitution’s economic performance during its construction phase. Thus, prior to December 31, 2019, we consolidated Constitution.

Although Constitution received a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the FERC to construct and operate the proposed pipeline and obtained, among other approvals, a waiver of the water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the New York portion of the project, the members of Constitution, following extensive evaluation and discussion, recently determined that the underlying risk-adjusted return for this greenfield pipeline project has diminished in such a way that further development is no longer supported. Accordingly, we recognized a $354 million impairment of the consolidated capitalized project costs in the fourth quarter of 2019, which considered our estimate of the fair value of the disposal group under various probability-weighted disposal alternatives. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.) Our partners’ $209 million share of this impairment is reflected within Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

64

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Constitution is still considered a VIE due to insufficient equity at risk, but we are no longer the primary beneficiary. As a result, we deconsolidated Constitution as of December 31, 2019, recognizing a loss on deconsolidation of $27 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, which is included in Other investing income (loss) - net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Note 5 – Related Party Transactions

Transactions with Equity-Method Investees

We have purchases from our equity-method investees included in Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of $304 million, $236 million, and $226 million for the years ended 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. We have $36 million and $18 million included in Accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with our equity-method investees at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We have operating agreements with certain equity-method investees. These operating agreements typically provide for reimbursement or payment to us for certain direct operational payroll and employee benefit costs, materials, supplies, and other charges and also for management services. The total charges to equity-method investees for these fees are $103 million, $75 million, and $67 million for the years ended 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Note 6 – Investing Activities

Other investing income (loss) – net

The following table presents certain items reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)	$	(186	)	$	(32	)	$	—
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses	(29		)	203			—
Gain on disposition of equity-method investments	122			—			269
Other	14			16			13
Other investing income (loss) – net	$	(79	)	$	187		$	282

Brazos Permian II Equity-Method Investment

During the fourth quarter of 2018, we contributed the majority of our existing Delaware basin assets and $27 million in cash in exchange for a 15 percent interest in the Brazos Permian II, which consists of gas and crude oil gathering pipelines, natural gas processing, and oil storage facilities. We recorded a deconsolidation gain of $141 million reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations reflecting the excess of the fair value of our acquired interest over the carrying value of the assets contributed. We estimated the fair value of our interest to be $192 million primarily using a market approach (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). This approach involved the observation of recent transaction multiples in the Permian basin, including recent acquisitions consummated during 2018. Our interest in Brazos Permian II is considered an equity-method investment due to the fact that we are able to exert significant influence over its operating and financial policies.

RMM Equity-Method Investment

During the third quarter of 2018, our joint venture, RMM, purchased a natural gas and oil gathering and natural gas processing business in Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg basin. Our initial economic ownership was 40 percent, but increased to 50 percent at December 31, 2018, based on additional capital contributions made after the initial purchase.

65

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Jackalope Deconsolidation

During the second quarter of 2018, we deconsolidated our 50 percent interest in Jackalope (see Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities). We recorded our interest in Jackalope as an equity-method investment at its estimated fair value, resulting in a deconsolidation gain of $62 million reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We estimated the fair value of our interest to be $310 million using an income approach based on expected future cash flows and an appropriate discount rate (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). The determination of expected future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering and processing volumes and related capital spending. A 10.9 percent discount rate was utilized and reflected our estimate of the cost of capital as impacted by market conditions and risks associated with the underlying business. The deconsolidated carrying value of the net assets of Jackalope included $47 million of goodwill.

Sale of Jackalope

In April 2019, we sold our 50 percent equity-method interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash, resulting in a gain on the disposition of $122 million, reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Constitution Deconsolidation

We deconsolidated our interest in Constitution as of December 31, 2019, recognizing a loss on deconsolidation of $27 million. See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities for further discussion.

Acquisition of Additional Interests in Appalachia Midstream Investments

During the first quarter of 2017, we exchanged all of our 50 percent interest in DBJV for an increased interest in two natural gas gathering systems that are part of the Appalachia Midstream Investments and $155 million in cash. This transaction was recorded based on our estimate of the fair value of the interests received as we have more insight to this value as we operate the underlying assets. Following this exchange, we have an approximate average 66 percent interest in the Appalachia Midstream Investments. We continue to account for this investment under the equity method of accounting due to the significant participatory rights of our partners such that we do not exercise control. We also sold all of our interest in Ranch Westex JV LLC (Ranch Westex) for $45 million. These transactions resulted in a total gain of $269 million reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The fair value of the increased interests in the Appalachia Midstream Investments received as consideration was estimated to be $1.1 billion using an income approach based on expected cash flows and an appropriate discount rate (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). The determination of estimated future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering volumes, rates, and related capital spending. A 9.5 percent discount rate was utilized and reflected our estimate of the cost of capital as impacted by market conditions and risks associated with the underlying business.

66

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Equity-Method Investments

	Ownership Interest at December 31, 2019	December 31,
		2019		2018
		(Millions)
Appalachia Midstream Investments	(1)	$	3,236	$	3,218
RMM	50%	881		776
Discovery	60%	472		507
Caiman II	58%	428		412
OPPL	50%	403		415
Laurel Mountain	69%	249		314
Gulfstream	50%	217		225
Brazos Permian II	15%	194		191
UEOM	(2)	—		1,293
Jackalope	(3)	—		343
Other	Various	155		127
		$	6,235	$	7,821

___________

(1) Includes equity-method investments in multiple gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale with an approximate average 66 percent interest.

(2) At December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM. On March 18, 2019, we acquired the remaining 38 percent interest. As a result of acquiring this additional interest, we obtained control of and now consolidate UEOM.

(3) At December 31, 2018, we owned a 50 percent interest in Jackalope. In April 2019, we sold our interest in Jackalope.

We have differences between the carrying value of our equity-method investments and the underlying equity in the net assets of the investees of $1 billion at December 31, 2019 and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2018. These differences primarily relate to our investments in Appalachia Midstream Investments (and UEOM at December 31, 2018), resulting from property, plant, and equipment, as well as customer-based intangible assets and goodwill.

Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments

We generally fund our portion of significant expansion or development projects of these investees through additional capital contributions. These transactions increased the carrying value of our investments and included:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
RMM	$	145	$	795	$	—
Appalachia Midstream Investments	140		246		70
Laurel Mountain	36		16		—
Caiman II	28		—		24
Jackalope	24		42		—
Brazos Permian II	18		27		—
Discovery	—		5		1
DBJV	—		—		32
Other	62		1		5
	$	453	$	1,132	$	132

67

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Dividends and distributions

The organizational documents of entities in which we have an equity-method investment generally require distribution of available cash to members on at least a quarterly basis. These transactions reduced the carrying value of our investments and included:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Appalachia Midstream Investments	$	293	$	297	$	270
Gulfstream	86		93		92
OPPL	77		73		68
Caiman II	42		46		49
Discovery	41		45		127
RMM	38		—		—
Laurel Mountain	30		23		32
UEOM	13		70		80
DBJV	—		—		39
Other	37		46		27
	$	657	$	693	$	784

Summarized Financial Position and Results of Operations of All Equity-Method Investments

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Current assets	$	581		$	834
Noncurrent assets	11,966			13,199
Current liabilities	(341		)	(605		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(2,532		)	(2,491		)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Gross revenue	$	2,490	$	2,411	$	1,961
Operating income	685		804		871
Net income	598		795		806

68

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses

The following tables present by segment, certain other items included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations	$	21		$	33		$	33
Regulatory charge per approved rates related to Tax Reform	24			24			—
Charge for regulatory liability associated with the decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rates following WPZ Merger	—			12			—
Net accrual (amortization) of regulatory liability related to overcollection of certain employee expenses	(17		)	22			22
Project development costs related to Constitution (see Note 4)	3			4			16
Amortization of regulatory liability associated with Tax Reform	(26		)	—			—
Gains on asset retirements	—			(12		)	—
West
Gains on contract settlements and terminations	—			—			(15		)
Other
Change to (benefit of) regulatory asset associated with Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following WPZ Merger	12			(37		)	—
Gain on sale of refinery grade propylene splitter	—			—			(12		)

69

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico
Allowance for equity funds used during construction related to Transco	$	29	$	87		$	70
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(9		)	(19		)
Regulatory adjustments resulting from Tax Reform	—		—			(39		)
Northeast G&P
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(4		)	(7		)
West
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(4		)	(9		)
Other
Income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction	9		35			52
Net gain (loss) associated with early retirement of debt	—		(7		)	27
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(5		)	(35		)
Regulatory adjustments resulting from Tax Reform	—		(1		)	(63		)

Severance and other related costs included within Operating and maintenance expenses and Selling, general, and administrative expenses are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	39	$	—	$	—
Northeast G&P	7		—		—
West	10		—		—
Other	1		—		22

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018, includes a $35 million charge associated with a charitable contribution of preferred stock to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) within the Other segment (see Note 16 – Stockholders' Equity) and $20 million for WPZ Merger related costs within the Other segment.

70

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

The Provision (benefit) for income taxes includes:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Current:
Federal	$	(41	)	$	(83	)	$	15
State	(5		)	1			23
Foreign	2			—			—
	(44		)	(82		)	38
Deferred:
Federal	280			183			(2,004		)
State	99			37			(8		)
	379			220			(2,012		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	335		$	138		$	(1,974	)

Reconciliations from the Provision (benefit) at statutory rate to recorded Provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Provision (benefit) at statutory rate	$	224	$	69		$	187
Increases (decreases) in taxes resulting from:
Impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests	29		(73		)	(117		)
Federal Tax Reform rate change	—		—			(1,932		)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	74		(10		)	(17		)
State deferred income tax rate change	—		38			26
Foreign operations – net (including tax effect of Canadian Sale)	2		—			(127		)
Federal valuation allowance	3		105			—
Other – net	3		9			6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	335	$	138		$	(1,974	)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes includes $6 million, $3 million, and $7 million of foreign loss in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Foreign operations – net (including tax effect of Canadian Sale) in 2017 reflects the release of a valuation allowance associated with impairments and losses on the sale of our Canadian operations.

On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was enacted. Most of the provisions of Tax Reform were effective after January 1, 2018. However, the deferred tax impact of reducing the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent was recognized in the period of enactment. This remeasurement resulted in a reduction of our deferred tax liabilities of approximately $1.9 billion, with a corresponding net adjustment to Provision (benefit) for income taxes in 2017.

During the course of audits of our business by domestic and foreign tax authorities, we frequently face challenges regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the liability associated with our various filing positions, we apply the two-step process of recognition and measurement. In association with this liability, we record an estimate of related interest and tax exposure as a component of our tax provision. The impact of this accrual is included within Other – net in our reconciliation of the Provision (benefit) at statutory rate to recorded Provision (benefit) for income taxes.

71

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Significant components of Deferred income tax liabilities and Deferred income tax assets are as follows:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	1,921	$	2,317
Investments	1,411		295
Other	82		30
Total deferred income tax liabilities	3,414		2,642
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued liabilities	729		667
Minimum tax credit	29		71
Foreign tax credit	140		140
Federal loss carryovers	544		147
State losses and credits	362		319
Other	147		94
Total deferred income tax assets	1,951		1,438
Less valuation allowance	319		320
Net deferred income tax assets	1,632		1,118
Overall net deferred income tax liabilities	$	1,782	$	1,524

The valuation allowance at December 31, 2019 and 2018, serves to reduce the available deferred income tax assets to an amount that will, more likely than not, be realized. We considered all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income, which incorporates available tax planning strategies, and management’s estimate of future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and have determined that a portion of our deferred income tax assets related to the Foreign tax credit and State losses and credits may not be realized. The completion of the WPZ Merger (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) was a taxable exchange to the WPZ unit holders, which resulted in an adjustment to the tax basis in the underlying assets deemed acquired. A reduction to the deferred tax liability of $1.829 billion related to the book-tax basis difference in this investment was recorded in 2018. Increased tax depreciation from the additional tax basis will reduce future taxable income, which serves to impact our expected realization of the Foreign tax credit. The amounts presented in the table above are, with respect to state items, before any federal benefit. The change from prior year for the State losses and credits reflects increases in losses and credits generated in the current and prior years less losses and/or credits utilized in the current year. We have loss and credit carryovers in multiple state taxing jurisdictions. Additionally, valuation allowances on state net operating losses decreased by $31 million in 2018 after the completion of the WPZ Merger. These attributes generally expire between 2019 and 2038 with some carryovers having indefinite carryforward periods. The remaining federal Minimum tax credit of $29 million will be refunded/utilized no later than 2021.

Federal loss carryovers include deferred tax assets of $5 million at the end of 2019 that are expected to be utilized by us prior to expiration between 2020 and 2023. Deferred tax assets on net operating loss carryovers of $539 million have no expiration date.

Cash refunds for income taxes (net of payments) were $86 million in 2019. Cash payments for income taxes (net of refunds) were $11 million, and $28 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $51 million of unrecognized tax benefits. If recognized, income tax expense would be reduced by $51 million for each of the years 2019 and 2018, including the effect of these changes on other tax attributes, with state income tax amounts included net of federal tax effect. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

72

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	51	$	50
Additions for tax positions of prior years	—		1
Balance at end of period	$	51	$	51

We recognize related interest and penalties as a component of Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Total interest and penalties recognized as part of income tax provision were expenses of $500 thousand and $800 thousand for 2019 and 2018, respectively. Approximately $3 million of interest and penalties primarily relating to uncertain tax positions have been accrued as of both December 31, 2019 and 2018.

During the next 12 months, we do not expect ultimate resolution of any unrecognized tax benefit associated with domestic or international matters to have a material impact on our unrecognized tax benefit position.

Consolidated U.S. Federal income tax returns are open to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination for years after 2010, excluding 2015, for which the statute expired on August 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, examinations of tax returns for 2011 through 2013 are currently in process. We do not expect material changes in our financial position resulting from these examinations. The statute of limitations for most states expires one year after expiration of the IRS statute. Generally, tax returns for our previously owned Canadian entities are open to audit for tax years after 2012. Tax years 2013 and 2014 are currently under income tax examination, while tax year 2016 is under Goods and Services Tax (GST) examination. In September 2016, we sold the majority of our Canadian operations and, as part of the sale, indemnified the purchaser for any increases in Canadian tax due to an audit of any tax periods prior to the sale.

Note 9 – Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Dollars in millions, except per-share amounts; shares in thousands)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	862	$	(156	)	$	2,174
Basic weighted-average shares	1,212,037		973,626			826,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Nonvested restricted stock units	1,811		—			1,704
Stock options	163		—			637
Diluted weighted-average shares (1)	1,214,011		973,626			828,518
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	.71	$	(.16	)	$	2.63
Diluted	$	.71	$	(.16	)	$	2.62

________________

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2018, 2.0 million weighted-average nonvested restricted stock units and 0.5 million weighted-average stock options have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share as their inclusion would be antidilutive due to our loss from continuing operations attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.

Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans

We have noncontributory defined benefit pension plans in which eligible employees participate. Currently, eligible employees earn benefits primarily based on a cash balance formula. At the time of retirement, participants may elect, to the extent they are eligible for the various options, to receive annuity payments, a lump-sum payment, or a combination of annuity and lump-sum payments. In addition to our pension plans, we currently provide subsidized retiree medical and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) to certain eligible participants. Generally, employees hired after December 31, 1991, are not eligible for the subsidized retiree medical benefits, except for participants that were employees or retirees of Transco Energy Company on December 31, 1995. Subsidized retiree medical benefits for

73

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

eligible participants age 65 and older are paid through contributions to health reimbursement accounts. Subsidized retiree medical benefits for eligible participants under age 65 are provided through a self-insured medical plan sponsored by us. The self-insured retiree medical plan provides for retiree contributions and contains other cost-sharing features such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. The accounting for this plan anticipates estimated future increases to our contribution levels to the health reimbursement accounts for participants age 65 and older, as well as future cost-sharing that is consistent with our expressed intent to increase the retiree contribution level generally in line with health care cost increases for participants under age 65.

In 2018, our defined benefit pension and our defined contribution plans were amended. Eligible employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2019, are not eligible to participate in the pension plan, but are eligible for an additional fixed annual contribution made by us to the defined contribution plan. Additionally, as of January 1, 2020, certain active eligible employees no longer receive future compensation credits under the defined benefit pension plan, but are eligible for an additional fixed annual contribution made by us to the defined contribution plan. Also as of January 1, 2020, certain active eligible employees continue to receive compensation credits under the defined benefit pension plans and these employees are not eligible to receive the fixed annual contribution under the defined contribution plan. As a result of this amendment, a curtailment gain and a prior service credit were recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These amounts were not significant and are reported in Net actuarial gain (loss) within the subsequent tables of changes in benefit obligations, amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes.

In 2017, we initiated a program to pay out certain deferred vested pension benefits to reduce investment risk, cash funding volatility, and administrative costs. In December 2017 and August 2018, lump-sum payments were made, and annuity payments commenced in relation to this program. As a result of these lump-sum payments, as well as lump-sum benefit payments made throughout 2017 and 2018, settlement accounting was required. We recognized pre-tax, noncash settlement charges of $23 million in 2018 and $71 million in 2017, which are substantially reported in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses). These amounts are included within the subsequent tables of net periodic benefit cost (credit) and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes.

74

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Funded Status

The following table presents the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for pension benefits and other postretirement benefits for the years indicated:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Millions)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,187		$	1,319		$	186		$	206
Service cost	45			50			1			1
Interest cost	50			46			8			7
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—			2			2
Benefits paid	(111		)	(35		)	(12		)	(13		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	69			(90		)	30			(17		)
Settlements	(3		)	(103		)	—			—
Net increase (decrease) in benefit obligation	50			(132		)	29			(20		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,237			1,187			215			186
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,132			1,227			214			227
Actual return on plan assets	218			(45		)	38			(7		)
Employer contributions	63			88			5			5
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—			2			2
Benefits paid	(111		)	(35		)	(12		)	(13		)
Settlements	(3		)	(103		)	—			—
Net increase (decrease) in fair value of plan assets	167			(95		)	33			(13		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,299			1,132			247			214
Funded status — overfunded (underfunded)	$	62		$	(55	)	$	32		$	28
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,221		$	1,171

The overfunded (underfunded) status of our pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan presented in the previous table are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet within the following accounts:

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Overfunded (underfunded) pension plans:
Noncurrent assets	$	92		$	—
Current liabilities	(3		)	(2		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(27		)	(53		)
Overfunded (underfunded) other postretirement benefit plan:
Noncurrent assets	38			34
Current liabilities	(6		)	(6		)

The plan assets within our other postretirement benefit plan are intended to be used for the payment of benefits for certain groups of participants. The Current liabilities for the other postretirement benefit plan represent the current portion of benefits expected to be payable in the subsequent year for the groups of participants whose benefits are not expected to be paid from plan assets.

75

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The pension plans’ benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $69 million in 2019 is primarily due to the impact of a decrease in the discount rates utilized to calculate the benefit obligation, partially offset by the impact of a decrease in the cash balance interest crediting rate assumption. The pension plans’ benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $(90) million in 2018 is primarily due to the impact of an increase in the discount rates utilized to calculate the benefit obligation.

The 2019 benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $30 million for our other postretirement benefit plan is primarily due a decrease in the discount rate used to calculate the benefit obligation and other assumption changes, partially offset by the impact of benefit payment experience and tax law changes. The 2018 benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $(17) million for our other postretirement benefit plan is primarily due to an increase in the discount rate used to calculate the benefit obligation.

The following table summarizes information for pension plans with obligations in excess of plan assets.

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	29	$	1,187
Fair value of plan assets	—		1,132
Plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation	26		367
Fair value of plan assets	—		326

Pre-tax amounts not yet recognized in Net periodic benefit cost (credit) at December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Millions)
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial loss	$	(243	)	$	(347	)	$	(21	)	$	(12	)
Amounts included in regulatory liabilities associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline:
Net actuarial gain	N/A			N/A			$	11		$	4

In addition to the regulatory liabilities included in the previous table, differences in the amount of actuarially determined Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for our other postretirement benefit plan and the other postretirement benefit costs recovered in rates for Transco and Northwest Pipeline are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. We have regulatory liabilities of $106 million at December 31, 2019 and $116 million at December 31, 2018, related to these deferrals. Additionally, Transco recognizes a regulatory liability for rate collections in excess of its amount funded to the tax-qualified pension plans. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, these regulatory liabilities were $43 million and $49 million, respectively. These pension and other postretirement plans amounts will be reflected in rates based on the rate structures of these gas pipelines.

76

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)

Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost	$	45		$	50		$	50		$	1		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	50			46			59			8			7			8
Expected return on plan assets	(61		)	(63		)	(82		)	(10		)	(11		)	(11		)
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			—			—			(2		)	(13		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15			23			27			—			—			—
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1			23			71			—			—			—
Reclassification to regulatory liability	—			—			—			1			2			3
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	50		$	79		$	125		$	—		$	(3	)	$	(12	)

The components of Net periodic benefit cost (credit) other than the service cost component are included in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Items Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	Pension Benefits							Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019		2018			2017		2019			2018		2017
	(Millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	88	$	(18	)	$	62	$	(9	)	$	9	$	(3	)
Amortization of prior service credit	—		—			—		—			—		(5		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15		23			27		—			—		—
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1		23			71		—			—		—
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	104	$	28		$	160	$	(9	)	$	9	$	(8	)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations for our other postretirement benefit plan associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline are recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities. Amounts recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory (assets) and liabilities:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	7	$	(10	)	$	6
Amortization of prior service credit	—		(2		)	(8		)

77

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Key Assumptions

The weighted-average assumptions utilized to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Discount rate	3.19	%	4.34	%	3.27	%	4.39	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.68		4.83		N/A		N/A
Cash balance interest crediting rate	3.50		4.25		N/A		N/A

The weighted-average assumptions utilized to determine Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019		2018		2017		2019		2018		2017
Discount rate	4.33	%	3.67	%	4.17	%	4.39	%	3.71	%	4.27	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.26		5.34		6.45		5.01		4.95		5.53
Rate of compensation increase	4.83		4.93		4.87		N/A		N/A		N/A
Cash balance interest crediting rate	4.25		4.25		4.25		N/A		N/A		N/A

The mortality assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans reflect generational projection mortality tables.

The assumed health care cost trend rate for 2020 is 7.2 percent. This rate decreases to 4.5 percent by 2028.

Plan Assets

Plan assets for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans consist primarily of equity and fixed income securities including mutual funds and commingled investment funds invested in equity and fixed income securities. The plans’ investment policy provides for a strategy in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which governs the investment of the assets in a diversified portfolio. The plans follow a policy of diversifying the investments across various asset classes and investment managers. Additionally, the investment returns on approximately 37 percent of the other postretirement benefit plan assets are subject to income tax; therefore, certain investments are managed in a tax efficient manner.

The investment policy for the pension plans includes a general target asset allocation at December 31, 2019, of 25 percent equity securities and 75 percent fixed income securities. The target allocation includes the investments in equity and fixed income mutual funds and commingled investment funds.

Equity securities may include U.S. equities and non-U.S. equities. Investment in Williams’ securities or an entity in which Williams has a majority ownership is prohibited except where these securities may be owned in a commingled investment fund in which the plans’ trusts invest. No more than 5 percent of the total stock portfolio valued at market may be invested in the common stock of any one corporation.

Fixed income securities may consist of U.S. as well as international instruments, including emerging markets. The fixed income strategies may invest in government, corporate, asset-backed securities, and mortgage-backed obligations. The weighted-average credit rating of the fixed income strategies must be at least “investment grade” including ratings by Moody’s and/or Standard & Poor’s. No more than 5 percent of the total fixed income portfolio may be invested in the fixed income securities of any one issuer with the exception of bond index funds and U.S. government guaranteed and agency securities.

78

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The following securities and transactions are not authorized: unregistered securities, commodities or commodity contracts, short sales or margin transactions, or other leveraging strategies. Additionally, real estate equity, natural resource property, venture capital, leveraged buyouts, and other high-return, high-risk investments are generally restricted. Use of derivative securities in mutual funds and commingled investment funds held by the plans’ trusts is allowed. However, direct investment in derivative securities requires approval. Currently, investment managers are approved to enter into U.S. Treasury futures contracts on behalf of the plans to implement and manage duration and yield curve strategy in the fixed income portfolio.

There are no significant concentrations of risk within the plans’ investment securities because of the diversity of the types of investments, diversity of the various industries, and the diversity of the fund managers and investment strategies. Generally, the investments held in the plans are publicly traded, therefore, minimizing liquidity risk in the portfolio.

The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 by asset class are as follows: 

	2019
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Pension assets:
Cash management fund	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	41		22		—		63
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	62		—		—		62
Governments and municipal bonds	—		35		—		35
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		11		—		11
Corporate bonds	—		360		—		360
Other	5		4		—		9
	$	119	$	432	$	—	551
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							133
Equities — Global large and mid cap							100
Equities — International emerging markets							26
Fixed income — U.S. long and intermediate duration							380
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							109
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2019							$	1,299

79

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

	2018
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Pension assets:
Cash management fund	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	10
Equity securities	52		—		—		52
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	157		—		—		157
Government and municipal bonds	—		21		—		21
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		48		—		48
Corporate bonds	—		210		—		210
Insurance company investment contracts and other	—		6		—		6
	$	219	$	285	$	—	504
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							123
Equities — International small cap							8
Equities — International emerging markets							19
Equities — International developed markets							51
Fixed income — U.S. long duration							335
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							92
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2018							$	1,132

80

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The fair values of our other postretirement benefits plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 by asset class are as follows:

	2019
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Other postretirement benefit assets:
Cash management funds	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	35		9		—		44
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	8		—		—		8
Governments and municipal bonds	—		4		—		4
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		1		—		1
Corporate bonds	—		43		—		43
Mutual fund — Municipal bonds	46		—		—		46
	$	100	$	57	$	—	157
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							16
Equities — Global large and mid cap							12
Equities — International emerging markets							3
Fixed income — U.S. long and intermediate duration							46
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							13
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2019							$	247

81

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

	2018
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Other postretirement benefit assets:
Cash management funds	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	29		5		—		34
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	19		—		—		19
Government and municipal bonds	—		2		—		2
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		6		—		6
Corporate bonds	—		25		—		25
Mutual fund — Municipal bonds	43		—		—		43
	$	102	$	38	$	—	140
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							14
Equities — International small cap							1
Equities — International emerging markets							2
Equities — International developed markets							6
Fixed income — U.S. long duration							40
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							11
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2018							$	214

____________

(1) The weighted-average credit quality rating of the fixed income security portfolio is investment grade with a weighted-average duration of approximately 14 years for 2019 and 13 years for 2018.

(2) The stated intents of the funds vary based on each commingled fund’s investment objective. These objectives generally include strategies to replicate or outperform various market indices. Certain standard withdrawal restrictions generally apply, which may include redemption notification period restrictions ranging from 1 day to 30 days. Additionally, the fund managers retain the right to restrict withdrawals from and/or purchases into the funds so as not to disadvantage other investors in the funds. Generally, the funds also reserve the right to make all or a portion of the redemption in-kind rather than in cash or a combination of cash and in-kind.

The fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement of an asset.

Shares of the cash management funds and mutual funds are valued at fair value based on published market prices as of the close of business on the last business day of the year, which represents the net asset values of the shares held.

The fair values of equity securities traded on U.S. exchanges are derived from quoted market prices as of the close of business on the last business day of the year. The fair values of equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are also derived from quoted market prices as of the close of business on an active foreign exchange on the last business day of the year. However, the valuation requires translation of the foreign currency to U.S. dollars and this translation is considered an observable input to the valuation.

82

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The fair values of all commingled investment funds are determined based on the net asset values per unit of each of the funds. The net asset values per unit represent the aggregate values of the funds’ assets at fair value less liabilities, divided by the number of units outstanding.

The fair values of fixed income securities, except U.S. Treasury securities, are determined using pricing models. These pricing models incorporate observable inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads for similar securities to determine fair value. The U.S. Treasury securities are valued at fair value based on closing prices on the last business day of the year reported in the active market in which the security is traded.

There have been no significant changes in the preceding valuation methodologies used at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Additionally, there were no transfers or reclassifications of investments between Level 1 and Level 2 from December 2018 to December 2019. If transfers between levels had occurred, the transfers would have been recognized as of the end of the period.

Plan Benefit Payments and Employer Contributions

Following are the expected benefits to be paid by the plans. These estimates are based on the same assumptions previously discussed and reflect future service as appropriate. The actuarial assumptions are based on long-term expectations and include, but are not limited to, assumptions as to average expected retirement age and form of benefit payment. Actual benefit payments could differ significantly from expected benefit payments if near-term participant behaviors differ significantly from the actuarial assumptions. 

	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(Millions)
2020	$	100	$	14
2021	99		14
2022	97		14
2023	93		14
2024	90		14
2025-2029	433		62

In 2020, we expect to contribute approximately $10 million to our tax-qualified pension plans and approximately $3 million to our nonqualified pension plans, for a total of approximately $13 million, and approximately $6 million to our other postretirement benefit plan.

Defined Contribution Plan

We also maintain a defined contribution plan for the benefit of substantially all of our employees. Generally, plan participants may contribute a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax and after-tax basis in accordance with the plan’s guidelines. We match employees’ contributions up to certain limits. Our contributions charged to expense were $36 million in 2019, $35 million in 2018, and $34 million in 2017.

83

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Note 11 – Leases

We are a lessee through noncancellable lease agreements for property and equipment consisting primarily of buildings, land, vehicles, and equipment used in both our operations and administrative functions.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019
	(Millions)
Lease Cost:
Operating lease cost	$	40
Short-term lease cost	—
Variable lease cost	27
Sublease income	(2		)
Total lease cost	$	65
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	39
	December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
Other Information:
Right-of-use asset (included in Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	207
Operating lease liabilities:
Current (included in Accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	21
Noncurrent (included in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	188
Weighted-average remaining lease term – operating leases (years)	13
Weighted-average discount rate – operating leases	4.61%

Prior to adopting ASU 2016-02, which was effective January 1, 2019 (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), total rent expense was $73 million in 2018 and $62 million in 2017 and primarily included in Operating and maintenance expenses and Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

84

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

As of December 31, 2019, the following table represents our operating lease maturities, including renewal provisions that we have assessed as being reasonably certain of exercise, for each of the years ended December 31:

	(Millions)
2020	$	29
2021	33
2022	28
2023	22
2024	19
Thereafter	157
Total future lease payments	288
Less amount representing interest	79
Total obligations under operating leases	$	209

We are the lessor to certain lease agreements for office space in our headquarters building, which are insignificant to our financial statements.

Note 12 – Property, Plant, and Equipment

The following table presents nonregulated and regulated Property, plant, and equipment – net as presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the years ended:

	Estimated Useful Life  (1) (Years)	Depreciation Rates (1) (%)	December 31,
			2019			2018
			(Millions)
Nonregulated:
Natural gas gathering and processing facilities	5 - 40		$	17,593		$	15,324
Construction in progress	Not applicable		354			778
Other	2 - 45		2,519			2,356
Regulated:
Natural gas transmission facilities		1.25 - 7.13	18,076			17,312
Construction in progress	Not applicable	Not applicable	586			965
Other	5 - 45	0.00 - 33.33	2,382			1,926
Total property, plant, and equipment, at cost			41,510			38,661
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(12,310		)	(11,157		)
Property, plant, and equipment — net			$	29,200		$	27,504

__________

(1) Estimated useful life and depreciation rates are presented as of December 31, 2019. Depreciation rates and estimated useful lives for regulated assets are prescribed by the FERC.

Depreciation and amortization expense for Property, plant, and equipment – net was $1.390 billion, $1.392 billion, and $1.389 billion in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Regulated Property, plant, and equipment – net includes approximately $547 million and $586 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to amounts in excess of the original cost of the regulated facilities within our gas pipeline businesses as a result of our prior acquisitions. This amount is being amortized over 40 years using the straight-line amortization method. Current FERC policy does not permit recovery through rates for amounts in excess of original cost of construction.

85

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Asset Retirement Obligations

Our accrued obligations relate to underground storage caverns, offshore platforms and pipelines, fractionation and compression facilities, gas gathering well connections and pipelines, and gas transmission pipelines and facilities. At the end of the useful life of each respective asset, we are legally obligated to plug storage caverns and remove any related surface equipment, to restore land and remove surface equipment at gas processing, fractionation, and compression facilities, to dismantle offshore platforms and appropriately abandon offshore pipelines, to cap certain gathering pipelines at the wellhead connection and remove any related surface equipment, and to remove certain components of gas transmission facilities from the ground.

The following table presents the significant changes to our ARO, of which $1.117 billion and $968 million are included in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other with the remaining current portion in Accrued liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Beginning balance	$	1,032		$	998
Liabilities incurred	15			21
Liabilities settled	(8		)	(19		)
Accretion expense	59			71
Revisions (1)	67			(39		)
Ending balance	$	1,165		$	1,032

___________

(1) Several factors are considered in the annual review process, including inflation rates, current estimates for removal cost, market risk premiums, discount rates, and the estimated remaining useful life of the assets. The 2019 revisions reflect changes in removal cost estimates, decreases in the estimated remaining useful life of certain assets, increases in inflation rates, and decreases in the discount rates used in the annual review process. The 2018 revisions reflect changes in removal cost estimates, decreases in the estimated remaining useful life of certain assets, and increases in the discount rates used in the annual review process.

The funds Transco collects through a portion of its rates to fund its ARO are deposited into an external trust account dedicated to funding its ARO (ARO Trust). (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.) Under its current rate settlement, Transco’s annual funding obligation is approximately $36 million, with installments to be deposited monthly.

Note 13 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, included in Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, by reportable segment for the periods indicated are as follows:

	Northeast G&P		West			Total
	(Millions)
December 31, 2017	$	—	$	47		$	47
Jackalope Deconsolidation (see Note 6)			(47		)	(47		)
December 31, 2018	—		—			—
UEOM Acquisition (see Note 3)	188					188
December 31, 2019	$	188	$	—		$	188

86

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Our goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is evaluated at least annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. We did not identify or recognize any impairments to goodwill in connection with our evaluation of goodwill for impairment during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Other Intangible Assets

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets, included in Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, at December 31 are as follows:

	2019					2018
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	(Millions)
Contractual customer relationships	$	9,560	$	(1,789	)	$	9,232	$	(1,465	)

Other intangible assets primarily relate to gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contractual customer relationships recognized in acquisitions. The increase in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets during 2019 is primarily related to the acquisition of UEOM (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures). Other intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 years for the acquisition of UEOM and 30 years for other acquisitions, which represents a portion of the term over which the contractual customer relationships are expected to contribute to our cash flows.

We expense costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contracts with customers. Based on the estimated future revenues during the contract periods (as estimated at the time of the acquisition), the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension of the contractual customer relationships associated with the UEOM acquisition was approximately 10 years. Although a significant portion of the expected future cash flows associated with these contractual customer relationships are dependent on our ability to renew or extend the arrangements beyond the initial contract periods, these expected future cash flows are significantly influenced by the scope and pace of our producer customers’ drilling programs. Once producer customers’ wells are connected to our gathering infrastructure, their likelihood of switching to another provider before the wells are abandoned is reduced due to the significant capital investment required.

The amortization expense related to other intangible assets was $324 million, $333 million, and $347 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for each of the next five succeeding fiscal years is approximately $328 million.

Note 14 – Accrued Liabilities

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Interest on debt	$	288	$	282
Employee costs	226		205
Estimated rate refund liabilities (Note 19)	189		—
Contract liabilities (Note 2)	158		244
Asset retirement obligation (Note 12)	48		64
Operating lease liabilities (Note 11)	21		—
Other, including other loss contingencies	346		307
	$	1,276	$	1,102

87

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements

Long-Term Debt

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Transco:
7.08% Debentures due 2026	$	8		$	8
7.25% Debentures due 2026	200			200
7.85% Notes due 2026	1,000			1,000
4% Notes due 2028	400			400
5.4% Notes due 2041	375			375
4.45% Notes due 2042	400			400
4.6% Notes due 2048	600			600
Other financing obligation - Atlantic Sunrise	857			807
Other financing obligation - Dalton	259			260
Northwest Pipeline:
7.125% Debentures due 2025	85			85
4% Notes due 2027	500			500
WMB:
4.125% Notes due 2020	600			600
5.25% Notes due 2020	1,500			1,500
4% Notes due 2021	500			500
7.875% Notes due 2021	371			371
3.35% Notes due 2022	750			750
3.6% Notes due 2022	1,250			1,250
3.7% Notes due 2023	850			850
4.5% Notes due 2023	600			600
4.3% Notes due 2024	1,000			1,000
4.55% Notes due 2024	1,250			1,250
3.9% Notes due 2025	750			750
4% Notes due 2025	750			750
3.75% Notes due 2027	1,450			1,450
7.5% Debentures due 2031	339			339
7.75% Notes due 2031	252			252
8.75% Notes due 2032	445			445
6.3% Notes due 2040	1,250			1,250
5.8% Notes due 2043	400			400
5.4% Notes due 2044	500			500
5.75% Notes due 2044	650			650
4.9% Notes due 2045	500			500
5.1% Notes due 2045	1,000			1,000
4.85% Notes due 2048	800			800
Various — 7.625% to 10.25% Notes and Debentures due 2019 to 2027	24			55
Credit facility loans	—			160
Debt issuance costs	(119		)	(131		)
Net unamortized debt premium (discount)	(58		)	(62		)
Total long-term debt, including current portion	22,288			22,414
Long-term debt due within one year	(2,140		)	(47		)
Long-term debt	$	20,148		$	22,367

Certain of our debt agreements contain covenants that restrict or limit, among other things, our ability to create liens supporting indebtedness, sell assets, and incur additional debt. Default of these agreements could also restrict our ability to make certain distributions or repurchase equity.

88

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The following table presents aggregate minimum maturities of long-term debt and other financing obligations, excluding net unamortized debt premium (discount) and debt issuance costs, for each of the next five years: 

	December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
2020	$	2,141
2021	893
2022	2,025
2023	1,477
2024	2,279

Issuances and retirements

We retired $14 million of 8.75 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on January 15, 2020.

We retired $32 million of 7.625 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on July 15, 2019.

On August 24, 2018, Northwest Pipeline issued $250 million of 4 percent senior unsecured notes to investors in a private debt placement. The notes are an additional issuance of Northwest Pipeline’s existing 4 percent senior unsecured notes due 2027. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Northwest Pipeline filed a registration statement and completed an exchange of these notes for substantially identical new notes that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Northwest Pipeline retired $250 million of 6.05 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on June 15, 2018.

On March 5, 2018, WPZ completed a public offering of $800 million of 4.85 percent senior unsecured notes due 2048. WPZ used the net proceeds for general partnership purposes, primarily the March 28, 2018 repayment of $750 million of 4.875 percent senior unsecured notes that were due in 2024.

On March 15, 2018, Transco issued $400 million of 4 percent senior unsecured notes due 2028 and $600 million of 4.6 percent senior unsecured notes due 2048 to investors in a private debt placement. Transco used the net proceeds to retire $250 million of 6.05 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on June 15, 2018, and for general corporate purposes, including the funding of capital expenditures. In the third quarter of 2018, Transco filed a registration statement and completed an exchange of these notes for substantially identical new notes that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Other financing obligations

During the construction of the Atlantic Sunrise and Dalton projects, Transco received funding from its partners for their proportionate share of construction costs. Amounts received were recorded within noncurrent liabilities and the costs associated with construction were capitalized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon placing these projects into service Transco began utilizing the partners’ undivided interest in the assets, including the associated pipeline capacity, and reclassified the funding previously received from its partners from noncurrent liabilities to debt. The obligations, which mature in 2038 and 2052, respectively, require monthly interest and principal payments and both bear an interest rate of approximately 9 percent.

89

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Credit Facilities

	December 31, 2019
	Stated Capacity		Outstanding
	(Millions)
Long-term credit facility (1)	$	4,500	$	—
Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements			14

________________

(1) In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of our credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program.

Revolving credit facility

On July 13, 2018, we along with Transco and Northwest Pipeline, the lenders named therein, and an administrative agent entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with aggregate commitments available of $4.5 billion, with up to an additional $500 million increase in aggregate commitments available under certain circumstances. On August 10, 2018, following the completion of the WPZ Merger, the Credit Agreement became effective. The maturity date of the credit facility is August 10, 2023. However, the co-borrowers may request up to two extensions of the maturity date each for an additional one-year period to allow a maturity date as late as August 10, 2025, under certain circumstances. The Credit Agreement allows for swing line loans up to an aggregate of $200 million, subject to available capacity under the credit facility, and letters of credit commitments of $1 billion. Transco and Northwest Pipeline are each able to borrow up to $500 million under this credit facility to the extent not otherwise utilized by the other co-borrowers.

