| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements and related notes were prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") contained in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification. In this report, the Financial Accounting Standards Board is referred to as the FASB and the FASB Accounting Standards Codification is referred to as the Codification or ASC. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of TEP include historical cost-basis accounts of the assets of TEP Predecessor, contributed to TEP by TD in connection with the IPO, for the periods prior to May 17, 2013, the closing date of TEP’s IPO, as well as Trailblazer for the periods prior to April 1, 2014, the date TEP acquired Trailblazer from TD, and Pony Express for the periods prior to September 1, 2014, the date TEP acquired a controlling 33.3% membership interest in Pony Express, and include charges from TD for direct costs and allocations of indirect corporate overhead. Management believes that the allocation methods are reasonable, and that the allocations are representative of costs that would have been incurred on a stand-alone basis. Both TEP and TEP Predecessor are considered "entities under common control" as defined under GAAP and, as such, the transfers between the entities of the assets and liabilities have been recorded by TEP at historical cost. TEP, or the Partnership, as used herein refers to the consolidated financial results and operations for TEP Predecessor from its inception through its contribution to TEP and thereafter. As further discussed in Note 4 – Acquisitions , TEP closed the acquisition of Trailblazer on April 1, 2014 and the acquisition of a 33.3% membership interest in Pony Express effective September 1, 2014. As the acquisitions of Trailblazer and the initial 33.3% membership interest in Pony Express are considered transactions between entities under common control, and a change in reporting entity, the financial information presented for prior periods has been recast to include Trailblazer and the initial 33.3% membership interest in Pony Express for all periods presented. The acquisition of the additional 33.3% membership interest in Pony Express represents a transaction between entities under common control and an acquisition of noncontrolling interests. As a result, financial information for periods prior to March 1, 2015 have not been recast to reflect the additional 33.3% membership interest. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TEP and its subsidiaries and controlled affiliates. Significant intra-entity items have been eliminated in the presentation. Net equity contributions of the TEP Predecessor included in the consolidated statements of cash flows represent transfers of cash as a result of TD’s centralized cash management systems prior to May 17, 2013, and prior to April 1, 2014 for Trailblazer and September 1, 2014 for Pony Express, under which cash balances were swept daily and recorded as loans from the subsidiaries to TD. These loans were then periodically recorded as equity distributions. As of December 31, 2015, Pony Express participated in a cash management agreement with TD, which held a 33.3% common membership interest in Pony Express as of December 31, 2015, under which cash balances were swept periodically and recorded as loans from Pony Express to TD. Net income or loss from consolidated subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned by TEP is attributed to TEP and noncontrolling interests. This is done in accordance with substantive profit sharing arrangements, which generally follow the allocation of cash distributions and may not follow the respective ownership percentages held by TEP. Concurrent with TEP's acquisition of an initial 33.3% membership interest in Pony Express effective September 1, 2014, TEP, TD, and Pony Express entered into the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement of Tallgrass Pony Express Pipeline, LLC ("the Second Amended Pony Express LLC Agreement"), which provided TEP a minimum quarterly preference payment of $16.65 million (prorated to approximately $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014) through the quarter ended September 30, 2015. Effective March 1, 2015 with TEP's acquisition of an additional 33.3% membership interest in Pony Express, the Second Amended Pony Express LLC Agreement was further amended (as amended, "the Pony Express LLC Agreement") to increase the minimum quarterly preference payment to $36.65 million (prorated to approximately $23.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015) and extend the term of the preference period through the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The Pony Express LLC Agreement provides that the net income or loss of Pony Express be allocated, to the extent possible, consistent with the allocation of Pony Express cash distributions. Under the terms of the Pony Express LLC Agreement, Pony Express distributions and net income for periods beginning after December 31, 2015 will be attributed to TEP and its noncontrolling interests in accordance with the respective ownership interests. A variable interest entity ("VIE") is a legal entity that possesses any of the following characteristics: an insufficient amount of equity at risk to finance its activities, equity owners who do not have the power to direct the significant activities of the entity (or have voting rights that are disproportionate to their ownership interest), or equity owners who do not have the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. Companies are required to consolidate a VIE if they are its primary beneficiary, which is the enterprise that has a variable interest that could be significant to the VIE and the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. We have presented separately in our consolidated balance sheets, to the extent material, the assets of our consolidated VIE that can only be used to settle specific obligations of the consolidated VIE, and the liabilities of our