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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Presentation and Consolidation Principles of Presentation and Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Partnership and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and equity method investees.  In the opinion of the management of the Partnership’s general partner, all adjustments and elimination of significant intercompany balances necessary for a fair presentation of the Partnership’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods shown have been made.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  In addition, the Partnership evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities under certain provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), 810-10 and to assess whether it is the primary beneficiary of such entities.  If the determination is made that the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, then that entity is included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC 810-10.  No such variable interest entities exist as of December 31, 2016 or 2015.

As discussed in Note 5, on February 12, 2015, the Partnership sold all six 16,101 barrel liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") pressure barges, collectively referred to as the "Floating Storage Assets." These assets were acquired on February 28, 2013. On December 19, 2014, the Partnership made the decision to dispose of the Floating Storage Assets. As a result, the Partnership has presented the results of operations and cash flows of the Floating Storage Assets as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and and 2014.

Product Exchanges Product Exchanges
 
The Partnership enters into product exchange agreements with third parties, whereby the Partnership agrees to exchange natural gas liquids ("NGLs") and sulfur with third parties.  The Partnership records the balance of exchange products due to other companies under these agreements at quoted market product prices and the balance of exchange products due from other companies at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.  Product exchanges with the same counterparty are entered into in contemplation of one another and are combined. The net amount related to location differentials is reported in "Product sales" or "Cost of products sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Inventories Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is generally determined by using the FIFO method for all inventories except lubricants and lubricants packaging inventories. Lubricants and lubricants packaging inventories cost is determined using standard cost, which approximates actual cost, computed on a FIFO basis.
Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition
 
Terminalling and Storage – Revenue is recognized for storage contracts based on the contracted monthly tank fixed fee.  For throughput contracts, revenue is recognized based on the volume moved through the Partnership’s terminals at the contracted rate.  For the Partnership’s tolling agreement, revenue is recognized based on the contracted monthly reservation fee and throughput volumes moved through the facility.  When lubricants and drilling fluids are sold by truck or rail, revenue is recognized upon delivering product to the customers as title to the product transfers when the customer physically receives the product.
 
Natural Gas Services – NGL distribution revenue is recognized when product is delivered by truck, rail, or pipeline to the Partnership's NGL customers. Natural gas storage revenue is recognized when the service is provided to the customer.

Sulfur Services – Revenue from sulfur product sales is recognized when the customer takes title to the product.   Revenue from sulfur services is recognized as deliveries are made during each monthly period.
 
Marine Transportation – Revenue is recognized for time charters based on a per day rate. For contracted trips, revenue is recognized upon completion of the particular trip.
Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments
 
The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for investments in unconsolidated entities where the ability to exercise significant influence over such entities exists.  Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of capital contributions and advances plus the Partnership’s share of accumulated earnings as of the entities’ latest fiscal year-ends, less capital withdrawals and distributions.  Investments in excess of the underlying net assets of equity method investees, specifically identifiable to property, plant and equipment, are amortized over the useful life of the related assets.  Excess investment representing equity method goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment, annually.  Under certain provisions of ASC 350-20, related to goodwill, this goodwill is not subject to amortization and is accounted for as a component of the investment.  Equity method investments are subject to impairment under the provisions of ASC 323-10, which relates to the equity method of accounting for investments in common stock.  No portion of the net income from these entities is included in the Partnership’s operating income.

Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment

Owned property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  Owned buildings and equipment are depreciated using straight-line method over the estimated lives of the respective assets.

Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum lease payments less accumulated amortization. Equipment under capital leases is amortized on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense while costs of betterments and renewals are capitalized.  When an asset is retired or sold, its cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the difference between net book value of the asset and proceeds from disposition is recognized as gain or loss.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is subject to a fair-value based impairment test on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. The Partnership is required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets. The Partnership is required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Partnership would be
required to perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired.

When assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets, the Partnership may first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or other intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. After assessing qualitative factors, if the Partnership determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or other intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then performing a quantitative assessment is not required. If an initial qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit or other intangible asset, a quantitative analysis will be performed. The Partnership may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative analysis depending on the facts and circumstances.

