3. Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

We have prepared our audited consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), as codified by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) in its Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The consolidated financial statements include Blue Dolphin and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. In the opinion of management, such consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary to present fair consolidated statements of operations, financial position and cash flows. We believe that the disclosures are adequate and the presented information is not misleading.

Use of Estimates

We have made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of our consolidated assets and liabilities and to the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these audited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. While we believe current estimates are reasonable and appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash balances are maintained in depository and overnight investment accounts with financial institutions that, at times, exceed insured limits. We monitor the financial condition of the financial institutions and have experienced no losses associated with these accounts.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash was $89,593 and $192,004 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts relate to escrow accounts for potential environmental matters and loan repayments.

Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Concentrations of Credit Risk

Accounts receivable are customer obligations due under normal trade terms. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of the amount of probable credit losses existing in our accounts receivable. We have a limited number of customers with individually large amounts due at any given date. Any unanticipated change in any one of these customers’ credit worthiness or other matters affecting the collectability of amounts due from such customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which such changes or events occur. We regularly review all of our aged accounts receivables for collectability and establish an allowance as necessary for individual customer balances.

Concentration of Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, trade receivables and payables. We maintain our cash balances at banks located in Houston, Texas. Accounts in the United States are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had uninsured balances of $170,896 and $0, respectively.

We had 4 customers that accounted for approximately 84% of our total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. These 4 customers represented approximately $11.4 million of accounts receivable at December 31, 2012.

Inventory

Our inventory primarily consists of refined petroleum products valued at lower of cost or market with costs being determined by the average cost method.

Price-Risk Management Activities

In May 2012, we implemented an inventory risk management policy under which Genesis Energy, LLC (“Genesis”) may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments as economic hedges to reduce refined petroleum products and crude oil inventory commodity price risk. We follow FASB ASC guidance for derivatives and hedging related to stand alone derivative instruments. These contracts are not subject to hedge accounting treatment under FASB ASC guidance. Accordingly, even though such hedge positions are direct contractual obligations of Genesis and not us, we nevertheless record the fair value of these Genesis hedges in our condensed consolidated balance sheet each quarter because of contractual arrangements between Genesis and us under which we are effectively exposed to the potential gains or losses. Changes in the fair value from quarter to quarter are recognized in our condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Property and Equipment

Refinery and Facilities. Additions to refinery and facilities are capitalized. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance, including maintenance turnarounds, are charged to expense as incurred. Management expects to continue making improvements to our refinery assets based on technological advances.

Refinery and facilities are carried at cost. Adjustment of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation accounts are made for refinery and facilities’ retirements and disposals, with the resulting gain or loss included in the statements of operations.

For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of refinery and facilities is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 25 years when the refinery and facilities are placed in service.

Management has evaluated the FASB ASC guidance related to asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) for our refinery and facilities. Management has concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities. Further, management believes that these assets have indeterminate lives under FASB ASC guidance for estimating AROs because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques. We did not record any impairment of our refinery and facilities for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Oil and Gas Properties. We account for our oil and gas properties using the full-cost method of accounting, whereby all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties, including directly related internal costs, are capitalized on a cost center basis.  Amortization of such costs and estimated future development costs are determined using the unit-of-production method. Our U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil and gas properties were uneconomic for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 due to leases being relinquished and fields being shut-in by operators. Operations associated with Indonesia were discontinued in 2012. See “Note (14) Discontinued Operations” of this report for additional disclosures related to Indonesia and discontinued operations. The estimated fair values of our AROs related to our oil and gas properties were recorded in connection with the LE Acquisition.

Pipelines and Facilities Assets. Pipelines and facilities assets are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 22 years. In accordance with FASB ASC guidance on accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment based on the ability to identify separate cash flows generated therefrom.  The estimated fair values of our AROs related to our pipeline and facilities assets were recorded in connection with the LE Acquisition.

Construction in Progress. Construction in progress expenditures, insurance, interest and other costs related to refurbishment activities at the Nixon Facility are capitalized as incurred. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying asset and is amortized over the useful life of the Nixon Facility. Depreciation begins once the asset is placed in service.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other

Goodwill. We recognized goodwill in connection with our reverse merger with LE. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and represents the difference between the total purchase price and the fair value of assets (tangible and intangible) and liabilities at the date of acquisition is reviewed for impairment annually, and more frequently as circumstances warrant, and written down only in the period in which the recorded value of such assets exceed their fair value. We do not amortize goodwill in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) guidance related to intangibles, goodwill and other. We perform an impairment test annually.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or a component of an operating segment that constitutes a business for which discrete financial information with similar economic characteristics is available and the operating results are regularly reviewed by management. Our pipeline transportation and oil and gas exploration and production business segments comprise the reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes.