The Credit Agreement contains the following terms and conditions:

• Various covenants may limit, among other things, a borrower’s and its material subsidiaries’ ability to grant certain liens supporting indebtedness, merge or consolidate, sell all or substantially all of its assets, make certain distributions during an event of default, and enter into certain restrictive agreements.

• If an event of default with respect to a borrower occurs under the credit facility, the lenders will be able to terminate the commitments and accelerate the maturity of the loans and exercise other rights and remedies.

• Other than swing line loans, each time funds are borrowed, the applicable borrower may choose from two methods of calculating interest: a fluctuating base rate equal to Citibank N.A.'s alternate base rate plus an applicable margin or a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate plus an applicable margin. We are required to pay a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the credit facility. The applicable margin and the commitment fee are determined by reference to a pricing schedule based on the applicable borrower’s senior unsecured long-term debt ratings.

Significant financial covenants under the Credit Agreement require the ratio of debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), each as defined in the credit facility, to be no greater than:

• 5.75 to 1 for each fiscal quarter end through June 30, 2019;

• 5.5 to 1 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2019;

• 5.0 to 1 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2020, and each subsequent fiscal quarter end, except for the fiscal quarter and the two following fiscal quarters in which one or more acquisitions with a total aggregate purchase price of $25 million or more has been executed, in which case the ratio of debt to EBITDA is to be no greater than 5.5 to 1.

90

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The ratio of debt to capitalization (defined as net worth plus debt) must be no greater than 65 percent for each of Transco and Northwest Pipeline.

At December 31, 2019, we are in compliance with these covenants.

Commercial Paper Program

On August 10, 2018, following the consummation of the WPZ Merger, we entered into a $4 billion commercial paper program. The maturities of the commercial paper notes vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issuance. The commercial paper notes are sold under customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount from par, or, alternatively, are sold at par and bear varying interest rates on a fixed or floating basis. The net proceeds of issuances of the commercial paper notes are expected to be used to fund planned capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, no commercial paper was outstanding.

Cash Payments for Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized)

Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized) were $1.153 billion in 2019, $1.064 billion in 2018, and $1.110 billion in 2017.

Note 16 – Stockholders' Equity

On January 28, 2020, our board of directors approved a regular quarterly dividend to common stockholders of $0.40 per share payable on March 30, 2020.

In July 2018, through a wholly owned subsidiary, we contributed 35,000 shares of newly issued Series B Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) for use in future charitable and nonprofit causes. The charitable contribution of Preferred Stock was recorded as an expense in the third quarter of 2018. The Preferred Stock was issued for an aggregate value of $35 million and pays non-cumulative quarterly cash dividends when, as and if declared, at a rate of 7.25 percent per year. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes 30 million shares of Preferred Stock, $1 par value per share.

In January 2017, we issued 65 million shares of common stock in a public offering at a price of $29.00 per share. In February 2017, we issued 9.75 million shares of common stock pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares. The net proceeds of approximately $2.1 billion were used to purchase newly issued common units in WPZ as part of our Financial Repositioning. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.)

AOCI

The following table presents the changes in AOCI by component, net of income taxes:

	Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation			Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits			Total
	(Millions)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	(267	)	$	(270	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—			59			59
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			12			12
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			71			71
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	(196	)	$	(199	)

91

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Reclassifications out of AOCI are presented in the following table by component for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Component	Reclassifications			Classification
	(Millions)
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	16		Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss)
Income tax benefit	(4		)	Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Reclassifications during the period	$	12

Note 17 – Equity-Based Compensation

Williams’ Plan Information

The Williams Companies, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan (the Plan) provides common-stock-based awards to both employees and nonmanagement directors. To date, 40 million new shares have been authorized for making awards under the Plan. The Plan permits the granting of various types of awards including, but not limited to, restricted stock units and stock options. At December 31, 2019, 23 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to existing and future stock awards, of which 11 million shares were available for future grants.

Additionally, up to 3.6 million new shares of our common stock have been authorized to date to be available for sale under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Employees purchased 322 thousand shares at a weighted-average price of $19.55 per share during 2019. Approximately 424 thousand shares were available for purchase under the ESPP at December 31, 2019.

Operating and maintenance expenses and Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations include equity-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 of $57 million, $54 million, and $70 million, respectively. Income tax benefit recognized related to the stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $14 million, $14 million, and $17 million, respectively. Measured but unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at December 31, 2019, was $60 million, comprised of $2 million related to stock options and $58 million related to restricted stock units. These amounts are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

Stock Options

The following summary reflects stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Stock Options	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(Millions)				(Millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	7.3		$	31.55
Granted	—		$	—
Exercised	(0.4	)	$	11.31
Cancelled	(0.1	)	$	35.62
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	6.8		$	32.64	$	2
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	5.8		$	33.22	$	2

92

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The following table summarizes additional information related to stock option activity during each of the last three years:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	6	$	3	$	4
Tax benefits realized on options exercised	$	1	$	—	$	1
Cash received from the exercise of options	$	4	$	9	$	7

The weighted-average remaining contractual lives for stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2019, were 4.2 years and 3.6 years, respectively.

The estimated fair value at date of grant of options for our common stock granted in each respective year, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, is as follows:

	2018			2017
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options for our common stock granted during the year, per share	$	5.49		$	6.61
Weighted-average assumptions:
Dividend yield	4.7		%	4.2		%
Volatility	30.1		%	35.1		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.7		%	2.1		%
Expected life (years)	6.0			6.0

There were no stock options granted in 2019. The expected dividend yield for each respective year is based on the dividend forecast for that year and the grant-date market price of our stock. Our expected future volatility is determined using the historical volatility of our stock and implied volatility on our traded options. Historical volatility is based on the blended 10-year historical volatility of our stock and certain peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rates as of the grant date. The expected life of the option is based on historical exercise behavior and expected future experience.

Nonvested Restricted Stock Units

The following summary reflects nonvested restricted stock unit activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Restricted Stock Units Outstanding	Shares		Weighted- Average Fair Value (1)
	(Millions)
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	4.5		$	28.96
Granted	2.5		$	25.87
Forfeited	(0.5	)	$	28.48
Vested	(1.1	)	$	26.25
Nonvested at December 31, 2019	5.4		$	28.11

______________

(1) Performance-based restricted stock units are valued considering measures of total shareholder return utilizing a Monte Carlo valuation method and return on capital employed. All other restricted stock units are valued at the grant-date market price. Restricted stock units generally vest after three years.

93

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Value of Restricted Stock Units	2019		2018		2017
Weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year, per share	$	25.87	$	30.48	$	29.47
Total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the year (in millions)	$	29	$	35	$	33

Performance-based restricted stock units granted under the Plan represent 39 percent of nonvested restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2019. These grants may be earned at the end of the vesting period based on actual performance against a performance target. Based on the extent to which certain financial targets are achieved, vested shares may range from zero percent to 200 percent of the original grant amount.

Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk

The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, certain of our financial assets and liabilities. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, margin deposits, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Therefore, these assets and liabilities are not presented in the following table.

							Fair Value Measurements Using
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2019:
Measured on a recurring basis:
ARO Trust investments	$	201		$	201		$	201		$	—		$	—
Energy derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments	1			1			1			—			—
Energy derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments	(3		)	(3		)	(1		)	—			(2		)
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(22,288		)	(25,319		)	—			(25,319		)	—
Guarantees	(41		)	(27		)	—			(11		)	(16		)
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2018:
Measured on a recurring basis:
ARO Trust investments	$	150		$	150		$	150		$	—		$	—
Energy derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments	3			3			3			—			—
Energy derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments	(7		)	(7		)	(4		)	—			(3		)
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(22,414		)	(23,330		)	—			(23,330		)	—
Guarantees	(43		)	(30		)	—			(14		)	(16		)

94

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Fair Value Methods

We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments:

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

ARO Trust investments: Transco deposits a portion of its collected rates, pursuant to its rate case settlement, into an external trust that is specifically designated to fund future ARO’s. The ARO Trust invests in a portfolio of actively traded mutual funds that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in an active market and is reported in Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses are ultimately recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities.

Energy derivatives: Energy derivatives include commodity-based exchange-traded contracts and over-the-counter contracts, which consist of physical forwards, futures, and swaps that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value amounts are presented on a gross basis and do not reflect the netting of asset and liability positions permitted under the terms of our master netting arrangements. Further, the amounts do not include cash held on deposit in margin accounts that we have received or remitted to collateralize certain derivative positions. Energy derivative assets are reported in Other current assets and deferred charges and Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Energy derivative liabilities are reported in Accrued liabilities and Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. No transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred during the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.

Additional fair value disclosures

Long-term debt, including current portion: The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt is determined primarily by a market approach using broker quoted indicative period-end bond prices. The quoted prices are based on observable transactions in less active markets for our debt or similar instruments. The fair values of the financing obligations associated with our Dalton lateral and Atlantic Sunrise projects, which are included within long-term debt, were determined using an income approach (see Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements).

Guarantees: Guarantees primarily consist of a guarantee we have provided in the event of nonpayment by our previously owned communications subsidiary, Williams Communications Group (WilTel), on a lease performance obligation that extends through 2042. Guarantees also include an indemnification related to a disposed operation.

To estimate the fair value of the WilTel guarantee, an estimated default rate is applied to the sum of the future contractual lease payments using an income approach. The estimated default rate is determined by obtaining the average cumulative issuer-weighted corporate default rate based on the credit rating of WilTel’s current owner and the term of the underlying obligation. The default rate is published by Moody’s Investors Service. The carrying value of the WilTel guarantee is reported in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum potential undiscounted exposure is approximately $28 million at December 31, 2019. Our exposure declines systematically through the remaining term of WilTel’s obligation.

The fair value of the guarantee associated with the indemnification related to a disposed operation was estimated using an income approach that considered probability-weighted scenarios of potential levels of future performance. The terms of the indemnification do not limit the maximum potential future payments associated with the guarantee. The carrying value of this guarantee is reported in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

We are required by our revolving credit agreement to indemnify lenders for certain taxes required to be withheld from payments due to the lenders and for certain tax payments made by the lenders. The maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnifications is based on the related borrowings and such future payments cannot

95

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

currently be determined. These indemnifications generally continue indefinitely unless limited by the underlying tax regulations and have no carrying value. We have never been called upon to perform under these indemnifications and have no current expectation of a future claim.

Nonrecurring fair value measurements

The following table presents impairments of assets and equity-method investments associated with certain nonrecurring fair value measurements within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, except as specifically noted. Impairments of equity-method investments are reported in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

					Impairments
					Year Ended December 31,
	Segment	Date of Measurement	Fair Value		2019			2018		2017
			(Millions)
Impairment of certain assets:
Certain pipeline project (1)	Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	December 31, 2019	$	22	$	354
Certain gathering assets (2)	West	December 31, 2019	25		20
Certain gathering assets (2)	West	June 30, 2019	40		59
Certain idle gathering assets (3)	West	March 31, 2019	—		12
Certain gathering assets (4)	West	December 31, 2018	470					$	1,849
Certain idle pipeline assets (5)	Other	June 30, 2018	25					66
Certain gathering assets (6)	West	September 30, 2017	439							$	1,019
Certain gathering assets (7)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2017	21							115
Certain NGL pipeline (8)	Other	September 30, 2017	32							68
Certain olefins pipeline project (9)	Other	June 30, 2017	18							23
Other impairments and write-downs (10)					19			—		23
Impairment of certain assets					$	464		$	1,915	$	1,248
Impairment of equity-method investments:
Laurel Mountain (11)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2019	$	242	$	79
Appalachia Midstream Investments (12)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2019	102		17
Pennant (13)	Northeast G&P	August 31, 2019	11		17
UEOM (14)	Northeast G&P	March 17, 2019	1,210		74
UEOM (14)	Northeast G&P	December 31, 2018	1,293					$	32
Other					(1		)
Impairment of equity-method investments					$	186		$	32

______________

(1) Relates to the Constitution development project. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was based on probability-weighted third-party quotes. See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities for further discussion.

96

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(2) Relates to a gas gathering system in the Eagle Ford region with expected declines in asset utilization and possible idling of the gathering system. We designated these operations as held for sale, included in Other current assets and deferred charges, as of December 31, 2019. As a result, we measured the fair value of the disposal group using the expected sales price under a contract with a third party. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net at June 30, 2019, was determined using a market approach, which incorporated indications of interest from third parties.

(3) Reflects impairment of Property, plant, and equipment – net that is no longer in use for which the fair value was determined to be lower than the carrying value.

(4) Relates to our gathering operations in the Barnett Shale. Certain of our contractual gathering rates, primarily those in the Barnett Shale, are based on a percentage of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) natural gas prices. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we determined there was a sustained decline in the forward price curves for natural gas. During this same period, a large producer customer in the Barnett Shale removed their remaining drilling rig. These factors gave rise to an impairment evaluation of these assets, which incorporated management’s projections of future drilling activity and gathering rates, taking into consideration the information previously noted as well as recently available information regarding producer drilling cost assumptions in the basin. The resulting estimate of future undiscounted cash flows was less than our carrying value, necessitating the estimation of the fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization. To arrive at the fair value, we utilized an income approach with a discount rate of 8.5 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(5) Relates to certain idle pipelines. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was determined by a market approach incorporating information derived from bids received for these assets, which we marketed for sale together with certain other assets. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(6) Relates to certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent region. During the third quarter of 2017, we received solicitations and engaged in negotiations for the sale of certain of these assets which led to our impairment evaluation. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization was determined using an income approach and incorporated market inputs based on ongoing negotiations for a potential sale of a portion of the underlying assets. For the income approach, we utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(7) Relates to certain gathering operations in the Marcellus South region resulting from an anticipated decline in future volumes following a third-quarter 2017 shut-in by the primary producer. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization was determined by the income approach utilizing a discount rate of 11.1 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(8) Relates to an NGL pipeline near the Houston Ship Channel region which we anticipated would be underutilized for the foreseeable future. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was primarily determined by using a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal market. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(9) Relates primarily to project development costs associated with an olefins pipeline project in the Gulf Coast region, where we consider the likelihood of completion to be remote. The estimated fair value of the remaining Property, plant, and equipment – net considered a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal

97

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

market, as well as an estimate of replacement cost. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(10) Reflects multiple individually insignificant impairments and write-downs of other certain assets that may no longer be in use or are surplus in nature for which the fair value was determined to be lower than the carrying value.

(11) Relates to a gas gathering system in the Marcellus region that was adversely impacted by lower sustained forward natural gas price expectations and changes in expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent in our analysis.

(12) Relates to a certain gathering system held in Appalachia Midstream Investments that was adversely impacted by changes in the timing of expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 9.0 percent in our analysis.

(13) The estimated fair value of Pennant Midstream, LLC (“Pennant”) was determined by a market approach based on recent observable third-party transactions. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(14) The estimated fair value at March 17, 2019, was determined by a market approach based on the transaction price for the purchase of the remaining interest in UEOM as finalized just prior to the signing and closing of the acquisition in March 2019 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures). These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value at December 31, 2018, was determined by a market approach based on our analysis of inputs in the principal market.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The following table summarizes concentration of receivables, net of allowances:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
NGLs, natural gas, and related products and services	$	613	$	626
Transportation of natural gas and related products	277		232
Accounts Receivable related to revenues from contracts with customers	890		858
Other	106		134
Trade accounts and other receivables	$	996	$	992

Customers include producers, distribution companies, industrial users, gas marketers, and pipelines primarily located in the continental United States. As a general policy, collateral is not required for receivables, but customers’ financial condition and credit worthiness are evaluated regularly. Based upon this evaluation, we may obtain collateral to support receivables.

In 2019, 2018, and 2017, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, and its affiliates, a customer currently primarily within our West segment, accounted for approximately 6 percent, 8 percent, and 10 percent, respectively, of our consolidated revenues, and as of December 31, 2019, accounted for $78 million of the consolidated Trade accounts and other receivables balance.

98

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Note 19 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

Reporting of Natural Gas-Related Information to Trade Publications

Direct and indirect purchasers of natural gas in various states filed individual and class actions against us, our former affiliate WPX Energy, Inc. (WPX) and its subsidiaries, and others alleging the manipulation of published gas price indices and seeking unspecified amounts of damages. Such actions were transferred to the Nevada federal district court for consolidation of discovery and pre-trial issues. We have agreed to indemnify WPX and its subsidiaries related to this matter.

In the individual action, filed by Farmland Industries Inc. (Farmland), the court issued an order on May 24, 2016, granting one of our co-defendant’s motion for summary judgment as to Farmland’s claims. On January 5, 2017, the court extended such ruling to us, entering final judgment in our favor. Farmland appealed. On March 27, 2018, the appellate court reversed the district court’s grant of summary judgment, and on April 10, 2018, the defendants filed a petition for rehearing with the appellate court, which was denied on May 9, 2018. The case was remanded to the Nevada federal district court and subsequently has been remanded to its originally filed court, the Kansas federal district court.

In the putative class actions, on March 30, 2017, the court issued an order denying the plaintiffs’ motions for class certification. On June 13, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted the plaintiffs’ petition for permission to appeal the order. On August 6, 2018, the Ninth Circuit reversed the order denying class certification and remanded the case to the Nevada federal district court.

We reached an agreement to settle two of the actions, and on April 22, 2019, the Nevada federal district court preliminarily approved the settlements, which are on behalf of Kansas and Missouri class members. The final fairness hearing on the settlement occurred August 5, 2019, and a final judgment of dismissal with prejudice was entered the same day.

Two putative class actions remain unresolved, and they have been remanded to their originally filed court, the Wisconsin federal district court.

Because of the uncertainty around the remaining pending unresolved issues, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential exposure at this time. However, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate resolution of these actions and our related indemnification obligation could result in a potential loss that may be material to our results of operations. In connection with this indemnification, we have an accrued liability balance associated with this matter, and as a result, have exposure to future developments.

Alaska Refinery Contamination Litigation

We are involved in litigation arising from our ownership and operation of the North Pole Refinery in North Pole, Alaska, from 1980 until 2004, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Williams Alaska Petroleum Inc. (WAPI) and MAPCO Inc. We sold the refinery to Flint Hills Resources Alaska, LLC (FHRA), a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., in 2004. The litigation involves three cases, with filing dates ranging from 2010 to 2014. The actions primarily arise from sulfolane contamination allegedly emanating from the refinery. A putative class action lawsuit was filed by James West in 2010 naming us, WAPI, and FHRA as defendants. We and FHRA filed claims against each other seeking, among other things, contractual indemnification alleging that the other party caused the sulfolane contamination. In 2011, we and FHRA settled the claim with James West. Certain claims by FHRA against us were resolved by the Alaska Supreme Court in our favor. FHRA’s claims against us for contractual indemnification and statutory claims for damages related to off-site sulfolane were remanded to the Alaska Superior Court. The State of Alaska filed its action in March 2014, seeking damages. The City of North Pole (North Pole) filed its lawsuit in November 2014, seeking past and future damages, as well as punitive damages. Both we and WAPI asserted counterclaims against the State of Alaska and North Pole, and cross-claims against FHRA. FHRA has also filed cross-claims against us.

The underlying factual basis and claims in the cases are similar and may duplicate exposure. As such, in February 2017, the three cases were consolidated into one action in state court containing the remaining claims from the James

99

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

West case and those of the State of Alaska and North Pole. The State of Alaska later announced the discovery of additional contaminants per- and polyfluoralkyl (PFOS and PFOA) offsite of the refinery, and the Court permitted the State of Alaska to amend its complaint to add a claim for offsite PFOS/PFOA contamination. The Court subsequently remanded the offsite PFOS/PFOA claims to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for investigation and stayed the claims pending their potential resolution at the administrative agency. Several trial dates encompassing all three cases have been scheduled and stricken. In the summer of 2019, the Court deconsolidated the cases for purposes of trial. A bench trial on all claims except North Pole’s claims began in October 2019.

In January 2020, the Alaska Superior Court issued its Memorandum of Decision finding in favor of the State of Alaska and FHRA, with the total incurred and potential future damages estimated to be $86 million. The Court did not award natural resource damages to the State of Alaska and also found that FHRA is not entitled to contractual indemnification from us because FHRA contributed to the sulfolane contamination. A final judgment has not been entered in the case. We expect to appeal the decision. We have recorded an additional charge in the fourth quarter of 2019, reported within Income (loss) from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, adjusting our accrued liability to our estimate of the probable loss. It is reasonably possible that we may not be successful on appeal and could ultimately pay up to the amount of judgment.

Royalty Matters

Certain of our customers, including one major customer, have been named in various lawsuits alleging underpayment of royalties and claiming, among other things, violations of anti-trust laws and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We have also been named as a defendant in certain of these cases filed in Pennsylvania based on allegations that we improperly participated with that major customer in causing the alleged royalty underpayments. We believe that the claims asserted are subject to indemnity obligations owed to us by that major customer. That customer has reached a tentative settlement to resolve substantially all Pennsylvania royalty cases pending, which settlement would apply to both the customer and us. The settlement as reported would not require any contribution from us.

Litigation Against Energy Transfer and Related Parties

On April 6, 2016, we filed suit in Delaware Chancery Court against Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (Energy Transfer) and LE GP, LLC (the general partner for Energy Transfer) alleging willful and material breaches of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (ETE Merger Agreement) with Energy Transfer resulting from the private offering by Energy Transfer on March 8, 2016, of Series A Convertible Preferred Units (Special Offering) to certain Energy Transfer insiders and other accredited investors. The suit seeks, among other things, an injunction ordering the defendants to unwind the Special Offering and to specifically perform their obligations under the ETE Merger Agreement. On April 19, 2016, we filed an amended complaint seeking the same relief. On May 3, 2016, Energy Transfer and LE GP, LLC filed an answer and counterclaims.

On May 13, 2016, we filed a separate complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against Energy Transfer, LE GP, LLC, and the other Energy Transfer affiliates that are parties to the ETE Merger Agreement, alleging material breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement for failing to cooperate and use necessary efforts to obtain a tax opinion required under the ETE Merger Agreement (Tax Opinion) and for otherwise failing to use necessary efforts to consummate the merger under the ETE Merger Agreement wherein we would be merged with and into the newly formed Energy Transfer Corp LP (ETC) (ETC Merger). The suit sought, among other things, a declaratory judgment and injunction preventing Energy Transfer from terminating or otherwise avoiding its obligations under the ETE Merger Agreement due to any failure to obtain the Tax Opinion.

The Court of Chancery coordinated the Special Offering and Tax Opinion suits. On May 20, 2016, the Energy Transfer defendants filed amended affirmative defenses and verified counterclaims in the Special Offering and Tax Opinion suits, alleging certain breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement by us and seeking, among other things, a declaration that we were not entitled to specific performance, that Energy Transfer could terminate the ETC Merger, and that Energy Transfer is entitled to a $1.48 billion termination fee. On June 24, 2016, following a two-day trial, the

100

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

court issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order denying our requested relief in the Tax Opinion suit. The court did not rule on the substance of our claims related to the Special Offering or on the substance of Energy Transfer’s counterclaims. On June 27, 2016, we filed an appeal of the court’s decision with the Supreme Court of Delaware, seeking reversal and remand to pursue damages. On March 23, 2017, the Supreme Court of Delaware affirmed the Court of Chancery’s ruling. On March 30, 2017, we filed a motion for reargument with the Supreme Court of Delaware, which was denied on April 5, 2017.

On September 16, 2016, we filed an amended complaint with the Court of Chancery seeking damages for breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement by defendants.  On September 23, 2016, Energy Transfer filed a second amended and supplemental affirmative defenses and verified counterclaim with the Court of Chancery seeking, among other things, payment of the $1.48 billion termination fee due to our alleged breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement. On December 1, 2017, the court granted our motion to dismiss certain of Energy Transfer’s counterclaims, including its claim seeking payment of the $1.48 billion termination fee. On December 8, 2017, Energy Transfer filed a motion for reargument, which the Court of Chancery denied on April 16, 2018. The Court of Chancery previously scheduled trial for May 20 through May 24, 2019; the court struck the trial setting and has re-scheduled trial for June 8 through June 11 and June 15, 2020.

Former Olefins Business

SABIC Petrochemicals, the other interest owner in our former Geismar, Louisiana, olefins facility we sold in July 2017, is seeking recovery from us for losses it allegedly suffered, including its share of personal injury settlements in which it was a co-defendant, as well as amounts related to lost income, defense costs, and property damage associated with an explosion and fire at the plant in June 2013. Due to the complexity of the various claims and available defenses, we are unable to reliably estimate any reasonably possible losses at this time. Trial began on October 14, 2019, as scheduled, but on October 21, 2019, the Court declared a mistrial due to the conduct of an officer of SABIC Petrochemicals and SABIC Petrochemicals’ expert witness. No new trial date has been set. We believe that certain losses incurred arising directly from the explosion and fire will be covered by our general liability policy and any uninsured losses are not expected to be material.

Other

On August 31, 2018, Transco submitted to the FERC a general rate filing principally designed to recover increased costs and to comply with the terms of the settlement in its prior rate proceeding. The new rates became effective March 1, 2019, subject to refund and the outcome of a hearing. In October 2019, we reached an agreement on the terms of a settlement with the participants that would resolve all issues in the rate case without the need for a hearing, and on December 31, 2019, we filed a formal stipulation and agreement with the FERC setting forth such terms of settlement. We anticipate FERC approval of the stipulation and agreement in the second quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2019, we have provided a $189 million reserve for rate refunds related to increased rates collected since March 2019, which we believe is adequate for any refunds that may be required.

Environmental Matters

We are a participant in certain environmental activities in various stages including assessment studies, cleanup operations, and/or remedial processes at certain sites, some of which we currently do not own. We are monitoring these sites in a coordinated effort with other potentially responsible parties, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or other governmental authorities. We are jointly and severally liable along with unrelated third parties in some of these activities and solely responsible in others. Certain of our subsidiaries have been identified as potentially responsible parties at various Superfund and state waste disposal sites. In addition, these subsidiaries have incurred, or are alleged to have incurred, various other hazardous materials removal or remediation obligations under environmental laws. As of December 31, 2019, we have accrued liabilities totaling $31 million for these matters, as discussed below. Estimates of the most likely costs of cleanup are generally based on completed assessment studies, preliminary results of studies, or our experience with other similar cleanup operations. At December 31, 2019, certain assessment studies were still

101

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

in process for which the ultimate outcome may yield different estimates of most likely costs. Therefore, the actual costs incurred will depend on the final amount, type, and extent of contamination discovered at these sites, the final cleanup standards mandated by the EPA or other governmental authorities, and other factors.

The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely promulgate and propose new rules and issue updated guidance to existing rules. These rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine and combustion turbine maximum achievable control technology, air quality standards for one-hour nitrogen dioxide emissions, and volatile organic compound and methane new source performance standards impacting design and operation of storage vessels, pressure valves, and compressors. The EPA previously issued its rule regarding National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone. We are monitoring the rule’s implementation as it will trigger additional federal and state regulatory actions that may impact our operations. Implementation of the regulations is expected to result in impacts to our operations and increase the cost of additions to Property, plant, and equipment – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for both new and existing facilities in affected areas. We are unable to reasonably estimate the cost of additions that may be required to meet the regulations at this time due to uncertainty created by various legal challenges to these regulations and the need for further specific regulatory guidance.

Continuing operations

Our interstate gas pipelines are involved in remediation activities related to certain facilities and locations for polychlorinated biphenyls, mercury, and other hazardous substances. These activities have involved the EPA and various state environmental authorities, resulting in our identification as a potentially responsible party at various Superfund waste sites. At December 31, 2019, we have accrued liabilities of $4 million for these costs. We expect that these costs will be recoverable through rates.

We also accrue environmental remediation costs for natural gas underground storage facilities, primarily related to soil and groundwater contamination. At December 31, 2019, we have accrued liabilities totaling $7 million for these costs.

Former operations

We have potential obligations in connection with assets and businesses we no longer operate. These potential obligations include remediation activities at the direction of federal and state environmental authorities and the indemnification of the purchasers of certain of these assets and businesses for environmental and other liabilities existing at the time the sale was consummated. Our responsibilities relate to the operations of the assets and businesses described below.

• Former agricultural fertilizer and chemical operations and former retail petroleum and refining operations;

• Former petroleum products and natural gas pipelines;

• Former petroleum refining facilities;

• Former exploration and production and mining operations;

• Former electricity and natural gas marketing and trading operations.

At December 31, 2019, we have accrued environmental liabilities of $20 million related to these matters.

Other Divestiture Indemnifications

Pursuant to various purchase and sale agreements relating to divested businesses and assets, we have indemnified certain purchasers against liabilities that they may incur with respect to the businesses and assets acquired from us. The indemnities provided to the purchasers are customary in sale transactions and are contingent upon the purchasers

102

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

incurring liabilities that are not otherwise recoverable from third parties. The indemnities generally relate to breach of warranties, tax, historic litigation, personal injury, property damage, environmental matters, right of way, and other representations that we have provided.

At December 31, 2019, other than as previously disclosed, we are not aware of any material claims against us involving the indemnities; thus, we do not expect any of the indemnities provided pursuant to the sales agreements to have a material impact on our future financial position. Any claim for indemnity brought against us in the future may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which the claim is made.

In addition to the foregoing, various other proceedings are pending against us which are incidental to our operations, none of which are expected to be material to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position.

Summary

We have disclosed our estimated range of reasonably possible losses for certain matters above, as well as all significant matters for which we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. We estimate that for all other matters for which we are able to reasonably estimate a range of loss, our aggregate reasonably possible losses beyond amounts accrued are immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position. These calculations have been made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties.

Commitments

Commitments for construction and acquisition of property, plant, and equipment are approximately $206 million at December 31, 2019.

Note 20 – Segment Disclosures

Our reportable segments are Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, and West. All remaining business activities are included in Other. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.)

Performance Measurement

We evaluate segment operating performance based upon Modified EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). This measure represents the basis of our internal financial reporting and is the primary performance measure used by our chief operating decision maker in measuring performance and allocating resources among our reportable segments. Intersegment revenues primarily represent the sale of NGLs from our natural gas processing plants to our marketing business.

We define Modified EBITDA as follows:

•Net income (loss) before:

◦Income (loss) from discontinued operations;

◦Provision (benefit) for income taxes;

◦Interest incurred, net of interest capitalized;

◦Equity earnings (losses);

◦Other investing income (loss) – net;

103

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

◦Depreciation and amortization expenses;

◦Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations.

• This measure is further adjusted to include our proportionate share (based on ownership interest) of Modified EBITDA from our equity-method investments calculated consistently with the definition described above.

104

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The following table reflects the reconciliation of Segment revenues to Total revenues as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Other financial information:

	Transmission & Gulf of Mexico		Northeast G&P		West		Other		Eliminations			Total
	(Millions)
2019
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	3,261	$	1,291	$	1,364	$	17	$	—		$	5,933
Internal	50		47		—		13		(110		)	—
Total service revenues	3,311		1,338		1,364		30		(110		)	5,933
Total service revenues – commodity consideration	41		12		150		—		—			203
Product sales
External	217		115		1,733		—		—			2,065
Internal	71		35		64		—		(170		)	—
Total product sales	288		150		1,797		—		(170		)	2,065
Total revenues	$	3,640	$	1,500	$	3,311	$	30	$	(280	)	$	8,201
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	1,341	$	1,245	$	304	$	21	$	—		$	2,911
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	177		454		115		—		—			746
2018
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	2,904	$	935	$	1,641	$	22	$	—		$	5,502
Internal	49		41		—		12		(102		)	—
Total service revenues	2,953		976		1,641		34		(102		)	5,502
Total service revenues – commodity consideration	59		20		321		—		—			400
Product sales
External	174		245		2,365		—		—			2,784
Internal	261		42		83		—		(386		)	—
Total product sales	435		287		2,448		—		(386		)	2,784
Total revenues	$	3,447	$	1,283	$	4,410	$	34	$	(488	)	$	8,686
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	2,379	$	477	$	279	$	36	$	—		$	3,171
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	183		493		94		—		—			770
2017
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	2,675	$	837	$	1,773	$	27	$	—		$	5,312
Internal	37		35		—		11		(83		)	—
Total service revenues	2,712		872		1,773		38		(83		)	5,312
Product sales
External	257		264		1,840		358		—			2,719
Internal	227		27		173		8		(435		)	—
Total product sales	484		291		2,013		366		(435		)	2,719
Total revenues	$	3,196	$	1,163	$	3,786	$	404	$	(518	)	$	8,031
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	2,095	$	460	$	227	$	32	$	—		$	2,814
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	264		452		79		—		—			795

105

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

The following table reflects the reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Modified EBITDA by segment:
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	2,175		$	2,293		$	1,337
Northeast G&P	1,314			1,086			819
West	952			38			313
Other	6			(29		)	997
	4,447			3,388			3,466
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations	(33		)	(33		)	(33		)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	(1,714		)	(1,725		)	(1,736		)
Equity earnings (losses)	375			396			434
Other investing income (loss) – net	(79		)	187			282
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	(746		)	(770		)	(795		)
Interest expense	(1,186		)	(1,112		)	(1,083		)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(335		)	(138		)	1,974
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(15		)	—			—
Net income (loss)	$	714		$	193		$	2,509

The following table reflects Total assets and Equity-method investments by reportable segments:

	Total Assets						Equity-Method Investments
	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(Millions)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	18,796		$	18,480		$	741	$	776
Northeast G&P	15,399			14,526			3,973		5,319
West	11,265			11,815			1,521		1,726
Other	1,151			849			—		—
Eliminations (1)	(571		)	(368		)	—		—
Total	$	46,040		$	45,302		$	6,235	$	7,821

______________

(1) Eliminations primarily relate to the intercompany notes and accounts receivable generated by our cash management program.

106

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

Note 21 – Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

Debt issuances and retirements

We retired $1.5 billion of 5.25 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on March 15, 2020. At May 1, 2020, $1.7 billion was outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

Stockholder rights agreement

On March 19, 2020, our board of directors approved the adoption of a limited duration stockholder rights agreement (Rights Agreement) and declared a distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock. The Rights Agreement is intended to protect the interests of us and our stockholders by reducing the likelihood of another party gaining control of or significant influence over us without paying an appropriate premium considering recent volatile markets.  Each preferred stock purchase right represents the right to purchase, upon certain terms and conditions, one one-thousandth of a share of Series C Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share. Each one-thousandth of a share of Series C Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, if issued, would have rights similar to one share of our common stock.  The distribution of preferred stock purchase rights occurred on March 30, 2020 to holders of record as of the close of business on that date. The Rights Agreement expires on March 20, 2021.

Impairments

As disclosed in our Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2020, during the first quarter of 2020, we recognized impairment charges related to certain of our equity-method investments totaling $938 million, and an impairment charge of $187 million related to our goodwill. Our partner’s share of the goodwill impairment was $65 million. Equity earnings for the first quarter of 2020 includes a $78 million charge associated with the full impairment of goodwill recognized by our investee RMM, which was allocated entirely to our member interest per the terms of the membership agreement.

107

The Williams Companies Inc.

Quarterly Financial Data

(Unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial data are as follows:

	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	(Millions, except per-share amounts)
2019
Revenues	$	2,054	$	2,041	$	1,999	$	2,107
Product costs and processing commodity expenses	565		507		453		541
Income (loss) from continuing operations	214		324		242		(51		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	—		—		—		(15		)
Net income (loss)	214		324		242		(66		)
Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	194		310		220		138
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	—		—		—		(15		)
Net income (loss)	194		310		220		123
Basic and diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per common share	.16		.26		.18		.11
Basic and diluted income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share	—		—		—		(.01		)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share	.16		.26		.18		.10
2018
Revenues	$	2,088	$	2,091	$	2,303	$	2,204
Product costs and processing commodity expenses	648		662		820		714
Income (loss) from continuing operations	270		269		200		(546		)
Net income (loss)	270		269		200		(546		)
Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	152		135		129		(572		)
Net income (loss)	152		135		129		(572		)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share	.18		.16		.13		(.47		)

The sum of earnings (loss) per share for the four quarters may not equal the total earnings (loss) per share for the year due to changes in the average number of common shares outstanding and rounding.

2019

Net income (loss) for fourth-quarter 2019 includes $354 million of impairment of Constitution’s capitalized project costs (see Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Net income (loss) for third-quarter 2019 includes $114 million of impairment of certain equity-method investments (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Net income (loss) for second-quarter 2019 includes a $122 million gain on sale of our equity-method investment in Jackalope (see Note 6 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

2018

Net income (loss) for fourth-quarter 2018 includes:

• $1.849 billion impairment of certain assets in the Barnett Shale region (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

108

The Williams Companies Inc.

Quarterly Financial Data – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

• $591 million gain on the sale of our natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• $141 million deconsolidation gain associated with our investment in the Brazos Permian II joint venture (see Note 6 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);

• $101 million gain on the sale of certain assets and operations located in the Gulf Coast area (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

109

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

			Additions
	Beginning Balance		Charged (Credited) To Costs and Expenses			Other		Deductions		Ending Balance
	(Millions)
2019
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1)	$	320	$	(1	)	$	—	$	—	$	319
2018
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1)	224		96			—		—		320
2017
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1)	334		(110		)	—		—		224

__________

(1)    Deducted from related assets.

110

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 289	$ 168
Trade accounts and other receivables (net of allowance of $6 at December 31, 2019 and $9 at December 31, 2018)	996	992
Inventories	125	130
Other current assets and deferred charges	170	174
Total current assets	1,580	1,464
Investments	6,235	7,821
Property, plant, and equipment – net	29,200	27,504
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization	7,959	7,767
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	1,066	746
Total assets	46,040	45,302
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	552	662
Accrued liabilities	1,276	1,102
Long-term debt due within one year	2,140	47
Total current liabilities	3,968	1,811
Long-term debt	20,148	22,367
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,782	1,524
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	3,778	3,603
Contingent liabilities and commitments (Note 19)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	35	35
Common stock ($1 par value; 1,470 million shares authorized at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; 1,247 million shares issued at December 31, 2019 and 1,245 million shares issued at December 31, 2018)	1,247	1,245
Capital in excess of par value	24,323	24,693
Retained deficit	(11,002)	(10,002)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(199)	(270)
Treasury stock, at cost (35 million shares of common stock)	(1,041)	(1,041)
Total stockholders’ equity	13,363	14,660
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	3,001	1,337
Total equity	16,364	15,997
Total liabilities and equity	$ 46,040	$ 45,302

XML

Debt and Banking Arrangements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

Long-Term Debt

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Transco:
7.08% Debentures due 2026	$	8		$	8
7.25% Debentures due 2026	200			200
7.85% Notes due 2026	1,000			1,000
4% Notes due 2028	400			400
5.4% Notes due 2041	375			375
4.45% Notes due 2042	400			400
4.6% Notes due 2048	600			600
Other financing obligation - Atlantic Sunrise	857			807
Other financing obligation - Dalton	259			260
Northwest Pipeline:
7.125% Debentures due 2025	85			85
4% Notes due 2027	500			500
WMB:
4.125% Notes due 2020	600			600
5.25% Notes due 2020	1,500			1,500
4% Notes due 2021	500			500
7.875% Notes due 2021	371			371
3.35% Notes due 2022	750			750
3.6% Notes due 2022	1,250			1,250
3.7% Notes due 2023	850			850
4.5% Notes due 2023	600			600
4.3% Notes due 2024	1,000			1,000
4.55% Notes due 2024	1,250			1,250
3.9% Notes due 2025	750			750
4% Notes due 2025	750			750
3.75% Notes due 2027	1,450			1,450
7.5% Debentures due 2031	339			339
7.75% Notes due 2031	252			252
8.75% Notes due 2032	445			445
6.3% Notes due 2040	1,250			1,250
5.8% Notes due 2043	400			400
5.4% Notes due 2044	500			500
5.75% Notes due 2044	650			650
4.9% Notes due 2045	500			500
5.1% Notes due 2045	1,000			1,000
4.85% Notes due 2048	800			800
Various — 7.625% to 10.25% Notes and Debentures due 2019 to 2027	24			55
Credit facility loans	—			160
Debt issuance costs	(119		)	(131		)
Net unamortized debt premium (discount)	(58		)	(62		)
Total long-term debt, including current portion	22,288			22,414
Long-term debt due within one year	(2,140		)	(47		)
Long-term debt	$	20,148		$	22,367

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]

The following table presents aggregate minimum maturities of long-term debt and other financing obligations, excluding net unamortized debt premium (discount) and debt issuance costs, for each of the next five years: 

	December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
2020	$	2,141
2021	893
2022	2,025
2023	1,477
2024	2,279

Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]

Credit Facilities

	December 31, 2019
	Stated Capacity		Outstanding
	(Millions)
Long-term credit facility (1)	$	4,500	$	—
Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements			14

________________

(1)

In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of our credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program.

