XML 41 R17.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Commitments and Contingencies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

10. Commitments and Contingencies

We are involved in various claims, regulatory agency audits and pending or threatened legal actions involving a variety of matters. We record accruals for estimated losses from these matters when available information indicates that a loss is probable and the loss can be reasonably estimated. We also assess the potential for additional losses above the amounts accrued as well as potential losses for matters that are not probable but are reasonably possible. The total potential loss on these pending matters cannot be determined; however, in our opinion, any ultimate liability, to the extent not otherwise recorded or accrued for, will not materially affect our financial position, cash flow or results of operations. These estimated liabilities are based on the Company’s assessment of the nature of these matters, their progress toward resolution, the advice of legal counsel and outside experts as well as management’s intention and experience.

Our business is affected both directly and indirectly by governmental laws and regulations relating to the oilfield service industry in general, as well as by environmental and safety regulations that specifically apply to our business. Although we have not incurred material costs in connection with our compliance with such laws, there can be no assurance that other developments, such as new environmental laws, regulations and enforcement policies hereunder may not result in additional, presently unquantifiable, costs or liabilities to the Company.

The Company has entered into various agreements with NOV as a result of the Spin-Off, including the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement and Employee Matters Agreement, which govern various terms of the separation of the Company’s business from NOV’s other businesses. The Tax Matters Agreement sets forth the Company and NOV’s rights and obligations related to the allocation of federal, state, local and foreign taxes for periods before and after the Spin-Off, as well as taxes attributable to the Spin-Off, and related matters such as the filing of tax returns and the conduct of IRS and other audits.