Accounting Changes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Accounting Changes

Accounting changes

Implemented in 2015

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)

In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 Fair Value Measurement. The amendments remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and certain disclosures related to those investments. This ASU was effective retrospectively for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2015. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of this ASU during the fourth quarter of 2015. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-07, $2,426 million and $2,069 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of net asset value investments in the defined benefit pension plan assets are no longer included in Level 2 and Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy in Note 24.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, an amendment to FASB ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes. The amendments remove the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts in the balance sheet. The recognition and measurement guidance for deferred tax assets and liabilities are not affected by the amendments. This ASU can be applied prospectively or retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company retrospectively adopted the provisions of this ASU during the fourth quarter of 2015.

As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17, the comparative period has been adjusted for the retrospective change in accounting principle with a reclassification of $56 million of current "Deferred income tax assets" against long-term "Deferred income tax liabilities" as at December 31, 2014. The Company is able to net these amounts as deferred tax liabilities exceed deferred tax assets in all tax jurisdictions. There was no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of the adoption of the provisions of this ASU during the year ended December 31, 2015 and comparative periods.

Future changes

Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis under FASB ASC Topic 810 Consolidation. The amendments require reporting entities to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities, eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. This ASU is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this ASU. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this ASU.

Simplifying the Subsequent Measurement of Inventory

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory under FASB ASC Topic 330 Inventory. The amendments require reporting entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments apply to inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost basis. This ASU will be effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and will be applied prospectively. The Company has not, at this time, ascertained the full impact on the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of the guidance in this ASU but does not expect the impact to be material.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, a new FASB ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605 Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This new standard requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires enhanced disclosures about revenue to help users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date under FASB ASC Topic 606. The amendments defer the effective date of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 for public entities to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the ASU. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this ASU.