consolidated VIE for which creditors do not have recourse to our general credit. Pony Express is considered to be a VIE under the applicable authoritative guidance. Based on a qualitative analysis in accordance with the applicable authoritative guidance, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as we have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of Pony Express and have the right to receive benefits of Pony Express that could potentially be significant to Pony Express. We have consolidated Pony Express accordingly. For additional information see Note 3 – Variable Interest Entities . Use of Estimates Certain amounts included in or affecting these consolidated financial statements and related disclosures must be estimated, requiring management to make certain assumptions with respect to values or conditions which cannot be known with certainty at the time the financial statements are prepared. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses during the reporting period, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods it considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. Any effects on our business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. On November 12, 2012, TIGT and TMID entered into a centralized cash management agreement with TD. In accordance with the cash management agreement, the subsidiary companies made loans on each business day equal to the amount swept from their depository bank accounts. At the beginning of the following month, the total of these loans for each company, less reimbursement payments under the agreements described below in Note 5 – Related Party Transactions , was transferred to an interest bearing account and subsequently, periodically recorded as equity distributions. This practice was discontinued effective May 17, 2013, when TIGT and TMID were contributed to TEP. Subsequent to May 17, 2013, all payable and receivable balances between TEP and TD are cash settled with the exception of certain balances payable from Pony Express to TD, which have been settled against the receivable from TD via the Pony Express cash management agreement. Net equity distributions of the Predecessor Entities included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows represent transfers of cash as a result of TD’s centralized cash management systems prior to May 17, 2013, and prior to April 1, 2014 for Trailblazer and September 1, 2014 for Pony Express, under which cash balances were swept daily and recorded as loans from the subsidiaries to TD. These loans were then periodically recorded as equity distributions. As of December 31, 2015, Pony Express participated in a cash management agreement with TD, which held a 33.3% common membership interest in Pony Express as of December 31, 2015, under which cash balances were swept daily and recorded as loans from Pony Express to TD. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. We make periodic reviews and evaluations of the appropriateness of the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a historical analysis of uncollected amounts, and adjustments are recorded as necessary for changed circumstances and customer-specific information. When specific receivables are determined to be uncollectible, the reserve and receivable are relieved. Our allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $0.6 million and $0.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Inventories Inventories primarily consist of gas in underground storage, materials and supplies, natural gas liquids and crude oil. Gas in underground storage, sometimes referred to as working gas, and natural gas liquids are recorded at the lower of historical cost or market using the average cost method. As discussed further under " Revenue Recognition " below, a loss allowance is factored into the crude oil tariffs to offset losses in transit. As crude oil is transported, we earn oil for our services as pipeline allowance oil, which we can then sell. As pipeline allowance oil is accumulated, it is recorded as inventory at the lower of historical cost or market using the average cost method. Materials and supplies are valued at weighted average cost and periodically reviewed for physical deterioration and obsolescence. For additional information, see " Gas in Underground Storage " below. Accounting for Regulatory Activities Regulated activities are accounted for in accordance with the "Regulated Operations" Topic of the Codification. This Topic prescribes the circumstances in which the application of GAAP is affected by the economic effects of regulation. Regulatory assets and liabilities represent probable future revenues or expenses associated with certain charges and credits that will be recovered from or refunded to customers through the ratemaking process. We recorded regulatory assets of approximately $2.8 million and $1.4 million included in "Deferred charges and other assets" in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Regulatory assets at December 31, 2015 were primarily attributable to costs associated with both TIGT's 2015 Rate Case Filing and Trailblazer’s 2013 Rate Case Filing as more fully described in Note 16 – Regulatory Matters , while regulatory assets at December 31, 2014 were primarily attributable to costs associated with Trailblazer’s 2013 Rate Case Filing . We recorded regulatory liabilities of approximately $2.2 million and $2.3 million included in "Other current liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, related to Trailblazer's fuel tracker liabilities as described in Note 16 – Regulatory Matters . Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost, which for constructed plants includes indirect costs such as payroll taxes, other employee benefits, allowance for funds used during construction for regulated assets and other costs directly related to the projects. Expenditures that increase capacities, improve efficiencies or extend useful lives are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset or major asset component. We also capitalize certain costs related to the construction of assets, including internal labor costs, interest and engineering costs. Routine maintenance, repairs and renewal costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of normal retirements of the regulated depreciable utility property, plant and equipment, plus the cost of removal less salvage value and any gain or loss recognized, is recorded in accumulated depreciation with no effect on current period earnings. Gains or losses are recognized upon retirement of non-regulated or regulated property, plant and equipment constituting an operating unit or system, and land, when sold or abandoned and costs of removal or salvage are expensed when incurred. Intangible Assets We account for intangible assets in accordance with ASC 805, which established that an intangible asset is identifiable if it meets either the separability criterion or the contractual-legal criterion. Further, in accordance with ASC 805, contract-based intangible assets represent the value of rights that arise from contractual arrangements. Use rights such as drilling, water, air, timber cutting, and route authorities are an example of contract-based intangible assets. Intangible assets arose at Pony Express from the acquisition of rights associated with the ability and regulatory permissions to convert a section of TIGT's natural gas pipeline, which was subsequently purchased by Pony Express, to crude oil and includes the operational and financial benefits that accrue due to those rights and the ability to make that asset more valuable ("the Pony Express oil conversion use rights"). These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 35 years , the period of expected future benefit. Intangible assets arose at BNN Redtail, LLC ("Redtail") as a result of a significant customer contract with favorable market terms which was acquired as part of the Water Solutions transaction discussed in Note 4 – Acquisitions . This intangible asset was amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 1.6 years , the remaining term of the contract at the time of acquisition, and was fully amortized as of December 31, 2015. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. An impairment loss results when the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the asset or asset group’s use and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. We assess our long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the relevant Codification guidance. A long-lived asset or asset group is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying amount may exceed its fair value. Examples of long-lived asset impairment indicators include: • a significant decrease in the market value of a long-lived asset or group; • a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition; • a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate could affect the value of long-lived asset or asset group, including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator which would exclude allowable costs from the rate-making process; • an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the long-lived asset or asset group; • a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of operating cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group; and • a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. When an impairment indicator is present, we first assess the recoverability of the long-lived assets by comparing the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to the carrying amount of the asset. If the carrying amount is higher than the undiscounted future cash flows, the fair value of the assets is assessed using a discounted cash flow analysis and used to determine the amount of impairment, if any, to be recognized. Gas in Underground Storage Gas in underground storage represents the cost of base gas, which refers to the volumes necessary to maintain pressure and deliverability requirements in our storage facilities. We record base gas as a component of property, plant and equipment. We maintain working gas in our underground storage facilities on behalf of certain third parties. We receive a fee for our storage services but do not reflect the value of third-party gas in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We occasionally acquire volumes of working gas for our own account. These volumes of working gas are recorded as natural gas inventory at the lower of cost or market. Depreciation and Amortization For non-regulated assets, we have elected to use the straight-line method of depreciation. For our regulated assets, we have elected to compute depreciation using a composite method employed by applying a single depreciation rate to a group of assets with similar economic characteristics. This composite method of depreciation approximates a straight-line method of depreciation. The rates of depreciation for the various classes of depreciable assets are as follows: Range of Depreciation Rates Crude oil pipelines 2.8% Natural gas pipelines 0.7 - 3.4% Processing & treating assets 3.3% Water business assets 3.3 - 20.0% Replacement Gas Facilities (1) 10.0% General & other 6.8 - 12.0% (1) Represents the Replacement Gas Facilities as discussed in Note 5 – Related Party Transactions and Note 16 – Regulatory Matters . Gas Imbalances Gas imbalances receivable and payable represent the difference between customer nominations and actual gas receipts from and gas deliveries to interconnecting pipelines under various operational balancing and imbalance agreements. Gas imbalances are either made up in-kind or settled in cash, subject to the terms and valuations of the various agreements. Imbalances are valued at applicable average market index prices. Deferred Financing Costs Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized over the related financing period using the effective interest method. Goodwill We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances necessitate an evaluation for impairment. Examples of such facts and circumstances include changes in the magnitude of the excess of the fair value over the carrying amount in the last valuation or changes in the business environment. Our annual impairment testing date is August 31st. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment as defined in the segment reporting guidance of the Codification, using either the qualitative assessment option or the two-step test approach depending on facts and circumstances of the reporting unit. If we, after performing the qualitative assessment, determine it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. When goodwill is evaluated for impairment using the two-step test, the carrying amount of the reporting unit is compared to its fair value in Step 1 and if the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, Step 2 is unnecessary. If the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, this could indicate potential impairment and Step 2 of the goodwill evaluation process is required to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. When Step 2 is necessary, the fair value of individual assets and liabilities is determined using valuations, or other observable sources of fair value, as appropriate. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment loss. See Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information regarding impairment testing performed during 2015. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates We use the equity method to account for investments in greater than 20% owned affiliates that are not variable interest entities and where we do not have the ability to exercise control, and for investments in less than 20% owned affiliates where we have the ability to exercise significant influence. We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced a decline in value. When there is evidence of loss in value, we compare the estimated fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether impairment has occurred. We assess the fair value of our investments in unconsolidated affiliates using commonly accepted techniques, and may use more than one method, including, but not limited to, recent third party comparable sales and discounted cash flow models. The difference between the carrying amount of the unconsolidated affiliates and their estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment loss when the loss in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Our investment in Grasslands Water Services I, LLC ("GWSI"), which owns a fresh water transportation pipeline, was initially recorded under the equity method of accounting as we had the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over this investment. There was $0.7 million equity in earnings recognized for the year ended December 31, 2014. There were no equity in earnings recognized for the year ended December 31, 2015. As discussed in Note 4 – Acquisitions , during the year ended December 31, 2014, TEP acquired a controlling interest in GWSI, which was subsequently renamed BNN Redtail, LLC ("Redtail"), and consolidated its investment in Redtail as of May 13, 2014 accordingly. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues as services are rendered or goods are sold to a purchaser at a fixed and determinable price, delivery has occurred, title has transferred and collectability is reasonably assured. We provide various types of natural gas storage and transportation services and crude oil transportation services to our customers in which the commodity remains the property of these customers at all times. Crude oil transportation services occur in the Crude Oil Transportation & Logistics segment. We provide various types of crude oil transportation services to our customers and, other than pipeline allowance oil, do not take title to the crude oil and do not incur the risks and rewards of ownership. In many cases the customer has committed to ship a fixed quantity of oil barrels per month. For barrels physically received by us and delivered to the customers’ agreed upon destination point, revenue is recognized in the period the service is provided. Shipper deficiencies, or barrels committed by the customer to be transported in a month but not physically received by us for transport or delivered to the customers’ agreed upon destination point, are charged at the committed tariff rate per barrel and recorded as a deferred liability until the barrels are physically transported and delivered. In the case of non-committed shippers, revenue is recognized in the same manner utilized for the barrels physically transported and delivered. A loss allowance is factored into the crude oil tariffs to offset losses in transit. As crude oil is transported, we earn oil for our services as pipeline allowance oil. Any pipeline allowance oil that remains after replacing losses in transit can be sold. We take title and record revenue at market prices when the volumes included in the pipeline loss allowance are delivered from the customer. When pipeline loss allowance oil is eventually sold we record revenue at the contractual sales price and cost of sales at average cost as discussed in "Inventories" above. Natural gas transportation and storage services occur in the Natural Gas Transportation & Logistics segment. In many cases (generally described as "firm service"), the customer pays a two-part rate that includes (i) a fee reserving the right to transport or store natural gas in our facilities and (ii) a per-unit rate for volumes actually transported or injected into/withdrawn from storage. The fee-based component of the overall rate is recognized as revenue in the period the service is provided. The per-unit charge is recognized as revenue when the volumes are delivered to the customers’ agreed upon delivery point, or when the volumes are injected into/withdrawn from our storage facilities. In other cases (generally described as "interruptible service"), there is no fixed fee associated with the services because the customer accepts the possibility that service may be interrupted at our discretion in order to serve customers who have purchased firm service. In the case of interruptible service, revenue is recognized in the same manner utilized for the per-unit rate for volumes actually transported under firm service agreements. In addition to "firm" and "interruptible" transportation services, we also provide natural gas park and loan services to assist customers in managing short-term gas surpluses or deficits. Revenues are recognized as services are provided, based on the terms negotiated under these contracts. Natural gas liquids sales occur in the Processing & Logistics segment and consist of the sale of outputs from our processing plants and the marketing of natural gas liquids that are delivered by our suppliers under either fee-based arrangements or percent-of-proceeds arrangements. Under these arrangements, we treat and process the natural gas delivered by our suppliers, and then sell the resulting NGLs and condensate based on published index market prices. We remit to the producers an agreed-upon percentage of the actual proceeds that we receive from our sales of the NGLs and condensate. We keep the difference between the proceeds received and the amount remitted back to the producer. We generally report gross revenues in the consolidated statements of income, as we typically act as the principal in these transactions, take custody of the product, and incur the risks and rewards of ownership. Processing and other revenues primarily represent fees for processing, treating and fractionation of natural gas and NGLs earned under fee-based arrangements and revenue from water services earned in the Processing & Logistics segment. Natural gas sales occur in both the Natural Gas Transportation & Logistics segment and in the Processing & Logistics segment. In the Natural Gas Transportation & Logistics segment, transportation services revenue is recognized when a portion of the natural gas transported by customers is collected as a contractual fee to compensate us for fuel consumed by pipeline and storage operations. We take title and record revenue at market prices when the volumes included in the contractual fee are delivered from the customer and injected into our storage facility. When the excess volumes are eventually sold we record natural gas sales revenue at the contractual sales price and cost of sales at average cost. In addition, when operational conditions allow, we occasionally sell "base gas," which refers to the minimum volume of natural gas required in order to operate the storage facility. In the Processing & Logistics segment, we purchase natural gas primarily for use in our operations and for meeting contractual requirements to deliver natural gas to certain customers. In addition, some of our contractual arrangements allow us to keep a portion of the processed natural gas as compensation for processing services. We generate revenue by selling the volumes of natural gas received or purchased that exceed our business needs. Commitments and Contingencies We recognize liabilities for other commitments and contingencies when, after fully analyzing the available information, we determine it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of probable loss can be estimated, we accrue the most likely amount, or if no amount is more likely than another, we accrue the minimum of the range of probable loss. Environmental Costs We expense or capitalize, as appropriate, environmental expenditures that relate to current operations. We expense amounts that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation. We do not discount environmental liabilities to a net present value, and record environmental liabilities when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and costs can be reasonably estimated. Recording of these accruals coincides with the completion of a feasibility study or a commitment to a formal plan of action. Estimates of environmental liabilities are based on currently available facts and presently enacted laws and regulations taking into consideration the likely effects of other factors including our prior experience in remediating contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up experience and data released by government organizations. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual cost or new information. Fair Value Fair value, as defined in the Codification, is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, or exit price. We apply the fair value measurement guidance to financial assets and liabilities in determining the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities, and to nonfinancial assets and liabilities upon the acquisition of a business or in conjunction with the measurement of an impairment loss on an asset group or goodwill under the accounting guidance for the impairment of long-lived assets or goodwill. The fair value measurement accounting guidance requires that we make assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available. These factors include nonperformance risk (the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled) and credit risk of the reporting entity (for liabilities) and of the counterparty (for assets). The fair value measurement guidance prohibits the inclusion of transaction costs and any adjustments for blockage factors in determining the instruments’ fair value. The principal or most advantageous market should be considered from the perspective of the reporting entity. Fair value, where available, is based on observable market prices. Where observable market prices or inputs are not available, different valuation models and techniques are applied. These models and techniques attempt to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The process involves varying levels of management judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency of the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. To increase consistency and enhance disclosure of fair value, the Codification creates a fair value hierarchy to prioritize th |