Of the Partnership's four reporting units, the terminalling and storage, natural gas services, and sulfur services reporting units contain goodwill. During the second quarter of 2016, the Partnership experienced an impairment of all the goodwill in the Partnership's marine transportation reporting unit. See Note 8 for more information.

In performing a quantitative analysis, recoverability of goodwill for each reporting unit is measured using a weighting of the discounted cash flow method and two market approaches (the guideline public company method and the guideline transaction method). The discounted cash flow model incorporates discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Use of a discounted cash flow model is common practice in assessing impairment in the absence of available transactional market evidence to determine the fair value. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"). The WACC considers market and industry data as well as company-specific risk factors for each reporting unit in determining the appropriate discount rate to be used. The discount rate utilized for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive for investing in such a business. Management, considering industry and company specific historical and projected data, develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and low long-term growth rates. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying amount, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. If the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, the Partnership calculates an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying amount. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit but may indicate certain long-lived and amortizable intangible assets associated with the reporting unit may require additional impairment testing

Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit which could give rise to future impairment. Changes to these estimates and assumptions can include, but may not be limited to, varying commodity prices, volume changes and operating costs due to market conditions and/or alternative providers of services.

Other intangible assets that have finite lives are tested for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment is indicated if the carrying amount of a long-lived intangible asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If impairment is indicated, the Partnership would record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. There were no intangible asset impairments in 2016, 2015 or 2014.
Debt Issuance Costs Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs relating to the Partnership’s revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes are deferred and amortized over the terms of the debt arrangements and are shown, net of accumulated amortization, as a reduction of the related long-term debt.

In connection with the issuance, amendment, expansion and restatement of debt arrangements, the Partnership incurred debt issuance costs of $5,274, $341 and $3,722 in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

During 2016, the Partnership made certain strategic amendments to its credit facility which, among other things, decreased its borrowing capacity from $700,000 to $664,444 and extended the maturity date of the facility from March 28, 2018 to March 28, 2020. In connection with the amendment, the Partnership expensed $820 of unamortized debt issuance costs determined not to have continuing benefit.

During 2015, the Partnership repurchased on the open market an aggregate $26,200 of 7.25% senior unsecured notes. The repurchase transaction resulted in the write-off of $235 of existing debt issuance costs that were determined not to have continuing benefit. On August 14, 2015, the Partnership reduced its borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility from $900,000 to $700,000, resulting in the write-off of $1,625 of deferred debt costs that were determined not to have continuing benefit.

Due to the redemption of the remaining $175,000 of 8.875% senior unsecured notes in 2014 and a reduction in the number of lenders under the Partnership’s multi-bank credit agreement, $3,078 of the existing debt issuance costs were determined not to have continuing benefit and were expensed during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Remaining unamortized deferred issuance costs are amortized over the term of each respective revised debt arrangement.

Amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs, which is included in interest expense, totaled $3,684, $4,859 and $6,263 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Accumulated amortization amounted to $14,265 and $10,581 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
In accordance with ASC 360-10, long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets with definite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and would no longer be depreciated.  The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.  
    
In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to certain organic growth projects in the Smackover Refinery and Specialty Terminals divisions of the Partnership's Terminalling and Storage segment. These triggering events were the decision to not move forward with certain expansion projects due to the evaporation of the economic viability of the projects. Additionally, a triggering event was identified related to the planned disposition of certain assets that were no longer deemed core assets to the Partnership's Martin Lubricants division. As a result, an impairment charge of $15,252 was recorded in the Terminalling and Storage segment results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to the planned disposition of certain assets that were no longer deemed core assets in the Partnership's Marine Transportation business. The triggering event was the assets' inability to generate cash flows in recent quarters and going forward. As a result, an impairment charge of $11,701 was recorded in the Marine Transportation segment results of operations in the fourth quarter of 2016.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to the condensate splitter project in the specialty terminals division of the Partnership's Terminalling and Storage segment. The triggering event was the decision to not move forward with the project due to the evaporation of the economic viability of the project. As a result, an impairment charge of $9,305 was recorded in the Terminalling and Storage segment results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to one inland push boat and three inland tank barges in the Marine Transportation segment. The triggering event was the assets' inability to generate cash flows in recent quarters and going forward. As a result, an impairment charge of $1,324 was recorded in the Marine Transportation segment results of operations in the fourth quarter of 2015.