XML

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019
	(Millions)
Lease Cost:
Operating lease cost	$	40
Short-term lease cost	—
Variable lease cost	27
Sublease income	(2		)
Total lease cost	$	65
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	39
	December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
Other Information:
Right-of-use asset (included in Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	207
Operating lease liabilities:
Current (included in Accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	21
Noncurrent (included in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	188
Weighted-average remaining lease term – operating leases (years)	13
Weighted-average discount rate – operating leases	4.61%

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]

As of December 31, 2019, the following table represents our operating lease maturities, including renewal provisions that we have assessed as being reasonably certain of exercise, for each of the years ended December 31:

	(Millions)
2020	$	29
2021	33
2022	28
2023	22
2024	19
Thereafter	157
Total future lease payments	288
Less amount representing interest	79
Total obligations under operating leases	$	209

XML

Document and Entity Information	May 04, 2020
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Document Period End Date	May 04, 2020
Entity Registrant Name	Williams Companies, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity File Number	1-4174
Entity Tax Identification Number	73-0569878
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Williams Center
Entity Address, City or Town	Tulsa
Entity Address, State or Province	OK
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	74172-0172
City Area Code	918
Local Phone Number	573-2000
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1.00 par value
Trading Symbol	WMB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000107263
Amendment Flag	false

XML

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 714	$ 193	$ 2,509
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,714	1,725	1,736
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	376	220	(2,012)
Equity (earnings) losses	(375)	(396)	(434)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	657	693	784
Gain on disposition of equity-method investments (Note 6)	(122)	0	(269)
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)	186	32	0
(Gain) on sale of certain assets and businesses (Note 3)	2	(692)	(1,095)
Impairment of certain assets (Note 18)	464	1,915	1,249
(Gain) loss on deconsolidation of businesses (Note 6)	29	(203)	0
Amortization of stock-based awards	57	55	78
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform (Note 1)	0	(15)	776
Cash provided (used) by changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable	34	(36)	(88)
Inventories	5	(16)	8
Other current assets and deferred charges	21	17	(21)
Accounts payable	(46)	(93)	118
Accrued liabilities	153	23	(92)
Other, including changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	(176)	(129)	(158)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	3,693	3,293	3,089
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper – net	(4)	(2)	(93)
Proceeds from long-term debt	767	3,926	3,333
Payments of long-term debt	(909)	(3,204)	(5,925)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	10	15	2,131
Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary (Note 3)	1,334	0	0
Common dividends paid	(1,842)	(1,386)	(992)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(124)	(591)	(822)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	36	15	17
Payments for debt issuance costs	0	(26)	(17)
Other – net	(13)	(46)	(92)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(745)	(1,299)	(2,460)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(2,109)	(3,256)	(2,399)
Dispositions – net	(40)	(7)	(41)
Contributions in aid of construction	52	411	426
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash divested	(2)	1,296	2,067
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (Note 3)	(728)	0	0
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (Note 6)	485	0	200
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments (Note 6)	(453)	(1,132)	(132)
Other – net	(32)	(37)	(21)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(2,827)	(2,725)	100
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	121	(731)	729
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	168	899	170
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	289	168	899
(1) Increases to property, plant, and equipment	(2,023)	(3,021)	(2,662)
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(86)	(235)	263
Capital expenditures	$ (2,109)	$ (3,256)	$ (2,399)

XML

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Reclassifications from AOCI (Details) - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ (4)
Reclassifications during the period	12
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$ 16

XML

Divestitures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions				3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2018	Oct. 26, 2017	Jul. 06, 2017
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Gain on sale of certain assets								$ (2)	$ 692	$ 1,095
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | West [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 20
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges								$ 19	0	23
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 354
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | West [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges		$ 59	$ 12
Gulf Coast Pipeline Systems [Member]
Income Statement and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Consideration											$ 177
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Gain on sale of certain assets				$ 101
Gulf Coast Pipeline Systems [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Gain on sale of certain assets				81
Gulf Coast Pipeline Systems [Member] | Other [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Gain on sale of certain assets				20
Gulf Coast Pipeline Systems [Member] | Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges					$ 66
Gulf Coast Pipeline Systems [Member] | Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges						$ 68	$ 23
Four Corners [Member] | West [Member]
Income Statement and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Consideration												$ 1,125
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes of Disposal Group									52	47
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes of Disposal Group Attributable to the Williams Companies, Inc.									$ 43	35
Gain on sale of certain assets				$ 591
Williams Olefins, LLC [Member]
Income Statement and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Consideration													$ 12	$ 2,084
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business						$ 1,095
Williams Olefins, LLC [Member] | Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax [Abstract]
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes of Disposal Group										26
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes of Disposal Group Attributable to the Williams Companies, Inc.										$ 19

XML

Other Income and Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gains on asset retirements	$ (67)	$ 39
Regulatory Charges In Operating Expense Resulting From Tax Reform	0	(17)	$ 674
Gain on sale of Refinery Grade Propylene Splitter	(2)	692	1,095
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	58	62
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform (Note 1)	0	15	(776)
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations	21	33	33
Accrual of regulatory liability related to overcollection of certain employee expenses	(17)	22	22
Project development costs related to Constitution	3	4	16
Regulatory Charge Resulting From Tax Rate Change	(26)	0	0
Gains on asset retirements	0	(12)	0
Regulatory Charges In Operating Expense Resulting From Tax Reform	24	24	0
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gains on contract settlements and terminations	0	0	(15)
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Regulatory Benefit Resulting From Tax Rate Change	12	(37)	0
Gain on sale of Refinery Grade Propylene Splitter	0	0	(12)
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Noncash Contribution Expense		35
WPZ Merger		20
Selling, general, and administrative expenses and Operating and maintenance expenses [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and other related costs	39	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses and Operating and maintenance expenses [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and other related costs	7	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses and Operating and maintenance expenses [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and other related costs	10	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses and Operating and maintenance expenses [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and other related costs	1	0	22
Other income (expense) - net [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Regulatory Charges In Operating Expense Resulting From Tax Reform		(17)
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform (Note 1)			(102)
Other income (expense) - net [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Allowance for funds used during construction, capitalized cost of equity	29	87	70
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform (Note 1)	0	0	(39)
Other income (expense) - net [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	0	(7)	27
Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform (Note 1)	0	(1)	(63)
Deferred Taxes On Equity Funds Used During Construction [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Allowance for funds used during construction, capitalized cost of equity	9	35	52
Pension Plan [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	(1)	(23)	(71)
Pension Plan [Member] | Other income (expense) - net [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement		(23)	(71)
Pension Plan [Member] | Other income (expense) - net [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	(9)	(19)
Pension Plan [Member] | Other income (expense) - net [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	(4)	(7)
Pension Plan [Member] | Other income (expense) - net [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	(4)	(9)
Pension Plan [Member] | Other income (expense) - net [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	(5)	(35)
Northwest Pipeline LLC [Member] | Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0	$ 12	$ 0

XML

Fair Value Measurements Concentration of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Trade accounts and other receivables	$ 996	$ 992
Chesapeake Energy Corporation [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Revenue Benchmark [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Consolidated revenue, major customer, percentage	6.00%	8.00%	10.00%
Chesapeake Energy Corporation [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Trade accounts and other receivables	$ 78
NGLs, natural gas, and related products and services [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Trade accounts and other receivables	613	$ 626
Transportation of natural gas and related products [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Trade accounts and other receivables	277	232
Accounts Receivable related to revenues from contracts with customers [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Trade accounts and other receivables	890	858
Other Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Trade accounts and other receivables	$ 106	$ 134

XML

Segment Disclosures Recon from Segment to Consolidated - Assets and Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 46,040	$ 45,302
Equity-method investments	6,235	7,821
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	18,796	18,480
Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	15,399	14,526
West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	11,265	11,815
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	1,151	849
Operating Segments [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity-method investments	741	776
Operating Segments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity-method investments	3,973	5,319
Operating Segments [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity-method investments	1,521	1,726
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity-method investments	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	(571)	(368)
Equity-method investments	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 51	$ 51
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	3	3
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	51	50
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	1
Balance at end of period	$ 51	$ 51

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]

Note 13 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, included in Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, by reportable segment for the periods indicated are as follows:

	Northeast G&P		West			Total
	(Millions)
December 31, 2017	$	—	$	47		$	47
Jackalope Deconsolidation (see Note 6)			(47		)	(47		)
December 31, 2018	—		—			—
UEOM Acquisition (see Note 3)	188					188
December 31, 2019	$	188	$	—		$	188

Our goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is evaluated at least annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. We did not identify or recognize any impairments to goodwill in connection with our evaluation of goodwill for impairment during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Other Intangible Assets

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets, included in Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, at December 31 are as follows:

	2019					2018
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	(Millions)
Contractual customer relationships	$	9,560	$	(1,789	)	$	9,232	$	(1,465	)

Other intangible assets primarily relate to gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contractual customer relationships recognized in acquisitions. The increase in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets during 2019 is primarily related to the acquisition of UEOM (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures). Other intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 years for the acquisition of UEOM and 30 years for other acquisitions, which represents a portion of the term over which the contractual customer relationships are expected to contribute to our cash flows.

We expense costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contracts with customers. Based on the estimated future revenues during the contract periods (as estimated at the time of the acquisition), the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension of the contractual customer relationships associated with the UEOM acquisition was approximately 10 years. Although a significant portion of the expected future cash flows associated with these contractual customer relationships are dependent on our ability to renew or extend the arrangements beyond the initial contract periods, these expected future cash flows are significantly influenced by the scope and pace of our producer customers’ drilling programs. Once producer customers’ wells are connected to our gathering infrastructure, their likelihood of switching to another provider before the wells are abandoned is reduced due to the significant capital investment required.

The amortization expense related to other intangible assets was $324 million, $333 million, and $347 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for each of the next five succeeding fiscal years is approximately $328 million.

XML

Equity-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]

Equity-Based Compensation [Text Block]

Note 17 – Equity-Based Compensation

Williams’ Plan Information

The Williams Companies, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan (the Plan) provides common-stock-based awards to both employees and nonmanagement directors. To date, 40 million new shares have been authorized for making awards under the Plan. The Plan permits the granting of various types of awards including, but not limited to, restricted stock units and stock options. At December 31, 2019, 23 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to existing and future stock awards, of which 11 million shares were available for future grants.

Additionally, up to 3.6 million new shares of our common stock have been authorized to date to be available for sale under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Employees purchased 322 thousand shares at a weighted-average price of $19.55 per share during 2019. Approximately 424 thousand shares were available for purchase under the ESPP at December 31, 2019.

Operating and maintenance expenses and Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations include equity-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 of $57 million, $54 million, and $70 million, respectively. Income tax benefit recognized related to the stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $14 million, $14 million, and $17 million, respectively. Measured but unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at December 31, 2019, was $60 million, comprised of $2 million related to stock options and $58 million related to restricted stock units. These amounts are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

Stock Options

The following summary reflects stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Stock Options	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(Millions)				(Millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	7.3		$	31.55
Granted	—		$	—
Exercised	(0.4	)	$	11.31
Cancelled	(0.1	)	$	35.62
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	6.8		$	32.64	$	2
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	5.8		$	33.22	$	2

The following table summarizes additional information related to stock option activity during each of the last three years:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	6	$	3	$	4
Tax benefits realized on options exercised	$	1	$	—	$	1
Cash received from the exercise of options	$	4	$	9	$	7

The weighted-average remaining contractual lives for stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2019, were 4.2 years and 3.6 years, respectively.

The estimated fair value at date of grant of options for our common stock granted in each respective year, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, is as follows:

	2018			2017
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options for our common stock granted during the year, per share	$	5.49		$	6.61
Weighted-average assumptions:
Dividend yield	4.7		%	4.2		%
Volatility	30.1		%	35.1		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.7		%	2.1		%
Expected life (years)	6.0			6.0

There were no stock options granted in 2019. The expected dividend yield for each respective year is based on the dividend forecast for that year and the grant-date market price of our stock. Our expected future volatility is determined using the historical volatility of our stock and implied volatility on our traded options. Historical volatility is based on the blended 10-year historical volatility of our stock and certain peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rates as of the grant date. The expected life of the option is based on historical exercise behavior and expected future experience.

Nonvested Restricted Stock Units

The following summary reflects nonvested restricted stock unit activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Restricted Stock Units Outstanding	Shares		Weighted- Average Fair Value (1)
	(Millions)
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	4.5		$	28.96
Granted	2.5		$	25.87
Forfeited	(0.5	)	$	28.48
Vested	(1.1	)	$	26.25
Nonvested at December 31, 2019	5.4		$	28.11

______________

(1) Performance-based restricted stock units are valued considering measures of total shareholder return utilizing a Monte Carlo valuation method and return on capital employed. All other restricted stock units are valued at the grant-date market price. Restricted stock units generally vest after three years.

Value of Restricted Stock Units	2019		2018		2017
Weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year, per share	$	25.87	$	30.48	$	29.47
Total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the year (in millions)	$	29	$	35	$	33

Performance-based restricted stock units granted under the Plan represent 39 percent of nonvested restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2019. These grants may be earned at the end of the vesting period based on actual performance against a performance target. Based on the extent to which certain financial targets are achieved, vested shares may range from zero percent to 200 percent of the original grant amount.

XML

General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this report to “Williams,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to The Williams Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to “Williams,” “we,” “our,” and “us” include the operations in which we own interests accounted for as equity-method investments that are not consolidated in our financial statements. When we refer to our equity investees by name, we are referring exclusively to their businesses and operations.

WPZ Merger

On August 10, 2018, we completed our merger with Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ), our previously consolidated master limited partnership, pursuant to which we acquired all of the approximately 256 million publicly held outstanding common units of WPZ in exchange for 382 million shares of our common stock (WPZ Merger). Williams continued as the surviving entity. The WPZ Merger was accounted for as a noncash equity transaction resulting in increases to Common stock of $382 million, Capital in excess of par value of $6.112 billion, and Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other of $33 million and decreases to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) of $3 million, Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries of $4.629 billion, and Deferred income tax liabilities of $1.829 billion in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior to the completion of the WPZ Merger and pursuant to its distribution reinvestment program, WPZ had issued common units to the public in 2018 and 2017 associated with reinvested distributions of $46 million and $61 million, respectively.

Financial Repositioning

In January 2017, we entered into agreements with WPZ, wherein we permanently waived the general partner’s incentive distribution rights and converted our 2 percent general partner interest in WPZ to a noneconomic interest in exchange for 289 million newly issued WPZ common units. Pursuant to this agreement, we also purchased approximately 277 thousand WPZ common units for $10 million. Additionally, we purchased approximately 59 million common units of WPZ at a price of $36.08586 per unit in a private placement transaction, funded with proceeds from our equity offering (see Note 16 – Stockholders’ Equity). According to the terms of this agreement, concurrent with WPZ’s quarterly distributions in February 2017 and May 2017, we paid additional consideration totaling $56 million to WPZ for these units.

Description of Business

We are a Delaware corporation whose common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Our operations are located in the United States. Effective January 1, 2020, following an organizational realignment, our interstate natural gas pipeline Northwest Pipeline LLC, which was reported within the West reporting segment throughout 2019, is now managed within the Transmission & Gulf of Mexico reporting segment (previously identified as the Atlantic-Gulf reporting segment). As a result, beginning with the reporting of first quarter 2020, our operations are presented within the following reportable segments: Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, and West, consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. All remaining business activities as well as corporate activities are included in Other. All segment disclosures have been recast for this segment change.

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipelines, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco) and Northwest Pipeline LLC (Northwest Pipeline), as well as natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, including a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One LLC (Gulfstar One) (a consolidated variable interest entity, or VIE), which is a proprietary floating production system, as well as a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream), a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery Producer Services LLC (Discovery), and, at

December 31, 2019, a 41 percent equity-method investment in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution) (see Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities).

Northeast G&P is comprised of our midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania and New York, and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio, as well as a 66 percent interest in Cardinal Gas Services, L.L.C. (Cardinal) (a consolidated VIE) which operates in Ohio, a 69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC (Laurel Mountain), a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman Energy II, LLC (Caiman II), and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns equity-method investments with an approximate average 66 percent interest in multiple gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments). Northeast G&P includes a 65 percent interest in Ohio Valley Midstream LLC (Northeast JV) (a consolidated VIE) which operates in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Northeast JV includes our Ohio Valley assets and Utica East Ohio Midstream LLC (UEOM), a former equity-method investment in which we acquired the remaining ownership interest in March 2019 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures).

West is comprised of our gas gathering, processing, and treating operations in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming, the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, Delaware, and Permian basins. This segment also includes our natural gas liquid (NGL) and natural gas marketing business, storage facilities, an undivided 50 percent interest in an NGL fractionator near Conway, Kansas, a 50 percent equity-method investment in Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC (OPPL), a 50 percent equity-method investment in Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC (RMM), and a 15 percent equity-method investment in Brazos Permian II, LLC (Brazos Permian II). West also included our former natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado, which were sold during the fourth quarter of 2018 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures), our former 50 percent interest in Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C. (Jackalope) (an equity-method investment following deconsolidation as of June 30, 2018), which was sold in April 2019, and our previously owned 50 percent equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system (DBJV) (see Note 6 – Investing Activities).

Other includes minor business activities that are not operating segments, as well as corporate operations. Other also includes our previously owned operations, including an 88.5 percent undivided interest in an olefins production facility in Geismar, Louisiana (Geismar Interest), which was sold in July 2017 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures), and a refinery grade propylene splitter in the Gulf region, which was sold in June 2017.

Basis of Presentation

Discontinued operations

Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relates to our continuing operations.

Significant risks and uncertainties

We believe that the carrying value of certain of our property, plant, and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets, notably certain acquired assets accounted for as business combinations between 2012 and 2014, may be in excess of current fair value. However, the carrying value of these assets, in our judgment, continues to be recoverable based on our evaluation of undiscounted future cash flows. It is reasonably possible that future strategic decisions, including transactions such as monetizing non-core assets or contributing assets to new ventures with third parties, as well as unfavorable changes in expected producer activities could impact our assumptions and ultimately result in impairments of these assets. Such transactions or developments may also indicate that certain of our equity-method investments have experienced other-than-temporary declines in value, which could result in impairment, or that the fair value of the reporting unit for our goodwill is less than its carrying amount, which would result in impairment.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all entities that we control and our proportionate interest in the accounts of certain ventures in which we own an undivided interest. Our judgment is required to evaluate whether we control an entity. Key areas of that evaluation include:

• Determining whether an entity is a VIE;

• Determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, including evaluating which activities of the VIE most significantly impact its economic performance and the degree of power that we and our related parties have over those activities through our variable interests;

• Identifying events that require reconsideration of whether an entity is a VIE and continuously evaluating whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary;

• Evaluating whether other owners in entities that are not VIEs are able to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of business such that we do not have the power to control such entities.

We apply the equity method of accounting to investments over which we exercise significant influence but do not control. Distributions received from equity-method investees are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows according to the nature of the distributions approach, which classifies distributions received from equity-method investees as either returns on investment (cash inflows from operating activities) or returns of investment (cash inflows from investing activities) based on the nature of the activities of the equity-method investee that generated the distribution.

Equity-method investment basis differences

Differences between the cost of our equity-method investments and our underlying equity in the net assets of investees are accounted for as if the investees were consolidated subsidiaries. Equity earnings (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes our allocable share of net income (loss) of investees adjusted for any depreciation and amortization, as applicable, associated with basis differences.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates and assumptions include:

• Impairment assessments of investments, property, plant, and equipment, goodwill, and other identifiable intangible assets;

• Litigation-related contingencies;

• Environmental remediation obligations;

• Depreciation and/or amortization of long-lived assets;

• Depreciation and/or amortization of equity-method investment basis differences;

• Asset retirement obligations (AROs);

• Pension and postretirement valuation variables;

• Measurement of regulatory liabilities;

• Measurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, including assumptions related to the realization of deferred income tax assets;

• Revenue recognition, including estimates utilized in recognition of deferred revenue;

• Purchase price accounting.

These estimates are discussed further throughout these notes.

Regulatory accounting

Transco and Northwest Pipeline are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Their rates, which are established by the FERC, are designed to recover the costs of providing the regulated services, and their competitive environment makes it probable that such rates can be charged and collected. Therefore, we have determined that it is appropriate under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 980, “Regulated Operations,” (ASC 980) to account for and report regulatory assets and liabilities related to these operations consistent with the economic effect of the way in which their rates are established. Accounting for these operations that are regulated can differ from the accounting requirements for nonregulated operations. For example, for regulated operations, allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated cost of debt and equity funds applicable to utility plant in the process of construction and is capitalized as a cost of property, plant, and equipment because it constitutes an actual cost of construction under established regulatory practices; nonregulated operations are only allowed to capitalize the cost of debt funds related to construction activities, while a component for equity is prohibited. The components of our regulatory assets and liabilities relate to the effects of deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction, asset retirement obligations, fuel cost differentials, levelized incremental depreciation, negative salvage, pension and other postretirement benefits, and rate allowances for deferred income taxes at a historically higher federal income tax rate.

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform) was enacted, which, among other things, reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent (see Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes). In accordance with ASC 980-740-25-2, Transco and Northwest Pipeline have recognized regulatory liabilities to reflect the probable return to customers through future rates of the future decrease in income taxes payable associated with Tax Reform. These liabilities represent an obligation to return amounts directly to our customers. While a majority of our customers have entered into tariff rates based on our cost-of-service proceedings and related rate base therein, certain other contracts with customers reflect contractually-based rates that are designed to recover the cost of providing those services, including an allowance for income taxes, with no expected future rate adjustment for the term of those contracts. This relative mix of contracts for services was considered in determining the probable amount to be returned to customers through future rates. The regulatory liabilities were recorded in December 2017 through regulatory charges to operating income totaling $674 million. Adjustments recorded in 2018 decreased this amount by $17 million. For Transco, the timing and actual amount of the return to the customers is stated in its formal stipulation and agreement that has been filed, subject to FERC approval (See Note 19 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments).

Certain of our equity-method investees recorded similar regulatory liabilities, for which our Equity earnings (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2017 were reduced by $11 million related to our proportionate share of the associated regulatory charges.

Our regulatory assets associated with the effects of deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction were also impacted by Tax Reform and were reduced by $102 million in December 2017 through a charge to Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses). This amount, along with the previously described charges for establishing the regulatory liabilities resulting from Tax Reform, is reported within Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Our current and noncurrent regulatory asset and liability balances for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Current assets reported within Other current assets and deferred charges	$	72	$	103
Noncurrent assets reported within Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	466		495
Total regulated assets	$	538	$	598
Current liabilities reported within Accrued liabilities	$	60	$	5
Noncurrent liabilities reported within Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	1,277		1,321
Total regulated liabilities	$	1,337	$	1,326

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are carried on a gross basis, with no discounting, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing economic conditions, the financial condition of our customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. We do not offer extended payment terms and typically receive payment within one month. We consider receivables past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Interest income related to past due accounts receivable is generally recognized at the time full payment is received or collectability is assured. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted.

Inventories

Inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheet primarily consist of NGLs, natural gas in underground storage, and materials and supplies and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories is primarily determined using the average-cost method.

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is initially recorded at cost. We base the carrying value of these assets on estimates, assumptions, and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives, and salvage values.

As regulated entities, Northwest Pipeline and Transco provide for depreciation using the straight-line method at FERC-prescribed rates. Depreciation for nonregulated entities is provided primarily on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives, except for certain offshore facilities that apply an accelerated depreciation method.

Gains or losses from the ordinary sale or retirement of property, plant, and equipment for regulated pipelines are credited or charged to accumulated depreciation. Other gains or losses are recorded in Other (income) expense – net included in Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are generally expensed as incurred. Costs of major renewals and replacements are capitalized as property, plant, and equipment.

We record a liability and increase the basis in the underlying asset for the present value of each expected future ARO at the time the liability is initially incurred, typically when the asset is acquired or constructed. As regulated entities, Northwest Pipeline and Transco offset the depreciation of the underlying asset that is attributable to capitalized ARO cost to a regulatory asset as we expect to recover these amounts in future rates. We measure changes in the liability due to passage of time by applying an interest rate to the liability balance. This amount is recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability and as a corresponding accretion expense included in Operating and maintenance expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, except for regulated entities, for which the liability is offset by a regulatory asset. The regulatory asset is amortized commensurate with our collection of those costs in rates.

Measurements of AROs include, as a component of future expected costs, an estimate of the price that a third party would demand, and could expect to receive, for bearing the uncertainties inherent in the obligations, sometimes referred to as a market-risk premium.

Goodwill

Goodwill included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet represents the excess of the consideration, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest or any previously held equity interest, over the fair value of the net assets acquired. It is not subject to amortization but is evaluated annually as of October 1 for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As part of the evaluation, we compare our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference (not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill). Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our management’s estimates of fair value.

Other intangible assets

Our identifiable intangible assets included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are primarily related to gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contractual customer relationships. Our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which these assets contribute to our cash flows. We evaluate these assets for changes in the expected remaining useful lives and would reflect any changes prospectively through amortization over the revised remaining useful life.

Impairment of property, plant, and equipment, other identifiable intangible assets, and investments

We evaluate our property, plant, and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When an indicator of impairment has occurred, we compare our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets to the carrying value of the assets to determine whether an impairment has occurred and we may apply a probability-weighted approach to consider the likelihood of different cash flow assumptions and possible outcomes including selling in the near term or holding for the remaining estimated useful life. If an impairment of the carrying value has occurred, we determine the amount of the impairment recognized in the financial statements by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.

For assets identified to be disposed of in the future and considered held for sale, we compare the carrying value to the estimated fair value less the cost to sell to determine if recognition of an impairment is required. Until the assets

are disposed of, the estimated fair value, which includes estimated cash flows from operations until the assumed date of sale, is recalculated when related events or circumstances change.

We evaluate our investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as an impairment charge.

Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows and an asset’s or investment’s fair value. Additionally, judgment is used to determine the probability of sale with respect to assets considered for disposal.

Contingent liabilities

We record liabilities for estimated loss contingencies, including environmental matters, when we assess that a loss is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These liabilities are calculated based upon our assumptions and estimates with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss and upon advice of legal counsel, engineers, or other third parties regarding the probable outcomes of the matters. These calculations are made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties. We recognize insurance recoveries or reimbursements from others when realizable. Revisions to these liabilities are generally reflected in income when new or different facts or information become known or circumstances change that affect the previous assumptions or estimates.

Cash flows from revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program

Proceeds and payments related to borrowings under our credit facilities are reflected in the financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis. Proceeds and payments related to borrowings under our commercial paper program are reflected in the financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on a net basis, as the outstanding notes generally have maturity dates less than three months from the date of issuance. (See Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements.)

Treasury stock

Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as Treasury stock, at cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains and losses on the subsequent reissuance of shares are credited or charged to Capital in excess of par value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet using the average-cost method.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

We may utilize derivatives to manage a portion of our commodity price risk. These instruments consist primarily of swaps, futures, and forward contracts involving short- and long-term purchases and sales of energy commodities. We report the fair value of derivatives, except those for which the normal purchases and normal sales exception has been elected, in Other current assets and deferred charges; Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other; Accrued liabilities; or Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We determine the current and noncurrent classification based on the timing of expected future cash flows of individual trades. We report these amounts on a gross basis. Additionally, we report cash collateral receivables and payables with our counterparties on a gross basis. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.)

The accounting for the changes in fair value of a commodity derivative can be summarized as follows:

Derivative Treatment	Accounting Method
Normal purchases and normal sales exception	Accrual accounting
Designated in a qualifying hedging relationship	Hedge accounting
All other derivatives	Mark-to-market accounting

We may elect the normal purchases and normal sales exception for certain short- and long-term purchases and sales of physical energy commodities. Under accrual accounting, any change in the fair value of these derivatives is not reflected on the balance sheet after the initial election of the exception.

We may also designate a hedging relationship for certain commodity derivatives. For a derivative to qualify for designation in a hedging relationship, it must meet specific criteria and we must maintain appropriate documentation. We establish hedging relationships pursuant to our risk management policies. We evaluate the hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the underlying risk being hedged. We also regularly assess whether the hedged forecasted transaction is probable of occurring. If a derivative ceases to be or is no longer expected to be highly effective, or if we believe the likelihood of occurrence of the hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and future changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized currently in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

For commodity derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative is reported in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reclassified into earnings in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. Gains or losses deferred in AOCI associated with terminated derivatives, derivatives that cease to be highly effective hedges, derivatives for which the forecasted transaction is reasonably possible but no longer probable of occurring, and cash flow hedges that have been otherwise discontinued remain in AOCI until the hedged item affects earnings. If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction designated as the hedged item in a cash flow hedge will not occur, any gain or loss deferred in AOCI is recognized in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations at that time. The change in likelihood of a forecasted transaction is a judgmental decision that includes qualitative assessments made by us.

For commodity derivatives that are not designated in a hedging relationship, and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception, we report changes in fair value currently in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Certain gains and losses on derivative instruments included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations are netted together to a single net gain or loss, while other gains and losses are reported on a gross basis. Gains and losses recorded on a net basis include unrealized gains and losses on all derivatives that are not designated as hedges and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception.

Realized gains and losses on derivatives that require physical delivery, as well as natural gas derivatives for NGL processing activities and which are not held for trading purposes nor were entered into as a pre-contemplated buy/sell arrangement, are recorded on a gross basis.

Revenue recognition (subsequent to the adoption of ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018)

Customers in our gas pipeline businesses are comprised of public utilities, municipalities, gas marketers and producers, intrastate pipelines, direct industrial users, and electrical generators. Customers in our midstream businesses are comprised of oil and natural gas producer counterparties. Customers for our product sales are comprised of public utilities, gas marketers, and direct industrial users.

Service revenue contracts from our gas pipeline and midstream businesses contain a series of distinct services, with the majority of our contracts having a single performance obligation that is satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Most of our product sales contracts have a single performance obligation with revenue recognized at a point in time when the products have been sold and delivered to the customer.

Certain customers reimburse us for costs we incur associated with construction of property, plant, and equipment utilized in our operations. For our rate-regulated gas pipeline businesses that apply ASC 980, we follow FERC guidelines with respect to reimbursement of construction costs. FERC tariffs only allow for cost reimbursement and are non-negotiable in nature; thus, in our judgment, the construction activities do not represent an ongoing major and central operation of our gas pipeline businesses and are not within the scope of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606). Accordingly, cost reimbursements are treated as a reduction to the cost of the constructed asset. For our midstream businesses, reimbursement and service contracts with customers are viewed together as providing the same commercial objective, as we have the ability to negotiate the mix of consideration between reimbursements and amounts billed over time. Accordingly, we generally recognize reimbursements of construction costs from customers on a gross basis as a contract liability separate from the associated costs included within property, plant, and equipment. The contract liability is recognized into service revenues as the underlying performance obligations are satisfied.

Service Revenues

Gas pipeline businesses: Revenues from our regulated interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, which are subject to regulation by certain state and federal authorities, including the FERC, include both firm and interruptible transportation and storage contracts. Firm transportation and storage agreements provide for a fixed reservation charge based on the pipeline or storage capacity reserved, and a commodity charge based on the volume of natural gas delivered/stored, each at rates specified in our FERC tariffs or based on negotiated contractual rates, with contract terms that are generally long-term in nature. Most of our long-term contracts contain an evergreen provision, which allows the contracts to be extended for periods primarily up to one year in length an indefinite number of times following the specified contract term and until terminated generally by either us or the customer. Interruptible transportation and storage agreements provide for a volumetric charge based on actual commodity transportation or storage utilized in the period in which those services are provided, and the contracts are generally limited to one-month periods or less. Our performance obligations related to our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses include the following:

• Firm transportation or storage under firm transportation and storage contracts—an integrated package of services typically constituting a single performance obligation, which includes standing ready to provide such services and receiving, transporting or storing (as applicable), and redelivering commodities;

• Interruptible transportation and storage under interruptible transportation and storage contracts—an integrated package of services typically constituting a single performance obligation once scheduled, which includes receiving, transporting or storing (as applicable), and redelivering commodities.

In situations where, in our judgment, we consider the integrated package of services as a single performance obligation, which represents a majority of our interstate natural gas pipeline contracts with customers, we do not consider there to be multiple performance obligations because the nature of the overall promise in the contract is to stand ready (with regard to firm transportation and storage contracts), receive, transport or store, and redeliver natural gas to the customer; therefore, revenue is recognized over time upon satisfaction of our daily stand ready performance obligation.

We recognize revenues for reservation charges over the performance obligation period, which is the contract term, regardless of the volume of natural gas that is transported or stored. Revenues for commodity charges from both firm and interruptible transportation services and storage services are recognized when natural gas is delivered at the agreed upon delivery point or when natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the storage facility because they specifically relate to our efforts to provide these distinct services. Generally, reservation charges and

commodity charges in our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses are recognized as revenue in the same period they are invoiced to our customers. As a result of the ratemaking process, certain amounts collected by us may be subject to refund upon the issuance of final orders by the FERC in pending rate proceedings. We use judgment to record estimates of rate refund liabilities considering our and other third-party regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel, and other risks.

Midstream businesses: Revenues from our non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage midstream businesses include contracts for natural gas gathering, processing, treating, compression, transportation, and other related services with contract terms that are generally long-term in nature and may extend up to the production life of the associated reservoir. Additionally, our midstream businesses generate revenues from fees charged for storing customers’ natural gas and NGLs, generally under prepaid contracted storage capacity contracts. In situations where, in our judgment, we provide an integrated package of services combined into a single performance obligation, which represents a majority of this class of contracts with customers, we do not consider there to be multiple performance obligations because the nature of the overall promise in the contract is to provide gathering, processing, transportation, storage, and related services resulting in the delivery, or redelivery in the context of storage services, of pipeline-quality natural gas and NGLs to the customer. As such, revenue is recognized at the daily completion of the integrated package of services as the integrated package represents a single performance obligation. Additionally, certain contracts in our midstream businesses contain fixed or upfront payment terms that result in the deferral of revenues until such services have been performed or such capacity has been made available.

We also earn revenues from offshore crude oil and natural gas gathering and transportation and offshore production handling. These services represent an integrated package of services and are considered a single distinct performance obligation for which we recognize revenues as the services are provided to the customer.

We generally earn a contractually stated fee per unit for the volume of product transported, gathered, processed, or stored. The rate is generally fixed; however, certain contracts contain variable rates that are subject to change based on commodity prices, levels of throughput, or an annual adjustment based on a formulaic cost of service calculation. In addition, we have contracts with contractually stated fees that decline over the contract term, such as declines based on the passage of time periods or achievement of cumulative throughput amounts. For all of our contracts, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the judgmentally determined relative standalone selling price. The excess of consideration received over revenue recognized results in the deferral of those amounts until future periods based on a units of production or straight-line methodology as these methods appropriately match the consumption of services provided to the customer. The units of production methodology requires the use of production estimates that are uncertain and the use of judgment when developing estimates of future production volumes, thus impacting the rate of revenue recognition. Production estimates are monitored as circumstances and events warrant. Certain of our gas gathering and processing agreements have minimum volume commitments (MVC). If a customer under such an agreement fails to meet its MVC for a specified period (thus not exercising all the contractual rights to gathering and processing services within the specified period, herein referred to as “breakage”), it is obligated to pay a contractually determined fee based upon the shortfall between the actual gathered or processed volumes and the MVC for the period contained in the contract. When we conclude, based on management’s judgment, it is probable that the customer will not exercise all or a portion of its remaining rights, we recognize revenue associated with such breakage amount in proportion to the pattern of exercised rights within the respective MVC period.

Under keep-whole and percent-of-liquids processing contracts, we receive commodity consideration in the form of NGLs and take title to the NGLs at the tailgate of the plant. We recognize such commodity consideration as service revenue based on the market value of the NGLs retained at the time the processing is provided. The current market value, as opposed to the market value at the contract inception date, is used due to a combination of factors, including the fact that the volume, mix, and market price of NGL consideration to be received is unknown at the time of contract execution and is not specified in our contracts with customers. Additionally, product sales revenue (discussed below) is recognized upon the sale of the NGLs to a third party based on the sales price at the time of sale. As a result, revenue is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations both at the time the

processing service is provided in Service revenues – commodity consideration and at the time the NGLs retained as part of the processing service are sold in Product sales. The recognition of revenue related to commodity consideration has the impact of increasing the book value of NGL inventory, resulting in higher cost of goods sold at the time of sale. Given that most inventory is sold in the same period that it is generated, the impact of these transactions is expected to have little impact to operating income.

Product Sales

In the course of providing transportation services to customers of our gas pipeline businesses and gathering and processing services to customers of our midstream businesses, we may receive different quantities of natural gas from customers than the quantities delivered on behalf of those customers. The resulting imbalances are primarily settled through the purchase or sale of natural gas with each customer under terms provided for in our FERC tariffs or gathering and processing agreements, respectively. Revenue is recognized from the sale of natural gas upon settlement of imbalances.

In certain instances, we purchase NGLs, crude oil, and natural gas from our oil and natural gas producer customers. In addition, we retain NGLs as consideration in certain processing arrangements, as discussed above in the Service Revenues - Midstream businesses section. We recognize revenue from the sale of these commodities when the products have been sold and delivered. Our product sales contracts are primarily short-term contracts based on prevailing market rates at the time of the transaction.

Contract Assets

Our contract assets primarily consist of revenue recognized under contracts containing MVC features whereby management has concluded it is probable there will be a short-fall payment at the end of the current MVC period, which typically follows the calendar year, and that a significant reversal of revenue recognized currently for the future MVC payment will not occur. As a result, our contract assets related to our future MVC payments are generally expected to be collected within the next 12 months and are included within Other current assets and deferred charges in our Consolidated Balance Sheet until such time as the MVC short-fall payments are invoiced to the customer.

Contract Liabilities

Our contract liabilities consist of advance payments primarily from midstream business customers which include construction reimbursements, prepayments, and other billings for which future services are to be provided under the contract. These amounts are deferred until recognized in revenue when the associated performance obligation has been satisfied, which is primarily based on a units of production methodology over the remaining contractual service periods, and are classified as current or noncurrent according to when such amounts are expected to be recognized. Current and noncurrent contract liabilities are included within Accrued liabilities and Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other, respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Contracts requiring advance payments and the recognition of contract liabilities are evaluated to determine whether the advance payments provide us with a significant financing benefit. This determination is based on the combined effect of the expected length of time between when we transfer the promised good or service to the customer, when the customer pays for those goods or services, and the prevailing interest rates. We have assessed our contracts for significant financing components and determined, in our judgment, that one group of contracts entered into in contemplation of one another for certain capital reimbursements contains a significant financing component. As a result, we recognize noncash interest expense based on the effective interest method and revenue (noncash) is recognized when the underlying asset is placed into service utilizing a units of production or straight-line methodology over the life of the corresponding customer contract.

Revenue recognition (prior to the adoption of ASC 606)

Revenues

As a result of the ratemaking process, certain revenues collected by us may be subject to refunds upon the issuance of final orders by the FERC in pending rate proceedings. We record estimates of rate refund liabilities considering our and other third-party regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel, and other risks.

Service revenues

Revenues from our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses include services pursuant to long-term firm transportation and storage agreements. These agreements provide for a reservation charge based on the volume of contracted capacity and a commodity charge based on the volume of gas delivered, both at rates specified in our FERC tariffs. We recognize revenues for reservation charges ratably over the contract period regardless of the volume of natural gas that is transported or stored. Revenues for commodity charges, from both firm and interruptible transportation services and storage injection and withdrawal services, are recognized when natural gas is delivered at the agreed upon delivery point or when natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the storage facility.

Certain revenues from our midstream operations include those derived from natural gas gathering, processing, treating, and compression services and are performed under volumetric-based fee contracts. These revenues are recorded when services have been performed.

Certain of our gas gathering and processing agreements have MVCs. If a customer under such an agreement fails to meet its MVC for a specified period, generally measured on an annual basis, it is obligated to pay a contractually determined fee based upon the shortfall between actual production volumes and the MVC for that period. The revenue associated with MVCs is recognized in the period that the actual shortfall is determined and is no longer subject to future reduction or offset, which is generally at the end of the annual period or fourth quarter.

Crude oil gathering and transportation revenues and offshore production handling fees are recognized when the services have been performed. Certain offshore production handling contracts contain fixed payment terms that result in the deferral of revenues until such services have been performed or such capacity has been made available.

Storage revenues from our midstream operations associated with prepaid contracted storage capacity contracts are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract as services are provided.

