FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Line Items]

The estimated fair values and carrying values of our long-term debt consisted of the following:



	SEPTEMBER 30, 2017				DECEMBER 31, 2016
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS	CARRYING VALUE		FAIR VALUE (LEVEL 2)		CARRYING VALUE		FAIR VALUE (LEVEL 2)
Long-term debt (including current maturities):
Fixed rate	$	5,771	$	6,872	$	6,061	$	6,925
Variable rate	224		225		549		550
Total Debt	$	5,995	$	7,097	$	6,610	$	7,475

To estimate the fair value of fixed rate long-term debt, we used the following valuation approaches:


•	market approach – based on quoted market prices we received for the same types and issues of our debt; or


•	income approach – based on the discounted value of the future cash flows using market yields for the same type and comparable issues of debt.

We believe that our variable rate long-term debt instruments have net carrying values that approximate their fair values with only insignificant differences.

The inputs to these valuations are based on market data obtained from independent sources or information derived principally from observable market data. The difference between the fair value and the carrying value represents the theoretical net premium or discount we would pay or receive to retire all debt at the measurement date.

FAIR VALUE OF OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

We believe that our other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, mutual fund investments held in grantor trusts, receivables, and payables, have net carrying values that approximate their fair values with only insignificant differences. This is primarily due to the short-term nature of these instruments and the allowance for doubtful accounts.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details