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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NOTE 2                 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a)      Basis of Presentation
The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. The unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our significant accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in Note 2 of the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

(b)      Acquisitions
On May 3, 2011, the Partnership acquired a 25 percent interest in GTN and a 25 percent interest in Bison from subsidiaries of TransCanada Corporation (the Acquisitions). TransCanada Corporation and its subsidiaries are herein collectively referred to as “TransCanada.” The Acquisitions were accounted for as transactions between entities under common control, whereby the equity investments in GTN and Bison were recorded at TransCanada’s carrying values. See Note 4 for additional disclosure regarding the Acquisitions.

(c)      Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States of America (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results for the interim periods presented.