Product sales

In the course of providing transportation services to customers of our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, we may receive different quantities of gas from shippers than the quantities delivered on behalf of those shippers. The resulting imbalances are primarily settled through the purchase and sale of gas with our customers under terms provided for in our FERC tariffs. Revenue is recognized from the sale of gas upon settlement of the transportation and exchange imbalances.

We market NGLs, crude oil, and natural gas that we purchase from our producer customers as part of the overall service provided to producers. Revenues from marketing activities are recognized when the products have been sold and delivered.

Under our keep-whole and percent-of-liquids processing contracts, we retain the rights to all or a portion of the NGLs extracted from the producers’ natural gas stream and recognize revenues when the extracted NGLs are sold and delivered.

Our former domestic olefins business produced olefins from purchased or produced feedstock and we recognized revenues when the olefins were sold and delivered.

Leases (subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019)

We recognize a lease liability with an offsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet for operating leases based on the present value of the future lease payments. We have elected to combine lease and nonlease components for all classes of leased assets in our calculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.

Our lease agreements require both fixed and variable periodic payments, with initial terms typically ranging from one year to 15 years, but a certain land lease has a term of 108 years. Payment provisions in certain of our lease agreements contain escalation factors which may be based on stated rates or a change in a published index at a future time. The amount by which a lease escalates based on the change in a published index, which is not known at lease commencement, is considered a variable payment and is not included in the present value of the future lease payments, which only includes those that are stated or can be calculated based on the lease agreement at lease commencement. In addition to the noncancellable periods, many of our lease agreements provide for one or more extensions of the lease agreement for periods ranging from one year in length to an indefinite number of times following the specified contract term. Other lease agreements provide for extension terms that allow us to utilize the identified leased asset for an indefinite period of time so long as the asset continues to be utilized in our operations. In consideration of these renewal features, we assess the term of the lease agreements, which includes using judgment in the determination of which renewal periods and termination provisions, when at our sole election, will be reasonably certain of being exercised. Periods after the initial term or extension terms that allow for either party to the lease to cancel the lease are not considered in the assessment of the lease term. Additionally, we have elected to exclude leases with an original term of one year or less, including renewal periods, from the calculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.

We use judgment in determining the discount rate upon which the present value of the future lease payments is determined. This rate is based on a collateralized interest rate corresponding to the term of the lease agreement using company, industry, and market information available.

When permitted under our lease agreements, we may sublease certain unused office space for fixed periods that could extend up to the length of the original lease agreement.

Interest capitalized

We capitalize interest during construction on major projects with construction periods of at least 3 months and a total project cost in excess of $1 million. Interest is capitalized on borrowed funds and, where regulation by the FERC exists, on internally generated funds (equity AFUDC). The latter is included in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The rates used by regulated companies are calculated in accordance with FERC rules. Rates used by nonregulated companies are based on our average interest rate on debt.

Employee stock-based awards

We recognize compensation expense on employee stock-based awards on a straight-line basis; forfeitures are recognized when they occur. (See Note 17 – Equity-Based Compensation.)

Pension and other postretirement benefits

The funded status of each of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as either an asset or liability. The funded status is the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the plan’s benefit obligation. The plans’ benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs (credits) are actuarially determined and impacted by various assumptions and estimates. (See Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans.)

The discount rates are determined separately for each of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on an approach specific to our plans. The year-end discount rates are determined considering a yield curve comprised of high-quality corporate bonds and the timing of the expected benefit cash flows of each plan.

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets are determined by combining a review of the historical returns within the portfolio, the investment strategy included in the plans’ investment policy statement, and capital market projections for the asset classes in which the portfolio is invested, as well as the weighting of each asset class.

Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior service costs and credits are deferred and recorded in AOCI or, for Transco and Northwest Pipeline, as a regulatory asset or liability, until amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (credit). Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized over the participants’ average remaining future years of service, which is approximately 13 years for our pension plans and approximately 7 years for our other postretirement benefit plan.

The expected return on plan assets component of net periodic benefit cost (credit) is calculated using the market-related value of plan assets. For our pension plans, the market-related value of plan assets is equal to the fair value of plan assets adjusted to reflect the amortization of gains or losses associated with the difference between the expected and actual return on plan assets over a 5-year period. Additionally, the market-related value of assets may be no more than 110 percent or less than 90 percent of the fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The market-related value of plan assets for our other postretirement benefit plan is equal to the unadjusted fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year.

Income taxes

We include the operations of our domestic corporate subsidiaries and income from our subsidiary partnerships in our consolidated federal income tax return and also file tax returns in various foreign and state jurisdictions as required. Deferred income taxes are computed using the liability method and are provided on all temporary differences between the financial basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Our judgment and income tax assumptions are used to determine the levels, if any, of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets.

Earnings (loss) per common share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share in the Consolidated Statement of Operations is based on the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and vested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes any dilutive effect of stock options, nonvested restricted stock units, and convertible debt, unless otherwise noted. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share are calculated using the treasury-stock method.

Accounting standards issued and adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. ASU 2016-02 modifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to prior lease accounting, and causes lessees to recognize operating leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability measured as the present value of the future lease payments with a corresponding right-of-use asset, with an exception for leases with a term of one year or less. Additional disclosures are required regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01 “Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” (ASU 2018-01). Per ASU 2018-01, land easements and rights-of-way are required to be assessed under ASU 2016-02 to determine whether the arrangements are or contain a lease. ASU 2018-01 permits an entity to elect a transition practical expedient to not apply ASU 2016-02 to land easements that exist or expired before the effective date of ASU 2016-02 and that were not previously assessed under the previous lease guidance in ASC Topic 840 “Leases.”

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements” (ASU 2018-11). Prior to ASU 2018-11, a modified retrospective transition was required for financing or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. ASU 2018-11 allows entities an additional transition method to the existing requirements whereby an entity could adopt the provisions of

ASU 2016-02 by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption without adjustment to the financial statements for periods prior to adoption. ASU 2018-11 also allows a practical expedient that permits lessors to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component if certain conditions are present. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We prospectively adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, and did not adjust prior periods as permitted by ASU 2018-11 (see Note 11 – Leases).

We completed our review of contracts to identify leases based on the modified definition of a lease and implemented changes to our internal controls to support management in the accounting for and disclosure of leasing activities upon adoption of ASU 2016-02. We implemented a financial lease accounting system to assist management in the accounting for leases upon adoption. The most significant changes to our financial statements as a result of adopting ASU 2016-02 relate to the recognition of a $225 million lease liability and offsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet for operating leases. We also evaluated ASU 2016-02’s available practical expedients on adoption and have generally elected to adopt the practical expedients, which includes the practical expedient to not separate lease and nonlease components by both lessees and lessors by class of underlying assets and the land easements practical expedient.

Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The guidance also requires increased disclosures. ASU 2016-13 is effective for us for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are adopting ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020. We anticipate that ASU 2016-13 will primarily apply to our trade receivables. While we do not expect a significant financial impact, we have analyzed our historical credit loss experience, and considered current conditions and reasonable forecasts, in developing our expected credit loss rate, and continue to develop and implement processes, procedures, and internal controls in order to make the necessary credit loss assessments and required disclosures upon adoption.

XML

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions [Text Block]

Note 5 – Related Party Transactions

Transactions with Equity-Method Investees

We have purchases from our equity-method investees included in Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of $304 million, $236 million, and $226 million for the years ended 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. We have $36 million and $18 million included in Accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with our equity-method investees at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We have operating agreements with certain equity-method investees. These operating agreements typically provide for reimbursement or payment to us for certain direct operational payroll and employee benefit costs, materials, supplies, and other charges and also for management services. The total charges to equity-method investees for these fees are $103 million, $75 million, and $67 million for the years ended 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations [Text Block]

Note 9 – Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Dollars in millions, except per-share amounts; shares in thousands)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	862	$	(156	)	$	2,174
Basic weighted-average shares	1,212,037		973,626			826,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Nonvested restricted stock units	1,811		—			1,704
Stock options	163		—			637
Diluted weighted-average shares (1)	1,214,011		973,626			828,518
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	.71	$	(.16	)	$	2.63
Diluted	$	.71	$	(.16	)	$	2.62

________________

(1)

For the year ended December 31, 2018, 2.0 million weighted-average nonvested restricted stock units and 0.5 million weighted-average stock options have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share as their inclusion would be antidilutive due to our loss from continuing operations attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.

XML

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Variable Interest Entity Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]

The following table presents amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are only for the use or obligation of our consolidated VIEs:

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Cash and cash equivalents	$	102		$	33
Trade accounts and other receivables – net	167			62
Other current assets and deferred charges	5			2
Property, plant, and equipment – net	5,745			2,363
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization	2,669			1,177
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	13			—
Accounts payable	(58		)	(15		)
Accrued liabilities	(66		)	(115		)
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	(283		)	(264		)

XML

General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

Our current and noncurrent regulatory asset and liability balances for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Current assets reported within Other current assets and deferred charges	$	72	$	103
Noncurrent assets reported within Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	466		495
Total regulated assets	$	538	$	598
Current liabilities reported within Accrued liabilities	$	60	$	5
Noncurrent liabilities reported within Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	1,277		1,321
Total regulated liabilities	$	1,337	$	1,326

XML

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts
Beginning Balance	$ 320	$ 224	$ 334
Additions Charged (Credited) To Cost and Expenses	(1)	96	(110)
Additions Other	0	0	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 319	$ 320	$ 224

XML

General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions					1 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 10, 2018	Feb. 10, 2017	Feb. 01, 2017	Jan. 09, 2017	Jun. 30, 2019	Feb. 03, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			9,750				65,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues										$ 141	$ (4)	$ (910)
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										50.00%
Discovery Producer Services LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										60.00%
Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										69.00%
Caiman Energy II [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										58.00%
Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										50.00%
Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										50.00%	50.00%			40.00%
Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										15.00%	15.00%
Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage					50.00%			50.00%			50.00%
Northeast JV [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent										$ (141)
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest					65.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Northeast JV [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage										65.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Constitution Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage										41.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage											50.00%
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										50.00%
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Discovery Producer Services LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										60.00%
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Constitution Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage										41.00%
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Gulfstar One [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage										51.00%
Northeast G And P [Member] | Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										69.00%
Northeast G And P [Member] | Caiman Energy II [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										58.00%
Northeast G And P [Member] | Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest										66.00%
Northeast G And P [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Cardinal Gas Services LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage										66.00%
Northeast G And P [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Northeast JV [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage										65.00%
West [Member] | Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										50.00%
West [Member] | Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										50.00%
West [Member] | Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										15.00%
West [Member] | Delaware Basin Gas Gathering System [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage															50.00%
West [Member] | Conway Fractionator [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest										50.00%
West [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage													50.00%
Corporate and Other [Member] | Geismar [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest									88.50%
Dividend Reinvestment Program [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction								$ 46				61
Financial Repositioning [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Sale Of Stock Number Of Shares Issued In Transaction				277		59,000	289,000
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests		$ 56		$ 10
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share						$ 36.08586
Financial Repositioning [Member] | Williams Partners L.P. [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Master limited partnership, general partner ownership percentage							2.00%
Common Stock [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues										$ 0	$ 0	0
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues										(426)	14	1,497
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] | Northeast JV [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues										(426)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues										0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues										567	$ (18)	$ (2,407)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Northeast JV [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues										$ 567
WPZ Merger Agreement [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	256,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	382,000
Other Assets, Noncurrent	$ 33
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	(1,829)
WPZ Merger Agreement [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	382
WPZ Merger Agreement [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	6,112
WPZ Merger Agreement [Member] | AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	(3)
WPZ Merger Agreement [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
General and Description Of Business [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ (4,629)

XML

Revenue Recognition Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Contract With Customer, Liability [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability - Beginning of Period	$ 1,397	$ 1,596
Contract with Customer, Liability, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Measure of Progress	157	314
ContractLiabilityNoncashInterestExpenseSignificantFinancingObligation	13	16
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	(352)	(451)
Contract with Customer, Liability - End of Period	1,215	1,397
Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
Contract With Customer, Liability [Line Items]
Contract With Customer Liability Increase Decrease For Contract Deconsolidated	0	(52)
Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member]
Contract With Customer, Liability [Line Items]
Contract With Customer Liability Increase Decrease For Contract Deconsolidated	$ 0	$ (26)

XML

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details ARO) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 1,117	$ 968
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,032	998
Liabilities incurred	15	21
Liabilities settled	(8)	(19)
Accretion expense	59	71
Revisions (1)	67	(39)
Ending balance	1,165	$ 1,032
Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member]
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Transco's annual funding commitment for ARO	$ 36

XML

Stockholders' Equity Table of Changes in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total, Beginning Balance	$ (270)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71	$ 30	$ 100
Total, Ending Balance	(199)	(270)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total, Beginning Balance	(2)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Total, Ending Balance	(2)	(2)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total, Beginning Balance	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Total, Ending Balance	(1)	(1)
Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total, Beginning Balance	(267)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	59
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	12
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71
Total, Ending Balance	(196)	(267)
Total AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total, Beginning Balance	(270)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	59
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	12
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71	32	$ 101
Total, Ending Balance	$ (199)	$ (270)

XML

Long-Term Debt Issuances and Retirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 15, 2020	Jul. 15, 2019	Jun. 15, 2018	Mar. 28, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 24, 2018	Mar. 15, 2018	Mar. 05, 2018
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 8.75 Percent Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 14
Long-term debt interest rate	8.75%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 7.625% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 32
Long-term debt interest rate		7.625%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4.85 Percent Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt interest rate					4.85%
Long-term debt					$ 800	$ 800
Williams Partners L.P. [Member] | 4.85 Percent Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt face amount									$ 800
Long-term debt interest rate									4.85%
Williams Partners L.P. [Member] | 4.875% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount				$ 750
Long-term debt interest rate				4.875%
Northwest Pipeline LLC [Member] | 4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt face amount							$ 250
Long-term debt interest rate					4.00%		4.00%
Long-term debt					$ 500	500
Northwest Pipeline LLC [Member] | 6.05% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			$ 250
Long-term debt interest rate			6.05%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 6.05% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			$ 250
Long-term debt interest rate			6.05%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt face amount								$ 400
Long-term debt interest rate					4.00%			4.00%
Long-term debt					$ 400	400
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 4.6% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt face amount								$ 600
Long-term debt interest rate					4.60%			4.60%
Long-term debt					$ 600	$ 600

XML

EBP Plan Assets (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of total stock portfolio invested in the common stock of any one corporation	5.00%
Maximum percentage of portfolio invested in fixed income securities of any one issuer with exception of bond index funds and U. S. government guaranteed and agency securities	5.00%
Fair value, plan assets, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers, amount	$ 0
Fair value, plan assets, Level 2 to Level 1 transfers, amount	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period	30 days
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period	1 day
Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average duration of fixed income security portfolio	14 years	13 years
Pension Benefits [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 1,299	$ 1,132	$ 1,227
Pension Benefits [Member] | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset target allocation	25.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset target allocation	75.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 119	219
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	11	10
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	41	52
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	62	157
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	5
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Insurance company investment contracts and other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	432	285
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	22	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	35	21
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	11	48
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	360	210
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	4
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Insurance company investment contracts and other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		6
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Insurance company investment contracts and other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		0
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	551	504
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	11	10
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	63	52
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	62	157
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	35	21
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	11	48
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	360	210
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	9
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Insurance company investment contracts and other
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		6
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - U.S. large cap
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	133	123
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - Global large and mid cap
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	100
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - International small cap
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		8
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - International emerging markets
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	26	19
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - International developed markets
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		51
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - fixed income - U.S. long and intermediate duration
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	380	335
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - fixed income - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 109	92
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Proportion of assets subjected to income tax	37.00%
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 247	214	$ 227
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	100	102
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	11	11
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	35	29
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	8	19
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Mutual fund - Municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	46	43
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	57	38
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	9	5
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	4	2
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	1	6
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	43	25
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Mutual fund - Municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Mutual fund - Municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	157	140
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Cash management fund
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	11	11
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Equity Securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	44	34
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	8	19
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	4	2
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	1	6
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Fixed income securities - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	43	25
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] | Mutual fund - Municipal bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	46	43
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - U.S. large cap
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	16	14
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - Global large and mid cap
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	12
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - International small cap
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		1
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - International emerging markets
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	3	2
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - equities - International developed markets
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value		6
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - fixed income - U.S. long and intermediate duration
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	46	40
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commingled investment funds - fixed income - Corporate bonds
Fair values of plan assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 13	$ 11

XML

EBPs Obligation Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 1,187	$ 1,319
Service cost	45	50	$ 50
Interest cost	50	46	59
Plan participants’ contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(111)	(35)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	69	(90)
Settlements	(3)	(103)
Net increase (decrease) in benefit obligation	50	(132)
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,237	1,187	1,319
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	186	206
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	8	7	8
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Benefits paid	(12)	(13)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	30	(17)
Settlements	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in benefit obligation	29	(20)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$ 215	$ 186	$ 206

XML

Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 18, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		30 years
Amortization of Intangible Assets		$ 324	$ 333	$ 347
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months		328
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two		328
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three		328
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four		328
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five		328
Contractual customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		9,560	9,232
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		$ (1,789)	$ (1,465)
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC Acquisition [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	20 years
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted-Average Period before Renewal or Extension	10 years

XML

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]

Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans

We have noncontributory defined benefit pension plans in which eligible employees participate. Currently, eligible employees earn benefits primarily based on a cash balance formula. At the time of retirement, participants may elect, to the extent they are eligible for the various options, to receive annuity payments, a lump-sum payment, or a combination of annuity and lump-sum payments. In addition to our pension plans, we currently provide subsidized retiree medical and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) to certain eligible participants. Generally, employees hired after December 31, 1991, are not eligible for the subsidized retiree medical benefits, except for participants that were employees or retirees of Transco Energy Company on December 31, 1995. Subsidized retiree medical benefits for

eligible participants age 65 and older are paid through contributions to health reimbursement accounts. Subsidized retiree medical benefits for eligible participants under age 65 are provided through a self-insured medical plan sponsored by us. The self-insured retiree medical plan provides for retiree contributions and contains other cost-sharing features such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. The accounting for this plan anticipates estimated future increases to our contribution levels to the health reimbursement accounts for participants age 65 and older, as well as future cost-sharing that is consistent with our expressed intent to increase the retiree contribution level generally in line with health care cost increases for participants under age 65.

In 2018, our defined benefit pension and our defined contribution plans were amended. Eligible employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2019, are not eligible to participate in the pension plan, but are eligible for an additional fixed annual contribution made by us to the defined contribution plan. Additionally, as of January 1, 2020, certain active eligible employees no longer receive future compensation credits under the defined benefit pension plan, but are eligible for an additional fixed annual contribution made by us to the defined contribution plan. Also as of January 1, 2020, certain active eligible employees continue to receive compensation credits under the defined benefit pension plans and these employees are not eligible to receive the fixed annual contribution under the defined contribution plan. As a result of this amendment, a curtailment gain and a prior service credit were recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These amounts were not significant and are reported in Net actuarial gain (loss) within the subsequent tables of changes in benefit obligations, amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes.

In 2017, we initiated a program to pay out certain deferred vested pension benefits to reduce investment risk, cash funding volatility, and administrative costs. In December 2017 and August 2018, lump-sum payments were made, and annuity payments commenced in relation to this program. As a result of these lump-sum payments, as well as lump-sum benefit payments made throughout 2017 and 2018, settlement accounting was required. We recognized pre-tax, noncash settlement charges of $23 million in 2018 and $71 million in 2017, which are substantially reported in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses). These amounts are included within the subsequent tables of net periodic benefit cost (credit) and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes.

Funded Status

The following table presents the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for pension benefits and other postretirement benefits for the years indicated:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Millions)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,187		$	1,319		$	186		$	206
Service cost	45			50			1			1
Interest cost	50			46			8			7
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—			2			2
Benefits paid	(111		)	(35		)	(12		)	(13		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	69			(90		)	30			(17		)
Settlements	(3		)	(103		)	—			—
Net increase (decrease) in benefit obligation	50			(132		)	29			(20		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,237			1,187			215			186
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,132			1,227			214			227
Actual return on plan assets	218			(45		)	38			(7		)
Employer contributions	63			88			5			5
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—			2			2
Benefits paid	(111		)	(35		)	(12		)	(13		)
Settlements	(3		)	(103		)	—			—
Net increase (decrease) in fair value of plan assets	167			(95		)	33			(13		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,299			1,132			247			214
Funded status — overfunded (underfunded)	$	62		$	(55	)	$	32		$	28
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,221		$	1,171

The overfunded (underfunded) status of our pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan presented in the previous table are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet within the following accounts:

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Overfunded (underfunded) pension plans:
Noncurrent assets	$	92		$	—
Current liabilities	(3		)	(2		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(27		)	(53		)
Overfunded (underfunded) other postretirement benefit plan:
Noncurrent assets	38			34
Current liabilities	(6		)	(6		)

The plan assets within our other postretirement benefit plan are intended to be used for the payment of benefits for certain groups of participants. The Current liabilities for the other postretirement benefit plan represent the current portion of benefits expected to be payable in the subsequent year for the groups of participants whose benefits are not expected to be paid from plan assets.

The pension plans’ benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $69 million in 2019 is primarily due to the impact of a decrease in the discount rates utilized to calculate the benefit obligation, partially offset by the impact of a decrease in the cash balance interest crediting rate assumption. The pension plans’ benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $(90) million in 2018 is primarily due to the impact of an increase in the discount rates utilized to calculate the benefit obligation.

The 2019 benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $30 million for our other postretirement benefit plan is primarily due a decrease in the discount rate used to calculate the benefit obligation and other assumption changes, partially offset by the impact of benefit payment experience and tax law changes. The 2018 benefit obligation Net actuarial loss (gain) of $(17) million for our other postretirement benefit plan is primarily due to an increase in the discount rate used to calculate the benefit obligation.

The following table summarizes information for pension plans with obligations in excess of plan assets.

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	29	$	1,187
Fair value of plan assets	—		1,132
Plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation	26		367
Fair value of plan assets	—		326

Pre-tax amounts not yet recognized in Net periodic benefit cost (credit) at December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Millions)
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial loss	$	(243	)	$	(347	)	$	(21	)	$	(12	)
Amounts included in regulatory liabilities associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline:
Net actuarial gain	N/A			N/A			$	11		$	4

In addition to the regulatory liabilities included in the previous table, differences in the amount of actuarially determined Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for our other postretirement benefit plan and the other postretirement benefit costs recovered in rates for Transco and Northwest Pipeline are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. We have regulatory liabilities of $106 million at December 31, 2019 and $116 million at December 31, 2018, related to these deferrals. Additionally, Transco recognizes a regulatory liability for rate collections in excess of its amount funded to the tax-qualified pension plans. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, these regulatory liabilities were $43 million and $49 million, respectively. These pension and other postretirement plans amounts will be reflected in rates based on the rate structures of these gas pipelines.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)

Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost	$	45		$	50		$	50		$	1		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	50			46			59			8			7			8
Expected return on plan assets	(61		)	(63		)	(82		)	(10		)	(11		)	(11		)
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			—			—			(2		)	(13		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15			23			27			—			—			—
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1			23			71			—			—			—
Reclassification to regulatory liability	—			—			—			1			2			3
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	50		$	79		$	125		$	—		$	(3	)	$	(12	)

The components of Net periodic benefit cost (credit) other than the service cost component are included in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Items Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	Pension Benefits							Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019		2018			2017		2019			2018		2017
	(Millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	88	$	(18	)	$	62	$	(9	)	$	9	$	(3	)
Amortization of prior service credit	—		—			—		—			—		(5		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15		23			27		—			—		—
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1		23			71		—			—		—
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	104	$	28		$	160	$	(9	)	$	9	$	(8	)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations for our other postretirement benefit plan associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline are recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities. Amounts recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory (assets) and liabilities:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	7	$	(10	)	$	6
Amortization of prior service credit	—		(2		)	(8		)

Key Assumptions

The weighted-average assumptions utilized to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Discount rate	3.19	%	4.34	%	3.27	%	4.39	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.68		4.83		N/A		N/A
Cash balance interest crediting rate	3.50		4.25		N/A		N/A

The weighted-average assumptions utilized to determine Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019		2018		2017		2019		2018		2017
Discount rate	4.33	%	3.67	%	4.17	%	4.39	%	3.71	%	4.27	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.26		5.34		6.45		5.01		4.95		5.53
Rate of compensation increase	4.83		4.93		4.87		N/A		N/A		N/A
Cash balance interest crediting rate	4.25		4.25		4.25		N/A		N/A		N/A

The mortality assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans reflect generational projection mortality tables.

The assumed health care cost trend rate for 2020 is 7.2 percent. This rate decreases to 4.5 percent by 2028.

Plan Assets

Plan assets for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans consist primarily of equity and fixed income securities including mutual funds and commingled investment funds invested in equity and fixed income securities. The plans’ investment policy provides for a strategy in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which governs the investment of the assets in a diversified portfolio. The plans follow a policy of diversifying the investments across various asset classes and investment managers. Additionally, the investment returns on approximately 37 percent of the other postretirement benefit plan assets are subject to income tax; therefore, certain investments are managed in a tax efficient manner.

The investment policy for the pension plans includes a general target asset allocation at December 31, 2019, of 25 percent equity securities and 75 percent fixed income securities. The target allocation includes the investments in equity and fixed income mutual funds and commingled investment funds.

Equity securities may include U.S. equities and non-U.S. equities. Investment in Williams’ securities or an entity in which Williams has a majority ownership is prohibited except where these securities may be owned in a commingled investment fund in which the plans’ trusts invest. No more than 5 percent of the total stock portfolio valued at market may be invested in the common stock of any one corporation.

Fixed income securities may consist of U.S. as well as international instruments, including emerging markets. The fixed income strategies may invest in government, corporate, asset-backed securities, and mortgage-backed obligations. The weighted-average credit rating of the fixed income strategies must be at least “investment grade” including ratings by Moody’s and/or Standard & Poor’s. No more than 5 percent of the total fixed income portfolio may be invested in the fixed income securities of any one issuer with the exception of bond index funds and U.S. government guaranteed and agency securities.

The following securities and transactions are not authorized: unregistered securities, commodities or commodity contracts, short sales or margin transactions, or other leveraging strategies. Additionally, real estate equity, natural resource property, venture capital, leveraged buyouts, and other high-return, high-risk investments are generally restricted. Use of derivative securities in mutual funds and commingled investment funds held by the plans’ trusts is allowed. However, direct investment in derivative securities requires approval. Currently, investment managers are approved to enter into U.S. Treasury futures contracts on behalf of the plans to implement and manage duration and yield curve strategy in the fixed income portfolio.

There are no significant concentrations of risk within the plans’ investment securities because of the diversity of the types of investments, diversity of the various industries, and the diversity of the fund managers and investment strategies. Generally, the investments held in the plans are publicly traded, therefore, minimizing liquidity risk in the portfolio.

The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 by asset class are as follows: 

	2019
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Pension assets:
Cash management fund	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	41		22		—		63
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	62		—		—		62
Governments and municipal bonds	—		35		—		35
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		11		—		11
Corporate bonds	—		360		—		360
Other	5		4		—		9
	$	119	$	432	$	—	551
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							133
Equities — Global large and mid cap							100
Equities — International emerging markets							26
Fixed income — U.S. long and intermediate duration							380
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							109
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2019							$	1,299

	2018
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Pension assets:
Cash management fund	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	10
Equity securities	52		—		—		52
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	157		—		—		157
Government and municipal bonds	—		21		—		21
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		48		—		48
Corporate bonds	—		210		—		210
Insurance company investment contracts and other	—		6		—		6
	$	219	$	285	$	—	504
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							123
Equities — International small cap							8
Equities — International emerging markets							19
Equities — International developed markets							51
Fixed income — U.S. long duration							335
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							92
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2018							$	1,132

The fair values of our other postretirement benefits plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 by asset class are as follows:

	2019
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Other postretirement benefit assets:
Cash management funds	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	35		9		—		44
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	8		—		—		8
Governments and municipal bonds	—		4		—		4
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		1		—		1
Corporate bonds	—		43		—		43
Mutual fund — Municipal bonds	46		—		—		46
	$	100	$	57	$	—	157
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							16
Equities — Global large and mid cap							12
Equities — International emerging markets							3
Fixed income — U.S. long and intermediate duration							46
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							13
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2019							$	247

	2018
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Other postretirement benefit assets:
Cash management funds	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	29		5		—		34
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	19		—		—		19
Government and municipal bonds	—		2		—		2
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		6		—		6
Corporate bonds	—		25		—		25
Mutual fund — Municipal bonds	43		—		—		43
	$	102	$	38	$	—	140
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							14
Equities — International small cap							1
Equities — International emerging markets							2
Equities — International developed markets							6
Fixed income — U.S. long duration							40
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							11
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2018							$	214

____________

(1) The weighted-average credit quality rating of the fixed income security portfolio is investment grade with a weighted-average duration of approximately 14 years for 2019 and 13 years for 2018.

(2) The stated intents of the funds vary based on each commingled fund’s investment objective. These objectives generally include strategies to replicate or outperform various market indices. Certain standard withdrawal restrictions generally apply, which may include redemption notification period restrictions ranging from 1 day to 30 days. Additionally, the fund managers retain the right to restrict withdrawals from and/or purchases into the funds so as not to disadvantage other investors in the funds. Generally, the funds also reserve the right to make all or a portion of the redemption in-kind rather than in cash or a combination of cash and in-kind.

The fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement of an asset.

Shares of the cash management funds and mutual funds are valued at fair value based on published market prices as of the close of business on the last business day of the year, which represents the net asset values of the shares held.

The fair values of equity securities traded on U.S. exchanges are derived from quoted market prices as of the close of business on the last business day of the year. The fair values of equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are also derived from quoted market prices as of the close of business on an active foreign exchange on the last business day of the year. However, the valuation requires translation of the foreign currency to U.S. dollars and this translation is considered an observable input to the valuation.

The fair values of all commingled investment funds are determined based on the net asset values per unit of each of the funds. The net asset values per unit represent the aggregate values of the funds’ assets at fair value less liabilities, divided by the number of units outstanding.

The fair values of fixed income securities, except U.S. Treasury securities, are determined using pricing models. These pricing models incorporate observable inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads for similar securities to determine fair value. The U.S. Treasury securities are valued at fair value based on closing prices on the last business day of the year reported in the active market in which the security is traded.

There have been no significant changes in the preceding valuation methodologies used at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Additionally, there were no transfers or reclassifications of investments between Level 1 and Level 2 from December 2018 to December 2019. If transfers between levels had occurred, the transfers would have been recognized as of the end of the period.

Plan Benefit Payments and Employer Contributions

Following are the expected benefits to be paid by the plans. These estimates are based on the same assumptions previously discussed and reflect future service as appropriate. The actuarial assumptions are based on long-term expectations and include, but are not limited to, assumptions as to average expected retirement age and form of benefit payment. Actual benefit payments could differ significantly from expected benefit payments if near-term participant behaviors differ significantly from the actuarial assumptions. 

	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(Millions)
2020	$	100	$	14
2021	99		14
2022	97		14
2023	93		14
2024	90		14
2025-2029	433		62

In 2020, we expect to contribute approximately $10 million to our tax-qualified pension plans and approximately $3 million to our nonqualified pension plans, for a total of approximately $13 million, and approximately $6 million to our other postretirement benefit plan.

Defined Contribution Plan

We also maintain a defined contribution plan for the benefit of substantially all of our employees. Generally, plan participants may contribute a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax and after-tax basis in accordance with the plan’s guidelines. We match employees’ contributions up to certain limits. Our contributions charged to expense were $36 million in 2019, $35 million in 2018, and $34 million in 2017.

XML

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition [Text Block]

Note 2 – Revenue Recognition

Revenue by Category

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by major service line:

	Transco		Northwest Pipeline		Gulf of Mexico Midstream		Northeast Midstream		West Midstream		Other		Eliminations			Total
	(Millions)
2019
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Service revenues:
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:
Monetary consideration	$	—	$	—	$	479	$	1,171	$	1,309	$	—	$	(75	)	$	2,884
Commodity consideration	—		—		41		12		150		—		—			203
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage	2,336		450		—		—		—		—		(6		)	2,780
Other	11		—		26		147		42		—		(16		)	210
Total service revenues	2,347		450		546		1,330		1,501		—		(97		)	6,077
Product Sales:
NGL and natural gas	106		—		185		150		1,795		—		(173		)	2,063
Total revenues from contracts with customers	2,453		450		731		1,480		3,296		—		(270		)	8,140
Other revenues (1)	1		—		8		20		14		30		(12		)	61
Total revenues	$	2,454	$	450	$	739	$	1,500	$	3,310	$	30	$	(282	)	$	8,201
2018
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Service revenues:
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:
Monetary consideration	$	—	$	—	$	541	$	861	$	1,590	$	2	$	(73	)	$	2,921
Commodity consideration	—		—		59		20		321		—		—			400
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage	1,921		443		—		—		—		—		(2		)	2,362
Other	2		—		17		94		46		—		(15		)	144
Total service revenues	1,923		443		617		975		1,957		2		(90		)	5,827
Product Sales:
NGL and natural gas	127		—		307		287		2,421		—		(382		)	2,760
Other	—		—		—		—		21		—		(4		)	17
Total product sales	127		—		307		287		2,442		—		(386		)	2,777
Total revenues from contracts with customers	2,050		443		924		1,262		4,399		2		(476		)	8,604
Other revenues (1)	11		—		18		21		12		32		(12		)	82
Total revenues	$	2,061	$	443	$	942	$	1,283	$	4,411	$	34	$	(488	)	$	8,686

______________________________

(1)

Revenues not within the scope of ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” consist of leasing revenues associated with our headquarters building and management fees that we receive for certain services we provide to operated equity-method investments, which are reported in Service revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, and amounts associated with our derivative contracts, which are reported in Product sales in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Contract Assets

The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract assets:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	4		$	4
Revenue recognized in excess of amounts invoiced	62			66
Minimum volume commitments invoiced	(58		)	(66		)
Balance at end of period	$	8		$	4

Contract Liabilities

The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract liabilities:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,397		$	1,596
Payments received and deferred	157			314
Significant financing component	13			16
Deconsolidation of Jackalope interest (Note 6)	—			(52		)
Deconsolidation of certain Permian assets (Note 6)	—			(26		)
Recognized in revenue	(352		)	(451		)
Balance at end of period	$	1,215		$	1,397

Remaining Performance Obligations

Remaining performance obligations primarily include reservation charges on contracted capacity for our gas pipeline firm transportation contracts with customers, storage capacity contracts, long-term contracts containing minimum volume commitments associated with our midstream businesses, and fixed payments associated with offshore production handling. For our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, remaining performance obligations reflect the rates for such services in our current FERC tariffs for the life of the related contracts; however, these rates may change based on future tariffs approved by the FERC and the amount and timing of these changes are not currently known.

Our remaining performance obligations exclude variable consideration, including contracts with variable consideration for which we have elected the practical expedient for consideration recognized in revenue as billed. Certain of our contracts contain evergreen and other renewal provisions for periods beyond the initial term of the contract. The remaining performance obligation amounts as of December 31, 2019, do not consider potential future performance obligations for which the renewal has not been exercised and excludes contracts with customers for which the underlying facilities have not received FERC authorization to be placed into service. Consideration received prior to December 31, 2019, that will be recognized in future periods is also excluded from our remaining performance obligations and is instead reflected in contract liabilities.

The following table presents the amount of the contract liabilities balance expected to be recognized as revenue when performance obligations are satisfied and the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under certain contracts as of December 31, 2019.

	Contract Liabilities		Remaining Performance Obligations
	(Millions)
2020	$	160	$	3,418
2021	121		3,241
2022	113		3,117
2023	101		2,524
2024	91		2,339
Thereafter	629		18,815
Total	$	1,215	$	33,454

XML

Investing Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Investments [Abstract]

Investing Activities [Text Block]

Note 6 – Investing Activities

Other investing income (loss) – net

The following table presents certain items reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)	$	(186	)	$	(32	)	$	—
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses	(29		)	203			—
Gain on disposition of equity-method investments	122			—			269
Other	14			16			13
Other investing income (loss) – net	$	(79	)	$	187		$	282

Brazos Permian II Equity-Method Investment

During the fourth quarter of 2018, we contributed the majority of our existing Delaware basin assets and $27 million in cash in exchange for a 15 percent interest in the Brazos Permian II, which consists of gas and crude oil gathering pipelines, natural gas processing, and oil storage facilities. We recorded a deconsolidation gain of $141 million reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations reflecting the excess of the fair value of our acquired interest over the carrying value of the assets contributed. We estimated the fair value of our interest to be $192 million primarily using a market approach (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). This approach involved the observation of recent transaction multiples in the Permian basin, including recent acquisitions consummated during 2018. Our interest in Brazos Permian II is considered an equity-method investment due to the fact that we are able to exert significant influence over its operating and financial policies.

RMM Equity-Method Investment

During the third quarter of 2018, our joint venture, RMM, purchased a natural gas and oil gathering and natural gas processing business in Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg basin. Our initial economic ownership was 40 percent, but increased to 50 percent at December 31, 2018, based on additional capital contributions made after the initial purchase.

Jackalope Deconsolidation

During the second quarter of 2018, we deconsolidated our 50 percent interest in Jackalope (see Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities). We recorded our interest in Jackalope as an equity-method investment at its estimated fair value, resulting in a deconsolidation gain of $62 million reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We estimated the fair value of our interest to be $310 million using an income approach based on expected future cash flows and an appropriate discount rate (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). The determination of expected future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering and processing volumes and related capital spending. A 10.9 percent discount rate was utilized and reflected our estimate of the cost of capital as impacted by market conditions and risks associated with the underlying business. The deconsolidated carrying value of the net assets of Jackalope included $47 million of goodwill.

Sale of Jackalope

In April 2019, we sold our 50 percent equity-method interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash, resulting in a gain on the disposition of $122 million, reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Constitution Deconsolidation

We deconsolidated our interest in Constitution as of December 31, 2019, recognizing a loss on deconsolidation of $27 million. See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities for further discussion.

Acquisition of Additional Interests in Appalachia Midstream Investments

During the first quarter of 2017, we exchanged all of our 50 percent interest in DBJV for an increased interest in two natural gas gathering systems that are part of the Appalachia Midstream Investments and $155 million in cash. This transaction was recorded based on our estimate of the fair value of the interests received as we have more insight to this value as we operate the underlying assets. Following this exchange, we have an approximate average 66 percent interest in the Appalachia Midstream Investments. We continue to account for this investment under the equity method of accounting due to the significant participatory rights of our partners such that we do not exercise control. We also sold all of our interest in Ranch Westex JV LLC (Ranch Westex) for $45 million. These transactions resulted in a total gain of $269 million reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The fair value of the increased interests in the Appalachia Midstream Investments received as consideration was estimated to be $1.1 billion using an income approach based on expected cash flows and an appropriate discount rate (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). The determination of estimated future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering volumes, rates, and related capital spending. A 9.5 percent discount rate was utilized and reflected our estimate of the cost of capital as impacted by market conditions and risks associated with the underlying business.

Equity-Method Investments

	Ownership Interest at December 31, 2019	December 31,
		2019		2018
		(Millions)
Appalachia Midstream Investments	(1)	$	3,236	$	3,218
RMM	50%	881		776
Discovery	60%	472		507
Caiman II	58%	428		412
OPPL	50%	403		415
Laurel Mountain	69%	249		314
Gulfstream	50%	217		225
Brazos Permian II	15%	194		191
UEOM	(2)	—		1,293
Jackalope	(3)	—		343
Other	Various	155		127
		$	6,235	$	7,821

___________

(1) Includes equity-method investments in multiple gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale with an approximate average 66 percent interest.

(2) At December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM. On March 18, 2019, we acquired the remaining 38 percent interest. As a result of acquiring this additional interest, we obtained control of and now consolidate UEOM.

(3) At December 31, 2018, we owned a 50 percent interest in Jackalope. In April 2019, we sold our interest in Jackalope.

We have differences between the carrying value of our equity-method investments and the underlying equity in the net assets of the investees of $1 billion at December 31, 2019 and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2018. These differences primarily relate to our investments in Appalachia Midstream Investments (and UEOM at December 31, 2018), resulting from property, plant, and equipment, as well as customer-based intangible assets and goodwill.

Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments

We generally fund our portion of significant expansion or development projects of these investees through additional capital contributions. These transactions increased the carrying value of our investments and included:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
RMM	$	145	$	795	$	—
Appalachia Midstream Investments	140		246		70
Laurel Mountain	36		16		—
Caiman II	28		—		24
Jackalope	24		42		—
Brazos Permian II	18		27		—
Discovery	—		5		1
DBJV	—		—		32
Other	62		1		5
	$	453	$	1,132	$	132

Dividends and distributions

The organizational documents of entities in which we have an equity-method investment generally require distribution of available cash to members on at least a quarterly basis. These transactions reduced the carrying value of our investments and included:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Appalachia Midstream Investments	$	293	$	297	$	270
Gulfstream	86		93		92
OPPL	77		73		68
Caiman II	42		46		49
Discovery	41		45		127
RMM	38		—		—
Laurel Mountain	30		23		32
UEOM	13		70		80
DBJV	—		—		39
Other	37		46		27
	$	657	$	693	$	784

Summarized Financial Position and Results of Operations of All Equity-Method Investments

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Current assets	$	581		$	834
Noncurrent assets	11,966			13,199
Current liabilities	(341		)	(605		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(2,532		)	(2,491		)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Gross revenue	$	2,490	$	2,411	$	1,961
Operating income	685		804		871
Net income	598		795		806

XML

Acquisitions and Divestitures Divestitures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Four Corners [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the results of operations for the Four Corners area, excluding the gain noted above:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2018		2017
	(Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of Four Corners area	$	52	$	47
Income (loss) before income taxes of Four Corners area attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	43		35

Williams Olefins, LLC [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the results of operations for the Geismar Interest, excluding the gain noted above:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017
	(Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest	$	26
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	19

XML

General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of consolidation [Policy Text Block]

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all entities that we control and our proportionate interest in the accounts of certain ventures in which we own an undivided interest. Our judgment is required to evaluate whether we control an entity. Key areas of that evaluation include:

• Determining whether an entity is a VIE;

• Determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, including evaluating which activities of the VIE most significantly impact its economic performance and the degree of power that we and our related parties have over those activities through our variable interests;

• Identifying events that require reconsideration of whether an entity is a VIE and continuously evaluating whether we are a VIE’s primary beneficiary;

• Evaluating whether other owners in entities that are not VIEs are able to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of business such that we do not have the power to control such entities.

We apply the equity method of accounting to investments over which we exercise significant influence but do not control. Distributions received from equity-method investees are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows according to the nature of the distributions approach, which classifies distributions received from equity-method investees as either returns on investment (cash inflows from operating activities) or returns of investment (cash inflows from investing activities) based on the nature of the activities of the equity-method investee that generated the distribution.

Equity-method investment basis differences [Policy Text Block]

Equity-method investment basis differences

Differences between the cost of our equity-method investments and our underlying equity in the net assets of investees are accounted for as if the investees were consolidated subsidiaries. Equity earnings (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes our allocable share of net income (loss) of investees adjusted for any depreciation and amortization, as applicable, associated with basis differences.

Use of estimates [Policy Text Block]

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates and assumptions include:

• Impairment assessments of investments, property, plant, and equipment, goodwill, and other identifiable intangible assets;

• Litigation-related contingencies;

• Environmental remediation obligations;

• Depreciation and/or amortization of long-lived assets;

• Depreciation and/or amortization of equity-method investment basis differences;

• Asset retirement obligations (AROs);

• Pension and postretirement valuation variables;

• Measurement of regulatory liabilities;

• Measurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, including assumptions related to the realization of deferred income tax assets;

• Revenue recognition, including estimates utilized in recognition of deferred revenue;

• Purchase price accounting.

These estimates are discussed further throughout these notes.

Regulatory accounting [Policy Text Block]

Regulatory accounting

Transco and Northwest Pipeline are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Their rates, which are established by the FERC, are designed to recover the costs of providing the regulated services, and their competitive environment makes it probable that such rates can be charged and collected. Therefore, we have determined that it is appropriate under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 980, “Regulated Operations,” (ASC 980) to account for and report regulatory assets and liabilities related to these operations consistent with the economic effect of the way in which their rates are established. Accounting for these operations that are regulated can differ from the accounting requirements for nonregulated operations. For example, for regulated operations, allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated cost of debt and equity funds applicable to utility plant in the process of construction and is capitalized as a cost of property, plant, and equipment because it constitutes an actual cost of construction under established regulatory practices; nonregulated operations are only allowed to capitalize the cost of debt funds related to construction activities, while a component for equity is prohibited. The components of our regulatory assets and liabilities relate to the effects of deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction, asset retirement obligations, fuel cost differentials, levelized incremental depreciation, negative salvage, pension and other postretirement benefits, and rate allowances for deferred income taxes at a historically higher federal income tax rate.

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform) was enacted, which, among other things, reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent (see Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes). In accordance with ASC 980-740-25-2, Transco and Northwest Pipeline have recognized regulatory liabilities to reflect the probable return to customers through future rates of the future decrease in income taxes payable associated with Tax Reform. These liabilities represent an obligation to return amounts directly to our customers. While a majority of our customers have entered into tariff rates based on our cost-of-service proceedings and related rate base therein, certain other contracts with customers reflect contractually-based rates that are designed to recover the cost of providing those services, including an allowance for income taxes, with no expected future rate adjustment for the term of those contracts. This relative mix of contracts for services was considered in determining the probable amount to be returned to customers through future rates. The regulatory liabilities were recorded in December 2017 through regulatory charges to operating income totaling $674 million. Adjustments recorded in 2018 decreased this amount by $17 million. For Transco, the timing and actual amount of the return to the customers is stated in its formal stipulation and agreement that has been filed, subject to FERC approval (See Note 19 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments).

Certain of our equity-method investees recorded similar regulatory liabilities, for which our Equity earnings (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2017 were reduced by $11 million related to our proportionate share of the associated regulatory charges.

Our regulatory assets associated with the effects of deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction were also impacted by Tax Reform and were reduced by $102 million in December 2017 through a charge to Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (see Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses). This amount, along with the previously described charges for establishing the regulatory liabilities resulting from Tax Reform, is reported within Regulatory charges resulting from Tax Reform within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Our current and noncurrent regulatory asset and liability balances for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Current assets reported within Other current assets and deferred charges	$	72	$	103
Noncurrent assets reported within Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	466		495
Total regulated assets	$	538	$	598
Current liabilities reported within Accrued liabilities	$	60	$	5
Noncurrent liabilities reported within Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	1,277		1,321
Total regulated liabilities	$	1,337	$	1,326

Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired.

Accounts receivable [Policy Text Block]

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are carried on a gross basis, with no discounting, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing economic conditions, the financial condition of our customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. We do not offer extended payment terms and typically receive payment within one month. We consider receivables past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Interest income related to past due accounts receivable is generally recognized at the time full payment is received or collectability is assured. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted.

Inventories [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheet primarily consist of NGLs, natural gas in underground storage, and materials and supplies and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories is primarily determined using the average-cost method.

Property, plant, and equipment [Policy Text Block]

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is initially recorded at cost. We base the carrying value of these assets on estimates, assumptions, and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives, and salvage values.

As regulated entities, Northwest Pipeline and Transco provide for depreciation using the straight-line method at FERC-prescribed rates. Depreciation for nonregulated entities is provided primarily on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives, except for certain offshore facilities that apply an accelerated depreciation method.

Gains or losses from the ordinary sale or retirement of property, plant, and equipment for regulated pipelines are credited or charged to accumulated depreciation. Other gains or losses are recorded in Other (income) expense – net included in Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are generally expensed as incurred. Costs of major renewals and replacements are capitalized as property, plant, and equipment.

We record a liability and increase the basis in the underlying asset for the present value of each expected future ARO at the time the liability is initially incurred, typically when the asset is acquired or constructed. As regulated entities, Northwest Pipeline and Transco offset the depreciation of the underlying asset that is attributable to capitalized ARO cost to a regulatory asset as we expect to recover these amounts in future rates. We measure changes in the liability due to passage of time by applying an interest rate to the liability balance. This amount is recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability and as a corresponding accretion expense included in Operating and maintenance expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, except for regulated entities, for which the liability is offset by a regulatory asset. The regulatory asset is amortized commensurate with our collection of those costs in rates.

Measurements of AROs include, as a component of future expected costs, an estimate of the price that a third party would demand, and could expect to receive, for bearing the uncertainties inherent in the obligations, sometimes referred to as a market-risk premium.

Goodwill [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet represents the excess of the consideration, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest or any previously held equity interest, over the fair value of the net assets acquired. It is not subject to amortization but is evaluated annually as of October 1 for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As part of the evaluation, we compare our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference (not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill). Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our management’s estimates of fair value.

Other Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block]

Other intangible assets

Our identifiable intangible assets included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are primarily related to gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contractual customer relationships. Our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which these assets contribute to our cash flows. We evaluate these assets for changes in the expected remaining useful lives and would reflect any changes prospectively through amortization over the revised remaining useful life.

Impairment of property, plant, and equipment, other identifiable intangible assets, and investments [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of property, plant, and equipment, other identifiable intangible assets, and investments

We evaluate our property, plant, and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When an indicator of impairment has occurred, we compare our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets to the carrying value of the assets to determine whether an impairment has occurred and we may apply a probability-weighted approach to consider the likelihood of different cash flow assumptions and possible outcomes including selling in the near term or holding for the remaining estimated useful life. If an impairment of the carrying value has occurred, we determine the amount of the impairment recognized in the financial statements by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.

For assets identified to be disposed of in the future and considered held for sale, we compare the carrying value to the estimated fair value less the cost to sell to determine if recognition of an impairment is required. Until the assets

are disposed of, the estimated fair value, which includes estimated cash flows from operations until the assumed date of sale, is recalculated when related events or circumstances change.

We evaluate our investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as an impairment charge.

Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows and an asset’s or investment’s fair value. Additionally, judgment is used to determine the probability of sale with respect to assets considered for disposal.

Contingent liabilities [Policy Text Block]

Contingent liabilities

We record liabilities for estimated loss contingencies, including environmental matters, when we assess that a loss is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These liabilities are calculated based upon our assumptions and estimates with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss and upon advice of legal counsel, engineers, or other third parties regarding the probable outcomes of the matters. These calculations are made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties. We recognize insurance recoveries or reimbursements from others when realizable. Revisions to these liabilities are generally reflected in income when new or different facts or information become known or circumstances change that affect the previous assumptions or estimates.

Cash flows from revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program [Policy Text Block]

Cash flows from revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program

Proceeds and payments related to borrowings under our credit facilities are reflected in the financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis. Proceeds and payments related to borrowings under our commercial paper program are reflected in the financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on a net basis, as the outstanding notes generally have maturity dates less than three months from the date of issuance. (See Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements.)

Treasury stock [Policy Text Block]

Treasury stock

Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as Treasury stock, at cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains and losses on the subsequent reissuance of shares are credited or charged to Capital in excess of par value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet using the average-cost method.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities [Policy Text Block]

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

We may utilize derivatives to manage a portion of our commodity price risk. These instruments consist primarily of swaps, futures, and forward contracts involving short- and long-term purchases and sales of energy commodities. We report the fair value of derivatives, except those for which the normal purchases and normal sales exception has been elected, in Other current assets and deferred charges; Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other; Accrued liabilities; or Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We determine the current and noncurrent classification based on the timing of expected future cash flows of individual trades. We report these amounts on a gross basis. Additionally, we report cash collateral receivables and payables with our counterparties on a gross basis. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.)

The accounting for the changes in fair value of a commodity derivative can be summarized as follows:

Derivative Treatment	Accounting Method
Normal purchases and normal sales exception	Accrual accounting
Designated in a qualifying hedging relationship	Hedge accounting
All other derivatives	Mark-to-market accounting

We may elect the normal purchases and normal sales exception for certain short- and long-term purchases and sales of physical energy commodities. Under accrual accounting, any change in the fair value of these derivatives is not reflected on the balance sheet after the initial election of the exception.

We may also designate a hedging relationship for certain commodity derivatives. For a derivative to qualify for designation in a hedging relationship, it must meet specific criteria and we must maintain appropriate documentation. We establish hedging relationships pursuant to our risk management policies. We evaluate the hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the underlying risk being hedged. We also regularly assess whether the hedged forecasted transaction is probable of occurring. If a derivative ceases to be or is no longer expected to be highly effective, or if we believe the likelihood of occurrence of the hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and future changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized currently in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

For commodity derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative is reported in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reclassified into earnings in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. Gains or losses deferred in AOCI associated with terminated derivatives, derivatives that cease to be highly effective hedges, derivatives for which the forecasted transaction is reasonably possible but no longer probable of occurring, and cash flow hedges that have been otherwise discontinued remain in AOCI until the hedged item affects earnings. If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction designated as the hedged item in a cash flow hedge will not occur, any gain or loss deferred in AOCI is recognized in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations at that time. The change in likelihood of a forecasted transaction is a judgmental decision that includes qualitative assessments made by us.

For commodity derivatives that are not designated in a hedging relationship, and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception, we report changes in fair value currently in Product sales or Product costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Certain gains and losses on derivative instruments included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations are netted together to a single net gain or loss, while other gains and losses are reported on a gross basis. Gains and losses recorded on a net basis include unrealized gains and losses on all derivatives that are not designated as hedges and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception.

Realized gains and losses on derivatives that require physical delivery, as well as natural gas derivatives for NGL processing activities and which are not held for trading purposes nor were entered into as a pre-contemplated buy/sell arrangement, are recorded on a gross basis.

Revenue recognition [Policy Text Block]

Revenue recognition (subsequent to the adoption of ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018)

Customers in our gas pipeline businesses are comprised of public utilities, municipalities, gas marketers and producers, intrastate pipelines, direct industrial users, and electrical generators. Customers in our midstream businesses are comprised of oil and natural gas producer counterparties. Customers for our product sales are comprised of public utilities, gas marketers, and direct industrial users.

Service revenue contracts from our gas pipeline and midstream businesses contain a series of distinct services, with the majority of our contracts having a single performance obligation that is satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Most of our product sales contracts have a single performance obligation with revenue recognized at a point in time when the products have been sold and delivered to the customer.

Certain customers reimburse us for costs we incur associated with construction of property, plant, and equipment utilized in our operations. For our rate-regulated gas pipeline businesses that apply ASC 980, we follow FERC guidelines with respect to reimbursement of construction costs. FERC tariffs only allow for cost reimbursement and are non-negotiable in nature; thus, in our judgment, the construction activities do not represent an ongoing major and central operation of our gas pipeline businesses and are not within the scope of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606). Accordingly, cost reimbursements are treated as a reduction to the cost of the constructed asset. For our midstream businesses, reimbursement and service contracts with customers are viewed together as providing the same commercial objective, as we have the ability to negotiate the mix of consideration between reimbursements and amounts billed over time. Accordingly, we generally recognize reimbursements of construction costs from customers on a gross basis as a contract liability separate from the associated costs included within property, plant, and equipment. The contract liability is recognized into service revenues as the underlying performance obligations are satisfied.

Service Revenues

Gas pipeline businesses: Revenues from our regulated interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, which are subject to regulation by certain state and federal authorities, including the FERC, include both firm and interruptible transportation and storage contracts. Firm transportation and storage agreements provide for a fixed reservation charge based on the pipeline or storage capacity reserved, and a commodity charge based on the volume of natural gas delivered/stored, each at rates specified in our FERC tariffs or based on negotiated contractual rates, with contract terms that are generally long-term in nature. Most of our long-term contracts contain an evergreen provision, which allows the contracts to be extended for periods primarily up to one year in length an indefinite number of times following the specified contract term and until terminated generally by either us or the customer. Interruptible transportation and storage agreements provide for a volumetric charge based on actual commodity transportation or storage utilized in the period in which those services are provided, and the contracts are generally limited to one-month periods or less. Our performance obligations related to our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses include the following:

• Firm transportation or storage under firm transportation and storage contracts—an integrated package of services typically constituting a single performance obligation, which includes standing ready to provide such services and receiving, transporting or storing (as applicable), and redelivering commodities;

• Interruptible transportation and storage under interruptible transportation and storage contracts—an integrated package of services typically constituting a single performance obligation once scheduled, which includes receiving, transporting or storing (as applicable), and redelivering commodities.

In situations where, in our judgment, we consider the integrated package of services as a single performance obligation, which represents a majority of our interstate natural gas pipeline contracts with customers, we do not consider there to be multiple performance obligations because the nature of the overall promise in the contract is to stand ready (with regard to firm transportation and storage contracts), receive, transport or store, and redeliver natural gas to the customer; therefore, revenue is recognized over time upon satisfaction of our daily stand ready performance obligation.

We recognize revenues for reservation charges over the performance obligation period, which is the contract term, regardless of the volume of natural gas that is transported or stored. Revenues for commodity charges from both firm and interruptible transportation services and storage services are recognized when natural gas is delivered at the agreed upon delivery point or when natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the storage facility because they specifically relate to our efforts to provide these distinct services. Generally, reservation charges and

commodity charges in our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses are recognized as revenue in the same period they are invoiced to our customers. As a result of the ratemaking process, certain amounts collected by us may be subject to refund upon the issuance of final orders by the FERC in pending rate proceedings. We use judgment to record estimates of rate refund liabilities considering our and other third-party regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel, and other risks.

Midstream businesses: Revenues from our non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage midstream businesses include contracts for natural gas gathering, processing, treating, compression, transportation, and other related services with contract terms that are generally long-term in nature and may extend up to the production life of the associated reservoir. Additionally, our midstream businesses generate revenues from fees charged for storing customers’ natural gas and NGLs, generally under prepaid contracted storage capacity contracts. In situations where, in our judgment, we provide an integrated package of services combined into a single performance obligation, which represents a majority of this class of contracts with customers, we do not consider there to be multiple performance obligations because the nature of the overall promise in the contract is to provide gathering, processing, transportation, storage, and related services resulting in the delivery, or redelivery in the context of storage services, of pipeline-quality natural gas and NGLs to the customer. As such, revenue is recognized at the daily completion of the integrated package of services as the integrated package represents a single performance obligation. Additionally, certain contracts in our midstream businesses contain fixed or upfront payment terms that result in the deferral of revenues until such services have been performed or such capacity has been made available.

We also earn revenues from offshore crude oil and natural gas gathering and transportation and offshore production handling. These services represent an integrated package of services and are considered a single distinct performance obligation for which we recognize revenues as the services are provided to the customer.

We generally earn a contractually stated fee per unit for the volume of product transported, gathered, processed, or stored. The rate is generally fixed; however, certain contracts contain variable rates that are subject to change based on commodity prices, levels of throughput, or an annual adjustment based on a formulaic cost of service calculation. In addition, we have contracts with contractually stated fees that decline over the contract term, such as declines based on the passage of time periods or achievement of cumulative throughput amounts. For all of our contracts, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the judgmentally determined relative standalone selling price. The excess of consideration received over revenue recognized results in the deferral of those amounts until future periods based on a units of production or straight-line methodology as these methods appropriately match the consumption of services provided to the customer. The units of production methodology requires the use of production estimates that are uncertain and the use of judgment when developing estimates of future production volumes, thus impacting the rate of revenue recognition. Production estimates are monitored as circumstances and events warrant. Certain of our gas gathering and processing agreements have minimum volume commitments (MVC). If a customer under such an agreement fails to meet its MVC for a specified period (thus not exercising all the contractual rights to gathering and processing services within the specified period, herein referred to as “breakage”), it is obligated to pay a contractually determined fee based upon the shortfall between the actual gathered or processed volumes and the MVC for the period contained in the contract. When we conclude, based on management’s judgment, it is probable that the customer will not exercise all or a portion of its remaining rights, we recognize revenue associated with such breakage amount in proportion to the pattern of exercised rights within the respective MVC period.

Under keep-whole and percent-of-liquids processing contracts, we receive commodity consideration in the form of NGLs and take title to the NGLs at the tailgate of the plant. We recognize such commodity consideration as service revenue based on the market value of the NGLs retained at the time the processing is provided. The current market value, as opposed to the market value at the contract inception date, is used due to a combination of factors, including the fact that the volume, mix, and market price of NGL consideration to be received is unknown at the time of contract execution and is not specified in our contracts with customers. Additionally, product sales revenue (discussed below) is recognized upon the sale of the NGLs to a third party based on the sales price at the time of sale. As a result, revenue is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations both at the time the

processing service is provided in Service revenues – commodity consideration and at the time the NGLs retained as part of the processing service are sold in Product sales. The recognition of revenue related to commodity consideration has the impact of increasing the book value of NGL inventory, resulting in higher cost of goods sold at the time of sale. Given that most inventory is sold in the same period that it is generated, the impact of these transactions is expected to have little impact to operating income.

Product Sales

In the course of providing transportation services to customers of our gas pipeline businesses and gathering and processing services to customers of our midstream businesses, we may receive different quantities of natural gas from customers than the quantities delivered on behalf of those customers. The resulting imbalances are primarily settled through the purchase or sale of natural gas with each customer under terms provided for in our FERC tariffs or gathering and processing agreements, respectively. Revenue is recognized from the sale of natural gas upon settlement of imbalances.

In certain instances, we purchase NGLs, crude oil, and natural gas from our oil and natural gas producer customers. In addition, we retain NGLs as consideration in certain processing arrangements, as discussed above in the Service Revenues - Midstream businesses section. We recognize revenue from the sale of these commodities when the products have been sold and delivered. Our product sales contracts are primarily short-term contracts based on prevailing market rates at the time of the transaction.

Contract Assets

Our contract assets primarily consist of revenue recognized under contracts containing MVC features whereby management has concluded it is probable there will be a short-fall payment at the end of the current MVC period, which typically follows the calendar year, and that a significant reversal of revenue recognized currently for the future MVC payment will not occur. As a result, our contract assets related to our future MVC payments are generally expected to be collected within the next 12 months and are included within Other current assets and deferred charges in our Consolidated Balance Sheet until such time as the MVC short-fall payments are invoiced to the customer.

Contract Liabilities

Our contract liabilities consist of advance payments primarily from midstream business customers which include construction reimbursements, prepayments, and other billings for which future services are to be provided under the contract. These amounts are deferred until recognized in revenue when the associated performance obligation has been satisfied, which is primarily based on a units of production methodology over the remaining contractual service periods, and are classified as current or noncurrent according to when such amounts are expected to be recognized. Current and noncurrent contract liabilities are included within Accrued liabilities and Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other, respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Contracts requiring advance payments and the recognition of contract liabilities are evaluated to determine whether the advance payments provide us with a significant financing benefit. This determination is based on the combined effect of the expected length of time between when we transfer the promised good or service to the customer, when the customer pays for those goods or services, and the prevailing interest rates. We have assessed our contracts for significant financing components and determined, in our judgment, that one group of contracts entered into in contemplation of one another for certain capital reimbursements contains a significant financing component. As a result, we recognize noncash interest expense based on the effective interest method and revenue (noncash) is recognized when the underlying asset is placed into service utilizing a units of production or straight-line methodology over the life of the corresponding customer contract.

Revenue recognition (prior to the adoption of ASC 606)

Revenues

As a result of the ratemaking process, certain revenues collected by us may be subject to refunds upon the issuance of final orders by the FERC in pending rate proceedings. We record estimates of rate refund liabilities considering our and other third-party regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel, and other risks.

Service revenues

Revenues from our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses include services pursuant to long-term firm transportation and storage agreements. These agreements provide for a reservation charge based on the volume of contracted capacity and a commodity charge based on the volume of gas delivered, both at rates specified in our FERC tariffs. We recognize revenues for reservation charges ratably over the contract period regardless of the volume of natural gas that is transported or stored. Revenues for commodity charges, from both firm and interruptible transportation services and storage injection and withdrawal services, are recognized when natural gas is delivered at the agreed upon delivery point or when natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the storage facility.

Certain revenues from our midstream operations include those derived from natural gas gathering, processing, treating, and compression services and are performed under volumetric-based fee contracts. These revenues are recorded when services have been performed.

Certain of our gas gathering and processing agreements have MVCs. If a customer under such an agreement fails to meet its MVC for a specified period, generally measured on an annual basis, it is obligated to pay a contractually determined fee based upon the shortfall between actual production volumes and the MVC for that period. The revenue associated with MVCs is recognized in the period that the actual shortfall is determined and is no longer subject to future reduction or offset, which is generally at the end of the annual period or fourth quarter.

Crude oil gathering and transportation revenues and offshore production handling fees are recognized when the services have been performed. Certain offshore production handling contracts contain fixed payment terms that result in the deferral of revenues until such services have been performed or such capacity has been made available.

Storage revenues from our midstream operations associated with prepaid contracted storage capacity contracts are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract as services are provided.

Product sales

In the course of providing transportation services to customers of our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, we may receive different quantities of gas from shippers than the quantities delivered on behalf of those shippers. The resulting imbalances are primarily settled through the purchase and sale of gas with our customers under terms provided for in our FERC tariffs. Revenue is recognized from the sale of gas upon settlement of the transportation and exchange imbalances.

We market NGLs, crude oil, and natural gas that we purchase from our producer customers as part of the overall service provided to producers. Revenues from marketing activities are recognized when the products have been sold and delivered.

Under our keep-whole and percent-of-liquids processing contracts, we retain the rights to all or a portion of the NGLs extracted from the producers’ natural gas stream and recognize revenues when the extracted NGLs are sold and delivered.

Our former domestic olefins business produced olefins from purchased or produced feedstock and we recognized revenues when the olefins were sold and delivered.

Leases [Policy Text Block]

Leases (subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019)

We recognize a lease liability with an offsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet for operating leases based on the present value of the future lease payments. We have elected to combine lease and nonlease components for all classes of leased assets in our calculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.

Our lease agreements require both fixed and variable periodic payments, with initial terms typically ranging from one year to 15 years, but a certain land lease has a term of 108 years. Payment provisions in certain of our lease agreements contain escalation factors which may be based on stated rates or a change in a published index at a future time. The amount by which a lease escalates based on the change in a published index, which is not known at lease commencement, is considered a variable payment and is not included in the present value of the future lease payments, which only includes those that are stated or can be calculated based on the lease agreement at lease commencement. In addition to the noncancellable periods, many of our lease agreements provide for one or more extensions of the lease agreement for periods ranging from one year in length to an indefinite number of times following the specified contract term. Other lease agreements provide for extension terms that allow us to utilize the identified leased asset for an indefinite period of time so long as the asset continues to be utilized in our operations. In consideration of these renewal features, we assess the term of the lease agreements, which includes using judgment in the determination of which renewal periods and termination provisions, when at our sole election, will be reasonably certain of being exercised. Periods after the initial term or extension terms that allow for either party to the lease to cancel the lease are not considered in the assessment of the lease term. Additionally, we have elected to exclude leases with an original term of one year or less, including renewal periods, from the calculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.

We use judgment in determining the discount rate upon which the present value of the future lease payments is determined. This rate is based on a collateralized interest rate corresponding to the term of the lease agreement using company, industry, and market information available.

When permitted under our lease agreements, we may sublease certain unused office space for fixed periods that could extend up to the length of the original lease agreement.

Interest capitalized [Policy Text Block]

Interest capitalized

We capitalize interest during construction on major projects with construction periods of at least 3 months and a total project cost in excess of $1 million. Interest is capitalized on borrowed funds and, where regulation by the FERC exists, on internally generated funds (equity AFUDC). The latter is included in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The rates used by regulated companies are calculated in accordance with FERC rules. Rates used by nonregulated companies are based on our average interest rate on debt.

Employee stock-based awards [Policy Text Block]

Employee stock-based awards

We recognize compensation expense on employee stock-based awards on a straight-line basis; forfeitures are recognized when they occur. (See Note 17 – Equity-Based Compensation.)

Pension and other postretirement benefits [Policy Text Block]

Pension and other postretirement benefits

The funded status of each of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as either an asset or liability. The funded status is the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the plan’s benefit obligation. The plans’ benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs (credits) are actuarially determined and impacted by various assumptions and estimates. (See Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans.)

The discount rates are determined separately for each of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on an approach specific to our plans. The year-end discount rates are determined considering a yield curve comprised of high-quality corporate bonds and the timing of the expected benefit cash flows of each plan.

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets are determined by combining a review of the historical returns within the portfolio, the investment strategy included in the plans’ investment policy statement, and capital market projections for the asset classes in which the portfolio is invested, as well as the weighting of each asset class.

Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior service costs and credits are deferred and recorded in AOCI or, for Transco and Northwest Pipeline, as a regulatory asset or liability, until amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (credit). Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized over the participants’ average remaining future years of service, which is approximately 13 years for our pension plans and approximately 7 years for our other postretirement benefit plan.

The expected return on plan assets component of net periodic benefit cost (credit) is calculated using the market-related value of plan assets. For our pension plans, the market-related value of plan assets is equal to the fair value of plan assets adjusted to reflect the amortization of gains or losses associated with the difference between the expected and actual return on plan assets over a 5-year period. Additionally, the market-related value of assets may be no more than 110 percent or less than 90 percent of the fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The market-related value of plan assets for our other postretirement benefit plan is equal to the unadjusted fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year.

Income taxes [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes

We include the operations of our domestic corporate subsidiaries and income from our subsidiary partnerships in our consolidated federal income tax return and also file tax returns in various foreign and state jurisdictions as required. Deferred income taxes are computed using the liability method and are provided on all temporary differences between the financial basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Our judgment and income tax assumptions are used to determine the levels, if any, of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets.

Earnings (loss) per common share [Policy Text Block]

Earnings (loss) per common share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share in the Consolidated Statement of Operations is based on the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and vested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes any dilutive effect of stock options, nonvested restricted stock units, and convertible debt, unless otherwise noted. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share are calculated using the treasury-stock method.

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

Accounting standards issued and adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. ASU 2016-02 modifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to prior lease accounting, and causes lessees to recognize operating leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability measured as the present value of the future lease payments with a corresponding right-of-use asset, with an exception for leases with a term of one year or less. Additional disclosures are required regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01 “Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” (ASU 2018-01). Per ASU 2018-01, land easements and rights-of-way are required to be assessed under ASU 2016-02 to determine whether the arrangements are or contain a lease. ASU 2018-01 permits an entity to elect a transition practical expedient to not apply ASU 2016-02 to land easements that exist or expired before the effective date of ASU 2016-02 and that were not previously assessed under the previous lease guidance in ASC Topic 840 “Leases.”

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements” (ASU 2018-11). Prior to ASU 2018-11, a modified retrospective transition was required for financing or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. ASU 2018-11 allows entities an additional transition method to the existing requirements whereby an entity could adopt the provisions of

ASU 2016-02 by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption without adjustment to the financial statements for periods prior to adoption. ASU 2018-11 also allows a practical expedient that permits lessors to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component if certain conditions are present. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We prospectively adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, and did not adjust prior periods as permitted by ASU 2018-11 (see Note 11 – Leases).

We completed our review of contracts to identify leases based on the modified definition of a lease and implemented changes to our internal controls to support management in the accounting for and disclosure of leasing activities upon adoption of ASU 2016-02. We implemented a financial lease accounting system to assist management in the accounting for leases upon adoption. The most significant changes to our financial statements as a result of adopting ASU 2016-02 relate to the recognition of a $225 million lease liability and offsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet for operating leases. We also evaluated ASU 2016-02’s available practical expedients on adoption and have generally elected to adopt the practical expedients, which includes the practical expedient to not separate lease and nonlease components by both lessees and lessors by class of underlying assets and the land easements practical expedient.

Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The guidance also requires increased disclosures. ASU 2016-13 is effective for us for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are adopting ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020. We anticipate that ASU 2016-13 will primarily apply to our trade receivables. While we do not expect a significant financial impact, we have analyzed our historical credit loss experience, and considered current conditions and reasonable forecasts, in developing our expected credit loss rate, and continue to develop and implement processes, procedures, and internal controls in order to make the necessary credit loss assessments and required disclosures upon adoption.

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Charges In Operating Expense Resulting From Tax Reform	$ 0	$ (17)	$ 674
Regulatory Charges Resulting From Tax Reform	0	(15)	776
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Regulatory Assets, Current	72	103
Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent	466	495
Total regulatory assets	538	598
Regulatory Liabilities, Current	60	5
Regulatory Liabilities, Noncurrent	1,277	1,321
Total regulatory liabilities	1,337	1,326
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Liability	209
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 207
Interest Capitalized [Abstract]
Minimum period of construction for capitalization of interest	3 months
Minimum total project cost for capitalization of interest	$ 1
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Threshold For Amortization Of Unrecognized Actuarial Gains Losses	10.00%
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Liability				$ 225
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset				$ 225
Pension Benefits [Member]
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Approximate Amortization Period Of Net Actuarial Gain Loss	13 years
Amortization Period Of Difference Between Expected And Actual Return On Plan Assets	5 years
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Approximate Amortization Period Of Net Actuarial Gain Loss	7 years
Land [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	108 years
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Charges In Operating Expense Resulting From Tax Reform		$ (17)
Regulatory Charges Resulting From Tax Reform			102
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Charges Resulting From Tax Reform			$ 11
Maximum [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent		35.00%	35.00%
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Threshold For Market Related Value	110.00%
Minimum [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%	21.00%
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Threshold For Market Related Value	90.00%

XML

Revenue Recognition Contract Liabilities Performance Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	$ 1,215	$ 1,397	$ 1,596
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	160
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	121
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	113
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	101
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	91
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	629
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	1,215
Performance Obligations Related To Contract Liabilities [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 3,418
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Performance Obligations Related To Contract Liabilities [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 3,241
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Performance Obligations Related To Contract Liabilities [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 3,117
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Performance Obligations Related To Contract Liabilities [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 2,524
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Performance Obligations Related To Contract Liabilities [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 2,339
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Performance Obligations Related To Contract Liabilities [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 18,815
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Performance Obligations Related To Contract Liabilities [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 33,454

XML

Long-Term Debt Maturities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Aggregate minimum maturities of long-term debt
2020	$ 2,141
2021	893
2022	2,025
2023	1,477
2024	$ 2,279

XML

EBP Key Assumptions (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions utilized to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	3.19%	4.34%
Rate of compensation increase	3.68%	4.83%
Cash balance interest crediting rate	3.50%	4.25%
Weighted average assumptions utilized to determine net periodic benefit cost (credit)
Discount rate	4.33%	3.67%	4.17%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.26%	5.34%	6.45%
Rate of compensation increase	4.83%	4.93%	4.87%
Cash balance interest crediting rate	4.25%	4.25%	4.25%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions utilized to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	3.27%	4.39%
Weighted average assumptions utilized to determine net periodic benefit cost (credit)
Discount rate	4.39%	3.71%	4.27%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.01%	4.95%	5.53%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next fiscal year	7.20%
Direction and pattern of change for assumed health care cost trend rate	decreases
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	4.50%
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2028

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings (loss) per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$ 862	$ (156)	$ 2,174
Basic weighted-average shares	1,212,037	973,626	826,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Diluted weighted-average shares	1,214,011	973,626	828,518
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	$ 0.71	$ (0.16)	$ 2.63
Diluted	$ 0.71	$ (0.16)	$ 2.62
Nonvested restricted stock units [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements under effects of dilutive securities item	1,811	0	1,704
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of weighted-average shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per common share		2,000
Stock options [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements under effects of dilutive securities item	163	0	637
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of weighted-average shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per common share		500

XML

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 18, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 188	$ 0		$ 47
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 188
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)		188
Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)			(47)
West [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		0	0		47
West [Member] | Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 47		(47)
Northeast G And P [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		188	$ 0		$ 0
Northeast G And P [Member] | Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)		$ 188

XML

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details PPE) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost		$ 41,510	$ 38,661
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(12,310)	(11,157)
Property, plant, and equipment - net		29,200	27,504
Depreciation and amortization expenses		1,390	1,392	$ 1,389
Nonregulated [Member] | Natural gas gathering and processing facilities [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost		17,593	15,324
Nonregulated [Member] | Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost		354	778
Nonregulated [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost		2,519	2,356
Regulated [Member] | Natural gas transmission facilities [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost		18,076	17,312
Regulated [Member] | Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost		586	965
Regulated [Member] | Acquisition Adjustment Of Regulated Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Plant Acquisition Adjustments for Intangible Utility Plants		$ 547	586
Period of straight-line amortization		40 years
Regulated [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost		$ 2,382	$ 1,926
Minimum [Member] | Nonregulated [Member] | Natural gas gathering and processing facilities [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	[1]	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Nonregulated [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	[1]	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Regulated [Member] | Natural gas transmission facilities [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Depreciation Rate	[1]	1.25%
Minimum [Member] | Regulated [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	[1]	5 years
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Depreciation Rate	[1]	0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Nonregulated [Member] | Natural gas gathering and processing facilities [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	[1]	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Nonregulated [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	[1]	45 years
Maximum [Member] | Regulated [Member] | Natural gas transmission facilities [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Depreciation Rate	[1]	7.13%
Maximum [Member] | Regulated [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	[1]	45 years
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Depreciation Rate	[1]	33.33%

[1] (1) Estimated useful life and depreciation rates are presented as of December 31, 2019. Depreciation rates and estimated useful lives for regulated assets are prescribed by the FERC.

XML

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2020	Feb. 01, 2017	Jul. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 13, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared					$ 1.52	$ 1.36	$ 1.20
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		9,750,000		65,000,000
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued					$ 35	$ 35
Shares Issued, Price Per Share								$ 29.00
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock		$ 2,100			$ 10	$ 15	$ 2,131
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			35,000
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued			$ 35
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			7.25%
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized			30,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share			$ 1
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.40

XML

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 1.52	$ 1.36	$ 1.20

XML

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax	$ 0	$ 1	$ 2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax	0	(1)	(1)
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Other Comprehensive Income, Amortization Of Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) In Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Tax	0	0	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Net Actuarial Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	(20)	3	(15)
Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Reclassification Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Net Gain Loss Included In Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Tax	$ (4)	$ (11)	$ (37)

XML

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Interest on debt	$	288	$	282
Employee costs	226		205
Estimated rate refund liabilities (Note 19)	189		—
Contract liabilities (Note 2)	158		244
Asset retirement obligation (Note 12)	48		64
Operating lease liabilities (Note 11)	21		—
Other, including other loss contingencies	346		307
	$	1,276	$	1,102

XML

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for pension benefits and other postretirement benefits for the years indicated:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Millions)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,187		$	1,319		$	186		$	206
Service cost	45			50			1			1
Interest cost	50			46			8			7
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—			2			2
Benefits paid	(111		)	(35		)	(12		)	(13		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	69			(90		)	30			(17		)
Settlements	(3		)	(103		)	—			—
Net increase (decrease) in benefit obligation	50			(132		)	29			(20		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,237			1,187			215			186
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,132			1,227			214			227
Actual return on plan assets	218			(45		)	38			(7		)
Employer contributions	63			88			5			5
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—			2			2
Benefits paid	(111		)	(35		)	(12		)	(13		)
Settlements	(3		)	(103		)	—			—
Net increase (decrease) in fair value of plan assets	167			(95		)	33			(13		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,299			1,132			247			214
Funded status — overfunded (underfunded)	$	62		$	(55	)	$	32		$	28
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,221		$	1,171

Overfunded (underfunded) status of our pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans [Table Text Block]

The overfunded (underfunded) status of our pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan presented in the previous table are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet within the following accounts:

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Overfunded (underfunded) pension plans:
Noncurrent assets	$	92		$	—
Current liabilities	(3		)	(2		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(27		)	(53		)
Overfunded (underfunded) other postretirement benefit plan:
Noncurrent assets	38			34
Current liabilities	(6		)	(6		)

Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes information for pension plans with obligations in excess of plan assets.

