New Accounting Standards

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards

During 2014, we adopted, on a prospective basis, new guidance relating to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits.  This guidance generally requires entities to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to any available deferred tax asset for a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward.  Prior to adopting this guidance, we presented unrecognized tax benefits on a gross basis.  The adoption of this new guidance changed our balance sheet presentation of unrecognized tax benefits, but did not impact our operating results or cash flows.  See Note 4 for details regarding the impacts of adopting this guidance.

In May 2014, new revenue recognition guidance was issued.  This guidance provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance.  The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2017, and may be adopted using full retrospective application or a simplified transition method that allows entities to record a cumulative effect adjustment in retained earnings at the date of initial application.  We are currently evaluating this new guidance and the impacts it may have on our financial statements.