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General Accounting and Disclosure Matters (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
General Accounting Matters [Abstract]  
Contingencies

Contingencies
Certain conditions may exist as of the date our consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to us but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur.  Management has regular quarterly litigation reviews, including updates from legal counsel, to assess the need for accounting recognition or disclosure of these contingencies, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise in judgment.  In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against us or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, our management and legal counsel evaluate the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

We accrue an undiscounted liability for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  If a range of amounts can be reasonably estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, then the minimum of the range is accrued.  We do not record a contingent liability when the likelihood of loss is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated or when the likelihood of loss is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote.  For contingencies where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and the impact would be material to our consolidated financial statements, we disclose the nature of the contingency and, where feasible, an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.  See Note 14 for additional information regarding our contingencies.
Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments such as futures, swaps, forward contracts and other arrangements to manage price risks associated with inventories, firm commitments, interest rates and certain anticipated future commodity transactions.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedged item must expose us to risk and the related derivative instrument must reduce the exposure to that risk and meet specific hedge documentation requirements related to designation dates, expectations for hedge effectiveness and the probability that hedged future transactions will occur as forecasted.  We formally designate derivative instruments as hedges and document and assess their effectiveness at inception of the hedge and on a monthly basis thereafter.  Forecasted transactions are evaluated for the probability of occurrence and are periodically back-tested once the forecasted period has passed to determine whether similarly forecasted transactions are probable of occurring in the future.

For certain physical forward commodity derivative contracts, we apply the normal purchase/normal sale exception, whereby changes in the mark-to-market values of such contracts are not recognized in income.  As a result, the revenues and expenses associated with such physical transactions are recognized during the period when volumes are physically delivered or received.  Physical forward commodity contracts subject to this exception are evaluated for the probability of future delivery and are periodically back-tested once the forecasted period has passed to determine whether similar forward contracts are probable of physical delivery in the future.  See Note 12 for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.

Estimates
Estimates
Preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates that affect amounts presented in the financial statements.  Our most significant estimates relate to (i) the useful lives and depreciation/amortization methods used for fixed and identifiable intangible assets; (ii) measurement of fair value and projections used in impairment testing of fixed and intangible assets (including goodwill); (iii) contingencies; and (iv) revenue and expense accruals.

Actual results could differ materially from our estimates.  On an ongoing basis, we review our estimates based on currently available information.  Any changes in the facts and circumstances underlying our estimates may require us to update such estimates, which could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
Our fair value estimates are based on either (i) actual market data or (ii) assumptions that other market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including estimates of risk, in the principal market of the asset or liability at a specified measurement date.  Recognized valuation techniques employ inputs such as contractual prices, quoted market prices or rates, operating costs, discount factors and business growth rates.  These inputs may be either readily observable, corroborated by market data or generally unobservable.  In developing our estimates of fair value, we endeavor to utilize the best information available and apply market-based data to the highest extent possible.  Accordingly, we utilize valuation techniques (such as the market approach) that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

A three-tier hierarchy has been established that classifies fair value amounts recognized in the financial statements based on the observability of inputs used to estimate such fair values.  The hierarchy considers fair value amounts based on observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) to be more reliable and predictable than those based primarily on unobservable inputs (Level 3).  At each balance sheet reporting date, we categorize our financial assets and liabilities using this hierarchy.

Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents amounts held in segregated bank accounts by our clearing brokers as margin in support of our commodity derivative instruments portfolio and related physical purchases and sales of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and refined products.  Additional cash may be restricted to maintain our commodity derivative instruments portfolio as prices fluctuate or margin requirements change.  

At June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our restricted cash amounts were $35.4 million and $354.5 million, respectively.   The balance of restricted cash decreased since December 31, 2016 primarily due to the settlement of derivative instruments related to contango positions during 2017.  See Note 12 for information regarding our derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Impact of ASU 2016-18.  The FASB recently issued an amendment, ASU 2016-18, to Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, that standardizes the presentation of transfers to and from restricted cash within the cash flow statement.  As a result, the cash flow statement will present changes in total cash amounts, regardless of whether the cash balances are restricted or unrestricted.   The new guidance does not affect the separate presentation of restricted and unrestricted (i.e., cash and cash equivalents) amounts on the balance sheet.   Furthermore, this change in financial statement presentation will not impact our consolidated liquidity.

We intend to adopt the new cash flow statement guidance on December 31, 2017 by retrospectively adjusting our consolidated cash flow statements to eliminate the presentation of cash inflows and outflows associated with restricted cash that were historically shown in the investing activities section.