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	29	$	1,187
Fair value of plan assets	—		1,132
Plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation	26		367
Fair value of plan assets	—		326

Pre-tax amounts not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit)[Table Text Block]

Pre-tax amounts not yet recognized in Net periodic benefit cost (credit) at December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(Millions)
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial loss	$	(243	)	$	(347	)	$	(21	)	$	(12	)
Amounts included in regulatory liabilities associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline:
Net actuarial gain	N/A			N/A			$	11		$	4

Schedule of Net Benefit Cost (Credit) [Table Text Block]

Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost	$	45		$	50		$	50		$	1		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	50			46			59			8			7			8
Expected return on plan assets	(61		)	(63		)	(82		)	(10		)	(11		)	(11		)
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			—			—			(2		)	(13		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15			23			27			—			—			—
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1			23			71			—			—			—
Reclassification to regulatory liability	—			—			—			1			2			3
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	50		$	79		$	125		$	—		$	(3	)	$	(12	)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	Pension Benefits							Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019		2018			2017		2019			2018		2017
	(Millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	88	$	(18	)	$	62	$	(9	)	$	9	$	(3	)
Amortization of prior service credit	—		—			—		—			—		(5		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15		23			27		—			—		—
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1		23			71		—			—		—
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	104	$	28		$	160	$	(9	)	$	9	$	(8	)

Schedule of Regulatory Assets / Liabilities [Table Text Block]

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations for our other postretirement benefit plan associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline are recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities. Amounts recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31 consist of the following:

	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory (assets) and liabilities:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	7	$	(10	)	$	6
Amortization of prior service credit	—		(2		)	(8		)

Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block]

The weighted-average assumptions utilized to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Discount rate	3.19	%	4.34	%	3.27	%	4.39	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.68		4.83		N/A		N/A
Cash balance interest crediting rate	3.50		4.25		N/A		N/A

The weighted-average assumptions utilized to determine Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement  Benefits
	2019		2018		2017		2019		2018		2017
Discount rate	4.33	%	3.67	%	4.17	%	4.39	%	3.71	%	4.27	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.26		5.34		6.45		5.01		4.95		5.53
Rate of compensation increase	4.83		4.93		4.87		N/A		N/A		N/A
Cash balance interest crediting rate	4.25		4.25		4.25		N/A		N/A		N/A

Fair values of plan assets [Table Text Block]

The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 by asset class are as follows: 

	2019
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Pension assets:
Cash management fund	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	41		22		—		63
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	62		—		—		62
Governments and municipal bonds	—		35		—		35
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		11		—		11
Corporate bonds	—		360		—		360
Other	5		4		—		9
	$	119	$	432	$	—	551
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							133
Equities — Global large and mid cap							100
Equities — International emerging markets							26
Fixed income — U.S. long and intermediate duration							380
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							109
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2019							$	1,299

	2018
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Pension assets:
Cash management fund	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	10
Equity securities	52		—		—		52
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	157		—		—		157
Government and municipal bonds	—		21		—		21
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		48		—		48
Corporate bonds	—		210		—		210
Insurance company investment contracts and other	—		6		—		6
	$	219	$	285	$	—	504
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							123
Equities — International small cap							8
Equities — International emerging markets							19
Equities — International developed markets							51
Fixed income — U.S. long duration							335
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							92
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2018							$	1,132

The fair values of our other postretirement benefits plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 by asset class are as follows:

	2019
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Other postretirement benefit assets:
Cash management funds	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	35		9		—		44
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	8		—		—		8
Governments and municipal bonds	—		4		—		4
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		1		—		1
Corporate bonds	—		43		—		43
Mutual fund — Municipal bonds	46		—		—		46
	$	100	$	57	$	—	157
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							16
Equities — Global large and mid cap							12
Equities — International emerging markets							3
Fixed income — U.S. long and intermediate duration							46
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							13
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2019							$	247

	2018
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
	(Millions)
Other postretirement benefit assets:
Cash management funds	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
Equity securities	29		5		—		34
Fixed income securities (1):
U.S. Treasury securities	19		—		—		19
Government and municipal bonds	—		2		—		2
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		6		—		6
Corporate bonds	—		25		—		25
Mutual fund — Municipal bonds	43		—		—		43
	$	102	$	38	$	—	140
Commingled investment funds measured at net asset value practical expedient (2):
Equities — U.S. large cap							14
Equities — International small cap							1
Equities — International emerging markets							2
Equities — International developed markets							6
Fixed income — U.S. long duration							40
Fixed income — Corporate bonds							11
Total assets at fair value at December 31, 2018							$	214

____________

(1) The weighted-average credit quality rating of the fixed income security portfolio is investment grade with a weighted-average duration of approximately 14 years for 2019 and 13 years for 2018.

(2) The stated intents of the funds vary based on each commingled fund’s investment objective. These objectives generally include strategies to replicate or outperform various market indices. Certain standard withdrawal restrictions generally apply, which may include redemption notification period restrictions ranging from 1 day to 30 days. Additionally, the fund managers retain the right to restrict withdrawals from and/or purchases into the funds so as not to disadvantage other investors in the funds. Generally, the funds also reserve the right to make all or a portion of the redemption in-kind rather than in cash or a combination of cash and in-kind.

Expected benefit payments [Table Text Block]

Following are the expected benefits to be paid by the plans. These estimates are based on the same assumptions previously discussed and reflect future service as appropriate. The actuarial assumptions are based on long-term expectations and include, but are not limited to, assumptions as to average expected retirement age and form of benefit payment. Actual benefit payments could differ significantly from expected benefit payments if near-term participant behaviors differ significantly from the actuarial assumptions. 

	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(Millions)
2020	$	100	$	14
2021	99		14
2022	97		14
2023	93		14
2024	90		14
2025-2029	433		62

XML

Subsequent Events (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 15, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	May 01, 2020	Mar. 19, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment of equity-method investments			$ 186	$ 32	$ 0
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments			375	396	$ 434
Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility loans			$ 0	$ 160
5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term debt interest rate			5.25%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment of equity-method investments		$ 938
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		187
Subsequent Event [Member] | Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments		(78)
Subsequent Event [Member] | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right							0.001
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share							$ 1.00
Subsequent Event [Member] | Dividend Declared [Member] | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding							1
Subsequent Event [Member] | Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility loans						$ 1,700
Subsequent Event [Member] | 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term debt retired	$ 1,500
Long-term debt interest rate	5.25%
Noncontrolling Interests [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 65

XML

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 10, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Foreign income (loss) in Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$ (6,000)	$ (3,000)	$ (7,000)
Minimum tax credit		29,000	71,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount		(31,000)
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds		86,000
Income Taxes Paid, Net			11,000	28,000
Unrecognized tax benefits		51,000	51,000	$ 50,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate		51,000	51,000
Total interest and penalties recognized as part of income tax provision		500	800
Total interest and penalties accrued as uncertain tax positions		3,000	$ 3,000
Federal tax rate before Tax Reform [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent			35.00%	35.00%
Federal tax rate after Tax Reform [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent			21.00%	21.00%
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiration 2019 To 2023 [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards		5,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Expiration None [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards		$ 539,000
WPZ Merger Public Unit Exchange [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	$ (1,829,000)

XML

Equity-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Williams Companies Incentive Plan [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Shares authorized for issuance	40,000
Shares reserved for future issuance	23,000
Shares available for future grants	11,000
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 57	$ 54	$ 70
Tax benefit from equity-based compensation expense	14	$ 14	17
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized [Abstract]
Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense	$ 60
Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense, Weighted-average period of recognition in years	2 years 9 months 18 days
Williams Companies Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock options [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized [Abstract]
Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense - Stock Options	$ 2
Rollforward of stock option activity and related information
Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance	7,300
Options, Granted	0
Options, Exercised	(400)
Options, Cancelled	(100)
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance	6,800	7,300
Options Exercisable at Period End	5,800
Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance	$ 2
Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at Period End	2
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	6	$ 3	4
Tax benefits realized on options exercised	1	0	1
Cash received from the exercise of options	$ 4	$ 9	$ 7
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 2 months 12 days
Stock Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 31.55
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	0
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	11.31
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled	35.62
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	32.64	$ 31.55
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at Period End	$ 33.22
Estimated fair value at date of grant of options for common stock granted
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options for our common stock granted during the year, per share		$ 5.49	$ 6.61
Weighted-average assumptions:
Dividend yield		4.70%	4.20%
Volatility		30.10%	35.10%
Risk-free interest rate		2.70%	2.10%
Expected life (years)		6 years	6 years
Duration Of Base Term For Peer Group Historical Volatility Measurement	10 years
Williams Companies Incentive Plan [Member] | Nonvested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized [Abstract]
Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense - Restricted Stock Units	$ 58
Rollforward of nonvested restricted stock unit activity and related information
Restricted Stock Units, Nonvested shares, Beginning Balance	4,500
Restricted Stock Units, Granted	2,500
Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited	(500)
Restricted Stock Units, Vested	(1,100)
Restricted Stock Units, Nonvested shares, Ending Balance	5,400	4,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Units, Nonvested, Weighted-Average Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 28.96
Weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year, per share	25.87	$ 30.48	$ 29.47
Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited, Weighted-Average Fair Value	28.48
Restricted Stock Units, Vested, Weighted-Average Fair Value	26.25
Restricted Stock Units, Nonvested, Weighted-Average Fair Value, Ending Balance	$ 28.11	$ 28.96
Restricted Stock Units, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 29	$ 35	$ 33
Williams Companies Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Rollforward of nonvested restricted stock unit activity and related information
Performance based nonvested restricted stock units as a percent of total nonvested restricted stock units outstanding	39.00%
Williams Companies Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Rollforward of nonvested restricted stock unit activity and related information
Range of vested shares based on extent to which certain financial targets are achieved	0.00%
Williams Companies Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Rollforward of nonvested restricted stock unit activity and related information
Range of vested shares based on extent to which certain financial targets are achieved	200.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Shares authorized for issuance	3,600
Shares available for future grants	424
No. of shares purchases by employees	322
Average price of shares purchased	$ 19.55

XML

Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (Note 6)			$ 485	$ 0	$ 200
Other Asset Impairment Charges			464	1,915	$ 1,248
Northeast JV [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		35.00%
Constitution Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Other Asset Impairment Charges	$ 354
Loss on deconsolidation	27
Constitution Pipeline Company LLC [Member] | NonControlling Interest Share [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Other Asset Impairment Charges	209
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	102		102	33
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Trade accounts and other receivables [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	167		167	62
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Other current assets and deferred charges [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	5		5	2
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	5,745		5,745	2,363
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	2,669		2,669	1,177
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	13		13	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Accounts payable [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	(58)		(58)	(15)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	(66)		(66)	(115)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	(283)		$ (283)	$ (264)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Northeast JV [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage			65.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage				50.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (Note 6)		$ 485
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage			15.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member] | Investments [Domain]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	$ 194		$ 194
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Constitution Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage			41.00%
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Constitution Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage			41.00%
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Gulfstar One [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage			51.00%

XML

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Tax Provison (Benefit) Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current :
Federal	$ (41)	$ (83)	$ 15
State	(5)	1	23
Foreign	2	0	0
Total	(44)	(82)	38
Deferred:
Federal	280	183	(2,004)
State	99	37	(8)
Total	379	220	(2,012)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 335	$ 138	$ (1,974)

XML

Contingent Liabilities and Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		1 Months Ended
	May 20, 2016	Jan. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Customer Refund Liability, Current			$ 189	$ 0
Accrued environmental loss liabilities			31
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments for construction and acquisition of property, plant, and equipment			206
Energy Transfer Merger [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, damages sought, value	$ 1,480
Gas Pipeline [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued environmental loss liabilities			4
Natural Gas Underground Storage Facilities [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued environmental loss liabilities			7
Former Operations [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued environmental loss liabilities			$ 20
Subsequent Event [Member] | Former Alaska Refinery [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value		$ 86

XML

Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities [Text Block]

Note 14 – Accrued Liabilities

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Interest on debt	$	288	$	282
Employee costs	226		205
Estimated rate refund liabilities (Note 19)	189		—
Contract liabilities (Note 2)	158		244
Asset retirement obligation (Note 12)	48		64
Operating lease liabilities (Note 11)	21		—
Other, including other loss contingencies	346		307
	$	1,276	$	1,102

XML

Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk [Text Block]

Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk

The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, certain of our financial assets and liabilities. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, margin deposits, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Therefore, these assets and liabilities are not presented in the following table.

							Fair Value Measurements Using
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2019:
Measured on a recurring basis:
ARO Trust investments	$	201		$	201		$	201		$	—		$	—
Energy derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments	1			1			1			—			—
Energy derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments	(3		)	(3		)	(1		)	—			(2		)
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(22,288		)	(25,319		)	—			(25,319		)	—
Guarantees	(41		)	(27		)	—			(11		)	(16		)
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2018:
Measured on a recurring basis:
ARO Trust investments	$	150		$	150		$	150		$	—		$	—
Energy derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments	3			3			3			—			—
Energy derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments	(7		)	(7		)	(4		)	—			(3		)
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(22,414		)	(23,330		)	—			(23,330		)	—
Guarantees	(43		)	(30		)	—			(14		)	(16		)

Fair Value Methods

We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments:

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

ARO Trust investments: Transco deposits a portion of its collected rates, pursuant to its rate case settlement, into an external trust that is specifically designated to fund future ARO’s. The ARO Trust invests in a portfolio of actively traded mutual funds that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in an active market and is reported in Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses are ultimately recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities.

Energy derivatives: Energy derivatives include commodity-based exchange-traded contracts and over-the-counter contracts, which consist of physical forwards, futures, and swaps that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value amounts are presented on a gross basis and do not reflect the netting of asset and liability positions permitted under the terms of our master netting arrangements. Further, the amounts do not include cash held on deposit in margin accounts that we have received or remitted to collateralize certain derivative positions. Energy derivative assets are reported in Other current assets and deferred charges and Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Energy derivative liabilities are reported in Accrued liabilities and Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. No transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred during the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.

Additional fair value disclosures

Long-term debt, including current portion: The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt is determined primarily by a market approach using broker quoted indicative period-end bond prices. The quoted prices are based on observable transactions in less active markets for our debt or similar instruments. The fair values of the financing obligations associated with our Dalton lateral and Atlantic Sunrise projects, which are included within long-term debt, were determined using an income approach (see Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements).

Guarantees: Guarantees primarily consist of a guarantee we have provided in the event of nonpayment by our previously owned communications subsidiary, Williams Communications Group (WilTel), on a lease performance obligation that extends through 2042. Guarantees also include an indemnification related to a disposed operation.

To estimate the fair value of the WilTel guarantee, an estimated default rate is applied to the sum of the future contractual lease payments using an income approach. The estimated default rate is determined by obtaining the average cumulative issuer-weighted corporate default rate based on the credit rating of WilTel’s current owner and the term of the underlying obligation. The default rate is published by Moody’s Investors Service. The carrying value of the WilTel guarantee is reported in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum potential undiscounted exposure is approximately $28 million at December 31, 2019. Our exposure declines systematically through the remaining term of WilTel’s obligation.

The fair value of the guarantee associated with the indemnification related to a disposed operation was estimated using an income approach that considered probability-weighted scenarios of potential levels of future performance. The terms of the indemnification do not limit the maximum potential future payments associated with the guarantee. The carrying value of this guarantee is reported in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

We are required by our revolving credit agreement to indemnify lenders for certain taxes required to be withheld from payments due to the lenders and for certain tax payments made by the lenders. The maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnifications is based on the related borrowings and such future payments cannot

currently be determined. These indemnifications generally continue indefinitely unless limited by the underlying tax regulations and have no carrying value. We have never been called upon to perform under these indemnifications and have no current expectation of a future claim.

Nonrecurring fair value measurements

The following table presents impairments of assets and equity-method investments associated with certain nonrecurring fair value measurements within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, except as specifically noted. Impairments of equity-method investments are reported in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

					Impairments
					Year Ended December 31,
	Segment	Date of Measurement	Fair Value		2019			2018		2017
			(Millions)
Impairment of certain assets:
Certain pipeline project (1)	Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	December 31, 2019	$	22	$	354
Certain gathering assets (2)	West	December 31, 2019	25		20
Certain gathering assets (2)	West	June 30, 2019	40		59
Certain idle gathering assets (3)	West	March 31, 2019	—		12
Certain gathering assets (4)	West	December 31, 2018	470					$	1,849
Certain idle pipeline assets (5)	Other	June 30, 2018	25					66
Certain gathering assets (6)	West	September 30, 2017	439							$	1,019
Certain gathering assets (7)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2017	21							115
Certain NGL pipeline (8)	Other	September 30, 2017	32							68
Certain olefins pipeline project (9)	Other	June 30, 2017	18							23
Other impairments and write-downs (10)					19			—		23
Impairment of certain assets					$	464		$	1,915	$	1,248
Impairment of equity-method investments:
Laurel Mountain (11)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2019	$	242	$	79
Appalachia Midstream Investments (12)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2019	102		17
Pennant (13)	Northeast G&P	August 31, 2019	11		17
UEOM (14)	Northeast G&P	March 17, 2019	1,210		74
UEOM (14)	Northeast G&P	December 31, 2018	1,293					$	32
Other					(1		)
Impairment of equity-method investments					$	186		$	32

______________

(1) Relates to the Constitution development project. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was based on probability-weighted third-party quotes. See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities for further discussion.

(2) Relates to a gas gathering system in the Eagle Ford region with expected declines in asset utilization and possible idling of the gathering system. We designated these operations as held for sale, included in Other current assets and deferred charges, as of December 31, 2019. As a result, we measured the fair value of the disposal group using the expected sales price under a contract with a third party. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net at June 30, 2019, was determined using a market approach, which incorporated indications of interest from third parties.

(3) Reflects impairment of Property, plant, and equipment – net that is no longer in use for which the fair value was determined to be lower than the carrying value.

(4) Relates to our gathering operations in the Barnett Shale. Certain of our contractual gathering rates, primarily those in the Barnett Shale, are based on a percentage of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) natural gas prices. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we determined there was a sustained decline in the forward price curves for natural gas. During this same period, a large producer customer in the Barnett Shale removed their remaining drilling rig. These factors gave rise to an impairment evaluation of these assets, which incorporated management’s projections of future drilling activity and gathering rates, taking into consideration the information previously noted as well as recently available information regarding producer drilling cost assumptions in the basin. The resulting estimate of future undiscounted cash flows was less than our carrying value, necessitating the estimation of the fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization. To arrive at the fair value, we utilized an income approach with a discount rate of 8.5 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(5) Relates to certain idle pipelines. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was determined by a market approach incorporating information derived from bids received for these assets, which we marketed for sale together with certain other assets. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(6) Relates to certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent region. During the third quarter of 2017, we received solicitations and engaged in negotiations for the sale of certain of these assets which led to our impairment evaluation. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization was determined using an income approach and incorporated market inputs based on ongoing negotiations for a potential sale of a portion of the underlying assets. For the income approach, we utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(7) Relates to certain gathering operations in the Marcellus South region resulting from an anticipated decline in future volumes following a third-quarter 2017 shut-in by the primary producer. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization was determined by the income approach utilizing a discount rate of 11.1 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(8) Relates to an NGL pipeline near the Houston Ship Channel region which we anticipated would be underutilized for the foreseeable future. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was primarily determined by using a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal market. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(9) Relates primarily to project development costs associated with an olefins pipeline project in the Gulf Coast region, where we consider the likelihood of completion to be remote. The estimated fair value of the remaining Property, plant, and equipment – net considered a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal

market, as well as an estimate of replacement cost. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(10) Reflects multiple individually insignificant impairments and write-downs of other certain assets that may no longer be in use or are surplus in nature for which the fair value was determined to be lower than the carrying value.

(11) Relates to a gas gathering system in the Marcellus region that was adversely impacted by lower sustained forward natural gas price expectations and changes in expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent in our analysis.

(12) Relates to a certain gathering system held in Appalachia Midstream Investments that was adversely impacted by changes in the timing of expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 9.0 percent in our analysis.

(13) The estimated fair value of Pennant Midstream, LLC (“Pennant”) was determined by a market approach based on recent observable third-party transactions. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(14) The estimated fair value at March 17, 2019, was determined by a market approach based on the transaction price for the purchase of the remaining interest in UEOM as finalized just prior to the signing and closing of the acquisition in March 2019 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures). These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value at December 31, 2018, was determined by a market approach based on our analysis of inputs in the principal market.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The following table summarizes concentration of receivables, net of allowances:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
NGLs, natural gas, and related products and services	$	613	$	626
Transportation of natural gas and related products	277		232
Accounts Receivable related to revenues from contracts with customers	890		858
Other	106		134
Trade accounts and other receivables	$	996	$	992

Customers include producers, distribution companies, industrial users, gas marketers, and pipelines primarily located in the continental United States. As a general policy, collateral is not required for receivables, but customers’ financial condition and credit worthiness are evaluated regularly. Based upon this evaluation, we may obtain collateral to support receivables.

In 2019, 2018, and 2017, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, and its affiliates, a customer currently primarily within our West segment, accounted for approximately 6 percent, 8 percent, and 10 percent, respectively, of our consolidated revenues, and as of December 31, 2019, accounted for $78 million of the consolidated Trade accounts and other receivables balance.

XML

Investing Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Investments [Abstract]

Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]

The following table presents certain items reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)	$	(186	)	$	(32	)	$	—
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses	(29		)	203			—
Gain on disposition of equity-method investments	122			—			269
Other	14			16			13
Other investing income (loss) – net	$	(79	)	$	187		$	282

Investments [Table Text Block]

	Ownership Interest at December 31, 2019	December 31,
		2019		2018
		(Millions)
Appalachia Midstream Investments	(1)	$	3,236	$	3,218
RMM	50%	881		776
Discovery	60%	472		507
Caiman II	58%	428		412
OPPL	50%	403		415
Laurel Mountain	69%	249		314
Gulfstream	50%	217		225
Brazos Permian II	15%	194		191
UEOM	(2)	—		1,293
Jackalope	(3)	—		343
Other	Various	155		127
		$	6,235	$	7,821

___________

(1) Includes equity-method investments in multiple gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale with an approximate average 66 percent interest.

(2) At December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM. On March 18, 2019, we acquired the remaining 38 percent interest. As a result of acquiring this additional interest, we obtained control of and now consolidate UEOM.

(3)

At December 31, 2018, we owned a 50 percent interest in Jackalope. In April 2019, we sold our interest in Jackalope.

Contributions [Table Text Block]

We generally fund our portion of significant expansion or development projects of these investees through additional capital contributions. These transactions increased the carrying value of our investments and included:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
RMM	$	145	$	795	$	—
Appalachia Midstream Investments	140		246		70
Laurel Mountain	36		16		—
Caiman II	28		—		24
Jackalope	24		42		—
Brazos Permian II	18		27		—
Discovery	—		5		1
DBJV	—		—		32
Other	62		1		5
	$	453	$	1,132	$	132

Dividends and distributions [Table Text Block]

Dividends and distributions

The organizational documents of entities in which we have an equity-method investment generally require distribution of available cash to members on at least a quarterly basis. These transactions reduced the carrying value of our investments and included:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Appalachia Midstream Investments	$	293	$	297	$	270
Gulfstream	86		93		92
OPPL	77		73		68
Caiman II	42		46		49
Discovery	41		45		127
RMM	38		—		—
Laurel Mountain	30		23		32
UEOM	13		70		80
DBJV	—		—		39
Other	37		46		27
	$	657	$	693	$	784

Summarized Financial Position and Results of Operations of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]

Summarized Financial Position and Results of Operations of All Equity-Method Investments

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Current assets	$	581		$	834
Noncurrent assets	11,966			13,199
Current liabilities	(341		)	(605		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(2,532		)	(2,491		)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Gross revenue	$	2,490	$	2,411	$	1,961
Operating income	685		804		871
Net income	598		795		806

XML

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by major service line:

	Transco		Northwest Pipeline		Gulf of Mexico Midstream		Northeast Midstream		West Midstream		Other		Eliminations			Total
	(Millions)
2019
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Service revenues:
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:
Monetary consideration	$	—	$	—	$	479	$	1,171	$	1,309	$	—	$	(75	)	$	2,884
Commodity consideration	—		—		41		12		150		—		—			203
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage	2,336		450		—		—		—		—		(6		)	2,780
Other	11		—		26		147		42		—		(16		)	210
Total service revenues	2,347		450		546		1,330		1,501		—		(97		)	6,077
Product Sales:
NGL and natural gas	106		—		185		150		1,795		—		(173		)	2,063
Total revenues from contracts with customers	2,453		450		731		1,480		3,296		—		(270		)	8,140
Other revenues (1)	1		—		8		20		14		30		(12		)	61
Total revenues	$	2,454	$	450	$	739	$	1,500	$	3,310	$	30	$	(282	)	$	8,201
2018
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Service revenues:
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:
Monetary consideration	$	—	$	—	$	541	$	861	$	1,590	$	2	$	(73	)	$	2,921
Commodity consideration	—		—		59		20		321		—		—			400
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage	1,921		443		—		—		—		—		(2		)	2,362
Other	2		—		17		94		46		—		(15		)	144
Total service revenues	1,923		443		617		975		1,957		2		(90		)	5,827
Product Sales:
NGL and natural gas	127		—		307		287		2,421		—		(382		)	2,760
Other	—		—		—		—		21		—		(4		)	17
Total product sales	127		—		307		287		2,442		—		(386		)	2,777
Total revenues from contracts with customers	2,050		443		924		1,262		4,399		2		(476		)	8,604
Other revenues (1)	11		—		18		21		12		32		(12		)	82
Total revenues	$	2,061	$	443	$	942	$	1,283	$	4,411	$	34	$	(488	)	$	8,686

______________________________

(1)

Revenues not within the scope of ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” consist of leasing revenues associated with our headquarters building and management fees that we receive for certain services we provide to operated equity-method investments, which are reported in Service revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, and amounts associated with our derivative contracts, which are reported in Product sales in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]

The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract assets:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	4		$	4
Revenue recognized in excess of amounts invoiced	62			66
Minimum volume commitments invoiced	(58		)	(66		)
Balance at end of period	$	8		$	4

Contract Liabilities

The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract liabilities:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,397		$	1,596
Payments received and deferred	157			314
Significant financing component	13			16
Deconsolidation of Jackalope interest (Note 6)	—			(52		)
Deconsolidation of certain Permian assets (Note 6)	—			(26		)
Recognized in revenue	(352		)	(451		)
Balance at end of period	$	1,215		$	1,397

Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the amount of the contract liabilities balance expected to be recognized as revenue when performance obligations are satisfied and the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under certain contracts as of December 31, 2019.

	Contract Liabilities		Remaining Performance Obligations
	(Millions)
2020	$	160	$	3,418
2021	121		3,241
2022	113		3,117
2023	101		2,524
2024	91		2,339
Thereafter	629		18,815
Total	$	1,215	$	33,454

XML

Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events (Unaudited) [Text Block]

Note 21 – Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

Debt issuances and retirements

We retired $1.5 billion of 5.25 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on March 15, 2020. At May 1, 2020, $1.7 billion was outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

Stockholder rights agreement

On March 19, 2020, our board of directors approved the adoption of a limited duration stockholder rights agreement (Rights Agreement) and declared a distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock. The Rights Agreement is intended to protect the interests of us and our stockholders by reducing the likelihood of another party gaining control of or significant influence over us without paying an appropriate premium considering recent volatile markets.  Each preferred stock purchase right represents the right to purchase, upon certain terms and conditions, one one-thousandth of a share of Series C Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share. Each one-thousandth of a share of Series C Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, if issued, would have rights similar to one share of our common stock.  The distribution of preferred stock purchase rights occurred on March 30, 2020 to holders of record as of the close of business on that date. The Rights Agreement expires on March 20, 2021.

Impairments

As disclosed in our Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2020, during the first quarter of 2020, we recognized impairment charges related to certain of our equity-method investments totaling $938 million, and an impairment charge of $187 million related to our goodwill. Our partner’s share of the goodwill impairment was $65 million. Equity earnings for the first quarter of 2020 includes a $78 million charge associated with the full impairment of goodwill recognized by our investee RMM, which was allocated entirely to our member interest per the terms of the membership agreement.

XML

Variable Interest Entities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Variable Interest Entity Disclosures [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]

Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities

Consolidated VIEs

As of December 31, 2019, we consolidate the following VIEs:

Gulfstar One

We own a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One, a subsidiary that, due to certain risk-sharing provisions in its customer contracts, is a VIE. Gulfstar One includes a proprietary floating-production system, Gulfstar FPS, and associated pipelines which provide production handling and gathering services in the eastern deepwater Gulf of Mexico. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Gulfstar One’s economic performance.

Cardinal

We own a 66 percent interest in Cardinal, a subsidiary that provides gathering services for the Utica Shale region and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Cardinal’s economic performance. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from us and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.

Northeast JV

As a result of the June 2019 sale of a 35 percent interest in the Northeast JV (Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures), we now own a 65 percent interest in the Northeast JV, a subsidiary that is a VIE due to certain of our voting rights being disproportionate to our obligation to absorb losses and substantially all of the Northeast JV’s activities being performed on our behalf. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Northeast JV’s economic performance. The Northeast JV provides midstream services for producers in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale regions. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from us and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.

The following table presents amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are only for the use or obligation of our consolidated VIEs:

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Cash and cash equivalents	$	102		$	33
Trade accounts and other receivables – net	167			62
Other current assets and deferred charges	5			2
Property, plant, and equipment – net	5,745			2,363
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization	2,669			1,177
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	13			—
Accounts payable	(58		)	(15		)
Accrued liabilities	(66		)	(115		)
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	(283		)	(264		)

Nonconsolidated VIEs

Jackalope

At December 31, 2018, we owned a 50 percent interest in Jackalope, which provides gathering and processing services for the Powder River basin and was a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. In April 2019, we sold our interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash (see Note 6 – Investing Activities).

Brazos Permian II

We own a 15 percent interest in Brazos Permian II (see Note 6 – Investing Activities), which provides gathering and processing services in the Delaware basin and is a VIE due primarily to our limited participating rights as the minority equity holder.  At December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our investment in Brazos Permian II was $194 million. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment.

Constitution

As of December 31, 2019, we own a 41 percent interest in Constitution, a subsidiary which proposed a pipeline project extending from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to the Iroquois Gas Transmission and the Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems in New York. Constitution was considered a VIE due to shipper fixed-payment commitments under its long-term firm transportation contracts, and we were the primary beneficiary because we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted Constitution’s economic performance during its construction phase. Thus, prior to December 31, 2019, we consolidated Constitution.

Although Constitution received a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the FERC to construct and operate the proposed pipeline and obtained, among other approvals, a waiver of the water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the New York portion of the project, the members of Constitution, following extensive evaluation and discussion, recently determined that the underlying risk-adjusted return for this greenfield pipeline project has diminished in such a way that further development is no longer supported. Accordingly, we recognized a $354 million impairment of the consolidated capitalized project costs in the fourth quarter of 2019, which considered our estimate of the fair value of the disposal group under various probability-weighted disposal alternatives. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.) Our partners’ $209 million share of this impairment is reflected within Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Constitution is still considered a VIE due to insufficient equity at risk, but we are no longer the primary beneficiary. As a result, we deconsolidated Constitution as of December 31, 2019, recognizing a loss on deconsolidation of $27 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, which is included in Other investing income (loss) - net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

XML

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes [Text Block]

Note 8 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

The Provision (benefit) for income taxes includes:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Current:
Federal	$	(41	)	$	(83	)	$	15
State	(5		)	1			23
Foreign	2			—			—
	(44		)	(82		)	38
Deferred:
Federal	280			183			(2,004		)
State	99			37			(8		)
	379			220			(2,012		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	335		$	138		$	(1,974	)

Reconciliations from the Provision (benefit) at statutory rate to recorded Provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Provision (benefit) at statutory rate	$	224	$	69		$	187
Increases (decreases) in taxes resulting from:
Impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests	29		(73		)	(117		)
Federal Tax Reform rate change	—		—			(1,932		)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	74		(10		)	(17		)
State deferred income tax rate change	—		38			26
Foreign operations – net (including tax effect of Canadian Sale)	2		—			(127		)
Federal valuation allowance	3		105			—
Other – net	3		9			6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	335	$	138		$	(1,974	)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes includes $6 million, $3 million, and $7 million of foreign loss in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Foreign operations – net (including tax effect of Canadian Sale) in 2017 reflects the release of a valuation allowance associated with impairments and losses on the sale of our Canadian operations.

On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was enacted. Most of the provisions of Tax Reform were effective after January 1, 2018. However, the deferred tax impact of reducing the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent was recognized in the period of enactment. This remeasurement resulted in a reduction of our deferred tax liabilities of approximately $1.9 billion, with a corresponding net adjustment to Provision (benefit) for income taxes in 2017.

During the course of audits of our business by domestic and foreign tax authorities, we frequently face challenges regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the liability associated with our various filing positions, we apply the two-step process of recognition and measurement. In association with this liability, we record an estimate of related interest and tax exposure as a component of our tax provision. The impact of this accrual is included within Other – net in our reconciliation of the Provision (benefit) at statutory rate to recorded Provision (benefit) for income taxes.

Significant components of Deferred income tax liabilities and Deferred income tax assets are as follows:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	1,921	$	2,317
Investments	1,411		295
Other	82		30
Total deferred income tax liabilities	3,414		2,642
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued liabilities	729		667
Minimum tax credit	29		71
Foreign tax credit	140		140
Federal loss carryovers	544		147
State losses and credits	362		319
Other	147		94
Total deferred income tax assets	1,951		1,438
Less valuation allowance	319		320
Net deferred income tax assets	1,632		1,118
Overall net deferred income tax liabilities	$	1,782	$	1,524

The valuation allowance at December 31, 2019 and 2018, serves to reduce the available deferred income tax assets to an amount that will, more likely than not, be realized. We considered all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income, which incorporates available tax planning strategies, and management’s estimate of future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and have determined that a portion of our deferred income tax assets related to the Foreign tax credit and State losses and credits may not be realized. The completion of the WPZ Merger (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) was a taxable exchange to the WPZ unit holders, which resulted in an adjustment to the tax basis in the underlying assets deemed acquired. A reduction to the deferred tax liability of $1.829 billion related to the book-tax basis difference in this investment was recorded in 2018. Increased tax depreciation from the additional tax basis will reduce future taxable income, which serves to impact our expected realization of the Foreign tax credit. The amounts presented in the table above are, with respect to state items, before any federal benefit. The change from prior year for the State losses and credits reflects increases in losses and credits generated in the current and prior years less losses and/or credits utilized in the current year. We have loss and credit carryovers in multiple state taxing jurisdictions. Additionally, valuation allowances on state net operating losses decreased by $31 million in 2018 after the completion of the WPZ Merger. These attributes generally expire between 2019 and 2038 with some carryovers having indefinite carryforward periods. The remaining federal Minimum tax credit of $29 million will be refunded/utilized no later than 2021.

Federal loss carryovers include deferred tax assets of $5 million at the end of 2019 that are expected to be utilized by us prior to expiration between 2020 and 2023. Deferred tax assets on net operating loss carryovers of $539 million have no expiration date.

Cash refunds for income taxes (net of payments) were $86 million in 2019. Cash payments for income taxes (net of refunds) were $11 million, and $28 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $51 million of unrecognized tax benefits. If recognized, income tax expense would be reduced by $51 million for each of the years 2019 and 2018, including the effect of these changes on other tax attributes, with state income tax amounts included net of federal tax effect. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	51	$	50
Additions for tax positions of prior years	—		1
Balance at end of period	$	51	$	51

We recognize related interest and penalties as a component of Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Total interest and penalties recognized as part of income tax provision were expenses of $500 thousand and $800 thousand for 2019 and 2018, respectively. Approximately $3 million of interest and penalties primarily relating to uncertain tax positions have been accrued as of both December 31, 2019 and 2018.

During the next 12 months, we do not expect ultimate resolution of any unrecognized tax benefit associated with domestic or international matters to have a material impact on our unrecognized tax benefit position.

Consolidated U.S. Federal income tax returns are open to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination for years after 2010, excluding 2015, for which the statute expired on August 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, examinations of tax returns for 2011 through 2013 are currently in process. We do not expect material changes in our financial position resulting from these examinations. The statute of limitations for most states expires one year after expiration of the IRS statute. Generally, tax returns for our previously owned Canadian entities are open to audit for tax years after 2012. Tax years 2013 and 2014 are currently under income tax examination, while tax year 2016 is under Goods and Services Tax (GST) examination. In September 2016, we sold the majority of our Canadian operations and, as part of the sale, indemnified the purchaser for any increases in Canadian tax due to an audit of any tax periods prior to the sale.

XML

Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 10, 2018 USD ($)	May 01, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, capacity	$ 4,500		$ 4,500
Credit facility, loans outstanding			0	$ 160
Additional amount by which credit facility can be increased	$ 500
Maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA after acquisition	5.5
Acquisition Trigger Amount	$ 25
Williams Companies Inc [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, loans outstanding		$ 1,700
Williams Companies Inc [Member] | SwingLineLoan [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, capacity	200
Williams Companies Inc [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, capacity	$ 4,000
Commercial paper, outstanding			0	$ 0
Commercial paper, maximum maturity	397 days
Williams Companies Inc [Member] | Letters of credit [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, capacity	$ 1,000
Williams Companies Inc [Member] | Letters Of Credit Under Certain Bilateral Bank Agreements [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, letters of credit outstanding			$ 14
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, capacity	$ 500
Maximum ratio of debt to capitalization	65.00%
Northwest Pipeline LLC [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Credit facility, capacity	$ 500
Maximum ratio of debt to capitalization	65.00%
Sep18Dec18Mar19Jun19 [Member] | Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA	5.75
Sep19Dec19 [Member] | Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA	5.5
Mar20 And Subsequent Quarters [Member] | Williams Companies Inc [Member]
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper [Line Items]
Maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA	5.0

XML

EBP Benefit Pymts & Defined Contribution Plans (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Expected benefit payments
Employer's contributions charged to expense under defined contribution plans	$ 36	$ 35	$ 34
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected total plans contribution, approximate	6
Expected benefit payments
2020	14
2021	14
2022	14
2023	14
2024	14
2025-2029	62
Pension Benefits [Member]
Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected total plans contribution, approximate	13
Expected benefit payments
2020	100
2021	99
2022	97
2023	93
2024	90
2025-2029	433
Nonqualified Plan [Member]
Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected total plans contribution, approximate	3
Qualified Plan [Member]
Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected total plans contribution, approximate	$ 10

XML

EBP Asset rollforward and B.S. classification (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 1,132	$ 1,227
Actual return on plan assets	218	(45)
Employer contributions	63	88
Plan participants’ contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(111)	(35)
Settlements	(3)	(103)
Net increase (decrease) in fair value of plan assets	167	(95)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,299	1,132
Funded status — overfunded (underfunded)	62	(55)
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,221	1,171
Overfunded/(underfunded) status of our pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans
Noncurrent assets	92	0
Current liabilities	(3)	(2)
Noncurrent liabilities	(27)	(53)
Pension Plans with Project Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	29	1,187
Plan assets	0	1,132
Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation	26	367
Plan assets	0	326
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial loss	(243)	(347)
Amounts included in regulatory liabilities associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline:
Net regulatory liabilities	43	49
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	214	227
Actual return on plan assets	38	(7)
Employer contributions	5	5
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Benefits paid	(12)	(13)
Settlements	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in fair value of plan assets	33	(13)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	247	214
Funded status — overfunded (underfunded)	32	28
Overfunded/(underfunded) status of our pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans
Noncurrent assets	38	34
Current liabilities	(6)	(6)
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial loss	(21)	(12)
Amounts included in regulatory liabilities associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline:
Net actuarial gain	11	4
Net regulatory liabilities	$ 106	$ 116

XML

Accrued Liabilities Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Interest on debt	$ 288	$ 282
Employee costs	226	205
Estimated rate refund liabilities (Note 19)	189	0
Contract liabilities (Note 2)	158	244
Asset retirement obligation (Note 12)	48	64
Operating lease liabilities (Note 11)	21	0
Other, including other loss contingencies	346	307
Other accrued liabilities	$ 1,276	$ 1,102

XML

Segment Disclosures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Reconciliation of revenue from segment to consolidated [Table Text Block]

The following table reflects the reconciliation of Segment revenues to Total revenues as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Other financial information:

	Transmission & Gulf of Mexico		Northeast G&P		West		Other		Eliminations			Total
	(Millions)
2019
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	3,261	$	1,291	$	1,364	$	17	$	—		$	5,933
Internal	50		47		—		13		(110		)	—
Total service revenues	3,311		1,338		1,364		30		(110		)	5,933
Total service revenues – commodity consideration	41		12		150		—		—			203
Product sales
External	217		115		1,733		—		—			2,065
Internal	71		35		64		—		(170		)	—
Total product sales	288		150		1,797		—		(170		)	2,065
Total revenues	$	3,640	$	1,500	$	3,311	$	30	$	(280	)	$	8,201
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	1,341	$	1,245	$	304	$	21	$	—		$	2,911
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	177		454		115		—		—			746
2018
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	2,904	$	935	$	1,641	$	22	$	—		$	5,502
Internal	49		41		—		12		(102		)	—
Total service revenues	2,953		976		1,641		34		(102		)	5,502
Total service revenues – commodity consideration	59		20		321		—		—			400
Product sales
External	174		245		2,365		—		—			2,784
Internal	261		42		83		—		(386		)	—
Total product sales	435		287		2,448		—		(386		)	2,784
Total revenues	$	3,447	$	1,283	$	4,410	$	34	$	(488	)	$	8,686
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	2,379	$	477	$	279	$	36	$	—		$	3,171
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	183		493		94		—		—			770
2017
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	2,675	$	837	$	1,773	$	27	$	—		$	5,312
Internal	37		35		—		11		(83		)	—
Total service revenues	2,712		872		1,773		38		(83		)	5,312
Product sales
External	257		264		1,840		358		—			2,719
Internal	227		27		173		8		(435		)	—
Total product sales	484		291		2,013		366		(435		)	2,719
Total revenues	$	3,196	$	1,163	$	3,786	$	404	$	(518	)	$	8,031
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	2,095	$	460	$	227	$	32	$	—		$	2,814
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	264		452		79		—		—			795

Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net income (loss) [Table Text Block]

The following table reflects the reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Modified EBITDA by segment:
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	2,175		$	2,293		$	1,337
Northeast G&P	1,314			1,086			819
West	952			38			313
Other	6			(29		)	997
	4,447			3,388			3,466
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations	(33		)	(33		)	(33		)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	(1,714		)	(1,725		)	(1,736		)
Equity earnings (losses)	375			396			434
Other investing income (loss) – net	(79		)	187			282
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	(746		)	(770		)	(795		)
Interest expense	(1,186		)	(1,112		)	(1,083		)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(335		)	(138		)	1,974
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(15		)	—			—
Net income (loss)	$	714		$	193		$	2,509

Total assets and equity method investments by reporting segment [Table Text Block]

The following table reflects Total assets and Equity-method investments by reportable segments:

	Total Assets						Equity-Method Investments
	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(Millions)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	18,796		$	18,480		$	741	$	776
Northeast G&P	15,399			14,526			3,973		5,319
West	11,265			11,815			1,521		1,726
Other	1,151			849			—		—
Eliminations (1)	(571		)	(368		)	—		—
Total	$	46,040		$	45,302		$	6,235	$	7,821

______________

(1)

Eliminations primarily relate to the intercompany notes and accounts receivable generated by our cash management program.

