New Accounting Standards

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards

Standards Adopted in 2020

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments: Measurement of Credit Losses

In June 2016, a new accounting standard was issued that amends the measurement of credit losses on certain financial instruments. The new standard requires entities to use a current expected credit loss model to measure impairment of certain investments in debt securities, trade accounts receivables and other financial instruments. Since the issuance of the new standard, various guidance has been issued that amends the new standard, including clarifications of certain aspects of the standard and targeted transition relief, among other changes. The new standard and related amendments were effective for us on January 1, 2020, and must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach for certain aspects of the standard, and a prospective approach for other aspects of the standard. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2020 using primarily the modified retrospective approach. While the adoption of this guidance changed our process and methodology for determining credit losses and resulted in additional disclosures, these changes did not have a material impact on our financial statements. (See Note 2 for allowance for doubtful accounts related credit loss disclosures.)

ASU 2018-14, Retirement Benefits: Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans

In August 2018, a new accounting standard was issued that amends certain disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments remove disclosures that are no longer considered beneficial, clarifies specific disclosure requirements and adds new disclosure requirements relating to defined benefit plans. The new standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. We adopted and implemented the standard on a retrospective basis in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. While the adoption of this guidance modified the disclosure requirements relating to defined benefit plans, these changes did not have a material impact on our financial statements. (See Note 8 for Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits disclosure.)