Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

During the fourth quarter of 2019, Devon entered into an agreement to form Cotton Draw Midstream, L.L.C. (“CDM”), a joint-venture entity in the Delaware Basin with an affiliate of QL Capital Partners, LP (“QLCP”). Devon holds a controlling interest in CDM and the portions of CDM’s net earnings and equity not attributable to Devon’s controlling interest are shown separately as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings and consolidated balance sheets. CDM is considered a VIE to Devon. The assets of CDM cannot be used by Devon for general corporate purposes and are included in and disclosed parenthetically on Devon's consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amount of liabilities related to CDM for which the creditors do not have recourse to Devon's assets are also included in, and disclosed parenthetically, on Devon's consolidated balance sheets if material.

Recent Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. This ASU changes the impairment model for trade receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, loans and other financial assets measured at amortized cost from the current “incurred loss” model to a new forward-looking “expected loss” model. Devon adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. Devon assesses credit risk by class of account type which includes cash equivalents and oil and gas, marketing and midstream, joint interest and other accounts receivable. These classes are then further evaluated using a probability weighted scenario assessment based on historical losses and a probability of future default. This evaluation is supported by an assessment of risk factors such as the age of receivable, current macro-economic conditions, credit rating of the counterparty and our historical loss rate. This adoption did not have a material impact on Devon’s consolidated financial statements.

Commitments And Contingencies

Devon is party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Matters that are probable of an unfavorable outcome to Devon and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, Devon’s estimates of the outcomes of such matters and its experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. None of the actions are believed by management to likely involve future amounts that would be material to Devon’s financial position or results of operations after consideration of recorded accruals. Actual amounts could differ materially from management’s estimates.