XML

Revenue Recognition Contract Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net - Beginning of Period	$ 4	$ 4
Contract with Customer, Asset, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Measure of Progress	62	66
Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable	(58)	(66)
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net - End of Period	$ 8	$ 4

XML

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 18, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 17, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)							$ 186	$ 32	$ 0
Goodwill		$ 0				$ 188	$ 188	0	47
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life							30 years
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net							$ 141	(4)	(910)
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net							567	(18)	(2,407)
Capital in excess of par value [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net							(426)	14	1,497
Northeast JV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures			$ 1,330	$ 1,330
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners			35.00%	35.00%
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest			65.00%
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes							(141)
Northeast JV [Member] | Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net							567
Northeast JV [Member] | Capital in excess of par value [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net							(426)
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member] | Northeast JV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs							6
Northeast G And P [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 0				188	188	0	$ 0
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)							(1)
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 741
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain (Loss), Net	0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments				$ 169
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment				(106)
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles				$ (61)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	13
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets	55
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,387
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	328
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	1,770
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	7
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	7
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	1,763
Goodwill	188
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	1,951
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	$ 188
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	20 years
Percentage Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Impacted By Our Intent Or Ability To Renew Or Extend Arrangement	49.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted-Average Period before Renewal or Extension	10 years
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual						179
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual						53
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC Acquisition [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue							8,233	8,836
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)							$ 928	$ (128)
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC Acquisition [Member] | Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs						$ 4
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		62.00%						62.00%
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	38.00%
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)		$ 32			$ 74
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member] | Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	38.00%
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage										62.00%

XML

Fair Value Measurements Nonrecurring Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions											3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 17, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Other Asset Impairment Charges												$ 464	$ 1,915	$ 1,248
Impairment of equity-method investments												186	32	0
Northeast G And P [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of investment															$ 1,100
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of property, plant, and equipment								$ 25
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Assets Held For Sale [Member] | West [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 25											25
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Pennant Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of investment			$ 11
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of investment						$ 1,210
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of property, plant, and equipment	22											22
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member] | West [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of property, plant, and equipment				$ 40	$ 0						$ 0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of property, plant, and equipment									$ 32	$ 18
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Property Plant And Equipment, Net And Intangible Assets, Net Of Accumulated Amortization [Member] | West [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment And Intangibles, Fair Value Disclosure							$ 470		439				470
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Property Plant And Equipment, Net And Intangible Assets, Net Of Accumulated Amortization [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment And Intangibles, Fair Value Disclosure									21
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of investment		$ 242
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of investment							1,293						1,293
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | West [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of certain assets	20
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of certain assets								$ 66
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of certain assets												19	0	23
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of certain assets	$ 354
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | West [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of certain assets				$ 59	$ 12
Other Asset Impairment Charges							1,849		1,019
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of certain assets									68	$ 23
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Other Asset Impairment Charges									$ 115
Impairment Of Certain Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Other Asset Impairment Charges												464	1,915	$ 1,248
Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Pennant Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity-method investments			$ 17
Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity-method investments						$ 74
Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity-method investments												(1)
Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity-method investments		$ 79
Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity-method investments							$ 32				$ 74
Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity-method investments												$ 186	$ 32
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Property Plant And Equipment, Net And Intangible Assets, Net Of Accumulated Amortization [Member] | West [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment And Intangibles Fair Value Inputs							8.50%		10.20%				8.50%
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Property Plant And Equipment, Net And Intangible Assets, Net Of Accumulated Amortization [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment And Intangibles Fair Value Inputs									11.10%
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member] | Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Investments Fair Value Inputs		10.20%
Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair value of investment		$ 102
Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC [Member] | Impairment Of Equity-Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Impairment of equity-method investments		$ 17
Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Investments Fair Value Inputs		9.00%

XML

Investing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 18, 2019	Dec. 15, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 18)					$ (186)	$ (32)	$ 0
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses					29	(203)	0
Gain on disposition of equity-method investment					122	0	269
Other investing income (loss) – net					(79)	187	282
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					453	1,132	132
Equity-method investments	$ 6,235				6,235	7,821
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments					485	0	200
Equity-method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	1,000				1,000	1,800
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					657	693	784
Summarized Financial Position of Equity Method Investments
Current assets	581				581	834
Noncurrent assets	11,966				11,966	13,199
Current liabilities	(341)				(341)	(605)
Noncurrent liabilities	$ (2,532)				(2,532)	(2,491)
Summarized Results of Operations of Equity Method Investments
Gross revenue					2,490	2,411	1,961
Operating income					685	804	871
Net income					598	795	806
Other Income [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other investing income (loss) – net					14	16	13
Appalachia Midstream Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					$ 140	246	70
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	66.00%				66.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 3,236				$ 3,236	3,218
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					293	297	270
Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					$ 145	$ 795	0
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%				50.00%	50.00%				40.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 881				$ 881	$ 776
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					38	0	0
Discovery Producer Services LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					$ 0	5	1
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	60.00%				60.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 472				$ 472	507
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					41	45	127
Caiman Energy II [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					$ 28	0	24
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	58.00%				58.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 428				$ 428	412
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					$ 42	46	49
Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%				50.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 403				$ 403	415
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					77	73	68
Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					$ 36	16	0
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	69.00%				69.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 249				$ 249	314
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					$ 30	23	32
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%				50.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 217				$ 217	225
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					86	93	92
Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					$ 18	$ 27	0
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	15.00%				15.00%	15.00%
Equity-method investments	$ 194				$ 194	$ 191
Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage						62.00%
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired								38.00%
Equity-method investments	0				0	$ 1,293
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					13	70	80
Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain on disposition of equity-method investment		$ 122
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					24	$ 42	0
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		50.00%	50.00%			50.00%
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)						$ (47)
Equity-method investments	0				0	343
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments		$ 485
Delaware Basin Gas Gathering System [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					0	0	32
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					0	0	39
Constitution Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses	27
Other [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity-method investment, payments to purchase or contributions					62	1	5
Equity-method investments	$ 155				155	127
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					37	46	27
Total Equity Method Investment [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates					$ 657	693	784
Northeast G And P [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure				$ 1,100
Northeast G And P [Member] | Appalachia Midstream Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	66.00%				66.00%
Northeast G And P [Member] | Caiman Energy II [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	58.00%				58.00%
Northeast G And P [Member] | Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	69.00%				69.00%
West [Member] | Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%				50.00%
West [Member] | Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%				50.00%
West [Member] | Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses						(141)
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	15.00%				15.00%
West [Member] | Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses			$ (62)
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)			47			$ (47)
West [Member] | Delaware Basin Gas Gathering System [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain on disposition of equity-method investment							269
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				50.00%
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments				$ 155
West [Member] | Ranch Westex JV LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments							$ 45
Brazos Permian II, LLC [Member] | West [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure									$ 192
Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member] | West [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure			$ 310
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Appalachia Midstream Investments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment And Intangibles Fair Value Inputs				9.50%
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Jackalope Gas Gathering Services LLC [Member] | West [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment And Intangibles Fair Value Inputs			10.90%

XML

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Deferred Tax Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$ 1,921	$ 2,317
Investments	1,411	295
Other	82	30
Total deferred income tax liabilities	3,414	2,642
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued liabilities	729	667
Minimum tax credit	29	71
Foreign tax credit	140	140
Federal loss carryovers	544	147
State losses and credits	362	319
Other	147	94
Total deferred income tax assets	1,951	1,438
Less valuation allowance	319	320
Net deferred income tax assets	1,632	1,118
Overall net deferred income tax liabilities	$ 1,782	$ 1,524

XML

Segment Disclosures Recon from Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Modified EBITDA	$ 4,447	$ 3,388	$ 3,466
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations	(33)	(33)	(33)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	(1,714)	(1,725)	(1,736)
Equity earnings (losses)	375	396	434
Other investing income (loss) – net	(79)	187	282
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	(746)	(770)	(795)
Interest Expense	(1,186)	(1,112)	(1,083)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(335)	(138)	1,974
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(15)	0	0
Net income (loss)	714	193	2,509
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Modified EBITDA	2,175	2,293	1,337
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	(177)	(183)	(264)
Operating Segments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Modified EBITDA	1,314	1,086	819
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	(454)	(493)	(452)
Operating Segments [Member] | West [Member]
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Modified EBITDA	952	38	313
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	(115)	(94)	(79)
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Modified EBITDA	6	(29)	997
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the changes in AOCI by component, net of income taxes:

	Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation			Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits			Total
	(Millions)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	(267	)	$	(270	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—			59			59
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			12			12
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			71			71
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	(196	)	$	(199	)

Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]

Reclassifications out of AOCI are presented in the following table by component for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Component	Reclassifications			Classification
	(Millions)
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	16		Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss)
Income tax benefit	(4		)	Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Reclassifications during the period	$	12

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for trade accounts and other receivables	$ 6	$ 9
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, shares authorized	1,470	1,470
Common stock, par value per share	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, shares issued	1,247	1,245
Treasury stock, shares of common stock	35	35

XML

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table Text Block]

The following table presents nonregulated and regulated Property, plant, and equipment – net as presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the years ended:

	Estimated Useful Life  (1) (Years)	Depreciation Rates (1) (%)	December 31,
			2019			2018
			(Millions)
Nonregulated:
Natural gas gathering and processing facilities	5 - 40		$	17,593		$	15,324
Construction in progress	Not applicable		354			778
Other	2 - 45		2,519			2,356
Regulated:
Natural gas transmission facilities		1.25 - 7.13	18,076			17,312
Construction in progress	Not applicable	Not applicable	586			965
Other	5 - 45	0.00 - 33.33	2,382			1,926
Total property, plant, and equipment, at cost			41,510			38,661
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(12,310		)	(11,157		)
Property, plant, and equipment — net			$	29,200		$	27,504

__________

(1)

Estimated useful life and depreciation rates are presented as of December 31, 2019. Depreciation rates and estimated useful lives for regulated assets are prescribed by the FERC.

Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the significant changes to our ARO, of which $1.117 billion and $968 million are included in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other with the remaining current portion in Accrued liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Beginning balance	$	1,032		$	998
Liabilities incurred	15			21
Liabilities settled	(8		)	(19		)
Accretion expense	59			71
Revisions (1)	67			(39		)
Ending balance	$	1,165		$	1,032

___________

(1)

Several factors are considered in the annual review process, including inflation rates, current estimates for removal cost, market risk premiums, discount rates, and the estimated remaining useful life of the assets. The 2019 revisions reflect changes in removal cost estimates, decreases in the estimated remaining useful life of certain assets, increases in inflation rates, and decreases in the discount rates used in the annual review process. The 2018 revisions reflect changes in removal cost estimates, decreases in the estimated remaining useful life of certain assets, and increases in the discount rates used in the annual review process.

XML

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Provision (benefit) for income taxes [Table Text Block]

The Provision (benefit) for income taxes includes:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Current:
Federal	$	(41	)	$	(83	)	$	15
State	(5		)	1			23
Foreign	2			—			—
	(44		)	(82		)	38
Deferred:
Federal	280			183			(2,004		)
State	99			37			(8		)
	379			220			(2,012		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	335		$	138		$	(1,974	)

Provision for income taxes at federal statutory rate [Table Text Block]

Reconciliations from the Provision (benefit) at statutory rate to recorded Provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Provision (benefit) at statutory rate	$	224	$	69		$	187
Increases (decreases) in taxes resulting from:
Impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests	29		(73		)	(117		)
Federal Tax Reform rate change	—		—			(1,932		)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	74		(10		)	(17		)
State deferred income tax rate change	—		38			26
Foreign operations – net (including tax effect of Canadian Sale)	2		—			(127		)
Federal valuation allowance	3		105			—
Other – net	3		9			6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	335	$	138		$	(1,974	)

Deferred tax liabilities and Deferred tax assets [Table Text Block]

Significant components of Deferred income tax liabilities and Deferred income tax assets are as follows:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	1,921	$	2,317
Investments	1,411		295
Other	82		30
Total deferred income tax liabilities	3,414		2,642
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued liabilities	729		667
Minimum tax credit	29		71
Foreign tax credit	140		140
Federal loss carryovers	544		147
State losses and credits	362		319
Other	147		94
Total deferred income tax assets	1,951		1,438
Less valuation allowance	319		320
Net deferred income tax assets	1,632		1,118
Overall net deferred income tax liabilities	$	1,782	$	1,524

Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	51	$	50
Additions for tax positions of prior years	—		1
Balance at end of period	$	51	$	51

XML

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 8,201	$ 8,686	$ 8,031
Costs and expenses:
Operating and maintenance expenses	1,468	1,507	1,576
Depreciation and amortization expenses	1,714	1,725	1,736
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	558	569	594
Impairment of certain assets (Note 18)	464	1,915	1,248
Gain on sale of certain assets and businesses (Note 3)	2	(692)	(1,095)
Regulatory Charges resulting From Tax Reform (Note 1)	0	(17)	674
Other (income) expense – net	8	67	71
Total costs and expenses	6,280	7,918	7,104
Operating income (loss)	1,921	768	927
Equity earnings (losses)	375	396	434
Other investing income (loss) – net	(79)	187	282
Interest incurred	(1,218)	(1,160)	(1,116)
Interest capitalized	32	48	33
Other income (expense) – net	33	92	(25)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	1,064	331	535
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	335	138	(1,974)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	729	193	2,509
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(15)	0	0
Net income (loss)	714	193	2,509
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(136)	348	335
Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders:
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	850	(155)	2,174
Preferred stock dividends (Note 16)	3	1	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	847	(156)	2,174
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$ 862	$ (156)	$ 2,174
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss)	$ 0.70	$ (0.16)	$ 2.63
Basic	0.71	(0.16)	2.63
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average shares (thousands)	1,212,037	973,626	826,177
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss)	$ 0.70	$ (0.16)	$ 2.62
Diluted	0.71	(0.16)	2.62
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average shares (thousands)	1,214,011	973,626	828,518
Service [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 5,933	$ 5,502	$ 5,312
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	203	400	0
Product [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	2,065	2,784	2,719
Oil and Gas, Purchased [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of Goods and Service, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	1,961	2,707	2,300
Natural Gas Purchased For Shrink [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of Goods and Service, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	$ 105	137	$ 0
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Regulatory Charges resulting From Tax Reform (Note 1)		$ (17)

XML

Property, Plant, and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant, and Equipment [Text Block]

Note 12 – Property, Plant, and Equipment

The following table presents nonregulated and regulated Property, plant, and equipment – net as presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the years ended:

	Estimated Useful Life  (1) (Years)	Depreciation Rates (1) (%)	December 31,
			2019			2018
			(Millions)
Nonregulated:
Natural gas gathering and processing facilities	5 - 40		$	17,593		$	15,324
Construction in progress	Not applicable		354			778
Other	2 - 45		2,519			2,356
Regulated:
Natural gas transmission facilities		1.25 - 7.13	18,076			17,312
Construction in progress	Not applicable	Not applicable	586			965
Other	5 - 45	0.00 - 33.33	2,382			1,926
Total property, plant, and equipment, at cost			41,510			38,661
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(12,310		)	(11,157		)
Property, plant, and equipment — net			$	29,200		$	27,504

__________

(1) Estimated useful life and depreciation rates are presented as of December 31, 2019. Depreciation rates and estimated useful lives for regulated assets are prescribed by the FERC.

Depreciation and amortization expense for Property, plant, and equipment – net was $1.390 billion, $1.392 billion, and $1.389 billion in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Regulated Property, plant, and equipment – net includes approximately $547 million and $586 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to amounts in excess of the original cost of the regulated facilities within our gas pipeline businesses as a result of our prior acquisitions. This amount is being amortized over 40 years using the straight-line amortization method. Current FERC policy does not permit recovery through rates for amounts in excess of original cost of construction.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Our accrued obligations relate to underground storage caverns, offshore platforms and pipelines, fractionation and compression facilities, gas gathering well connections and pipelines, and gas transmission pipelines and facilities. At the end of the useful life of each respective asset, we are legally obligated to plug storage caverns and remove any related surface equipment, to restore land and remove surface equipment at gas processing, fractionation, and compression facilities, to dismantle offshore platforms and appropriately abandon offshore pipelines, to cap certain gathering pipelines at the wellhead connection and remove any related surface equipment, and to remove certain components of gas transmission facilities from the ground.

The following table presents the significant changes to our ARO, of which $1.117 billion and $968 million are included in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other with the remaining current portion in Accrued liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Beginning balance	$	1,032		$	998
Liabilities incurred	15			21
Liabilities settled	(8		)	(19		)
Accretion expense	59			71
Revisions (1)	67			(39		)
Ending balance	$	1,165		$	1,032

___________

(1) Several factors are considered in the annual review process, including inflation rates, current estimates for removal cost, market risk premiums, discount rates, and the estimated remaining useful life of the assets. The 2019 revisions reflect changes in removal cost estimates, decreases in the estimated remaining useful life of certain assets, increases in inflation rates, and decreases in the discount rates used in the annual review process. The 2018 revisions reflect changes in removal cost estimates, decreases in the estimated remaining useful life of certain assets, and increases in the discount rates used in the annual review process.

The funds Transco collects through a portion of its rates to fund its ARO are deposited into an external trust account dedicated to funding its ARO (ARO Trust). (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.) Under its current rate settlement, Transco’s annual funding obligation is approximately $36 million, with installments to be deposited monthly.

XML

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity [Text Block]

Note 16 – Stockholders' Equity

On January 28, 2020, our board of directors approved a regular quarterly dividend to common stockholders of $0.40 per share payable on March 30, 2020.

In July 2018, through a wholly owned subsidiary, we contributed 35,000 shares of newly issued Series B Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) for use in future charitable and nonprofit causes. The charitable contribution of Preferred Stock was recorded as an expense in the third quarter of 2018. The Preferred Stock was issued for an aggregate value of $35 million and pays non-cumulative quarterly cash dividends when, as and if declared, at a rate of 7.25 percent per year. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes 30 million shares of Preferred Stock, $1 par value per share.

In January 2017, we issued 65 million shares of common stock in a public offering at a price of $29.00 per share. In February 2017, we issued 9.75 million shares of common stock pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares. The net proceeds of approximately $2.1 billion were used to purchase newly issued common units in WPZ as part of our Financial Repositioning. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.)

AOCI

The following table presents the changes in AOCI by component, net of income taxes:

	Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation			Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits			Total
	(Millions)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	(267	)	$	(270	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—			59			59
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			12			12
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			71			71
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	(196	)	$	(199	)

Reclassifications out of AOCI are presented in the following table by component for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Component	Reclassifications			Classification
	(Millions)
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	16		Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss)
Income tax benefit	(4		)	Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Reclassifications during the period	$	12

XML

Segment Disclosures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 20 – Segment Disclosures

Our reportable segments are Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, and West. All remaining business activities are included in Other. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.)

Performance Measurement

We evaluate segment operating performance based upon Modified EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). This measure represents the basis of our internal financial reporting and is the primary performance measure used by our chief operating decision maker in measuring performance and allocating resources among our reportable segments. Intersegment revenues primarily represent the sale of NGLs from our natural gas processing plants to our marketing business.

We define Modified EBITDA as follows:

•Net income (loss) before:

◦Income (loss) from discontinued operations;

◦Provision (benefit) for income taxes;

◦Interest incurred, net of interest capitalized;

◦Equity earnings (losses);

◦Other investing income (loss) – net;

◦Depreciation and amortization expenses;

◦Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations.

• This measure is further adjusted to include our proportionate share (based on ownership interest) of Modified EBITDA from our equity-method investments calculated consistently with the definition described above.

The following table reflects the reconciliation of Segment revenues to Total revenues as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Other financial information:

	Transmission & Gulf of Mexico		Northeast G&P		West		Other		Eliminations			Total
	(Millions)
2019
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	3,261	$	1,291	$	1,364	$	17	$	—		$	5,933
Internal	50		47		—		13		(110		)	—
Total service revenues	3,311		1,338		1,364		30		(110		)	5,933
Total service revenues – commodity consideration	41		12		150		—		—			203
Product sales
External	217		115		1,733		—		—			2,065
Internal	71		35		64		—		(170		)	—
Total product sales	288		150		1,797		—		(170		)	2,065
Total revenues	$	3,640	$	1,500	$	3,311	$	30	$	(280	)	$	8,201
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	1,341	$	1,245	$	304	$	21	$	—		$	2,911
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	177		454		115		—		—			746
2018
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	2,904	$	935	$	1,641	$	22	$	—		$	5,502
Internal	49		41		—		12		(102		)	—
Total service revenues	2,953		976		1,641		34		(102		)	5,502
Total service revenues – commodity consideration	59		20		321		—		—			400
Product sales
External	174		245		2,365		—		—			2,784
Internal	261		42		83		—		(386		)	—
Total product sales	435		287		2,448		—		(386		)	2,784
Total revenues	$	3,447	$	1,283	$	4,410	$	34	$	(488	)	$	8,686
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	2,379	$	477	$	279	$	36	$	—		$	3,171
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	183		493		94		—		—			770
2017
Segment revenues:
Service revenues
External	$	2,675	$	837	$	1,773	$	27	$	—		$	5,312
Internal	37		35		—		11		(83		)	—
Total service revenues	2,712		872		1,773		38		(83		)	5,312
Product sales
External	257		264		1,840		358		—			2,719
Internal	227		27		173		8		(435		)	—
Total product sales	484		291		2,013		366		(435		)	2,719
Total revenues	$	3,196	$	1,163	$	3,786	$	404	$	(518	)	$	8,031
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	$	2,095	$	460	$	227	$	32	$	—		$	2,814
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	264		452		79		—		—			795

The following table reflects the reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Modified EBITDA by segment:
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	2,175		$	2,293		$	1,337
Northeast G&P	1,314			1,086			819
West	952			38			313
Other	6			(29		)	997
	4,447			3,388			3,466
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations	(33		)	(33		)	(33		)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	(1,714		)	(1,725		)	(1,736		)
Equity earnings (losses)	375			396			434
Other investing income (loss) – net	(79		)	187			282
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	(746		)	(770		)	(795		)
Interest expense	(1,186		)	(1,112		)	(1,083		)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(335		)	(138		)	1,974
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(15		)	—			—
Net income (loss)	$	714		$	193		$	2,509

The following table reflects Total assets and Equity-method investments by reportable segments:

	Total Assets						Equity-Method Investments
	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(Millions)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	18,796		$	18,480		$	741	$	776
Northeast G&P	15,399			14,526			3,973		5,319
West	11,265			11,815			1,521		1,726
Other	1,151			849			—		—
Eliminations (1)	(571		)	(368		)	—		—
Total	$	46,040		$	45,302		$	6,235	$	7,821

______________

(1)

Eliminations primarily relate to the intercompany notes and accounts receivable generated by our cash management program.

XML

Fair Value Measurements Recurring Measurements and Additional (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Additional disclosures:
Fair Value, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Wiltel Guarantee [Member]
Additional disclosures:
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	28
Carrying Amount [Member]
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(22,288)	(22,414)
Guarantees	(41)	(43)
Carrying Amount [Member] | Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Additional disclosures:
Guarantees	0
Fair Value [Member]
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(25,319)	(23,330)
Guarantees	(27)	(30)
Level 1 [Member]
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	0	0
Guarantees	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(25,319)	(23,330)
Guarantees	(11)	(14)
Level 3 [Member]
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	0	0
Guarantees	(16)	(16)
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
ARO Trust investments	201	150
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
Energy derivative assets	1	3
Energy derivative liabilities	(3)	(7)
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
ARO Trust investments	201	150
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
Energy derivative assets	1	3
Energy derivative liabilities	(3)	(7)
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
ARO Trust investments	201	150
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
Energy derivative assets	1	3
Energy derivative liabilities	(1)	(4)
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
ARO Trust investments	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
Energy derivative assets	0	0
Energy derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
ARO Trust investments	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Measured on a recurring basis
Energy derivative assets	0	0
Energy derivative liabilities	$ (2)	$ (3)

XML

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Equity Method Investee [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Product costs	$ 304	$ 236	$ 226
Accounts payable	36	18
OperatingFeesAndCostsBilledToThirdParty	$ 103	$ 75	$ 67

XML

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Reconciliations to Recorded Tax Provision (Benefit) Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Provision (benefit) at statutory rate	$ 224	$ 69	$ 187
Increases (decreases) in taxes resulting from:
Impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests	29	(73)	(117)
Federal Tax Reform rate change	0	0	(1,932)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	74	(10)	(17)
State deferred income tax rate change	0	38	26
Foreign operations – net (including tax effect of Canadian Sale)	2	0	(127)
Federal valuation allowance	3	105	0
Other – net	3	9	6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 335	$ 138	$ (1,974)

XML

Segment Disclosures Recon from Segment to Consolidated - Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 8,201	$ 8,686	$ 8,031
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	2,911	3,171	2,814
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	746	770	795
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(280)	(488)	(518)
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	0	0	0
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	3,640	3,447	3,196
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	1,341	2,379	2,095
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	177	183	264
Operating Segments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	1,500	1,283	1,163
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	1,245	477	460
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	454	493	452
Operating Segments [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	3,311	4,410	3,786
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	304	279	227
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	115	94	79
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	30	34	404
Other financial information:
Additions to long-lived assets	21	36	32
Proportional Modified EBITDA Equity Method Investments	0	0	0
Service [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	5,933	5,502	5,312
Service [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	3,261	2,904	2,675
Service [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	1,291	935	837
Service [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	1,364	1,641	1,773
Service [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	17	22	27
Service [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(110)	(102)	(83)
Service [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(50)	(49)	(37)
Service [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(47)	(41)	(35)
Service [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0
Service [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(13)	(12)	(11)
Service [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	3,311	2,953	2,712
Service [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	1,338	976	872
Service [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	1,364	1,641	1,773
Service [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	30	34	38
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	203	400	0
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	41	59
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	12	20
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	150	321
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Product [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	2,065	2,784	2,719
Product [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	217	174	257
Product [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	115	245	264
Product [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	1,733	2,365	1,840
Product [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	358
Product [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(170)	(386)	(435)
Product [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(71)	(261)	(227)
Product [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(35)	(42)	(27)
Product [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	(64)	(83)	(173)
Product [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	(8)
Product [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	288	435	484
Product [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	150	287	291
Product [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | West [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	1,797	2,448	2,013
Product [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment revenues [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 366

XML

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Total Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 14,046	$ 0	$ 785	$ 14,887	$ (9,649)	$ (339)	$ (1,041)	$ 4,643	$ 9,403
Adoption of new accounting standard	37	0	0	1	36	0	0	37	0
Net income (loss)	2,509	0	0	0	2,174	0	0	2,174	335
Other comprehensive income (loss)	100	0	0	0	0	101	0	101	(1)
Issuance of stock (Note 16)	2,118	0	75	2,043	0	0	0	2,118	0
Cash dividends – common stock	(992)	0	0	0	(992)	0	0	(992)	0
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(883)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(883)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	74	0	1	73	0	0	0	74	0
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.	61	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	61
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net	(910)	0	0	1,497	0	0	0	1,497	(2,407)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	17	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	17
Other	(2)	0	0	7	(3)	0	0	4	(6)
Net increase (decrease) in equity	2,129	0	76	3,621	1,215	101	0	5,013	(2,884)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	16,175	0	861	18,508	(8,434)	(238)	(1,041)	9,656	6,519
Adoption of new accounting standard	(121)	0	0	0	(23)	(61)	0	(84)	(37)
Net income (loss)	193	0	0	0	(155)	0	0	(155)	348
Other comprehensive income (loss)	30	0	0	0	0	32	0	32	(2)
WPZ Merger (Note 1)	1,862	0	382	6,112	0	(3)	0	6,491	(4,629)
Issuance of stock (Note 16)	35	35	0	0	0	0	0	35	0
Cash dividends – common stock	(1,386)	0	0	0	(1,386)	0	0	(1,386)	0
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(637)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(637)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	61	0	1	60	0	0	0	61	0
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.	46	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	46
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net	(4)	0	0	14	0	0	0	14	(18)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	15	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	15
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 6)	(267)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(267)
Other	(5)	0	1	(1)	(4)	0	0	(4)	(1)
Net increase (decrease) in equity	(178)	35	384	6,185	(1,568)	(32)	0	5,004	(5,182)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	15,997	35	1,245	24,693	(10,002)	(270)	(1,041)	14,660	1,337
Net income (loss)	714	0	0	0	850	0	0	850	(136)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71	0	0	0	0	71	0	71	0
Cash dividends – common stock	(1,842)	0	0	0	(1,842)	0	0	(1,842)	0
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(124)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(124)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	58	0	2	56	0	0	0	58	0
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.	1,334	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1,334
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net	141	0	0	(426)	0	0	0	(426)	567
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	36	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	36
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 6)	(13)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(13)
Other	(8)	0	0	0	(8)	0	0	(8)	0
Net increase (decrease) in equity	367	0	2	(370)	(1,000)	71	0	(1,297)	1,664
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 16,364	$ 35	$ 1,247	$ 24,323	$ (11,002)	$ (199)	$ (1,041)	$ 13,363	$ 3,001

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, included in Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, by reportable segment for the periods indicated are as follows:

	Northeast G&P		West			Total
	(Millions)
December 31, 2017	$	—	$	47		$	47
Jackalope Deconsolidation (see Note 6)			(47		)	(47		)
December 31, 2018	—		—			—
UEOM Acquisition (see Note 3)	188					188
December 31, 2019	$	188	$	—		$	188

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets, included in Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, at December 31 are as follows:

	2019					2018
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	(Millions)
Contractual customer relationships	$	9,560	$	(1,789	)	$	9,232	$	(1,465	)

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings (loss) per common share [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Dollars in millions, except per-share amounts; shares in thousands)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	862	$	(156	)	$	2,174
Basic weighted-average shares	1,212,037		973,626			826,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Nonvested restricted stock units	1,811		—			1,704
Stock options	163		—			637
Diluted weighted-average shares (1)	1,214,011		973,626			828,518
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	.71	$	(.16	)	$	2.63
Diluted	$	.71	$	(.16	)	$	2.62

________________

(1)

For the year ended December 31, 2018, 2.0 million weighted-average nonvested restricted stock units and 0.5 million weighted-average stock options have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share as their inclusion would be antidilutive due to our loss from continuing operations attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.

XML

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$ 714	$ 193	$ 2,509
Cash flow hedging activities:
Net unrealized gain (loss) from derivative instruments, net of taxes of $1 and $2 in 2018 and 2017, respectively	0	(7)	(9)
Reclassifications into earnings of net derivative instruments (gain) loss, net of taxes of ($1) and ($1) in 2018 and 2017, respectively	0	8	6
Foreign currency translation activities:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	1
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost (credit), net of taxes of $2 in 2017	0	0	(3)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of taxes of ($20), $3, and ($15) in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively	59	(6)	44
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit), net of taxes of ($4), ($11), and ($37) in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively	12	35	61
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71	30	100
Comprehensive income (loss)	785	223	2,609
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(136)	346	334
Comprehensive Income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	$ 921	$ (123)	$ 2,275

XML

Equity-Based Compensation (Tables) - Williams Companies Incentive Plan [Member]

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Stock Option Rollfoward and related information [Table Text Block]

The following summary reflects stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Stock Options	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(Millions)				(Millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	7.3		$	31.55
Granted	—		$	—
Exercised	(0.4	)	$	11.31
Cancelled	(0.1	)	$	35.62
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	6.8		$	32.64	$	2
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	5.8		$	33.22	$	2

Cash Proceeds Received and Tax Benefit from Share-based Payment Awards [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes additional information related to stock option activity during each of the last three years:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	6	$	3	$	4
Tax benefits realized on options exercised	$	1	$	—	$	1
Cash received from the exercise of options	$	4	$	9	$	7

Stock Options Schedule of Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

The estimated fair value at date of grant of options for our common stock granted in each respective year, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, is as follows:

	2018			2017
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options for our common stock granted during the year, per share	$	5.49		$	6.61
Weighted-average assumptions:
Dividend yield	4.7		%	4.2		%
Volatility	30.1		%	35.1		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.7		%	2.1		%
Expected life (years)	6.0			6.0

Nonvested Restricted Stock Unit Rollforward and related information [Table Text Block]

The following summary reflects nonvested restricted stock unit activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Restricted Stock Units Outstanding	Shares		Weighted- Average Fair Value (1)
	(Millions)
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	4.5		$	28.96
Granted	2.5		$	25.87
Forfeited	(0.5	)	$	28.48
Vested	(1.1	)	$	26.25
Nonvested at December 31, 2019	5.4		$	28.11

______________

(1)

Performance-based restricted stock units are valued considering measures of total shareholder return utilizing a Monte Carlo valuation method and return on capital employed. All other restricted stock units are valued at the grant-date market price. Restricted stock units generally vest after three years.

Other restricted stock unit information [Table Text Block]

Value of Restricted Stock Units	2019		2018		2017
Weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year, per share	$	25.87	$	30.48	$	29.47
Total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the year (in millions)	$	29	$	35	$	33

XML

Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingent Liabilities and Commitments [Text Block]

Note 19 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

Reporting of Natural Gas-Related Information to Trade Publications

Direct and indirect purchasers of natural gas in various states filed individual and class actions against us, our former affiliate WPX Energy, Inc. (WPX) and its subsidiaries, and others alleging the manipulation of published gas price indices and seeking unspecified amounts of damages. Such actions were transferred to the Nevada federal district court for consolidation of discovery and pre-trial issues. We have agreed to indemnify WPX and its subsidiaries related to this matter.

In the individual action, filed by Farmland Industries Inc. (Farmland), the court issued an order on May 24, 2016, granting one of our co-defendant’s motion for summary judgment as to Farmland’s claims. On January 5, 2017, the court extended such ruling to us, entering final judgment in our favor. Farmland appealed. On March 27, 2018, the appellate court reversed the district court’s grant of summary judgment, and on April 10, 2018, the defendants filed a petition for rehearing with the appellate court, which was denied on May 9, 2018. The case was remanded to the Nevada federal district court and subsequently has been remanded to its originally filed court, the Kansas federal district court.

In the putative class actions, on March 30, 2017, the court issued an order denying the plaintiffs’ motions for class certification. On June 13, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted the plaintiffs’ petition for permission to appeal the order. On August 6, 2018, the Ninth Circuit reversed the order denying class certification and remanded the case to the Nevada federal district court.

We reached an agreement to settle two of the actions, and on April 22, 2019, the Nevada federal district court preliminarily approved the settlements, which are on behalf of Kansas and Missouri class members. The final fairness hearing on the settlement occurred August 5, 2019, and a final judgment of dismissal with prejudice was entered the same day.

Two putative class actions remain unresolved, and they have been remanded to their originally filed court, the Wisconsin federal district court.

Because of the uncertainty around the remaining pending unresolved issues, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential exposure at this time. However, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate resolution of these actions and our related indemnification obligation could result in a potential loss that may be material to our results of operations. In connection with this indemnification, we have an accrued liability balance associated with this matter, and as a result, have exposure to future developments.

Alaska Refinery Contamination Litigation

We are involved in litigation arising from our ownership and operation of the North Pole Refinery in North Pole, Alaska, from 1980 until 2004, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Williams Alaska Petroleum Inc. (WAPI) and MAPCO Inc. We sold the refinery to Flint Hills Resources Alaska, LLC (FHRA), a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., in 2004. The litigation involves three cases, with filing dates ranging from 2010 to 2014. The actions primarily arise from sulfolane contamination allegedly emanating from the refinery. A putative class action lawsuit was filed by James West in 2010 naming us, WAPI, and FHRA as defendants. We and FHRA filed claims against each other seeking, among other things, contractual indemnification alleging that the other party caused the sulfolane contamination. In 2011, we and FHRA settled the claim with James West. Certain claims by FHRA against us were resolved by the Alaska Supreme Court in our favor. FHRA’s claims against us for contractual indemnification and statutory claims for damages related to off-site sulfolane were remanded to the Alaska Superior Court. The State of Alaska filed its action in March 2014, seeking damages. The City of North Pole (North Pole) filed its lawsuit in November 2014, seeking past and future damages, as well as punitive damages. Both we and WAPI asserted counterclaims against the State of Alaska and North Pole, and cross-claims against FHRA. FHRA has also filed cross-claims against us.

The underlying factual basis and claims in the cases are similar and may duplicate exposure. As such, in February 2017, the three cases were consolidated into one action in state court containing the remaining claims from the James

West case and those of the State of Alaska and North Pole. The State of Alaska later announced the discovery of additional contaminants per- and polyfluoralkyl (PFOS and PFOA) offsite of the refinery, and the Court permitted the State of Alaska to amend its complaint to add a claim for offsite PFOS/PFOA contamination. The Court subsequently remanded the offsite PFOS/PFOA claims to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for investigation and stayed the claims pending their potential resolution at the administrative agency. Several trial dates encompassing all three cases have been scheduled and stricken. In the summer of 2019, the Court deconsolidated the cases for purposes of trial. A bench trial on all claims except North Pole’s claims began in October 2019.

In January 2020, the Alaska Superior Court issued its Memorandum of Decision finding in favor of the State of Alaska and FHRA, with the total incurred and potential future damages estimated to be $86 million. The Court did not award natural resource damages to the State of Alaska and also found that FHRA is not entitled to contractual indemnification from us because FHRA contributed to the sulfolane contamination. A final judgment has not been entered in the case. We expect to appeal the decision. We have recorded an additional charge in the fourth quarter of 2019, reported within Income (loss) from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, adjusting our accrued liability to our estimate of the probable loss. It is reasonably possible that we may not be successful on appeal and could ultimately pay up to the amount of judgment.

Royalty Matters

Certain of our customers, including one major customer, have been named in various lawsuits alleging underpayment of royalties and claiming, among other things, violations of anti-trust laws and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We have also been named as a defendant in certain of these cases filed in Pennsylvania based on allegations that we improperly participated with that major customer in causing the alleged royalty underpayments. We believe that the claims asserted are subject to indemnity obligations owed to us by that major customer. That customer has reached a tentative settlement to resolve substantially all Pennsylvania royalty cases pending, which settlement would apply to both the customer and us. The settlement as reported would not require any contribution from us.

Litigation Against Energy Transfer and Related Parties

On April 6, 2016, we filed suit in Delaware Chancery Court against Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (Energy Transfer) and LE GP, LLC (the general partner for Energy Transfer) alleging willful and material breaches of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (ETE Merger Agreement) with Energy Transfer resulting from the private offering by Energy Transfer on March 8, 2016, of Series A Convertible Preferred Units (Special Offering) to certain Energy Transfer insiders and other accredited investors. The suit seeks, among other things, an injunction ordering the defendants to unwind the Special Offering and to specifically perform their obligations under the ETE Merger Agreement. On April 19, 2016, we filed an amended complaint seeking the same relief. On May 3, 2016, Energy Transfer and LE GP, LLC filed an answer and counterclaims.

On May 13, 2016, we filed a separate complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against Energy Transfer, LE GP, LLC, and the other Energy Transfer affiliates that are parties to the ETE Merger Agreement, alleging material breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement for failing to cooperate and use necessary efforts to obtain a tax opinion required under the ETE Merger Agreement (Tax Opinion) and for otherwise failing to use necessary efforts to consummate the merger under the ETE Merger Agreement wherein we would be merged with and into the newly formed Energy Transfer Corp LP (ETC) (ETC Merger). The suit sought, among other things, a declaratory judgment and injunction preventing Energy Transfer from terminating or otherwise avoiding its obligations under the ETE Merger Agreement due to any failure to obtain the Tax Opinion.

The Court of Chancery coordinated the Special Offering and Tax Opinion suits. On May 20, 2016, the Energy Transfer defendants filed amended affirmative defenses and verified counterclaims in the Special Offering and Tax Opinion suits, alleging certain breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement by us and seeking, among other things, a declaration that we were not entitled to specific performance, that Energy Transfer could terminate the ETC Merger, and that Energy Transfer is entitled to a $1.48 billion termination fee. On June 24, 2016, following a two-day trial, the

court issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order denying our requested relief in the Tax Opinion suit. The court did not rule on the substance of our claims related to the Special Offering or on the substance of Energy Transfer’s counterclaims. On June 27, 2016, we filed an appeal of the court’s decision with the Supreme Court of Delaware, seeking reversal and remand to pursue damages. On March 23, 2017, the Supreme Court of Delaware affirmed the Court of Chancery’s ruling. On March 30, 2017, we filed a motion for reargument with the Supreme Court of Delaware, which was denied on April 5, 2017.

On September 16, 2016, we filed an amended complaint with the Court of Chancery seeking damages for breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement by defendants.  On September 23, 2016, Energy Transfer filed a second amended and supplemental affirmative defenses and verified counterclaim with the Court of Chancery seeking, among other things, payment of the $1.48 billion termination fee due to our alleged breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement. On December 1, 2017, the court granted our motion to dismiss certain of Energy Transfer’s counterclaims, including its claim seeking payment of the $1.48 billion termination fee. On December 8, 2017, Energy Transfer filed a motion for reargument, which the Court of Chancery denied on April 16, 2018. The Court of Chancery previously scheduled trial for May 20 through May 24, 2019; the court struck the trial setting and has re-scheduled trial for June 8 through June 11 and June 15, 2020.

Former Olefins Business

SABIC Petrochemicals, the other interest owner in our former Geismar, Louisiana, olefins facility we sold in July 2017, is seeking recovery from us for losses it allegedly suffered, including its share of personal injury settlements in which it was a co-defendant, as well as amounts related to lost income, defense costs, and property damage associated with an explosion and fire at the plant in June 2013. Due to the complexity of the various claims and available defenses, we are unable to reliably estimate any reasonably possible losses at this time. Trial began on October 14, 2019, as scheduled, but on October 21, 2019, the Court declared a mistrial due to the conduct of an officer of SABIC Petrochemicals and SABIC Petrochemicals’ expert witness. No new trial date has been set. We believe that certain losses incurred arising directly from the explosion and fire will be covered by our general liability policy and any uninsured losses are not expected to be material.

Other

On August 31, 2018, Transco submitted to the FERC a general rate filing principally designed to recover increased costs and to comply with the terms of the settlement in its prior rate proceeding. The new rates became effective March 1, 2019, subject to refund and the outcome of a hearing. In October 2019, we reached an agreement on the terms of a settlement with the participants that would resolve all issues in the rate case without the need for a hearing, and on December 31, 2019, we filed a formal stipulation and agreement with the FERC setting forth such terms of settlement. We anticipate FERC approval of the stipulation and agreement in the second quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2019, we have provided a $189 million reserve for rate refunds related to increased rates collected since March 2019, which we believe is adequate for any refunds that may be required.

Environmental Matters

We are a participant in certain environmental activities in various stages including assessment studies, cleanup operations, and/or remedial processes at certain sites, some of which we currently do not own. We are monitoring these sites in a coordinated effort with other potentially responsible parties, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or other governmental authorities. We are jointly and severally liable along with unrelated third parties in some of these activities and solely responsible in others. Certain of our subsidiaries have been identified as potentially responsible parties at various Superfund and state waste disposal sites. In addition, these subsidiaries have incurred, or are alleged to have incurred, various other hazardous materials removal or remediation obligations under environmental laws. As of December 31, 2019, we have accrued liabilities totaling $31 million for these matters, as discussed below. Estimates of the most likely costs of cleanup are generally based on completed assessment studies, preliminary results of studies, or our experience with other similar cleanup operations. At December 31, 2019, certain assessment studies were still

in process for which the ultimate outcome may yield different estimates of most likely costs. Therefore, the actual costs incurred will depend on the final amount, type, and extent of contamination discovered at these sites, the final cleanup standards mandated by the EPA or other governmental authorities, and other factors.

The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely promulgate and propose new rules and issue updated guidance to existing rules. These rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine and combustion turbine maximum achievable control technology, air quality standards for one-hour nitrogen dioxide emissions, and volatile organic compound and methane new source performance standards impacting design and operation of storage vessels, pressure valves, and compressors. The EPA previously issued its rule regarding National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone. We are monitoring the rule’s implementation as it will trigger additional federal and state regulatory actions that may impact our operations. Implementation of the regulations is expected to result in impacts to our operations and increase the cost of additions to Property, plant, and equipment – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for both new and existing facilities in affected areas. We are unable to reasonably estimate the cost of additions that may be required to meet the regulations at this time due to uncertainty created by various legal challenges to these regulations and the need for further specific regulatory guidance.

Continuing operations

Our interstate gas pipelines are involved in remediation activities related to certain facilities and locations for polychlorinated biphenyls, mercury, and other hazardous substances. These activities have involved the EPA and various state environmental authorities, resulting in our identification as a potentially responsible party at various Superfund waste sites. At December 31, 2019, we have accrued liabilities of $4 million for these costs. We expect that these costs will be recoverable through rates.

We also accrue environmental remediation costs for natural gas underground storage facilities, primarily related to soil and groundwater contamination. At December 31, 2019, we have accrued liabilities totaling $7 million for these costs.

Former operations

We have potential obligations in connection with assets and businesses we no longer operate. These potential obligations include remediation activities at the direction of federal and state environmental authorities and the indemnification of the purchasers of certain of these assets and businesses for environmental and other liabilities existing at the time the sale was consummated. Our responsibilities relate to the operations of the assets and businesses described below.

• Former agricultural fertilizer and chemical operations and former retail petroleum and refining operations;

• Former petroleum products and natural gas pipelines;

• Former petroleum refining facilities;

• Former exploration and production and mining operations;

• Former electricity and natural gas marketing and trading operations.

At December 31, 2019, we have accrued environmental liabilities of $20 million related to these matters.

Other Divestiture Indemnifications

Pursuant to various purchase and sale agreements relating to divested businesses and assets, we have indemnified certain purchasers against liabilities that they may incur with respect to the businesses and assets acquired from us. The indemnities provided to the purchasers are customary in sale transactions and are contingent upon the purchasers

incurring liabilities that are not otherwise recoverable from third parties. The indemnities generally relate to breach of warranties, tax, historic litigation, personal injury, property damage, environmental matters, right of way, and other representations that we have provided.

At December 31, 2019, other than as previously disclosed, we are not aware of any material claims against us involving the indemnities; thus, we do not expect any of the indemnities provided pursuant to the sales agreements to have a material impact on our future financial position. Any claim for indemnity brought against us in the future may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which the claim is made.

In addition to the foregoing, various other proceedings are pending against us which are incidental to our operations, none of which are expected to be material to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position.

Summary

We have disclosed our estimated range of reasonably possible losses for certain matters above, as well as all significant matters for which we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. We estimate that for all other matters for which we are able to reasonably estimate a range of loss, our aggregate reasonably possible losses beyond amounts accrued are immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position. These calculations have been made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties.

Commitments

Commitments for construction and acquisition of property, plant, and equipment are approximately $206 million at December 31, 2019.

XML

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Leases [Text Block]

Note 11 – Leases

We are a lessee through noncancellable lease agreements for property and equipment consisting primarily of buildings, land, vehicles, and equipment used in both our operations and administrative functions.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019
	(Millions)
Lease Cost:
Operating lease cost	$	40
Short-term lease cost	—
Variable lease cost	27
Sublease income	(2		)
Total lease cost	$	65
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	39
	December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
Other Information:
Right-of-use asset (included in Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	207
Operating lease liabilities:
Current (included in Accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	21
Noncurrent (included in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)	$	188
Weighted-average remaining lease term – operating leases (years)	13
Weighted-average discount rate – operating leases	4.61%

Prior to adopting ASU 2016-02, which was effective January 1, 2019 (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), total rent expense was $73 million in 2018 and $62 million in 2017 and primarily included in Operating and maintenance expenses and Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

As of December 31, 2019, the following table represents our operating lease maturities, including renewal provisions that we have assessed as being reasonably certain of exercise, for each of the years ended December 31:

	(Millions)
2020	$	29
2021	33
2022	28
2023	22
2024	19
Thereafter	157
Total future lease payments	288
Less amount representing interest	79
Total obligations under operating leases	$	209

We are the lessor to certain lease agreements for office space in our headquarters building, which are insignificant to our financial statements.

XML

Debt and Banking Arrangements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Banking Arrangements [Text Block]

Note 15 – Debt and Banking Arrangements

Long-Term Debt

	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(Millions)
Transco:
7.08% Debentures due 2026	$	8		$	8
7.25% Debentures due 2026	200			200
7.85% Notes due 2026	1,000			1,000
4% Notes due 2028	400			400
5.4% Notes due 2041	375			375
4.45% Notes due 2042	400			400
4.6% Notes due 2048	600			600
Other financing obligation - Atlantic Sunrise	857			807
Other financing obligation - Dalton	259			260
Northwest Pipeline:
7.125% Debentures due 2025	85			85
4% Notes due 2027	500			500
WMB:
4.125% Notes due 2020	600			600
5.25% Notes due 2020	1,500			1,500
4% Notes due 2021	500			500
7.875% Notes due 2021	371			371
3.35% Notes due 2022	750			750
3.6% Notes due 2022	1,250			1,250
3.7% Notes due 2023	850			850
4.5% Notes due 2023	600			600
4.3% Notes due 2024	1,000			1,000
4.55% Notes due 2024	1,250			1,250
3.9% Notes due 2025	750			750
4% Notes due 2025	750			750
3.75% Notes due 2027	1,450			1,450
7.5% Debentures due 2031	339			339
7.75% Notes due 2031	252			252
8.75% Notes due 2032	445			445
6.3% Notes due 2040	1,250			1,250
5.8% Notes due 2043	400			400
5.4% Notes due 2044	500			500
5.75% Notes due 2044	650			650
4.9% Notes due 2045	500			500
5.1% Notes due 2045	1,000			1,000
4.85% Notes due 2048	800			800
Various — 7.625% to 10.25% Notes and Debentures due 2019 to 2027	24			55
Credit facility loans	—			160
Debt issuance costs	(119		)	(131		)
Net unamortized debt premium (discount)	(58		)	(62		)
Total long-term debt, including current portion	22,288			22,414
Long-term debt due within one year	(2,140		)	(47		)
Long-term debt	$	20,148		$	22,367

Certain of our debt agreements contain covenants that restrict or limit, among other things, our ability to create liens supporting indebtedness, sell assets, and incur additional debt. Default of these agreements could also restrict our ability to make certain distributions or repurchase equity.

The following table presents aggregate minimum maturities of long-term debt and other financing obligations, excluding net unamortized debt premium (discount) and debt issuance costs, for each of the next five years: 

	December 31, 2019
	(Millions)
2020	$	2,141
2021	893
2022	2,025
2023	1,477
2024	2,279

Issuances and retirements

We retired $14 million of 8.75 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on January 15, 2020.

We retired $32 million of 7.625 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on July 15, 2019.

On August 24, 2018, Northwest Pipeline issued $250 million of 4 percent senior unsecured notes to investors in a private debt placement. The notes are an additional issuance of Northwest Pipeline’s existing 4 percent senior unsecured notes due 2027. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Northwest Pipeline filed a registration statement and completed an exchange of these notes for substantially identical new notes that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Northwest Pipeline retired $250 million of 6.05 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on June 15, 2018.

On March 5, 2018, WPZ completed a public offering of $800 million of 4.85 percent senior unsecured notes due 2048. WPZ used the net proceeds for general partnership purposes, primarily the March 28, 2018 repayment of $750 million of 4.875 percent senior unsecured notes that were due in 2024.

On March 15, 2018, Transco issued $400 million of 4 percent senior unsecured notes due 2028 and $600 million of 4.6 percent senior unsecured notes due 2048 to investors in a private debt placement. Transco used the net proceeds to retire $250 million of 6.05 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on June 15, 2018, and for general corporate purposes, including the funding of capital expenditures. In the third quarter of 2018, Transco filed a registration statement and completed an exchange of these notes for substantially identical new notes that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Other financing obligations

During the construction of the Atlantic Sunrise and Dalton projects, Transco received funding from its partners for their proportionate share of construction costs. Amounts received were recorded within noncurrent liabilities and the costs associated with construction were capitalized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon placing these projects into service Transco began utilizing the partners’ undivided interest in the assets, including the associated pipeline capacity, and reclassified the funding previously received from its partners from noncurrent liabilities to debt. The obligations, which mature in 2038 and 2052, respectively, require monthly interest and principal payments and both bear an interest rate of approximately 9 percent.

Credit Facilities

	December 31, 2019
	Stated Capacity		Outstanding
	(Millions)
Long-term credit facility (1)	$	4,500	$	—
Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements			14

________________

(1) In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of our credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program.

Revolving credit facility

On July 13, 2018, we along with Transco and Northwest Pipeline, the lenders named therein, and an administrative agent entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with aggregate commitments available of $4.5 billion, with up to an additional $500 million increase in aggregate commitments available under certain circumstances. On August 10, 2018, following the completion of the WPZ Merger, the Credit Agreement became effective. The maturity date of the credit facility is August 10, 2023. However, the co-borrowers may request up to two extensions of the maturity date each for an additional one-year period to allow a maturity date as late as August 10, 2025, under certain circumstances. The Credit Agreement allows for swing line loans up to an aggregate of $200 million, subject to available capacity under the credit facility, and letters of credit commitments of $1 billion. Transco and Northwest Pipeline are each able to borrow up to $500 million under this credit facility to the extent not otherwise utilized by the other co-borrowers.

The Credit Agreement contains the following terms and conditions:

• Various covenants may limit, among other things, a borrower’s and its material subsidiaries’ ability to grant certain liens supporting indebtedness, merge or consolidate, sell all or substantially all of its assets, make certain distributions during an event of default, and enter into certain restrictive agreements.

• If an event of default with respect to a borrower occurs under the credit facility, the lenders will be able to terminate the commitments and accelerate the maturity of the loans and exercise other rights and remedies.

• Other than swing line loans, each time funds are borrowed, the applicable borrower may choose from two methods of calculating interest: a fluctuating base rate equal to Citibank N.A.'s alternate base rate plus an applicable margin or a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate plus an applicable margin. We are required to pay a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the credit facility. The applicable margin and the commitment fee are determined by reference to a pricing schedule based on the applicable borrower’s senior unsecured long-term debt ratings.

Significant financial covenants under the Credit Agreement require the ratio of debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), each as defined in the credit facility, to be no greater than:

• 5.75 to 1 for each fiscal quarter end through June 30, 2019;

• 5.5 to 1 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2019;

• 5.0 to 1 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2020, and each subsequent fiscal quarter end, except for the fiscal quarter and the two following fiscal quarters in which one or more acquisitions with a total aggregate purchase price of $25 million or more has been executed, in which case the ratio of debt to EBITDA is to be no greater than 5.5 to 1.

The ratio of debt to capitalization (defined as net worth plus debt) must be no greater than 65 percent for each of Transco and Northwest Pipeline.

At December 31, 2019, we are in compliance with these covenants.

Commercial Paper Program

On August 10, 2018, following the consummation of the WPZ Merger, we entered into a $4 billion commercial paper program. The maturities of the commercial paper notes vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issuance. The commercial paper notes are sold under customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount from par, or, alternatively, are sold at par and bear varying interest rates on a fixed or floating basis. The net proceeds of issuances of the commercial paper notes are expected to be used to fund planned capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, no commercial paper was outstanding.

Cash Payments for Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized)

Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized) were $1.153 billion in 2019, $1.064 billion in 2018, and $1.110 billion in 2017.

XML

Acquisitions and Divestitures Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the allocation of the acquisition date fair value of the major classes of the assets acquired, which are presented in the Northeast G&P segment, and liabilities assumed at March 18, 2019. The net assets acquired reflect the sum of the consideration transferred and the noncash elimination of the fair value of our existing equity-method investment upon our acquisition of the additional interest. The fair value of accounts receivable acquired, presented in current assets in the table, equals contractual amounts receivable. After the March 31, 2019 financial statements were issued, we received an updated valuation report from a third-party valuation firm. Significant changes from the preliminary allocation disclosed in the first quarter to the final allocation, which were recorded in the second quarter of 2019, reflect an increase of $169 million in goodwill, and decreases of $106 million in property, plant, and equipment and $61 million in other intangible assets.

	(Millions)
Current assets, including $13 million cash acquired	$	55
Property, plant, and equipment	1,387
Other intangible assets	328
Total identifiable assets acquired	1,770
Current liabilities	7
Total liabilities assumed	7
Net identifiable assets acquired	1,763
Goodwill	188
Net assets acquired	$	1,951

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

The following unaudited pro forma Revenues and Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are presented as if the UEOM acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2018. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results would have been if the acquisition had in fact occurred on the date or for the periods indicated, nor do they purport to project Revenues or Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for any future periods or as of any date. These amounts do not give effect to any potential cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements to result from the transaction or the potential costs to achieve these cost savings, operating synergies, and revenue enhancements.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Revenues	$	8,233	$	8,836
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	928		(128		)

XML

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Text Block]

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

			Additions
	Beginning Balance		Charged (Credited) To Costs and Expenses			Other		Deductions		Ending Balance
	(Millions)
2019
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1)	$	320	$	(1	)	$	—	$	—	$	319
2018
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1)	224		96			—		—		320
2017
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1)	334		(110		)	—		—		224

__________

(1)    Deducted from related assets.

XML

Other Income and Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Income and Expenses [Table Text Block]

The following tables present by segment, certain other items included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations	$	21		$	33		$	33
Regulatory charge per approved rates related to Tax Reform	24			24			—
Charge for regulatory liability associated with the decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rates following WPZ Merger	—			12			—
Net accrual (amortization) of regulatory liability related to overcollection of certain employee expenses	(17		)	22			22
Project development costs related to Constitution (see Note 4)	3			4			16
Amortization of regulatory liability associated with Tax Reform	(26		)	—			—
Gains on asset retirements	—			(12		)	—
West
Gains on contract settlements and terminations	—			—			(15		)
Other
Change to (benefit of) regulatory asset associated with Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following WPZ Merger	12			(37		)	—
Gain on sale of refinery grade propylene splitter	—			—			(12		)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico
Allowance for equity funds used during construction related to Transco	$	29	$	87		$	70
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(9		)	(19		)
Regulatory adjustments resulting from Tax Reform	—		—			(39		)
Northeast G&P
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(4		)	(7		)
West
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(4		)	(9		)
Other
Income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction	9		35			52
Net gain (loss) associated with early retirement of debt	—		(7		)	27
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(5		)	(35		)
Regulatory adjustments resulting from Tax Reform	—		(1		)	(63		)

Compensation Related Costs, General [Text Block]

Severance and other related costs included within Operating and maintenance expenses and Selling, general, and administrative expenses are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	39	$	—	$	—
Northeast G&P	7		—		—
West	10		—		—
Other	1		—		22

XML

Acquisitions and Divestitures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions and Divestitures [Text Block]

Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures

UEOM

As of December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM which we accounted for as an equity-method investment. On March 18, 2019, we signed and closed the acquisition of the remaining 38 percent interest in UEOM. Total consideration paid, including post-closing adjustments, was $741 million in cash funded through credit facility borrowings and cash on hand. As a result of acquiring this additional interest, we obtained control of and now consolidate UEOM.

UEOM is involved primarily in the processing and fractionation of natural gas and natural gas liquids in the Utica Shale play in eastern Ohio. The purpose of the acquisition was to enhance our position in the region. We expect synergies through common ownership of UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream systems to create a more efficient platform for capital spending in the region, resulting in reduced operating and maintenance expenses and creating enhanced capabilities and benefits for producers in the area.

The acquisition of UEOM was accounted for as a business combination, which requires, among other things, that identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their acquisition date fair values. In March 2019, based on the transaction price for our purchase of the remaining interest in UEOM as finalized just prior to the acquisition, we recognized a $74 million noncash impairment loss related to our existing 62 percent interest (see Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk). Thus, there was no gain or loss on remeasuring our existing equity-method investment to fair value due to the impairment recognized just prior to closing the acquisition of the additional interest.

The valuation techniques used to measure the acquisition date fair value of the UEOM acquisition consisted of the market approach for our previous equity-method investment in UEOM and the income approach (excess earnings method) for valuation of intangible assets and depreciated replacement costs for property, plant, and equipment.

The following table presents the allocation of the acquisition date fair value of the major classes of the assets acquired, which are presented in the Northeast G&P segment, and liabilities assumed at March 18, 2019. The net assets acquired reflect the sum of the consideration transferred and the noncash elimination of the fair value of our existing equity-method investment upon our acquisition of the additional interest. The fair value of accounts receivable acquired, presented in current assets in the table, equals contractual amounts receivable. After the March 31, 2019 financial statements were issued, we received an updated valuation report from a third-party valuation firm. Significant changes from the preliminary allocation disclosed in the first quarter to the final allocation, which were recorded in the second quarter of 2019, reflect an increase of $169 million in goodwill, and decreases of $106 million in property, plant, and equipment and $61 million in other intangible assets.

	(Millions)
Current assets, including $13 million cash acquired	$	55
Property, plant, and equipment	1,387
Other intangible assets	328
Total identifiable assets acquired	1,770
Current liabilities	7
Total liabilities assumed	7
Net identifiable assets acquired	1,763
Goodwill	188
Net assets acquired	$	1,951

The goodwill recognized in the acquisition relates primarily to enhancing and diversifying our basin positions and is reported within the Northeast G&P segment. Substantially all of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represents the excess of the consideration, plus the fair value of any previously held equity interest, over the fair value of the net assets acquired.

Other intangible assets recognized in the acquisition are related to contractual customer relationships from gas gathering, processing, and fractionation agreements with our customers. The basis for determining the value of these intangible assets is estimated future net cash flows to be derived from acquired contractual customer relationships discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. These intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 years which represents the term over which the contractual customer relationships are expected to contribute to our cash flows. Approximately 49 percent of the expected future revenues from these contractual customer relationships are impacted by our ability and intent to renew or renegotiate existing customer contracts. We expense costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our gas gathering, processing, and fractionation contracts with customers. Based on the estimated future revenues during the current contract periods (as estimated at the time of the acquisition), the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension of the existing contractual customer relationships was approximately 10 years.

The following unaudited pro forma Revenues and Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are presented as if the UEOM acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2018. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results would have been if the acquisition had in fact occurred on the date or for the periods indicated, nor do they purport to project Revenues or Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for any future periods or as of any date. These amounts do not give effect to any potential cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements to result from the transaction or the potential costs to achieve these cost savings, operating synergies, and revenue enhancements.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Revenues	$	8,233	$	8,836
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	928		(128		)

Adjustments to pro forma Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. include the removal of the previously described $74 million impairment loss recognized in March 2019 just prior to the acquisition.

During the period from the acquisition date of March 18, 2019 to December 31, 2019, UEOM contributed Revenues of $179 million and Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. of $53 million.

Costs related to this acquisition are $4 million and are reported within our Northeast G&P segment and included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Northeast JV

Concurrent with the UEOM acquisition, we executed an agreement whereby we contributed our consolidated interests in UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream business to a newly formed partnership. In June 2019, our partner invested approximately $1.33 billion for a 35 percent ownership interest, and we retained 65 percent ownership of, as well as operate and consolidate, the Northeast JV business. The change in ownership due to this transaction increased Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries by $567 million, and decreased Capital in excess of par value by $426 million and Deferred income tax liabilities by $141 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Costs related to this transaction are $6 million and are reported within our Northeast G&P segment and included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Sale of Gulf Coast Pipeline Systems

In November 2018, we completed the sale of certain assets and operations located in the Gulf Coast area for $177 million in cash. As a result of this sale, we recorded a gain of approximately $101 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, consisting of $81 million in our Transmission & Gulf of Mexico segment and $20 million in Other.

Previous impairments made to a portion of these assets and operations include $66 million related to certain idle pipelines in the second quarter of 2018, as well as $68 million and $23 million related to an NGL pipeline near the Houston Ship Channel region and project development costs associated with an olefins pipeline project, respectively, in 2017. These impairments are reflected in Impairment of certain assets in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. (See Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk.) The results of operations for this disposal group, excluding the impairments and gains noted, were not significant for the reporting periods.

Sale of Four Corners Assets

In October 2018, we completed the sale of our natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado for total consideration of $1.125 billion. As a result of this sale, we recorded a gain of approximately $591 million within the West segment in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The following table presents the results of operations for the Four Corners area, excluding the gain noted above:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2018		2017
	(Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of Four Corners area	$	52	$	47
Income (loss) before income taxes of Four Corners area attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	43		35

Sale of Geismar Interest

In July 2017, we completed the sale of Williams Olefins, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary which owned our Geismar Interest, for total consideration of $2.084 billion in cash. We received a final working capital adjustment of $12 million in October 2017. Upon closing of the sale, we entered into a long-term supply and transportation agreement with the purchaser to provide feedstock to the plant via its Bayou Ethane pipeline system. As a result of this sale, we recorded a gain of $1.095 billion in the third quarter of 2017 in our Other segment.

The following table presents the results of operations for the Geismar Interest, excluding the gain noted above:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017
	(Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest	$	26
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	19

XML

Other Income and Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Income and Expenses [Text Block]

Note 7 – Other Income and Expenses

The following tables present by segment, certain other items included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations	$	21		$	33		$	33
Regulatory charge per approved rates related to Tax Reform	24			24			—
Charge for regulatory liability associated with the decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rates following WPZ Merger	—			12			—
Net accrual (amortization) of regulatory liability related to overcollection of certain employee expenses	(17		)	22			22
Project development costs related to Constitution (see Note 4)	3			4			16
Amortization of regulatory liability associated with Tax Reform	(26		)	—			—
Gains on asset retirements	—			(12		)	—
West
Gains on contract settlements and terminations	—			—			(15		)
Other
Change to (benefit of) regulatory asset associated with Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following WPZ Merger	12			(37		)	—
Gain on sale of refinery grade propylene splitter	—			—			(12		)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
	(Millions)
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico
Allowance for equity funds used during construction related to Transco	$	29	$	87		$	70
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(9		)	(19		)
Regulatory adjustments resulting from Tax Reform	—		—			(39		)
Northeast G&P
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(4		)	(7		)
West
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(4		)	(9		)
Other
Income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction	9		35			52
Net gain (loss) associated with early retirement of debt	—		(7		)	27
Settlement charge from pension early payout program	—		(5		)	(35		)
Regulatory adjustments resulting from Tax Reform	—		(1		)	(63		)

Severance and other related costs included within Operating and maintenance expenses and Selling, general, and administrative expenses are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
	(Millions)
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$	39	$	—	$	—
Northeast G&P	7		—		—
West	10		—		—
Other	1		—		22

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018, includes a $35 million charge associated with a charitable contribution of preferred stock to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) within the Other segment (see Note 16 – Stockholders' Equity) and $20 million for WPZ Merger related costs within the Other segment.

XML

Cash Payments For Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$ 1,153	$ 1,064	$ 1,110

XML

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 73	$ 62
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 40
Short-term Lease, Cost	0
Variable Lease, Cost	27
Sublease Income	(2)
Lease, Cost	65
Operating Lease, Payments	39
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	207
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	21	$ 0
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 188
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	13 years
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.61%
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	$ 29
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	33
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	28
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	22
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	19
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	157
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	288
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	79
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 209

XML

EBP Net Periodic Benefit Cost & OCI (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost	$ 45	$ 50	$ 50
Interest cost	50	46	59
Expected return on plan assets	(61)	(63)	(82)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15	23	27
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1	23	71
Reclassification to regulatory liability	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	50	79	125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain (loss)	88	(18)	62
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15	23	27
Net actuarial loss from settlements	1	23	71
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)	104	28	160
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	8	7	8
Expected return on plan assets	(10)	(11)	(11)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	(2)	(13)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	0	0
Net actuarial loss from settlements	0	0	0
Reclassification to regulatory liability	1	2	3
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	0	(3)	(12)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(9)	9	(3)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	(5)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	0	0
Net actuarial loss from settlements	0	0	0
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9)	9	(8)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory (assets) and liabilities:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	7	(10)	6
Amortization of prior service credit	$ 0	(2)	(8)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Net actuarial loss from settlements		$ 23	$ 71

XML

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 24, 2018	Mar. 15, 2018
Long-term Debt
Debt issuance costs	$ (119)	$ (131)
Net unamortized debt premium (discount)	(58)	(62)
Total long-term debt, including current portion	22,288	22,414
Long-term debt due within one year	(2,140)	(47)
Long-term debt	20,148	22,367
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 7.08% Debentures Due 2026 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 8	8
Long-term debt interest rate	7.08%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 7.25% Debentures Due 2026 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 200	200
Long-term debt interest rate	7.25%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 7.85% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,000	1,000
Long-term debt interest rate	7.85%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 400	400
Long-term debt interest rate	4.00%			4.00%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 5.4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2041 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 375	375
Long-term debt interest rate	5.40%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 4.45% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2042 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 400	400
Long-term debt interest rate	4.45%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | 4.6% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2048 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 600	600
Long-term debt interest rate	4.60%			4.60%
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | Dalton [Member]
Long-term Debt
Other financing obligations	$ 259	260
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | AtlanticSunrise [Member]
Long-term Debt
Other financing obligations	$ 857	807
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC [Member] | Financing Obligations Approx Int Rate [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt interest rate	9.00%
Northwest Pipeline LLC [Member] | 7.125% Debentures Due 2025 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 85	85
Long-term debt interest rate	7.125%
Northwest Pipeline LLC [Member] | 4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 500	500
Long-term debt interest rate	4.00%		4.00%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member]
Long-term Debt
Credit facility loans	$ 0	160
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4.125% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 600	600
Long-term debt interest rate	4.125%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,500	1,500
Long-term debt interest rate	5.25%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 500	500
Long-term debt interest rate	4.00%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 7.875% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 371	371
Long-term debt interest rate	7.875%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 3.35% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 750	750
Long-term debt interest rate	3.35%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 3.6% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,250	1,250
Long-term debt interest rate	3.60%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 3.7% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 850	850
Long-term debt interest rate	3.70%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4.5% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 600	600
Long-term debt interest rate	4.50%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4.3% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,000	1,000
Long-term debt interest rate	4.30%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4.55% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,250	1,250
Long-term debt interest rate	4.55%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 3.9% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 750	750
Long-term debt interest rate	3.90%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 750	750
Long-term debt interest rate	4.00%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 3.75% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,450	1,450
Long-term debt interest rate	3.75%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 7.5% Debentures Due 2031 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 339	339
Long-term debt interest rate	7.50%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2031 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 252	252
Long-term debt interest rate	7.75%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 8.75% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2032 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 445	445
Long-term debt interest rate	8.75%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 6.3% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,250	1,250
Long-term debt interest rate	6.30%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 5.8% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2043 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 400	400
Long-term debt interest rate	5.80%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 5.4% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 500	500
Long-term debt interest rate	5.40%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 5.75% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 650	650
Long-term debt interest rate	5.75%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4.9% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2045 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 500	500
Long-term debt interest rate	4.90%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 5.1% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2045 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,000	1,000
Long-term debt interest rate	5.10%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | 4.85 Percent Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2048 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 800	800
Long-term debt interest rate	4.85%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | Various - 7.625% to 10.25% Senior Unsecured Notes and Debentures Due 2019 to 2027 Minimum Interest Rate [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt interest rate	7.625%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | Various - 7.625% to 10.25% Senior Unsecured Notes and Debentures Due 2019 to 2027 Maximum Interest Rate [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt interest rate	10.25%
The Williams Companies, Inc. [Member] | Various - 7.625% to 10.25% Senior Unsecured Notes and Debentures Due 2019 to 2027 [Member]
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 24	$ 55

XML

Revenue Recognition Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) - Remaining Performance Obligations [Member]	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year

XML

Fair Value Measurements, Guarantees, and Concentration of Credit Risk (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, certain of our financial assets and liabilities. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, margin deposits, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Therefore, these assets and liabilities are not presented in the following table.

							Fair Value Measurements Using
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2019:
Measured on a recurring basis:
ARO Trust investments	$	201		$	201		$	201		$	—		$	—
Energy derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments	1			1			1			—			—
Energy derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments	(3		)	(3		)	(1		)	—			(2		)
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(22,288		)	(25,319		)	—			(25,319		)	—
Guarantees	(41		)	(27		)	—			(11		)	(16		)
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2018:
Measured on a recurring basis:
ARO Trust investments	$	150		$	150		$	150		$	—		$	—
Energy derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments	3			3			3			—			—
Energy derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments	(7		)	(7		)	(4		)	—			(3		)
Additional disclosures:
Long-term debt, including current portion	(22,414		)	(23,330		)	—			(23,330		)	—
Guarantees	(43		)	(30		)	—			(14		)	(16		)

Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]

The following table presents impairments of assets and equity-method investments associated with certain nonrecurring fair value measurements within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, except as specifically noted. Impairments of equity-method investments are reported in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

					Impairments
					Year Ended December 31,
	Segment	Date of Measurement	Fair Value		2019			2018		2017
			(Millions)
Impairment of certain assets:
Certain pipeline project (1)	Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	December 31, 2019	$	22	$	354
Certain gathering assets (2)	West	December 31, 2019	25		20
Certain gathering assets (2)	West	June 30, 2019	40		59
Certain idle gathering assets (3)	West	March 31, 2019	—		12
Certain gathering assets (4)	West	December 31, 2018	470					$	1,849
Certain idle pipeline assets (5)	Other	June 30, 2018	25					66
Certain gathering assets (6)	West	September 30, 2017	439							$	1,019
Certain gathering assets (7)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2017	21							115
Certain NGL pipeline (8)	Other	September 30, 2017	32							68
Certain olefins pipeline project (9)	Other	June 30, 2017	18							23
Other impairments and write-downs (10)					19			—		23
Impairment of certain assets					$	464		$	1,915	$	1,248
Impairment of equity-method investments:
Laurel Mountain (11)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2019	$	242	$	79
Appalachia Midstream Investments (12)	Northeast G&P	September 30, 2019	102		17
Pennant (13)	Northeast G&P	August 31, 2019	11		17
UEOM (14)	Northeast G&P	March 17, 2019	1,210		74
UEOM (14)	Northeast G&P	December 31, 2018	1,293					$	32
Other					(1		)
Impairment of equity-method investments					$	186		$	32

______________

(1) Relates to the Constitution development project. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was based on probability-weighted third-party quotes. See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities for further discussion.

(2) Relates to a gas gathering system in the Eagle Ford region with expected declines in asset utilization and possible idling of the gathering system. We designated these operations as held for sale, included in Other current assets and deferred charges, as of December 31, 2019. As a result, we measured the fair value of the disposal group using the expected sales price under a contract with a third party. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net at June 30, 2019, was determined using a market approach, which incorporated indications of interest from third parties.

(3) Reflects impairment of Property, plant, and equipment – net that is no longer in use for which the fair value was determined to be lower than the carrying value.

(4) Relates to our gathering operations in the Barnett Shale. Certain of our contractual gathering rates, primarily those in the Barnett Shale, are based on a percentage of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) natural gas prices. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we determined there was a sustained decline in the forward price curves for natural gas. During this same period, a large producer customer in the Barnett Shale removed their remaining drilling rig. These factors gave rise to an impairment evaluation of these assets, which incorporated management’s projections of future drilling activity and gathering rates, taking into consideration the information previously noted as well as recently available information regarding producer drilling cost assumptions in the basin. The resulting estimate of future undiscounted cash flows was less than our carrying value, necessitating the estimation of the fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization. To arrive at the fair value, we utilized an income approach with a discount rate of 8.5 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(5) Relates to certain idle pipelines. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was determined by a market approach incorporating information derived from bids received for these assets, which we marketed for sale together with certain other assets. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(6) Relates to certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent region. During the third quarter of 2017, we received solicitations and engaged in negotiations for the sale of certain of these assets which led to our impairment evaluation. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization was determined using an income approach and incorporated market inputs based on ongoing negotiations for a potential sale of a portion of the underlying assets. For the income approach, we utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(7) Relates to certain gathering operations in the Marcellus South region resulting from an anticipated decline in future volumes following a third-quarter 2017 shut-in by the primary producer. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net and Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization was determined by the income approach utilizing a discount rate of 11.1 percent, reflecting an estimated cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(8) Relates to an NGL pipeline near the Houston Ship Channel region which we anticipated would be underutilized for the foreseeable future. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – net was primarily determined by using a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal market. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(9) Relates primarily to project development costs associated with an olefins pipeline project in the Gulf Coast region, where we consider the likelihood of completion to be remote. The estimated fair value of the remaining Property, plant, and equipment – net considered a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal

market, as well as an estimate of replacement cost. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. (See Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures.)

(10) Reflects multiple individually insignificant impairments and write-downs of other certain assets that may no longer be in use or are surplus in nature for which the fair value was determined to be lower than the carrying value.

(11) Relates to a gas gathering system in the Marcellus region that was adversely impacted by lower sustained forward natural gas price expectations and changes in expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent in our analysis.

(12) Relates to a certain gathering system held in Appalachia Midstream Investments that was adversely impacted by changes in the timing of expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 9.0 percent in our analysis.

(13) The estimated fair value of Pennant Midstream, LLC (“Pennant”) was determined by a market approach based on recent observable third-party transactions. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(14)

The estimated fair value at March 17, 2019, was determined by a market approach based on the transaction price for the purchase of the remaining interest in UEOM as finalized just prior to the signing and closing of the acquisition in March 2019 (see Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures). These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value at December 31, 2018, was determined by a market approach based on our analysis of inputs in the principal market.

Concentration of receivables, net of allowances, by product or service [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes concentration of receivables, net of allowances:

	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
NGLs, natural gas, and related products and services	$	613	$	626
Transportation of natural gas and related products	277		232
Accounts Receivable related to revenues from contracts with customers	890		858
Other	106		134
Trade accounts and other receivables	$	996	$	992

XML

Revenue by Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 8,140	$ 8,604
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	61	82
Total revenues	8,201	8,686	$ 8,031
Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,453	2,050
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	1	11
Total revenues	2,454	2,061
Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	450	443
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	0	0
Total revenues	450	443
Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	731	924
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	8	18
Total revenues	739	942
Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,480	1,262
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	20	21
Total revenues	1,500	1,283
West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	3,296	4,399
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	14	12
Total revenues	3,310	4,411
Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	2
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	30	32
Total revenues	30	34
Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(270)	(476)
Revenue Not from Contract with Customer	(12)	(12)
Total revenues	(282)	(488)
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,884	2,921
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	479	541
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,171	861
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,309	1,590
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	2
NonRegulated Service Monetary Consideration [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(75)	(73)
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	203	400
Total revenues	203	400	0
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	41	59
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	12	20
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	150	321
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
NonRegulated Service Commodity Consideration [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Regulated Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,780	2,362
Regulated Service [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,336	1,921
Regulated Service [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	450	443
Regulated Service [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Regulated Service [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Regulated Service [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Regulated Service [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Regulated Service [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(6)	(2)
Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	210	144
Other Service [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	11	2
Other Service [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Other Service [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	26	17
Other Service [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	147	94
Other Service [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	42	46
Other Service [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Other Service [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(16)	(15)
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	6,077	5,827
Total revenues	5,933	5,502	5,312
Service [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,347	1,923
Service [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	450	443
Service [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	546	617
Service [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,330	975
Service [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,501	1,957
Service [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	2
Service [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(97)	(90)
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,063	2,760
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	106	127
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	185	307
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	150	287
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,795	2,421
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
NGL And Natural Gas Product Sales [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(173)	(382)
Other Product Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		17
Other Product Sales [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0
Other Product Sales [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0
Other Product Sales [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0
Other Product Sales [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0
Other Product Sales [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		21
Other Product Sales [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0
Other Product Sales [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		(4)
Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		2,777
Total revenues	$ 2,065	2,784	$ 2,719
Product [Member] | Transco [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		127
Product [Member] | Northwest Pipeline [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0
Product [Member] | Transmission And Gulf Of Mexico Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		307
Product [Member] | Northeast G And P [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		287
Product [Member] | West Midstream [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		2,442
Product [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0
Product [Member] | Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		$ (386)