In the third quarter of 2014, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to one offshore tow in the Marine Transportation segment. The triggering event was the tow's inability to generate cash flows in recent quarters. As a result, an impairment charge of $3,445 was recorded in the Marine Transportation segment results of operations in the third quarter of 2014. No other triggering events occurred in 2015, 2014 or 2013 that would require an additional assessment for impairment of long-lived assets.
Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Under ASC 410-20, which relates to accounting requirements for costs associated with legal obligations to retire tangible, long-lived assets, the Partnership records an asset retirement obligation ("ARO") at fair value in the period in which it is incurred by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. In each subsequent period, the liability is accreted over time towards the ultimate obligation amount and the capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.  

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
In accordance with certain provisions of ASC 815-10 related to accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities, all derivatives and hedging instruments are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset or liability measured at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value can be offset against the change in the fair value of the hedged item through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until such time as the hedged item is recognized in earnings.
 
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges are marked to market with all market value adjustments being recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Use of Estimates Use of Estimates

Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Indirect Selling, General and Administrative Expense Indirect Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Indirect selling, general and administrative expenses are incurred by Martin Resource Management and allocated to the Partnership to cover costs of centralized corporate functions such as accounting, treasury, engineering, information technology, risk management and other corporate services.  Such expenses are based on the percentage of time spent by Martin Resource Management’s personnel that provide such centralized services.  Under an omnibus agreement with Martin Resource Management, the Partnership is required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for indirect general and administrative and corporate overhead expenses.  For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the conflicts committee of the Partnership's general partner ("Conflicts Committee") approved reimbursement amounts of  $13,033, $13,679 and $12,535, respectively, reflecting the Partnership's allocable share of such expenses.  The Conflicts Committee will review and approve future adjustments in the reimbursement amount for indirect expenses, if any, annually.
Environmental Liabilities and Litigation Environmental Liabilities and Litigation
 
The Partnership’s policy is to accrue for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable.  Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study.  Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change.  Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value.  Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.
Trade and Accrued Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade and Accrued Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.
 
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Partnership’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Partnership’s existing accounts receivable.
Deferred Catalyst Costs Deferred Catalyst Costs

The cost of the periodic replacement of catalysts is deferred and amortized over the catalyst’s estimated useful life, which ranges from 12 to 36 months.
Deferred Turnaround Costs Deferred Turnaround Costs

The Partnership capitalizes the cost of major turnarounds and amortizes these costs over the estimated period to the next turnaround, which ranges from 12 to 36 months.
Income Taxes Income Taxes
 
The Partnership is subject to the Texas margin tax, which is considered a state income tax, and is included in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Since the tax base on the Texas margin tax is derived from an income-based measure, the margin tax is construed as an income tax and, therefore, the recognition of deferred taxes applies to the margin tax. The impact on deferred taxes as a result of this provision is immaterial.

Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income
 
Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income.  There are no items of other comprehensive income or loss in any of the years presented.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU is intended to clarify the presentation of cash receipts and payments in specific situations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, and early application is permitted. The Partnership does not anticipate that ASU 2016-15 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases.  This ASU amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. The standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief.  The Partnership is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which applies only to inventory for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in, first-out and the retail inventory method. This includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. Inventory within the scope of this standard is required to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new standard will be effective on January 1, 2017. The Partnership does not anticipate that ASU 2015-11 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Partnership is currently determining the overall impacts that ASU 2014-09 will have on its contract
portfolio and consolidated financial statements, and anticipate testing its new controls and processes designed to comply with ASU 2014-09 throughout 2017 to permit adoption by January 1, 2018. The Partnership's approach will include performing a detailed review of key contracts representative of its different businesses and comparing historical accounting policies and practices to the new standard. The Partnership currently intends on adopting the new standard utilizing the cumulative effect method which will result in the cumulative effect of the adoption being recorded as of January 1, 2018. The Partnership is currently in the process of evaluating the effect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements.