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Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

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, 2018 or 2017.

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 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

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. Delivery of product is invoiced as the transaction occurs and are generally paid within a month.

Natural Gas Services – NGL distribution revenue is recognized when product is delivered by truck, rail, or pipeline to the Partnership's NGL customers. Revenue is recognized on title transfer of the product to the customer. Delivery of product is invoiced as the transaction occurs and are generally paid within a month. Natural gas storage revenue is recognized when the service is provided to the customer. The performance of the service is invoiced as the transaction occurs and are generally paid within a month.

Sulfur Services – Revenue from sulfur product sales is recognized when the customer takes title to the product. Delivery of product is invoiced as the transaction occurs and are generally paid within a month. Revenue from sulfur services is recognized as deliveries are made during each monthly period. The performance of the service is invoiced as the transaction occurs and are generally paid within a month.

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. The performance of the service is invoiced as the transaction occurs and are generally paid within a month.

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. 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 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 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 will record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

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. No goodwill impairment was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018 or 2017. During the second quarter of 2016, the Partnership experienced an impairment of all the goodwill in the Partnership's marine transportation reporting unit.

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, the Partnership will record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

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.

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 $1,312, $66 and $5,274 in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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.

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

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.

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

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

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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the conflicts committee of the Partnership's general partner ("Conflicts Committee") approved reimbursement amounts of $16,416, $16,416 and $13,033, 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

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

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

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

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 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

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 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. 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 adopted the new standard utilizing the cumulative effect method which resulted in no cumulative effect of the adoption being recorded as of January 1, 2018. The Partnership adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 and did not identify any significant changes in the timing of revenue recognition when considering the amended accounting guidance. Additional disclosures related to revenue recognition appear in "Note 6. Revenue."

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which introduces the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. Lessor accounting under the new standard is substantially unchanged and the Partnership believes substantially all of our leases will continue to be classified as operating leases under the new standard. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The original guidance required application on a modified retrospective basis with the earliest period presented. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements to ASC 842, which includes an option to not restate comparative periods in transition and elect to use the effective date of ASC 842, Leases, as the date of initial application of transition. Based on the effective date, this guidance will apply and the Partnership will adopt this ASU beginning on January 1, 2019 and plans to elect the transition option provided under ASU 2018-11. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019.

The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Partnership expects to elect the "package of practical expedients", which permits the Partnership not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The new standard also provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting. The Partnership expects to elect the short-term lease recognition exemption for

all leases that qualify. This means, for those assets that qualify, the Partnership will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities, and this includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition.

Based on its current lease portfolio, the Partnership estimates that the adoption of this ASU will result in approximately $19,879 of additional assets and liabilities being reflected on its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019.

Fair Value Measurements

The Partnership uses a valuation framework based upon inputs that market participants use in pricing certain assets and liabilities. These inputs are classified into two categories: observable inputs and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs represent the Partnership's own market assumptions. Unobservable inputs are used only if observable inputs are unavailable or not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. The two types of inputs are further prioritized into the following hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumptions and are not corroborated by market data.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Partnership is required to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates are set forth below for these financial instruments. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

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Accounts and other receivables, trade and other accounts payable, accrued interest payable, other accrued liabilities, income taxes payable and due from/to affiliates: The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity and highly liquid nature of these instruments, and as such these have been excluded from the table below. There is negligible credit risk associated with these instruments.

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Long-term debt: The carrying amount of the revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to the debt having a variable interest rate and is in Level 2. The Partnership has not had any indicators which represent a change in the market spread associated with its variable interest rate debt. The estimated fair value of the senior unsecured notes is considered Level 1, as the fair value is based on quoted market prices in active markets.