In 2012, we adopted FASB Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) related to testing goodwill for impairment,” in connection with the performance of our annual goodwill impairment testing. Under the ASU guidance, entities are provided with the option of first performing a qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If after completing a qualitative analysis, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value a quantitative analysis is required.

The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step process. We performed step one quantitative testing for our pipeline transportation and oil and gas exploration and production business segments in 2012. The first step used to identify potential impairment involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. During the first step, we evaluated goodwill for impairment using a business valuation method, which is calculated as of a measurement date by determining the present value of debt-free, after-tax projected future cash flows, discounted at the weighted average cost of capital of a hypothetical third party buyer. Our analysis indicated an impairment in 2012.

The second step of the process involves the calculation of an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which step one indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit and the subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. The determination of fair value required us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily included, but were not limited to, revenue growth and operating earnings projections, discount rates, growth rates and required capital expenditure projections. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual results could have differed materially from our estimates. As a result of our evaluation, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $1,445,720 related to goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets.  We recognized trade name in connection with our reverse merger with LE. We have determined our trade name to have an indefinite useful life. We account for other intangible assets under FASB ASC guidance related to intangibles, goodwill and other. Under the guidance, intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment. Management performed its regular annual impairment testing of trade name following FASB ASC guidance for determining impairment. Upon completion of that testing, we determined that no impairment was necessary as of December 31, 2012.

Impairment of Long Lived Assets. Our policy is to assess the realizability of our long-lived assets, including intangible assets, and to evaluate such assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets (or group of assets) may not be recoverable. Impairment is determined to exist if the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value. Future cash flow projections include assumptions for future pipeline throughput levels, anticipated capital expenditures and the impact of cost reduction measures and the level of working capital needed to support each business. Any difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset is recognized as an impairment. For the years ended December 31, 2012 we recognized an impairment of $7,990,025 related to our pipeline fixed assets.

Debt Issue Costs

We have debt issue costs related to certain of our long-term debt. Debt issue costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related debt using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. When a loan is paid in full, any unamortized financing costs are removed from the related accounts and charged to operations. Debt issue costs exclusive of amortization were $675,980 at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Accumulated amortization in the amount of $143,645 and $109,847 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are being amortized over the life of the Refinery Loan. Amortization expense, which is included in interest expense, was $8,450 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Amortization expense was $25,349 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. See “Note (20) Long-Term Debt” of this report for additional disclosures related to the Refinery Loan.

Revenue Recognition

Refined Petroleum Products Revenue. We sell various refined petroleum products including naphtha, distillates and atmospheric gas oil. Revenue from refined product sales is recognized when title passes. Title passage occurs when refined petroleum products are sold or delivered in accordance with the terms of the respective sales agreements. Revenue is recognized when sales prices are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

Customer assume the risk of loss when title is transferred. Transportation, shipping and handling costs incurred are included in cost of refined petroleum products sold. Excise and other taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in revenue.

Tank Storage Rental Revenue. Revenue from tank storage rental is recorded on a straight line basis in accordance with the terms of the related lease agreement.  The lessee is invoiced monthly for the amount of rent due for the related period.

Recognition of Oil and Gas Revenue. Sales from producing wells are recognized on the entitlement method of accounting, which defers recognition of sales when, and to the extent that, deliveries to customers exceed our net revenue interest in production. Similarly, when deliveries are below our net revenue interest in production, sales are recorded to reflect the full net revenue interest. Our imbalance liability at December 31, 2012 was not material.

Pipeline Transportation Revenue. Revenue from our pipeline operations is derived from fee-based contracts and is typically based on transportation fees per unit of volume transported multiplied by the volume delivered. Revenue is recognized when volumes have been physically delivered for the customer through the pipeline.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under FASB ASC guidance related to income taxes, which requires recognition of income taxes based on amounts payable with respect to the current year and the effects of deferred taxes for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements or tax returns.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial accounting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

The guidance also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, as well as guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income prior to the expiration of any net operating loss carryforwards.  See “Note (21) Income Taxes” for further details.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with FASB ASC guidance on accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, we initiate a review of our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparison of its carrying amount to the expected future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of that asset, excluding future interest costs that would be recognized as an expense when incurred. Any impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair market value. Significant management judgment is required in the forecasting of future operating results that are used in the preparation of projected cash flows and, should different conditions prevail or judgments be made, material impairment charges could be necessary.

Asset Retirement Obligations

FASB ASC guidance related to AROs requires that a liability for the discounted fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recorded in the period in which it is incurred and the corresponding cost capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted towards its future value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized.

Management has concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities. Further, management believes that these assets have indeterminate lives under FASB ASC guidance for estimating AROs because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques.

Future asset retirement costs include costs to dismantle, relocate or dispose of our offshore platform, pipeline systems and related onshore facilities, plugging and abandonment of wells and land and sea bed restoration costs. We develop these cost estimates for each of our assets based upon regulatory requirements, platform structure, water depth, reservoir characteristics, reservoir depth, equipment market demand, current procedures and construction and engineering consultations. Because these costs typically extend many years into the future, estimating these future costs are difficult and require management to make judgments that are subject to future revisions based upon numerous factors, including changing technology, political and regulatory environments. We review our assumptions and estimates of future abandonment costs on a quarterly basis.

Derivatives

We are exposed to commodity prices and other market risks including gains and losses on certain financial assets as a result of Genesis using commodity futures contracts to mitigate the change in value for a portion of our inventory volumes subject to market price fluctuations. The physical volumes are not exchanged and these contracts are net settled with cash. We recognize all commodity hedge transactions as either current assets or current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and those instruments are measured at fair value. Therefore, changes in the fair value of these commodity hedging instruments are included in income in the period of change. Net gains or losses associated with these transactions are recognized within cost of products sold using mark-to-market accounting.

Computation of Earnings Per Share

Computation of Earnings Per Share

We apply the provisions of FASB ASC guidance for computing earnings per share (“EPS”). The guidance requires the presentation of basic EPS, which excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The guidance requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of the audited consolidated statement of operations and requires a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic EPS and diluted EPS. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were converted to common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. For periods in which we have a net loss, we exclude stock options because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

The number of shares related to options, warrants, restricted stock and similar instruments included in diluted EPS (“EPS”) is based on the “Treasury Stock Method” prescribed in FASB ASC guidance for computation of EPS, This method assumes theoretical repurchase of shares using proceeds of the respective stock option or warrant exercised, and for restricted stock the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services which has not yet been recognized and the amount of current and deferred tax benefit, if any, that would be credited to additional paid in capital upon the vesting of the restricted stock, at a price equal to the issuer’s average stock price during the related earnings period. Accordingly, the number of shares includable in the calculation of EPS in respect of the stock options, warrants, restricted stock and similar instruments is dependent on this average stock price and will increase as the average stock price increases.

Stock Based Compensation

In accordance with FASB ASC guidance for stock based compensation, share-based payments to employees, including grants of restricted stock units, are measured at fair value as of the date of grant and are expensed in the consolidated statement of income over the service period (generally the vesting period).

Business Combinations

We account for acquisitions in accordance with FASB ASC guidance for business combinations. The guidance requires consideration given, including contingent consideration, assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be valued at their fair market values at the acquisition date. The guidance further provides that: (i) in-process research and development be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset; (ii) acquisition costs generally be expensed as incurred, (iii) restructuring costs associated with a business combination generally be expensed subsequent to the acquisition date; and (iv) changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally affect income tax expense.

The guidance requires that any excess of purchase price over fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangibles and liabilities assumed be recognized as goodwill. Any excess of fair value of acquired net assets, including identifiable intangibles assets, over the acquisition consideration results in a bargain purchase gain. Prior to recording a gain, the acquiring entity must reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been identified and recognized and perform re-measurements to verify that the consideration paid, assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been properly valued.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In July 2012, FASB amended ASC guidance related to intangibles, goodwill and other. This amendment is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill by providing entities an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. We adopted this guidance  in 2012.  The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

New Pronouncements Issued but Not Yet Effective

We have evaluated recent accounting pronouncements that are not yet effective and determined that they do not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.