Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries, where the Partnership has control and a variable interest entity ("VIE") of which we are the primary beneficiary. The assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements have been reflected on a historical basis. All inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. We evaluate our ownership, contractual arrangements and other interests in entities to determine if these entities are VIEs and whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE and therefore required to consolidate the VIE, we apply a qualitative approach that determines whether we have both (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb the majority of losses of or the rights to receive the majority of the benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE as changes to existing relationships or future transactions may result in the consolidation or deconsolidation, as the case may be, of such VIE. We consolidate BP2, River Rouge and Diamondback, as we control these entities through 100% of the ownership interest. We control and consolidate Mardi Gras via an agreement between us and our Parent, under which we have the right to vote 100% of Mardi Gras' interests in each of the Mardi Gras Joint Ventures. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of Mardi Gras. Refer to Note 16 - Variable Interest Entity for further discussion. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures included in the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Common Control Transactions Assets and businesses acquired from our Parent and its subsidiaries are accounted for as common control transactions whereby the net assets acquired are included in our consolidated balance sheets at their historical carrying value. If any recognized consideration transferred in such a transaction exceeds the historical carrying value of the net assets acquired, the excess is treated as a capital distribution to our Parent, similar to a dividend. If the historical carrying value of the net assets acquired exceeds any recognized consideration transferred including, if applicable, the fair value of any limited partner units issued, such excess is treated as a capital contribution from our Parent. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. We include certain disclosures regarding qualitative and quantitative information regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Refer to Note 4 - Revenue Recognition for further information. Equity Method Investments We account for an investment under the equity method if we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Under the equity method of accounting, the investment is recorded at its initial carrying value on the consolidated balance sheets and is adjusted for capital contributions, dividends received and our share of the investee’s earnings or losses, which is recorded as a component of Income from equity method investments on the consolidated statements of operations. We evaluate equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our management’s judgment, that a decline in value is other than temporary. Factors that may indicate that a decline in value is other than temporary include a deterioration in the financial condition of the investee, decisions to sell the investee, significant losses incurred by the investee, a change in the economic environment that is expected to adversely affect the investee’s operations, an investee’s loss of a principal customer or supplier and an investee’s recording of impairment charges. If we determine that a decline in value is other than temporary, the investment is written down to its fair value, which establishes the investment’s new cost basis. Property, plant and equipment Our property, plant and equipment is recorded at its historical cost of construction, or the carrying value of the transferring entity in a transaction under common control, or at fair value in a business combination. We record depreciation using the straight-line method with the following useful lives: Depreciable Land — ROW assets — Buildings and improvements 16 - 40 Pipelines and equipment 17 - 40 Other 4 - 23 Construction in progress — Upon the sale or retirement of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed, and any resulting gain or loss is recorded on the consolidated statements of operations. Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are generally expensed as incurred. Such costs are recorded in Maintenance expenses- third parties and Maintenance expenses-related parties on our consolidated statements of operations. Costs of major renewals, betterments and replacements are capitalized as Property, plant and equipment. For constructed assets, we capitalize all construction-related direct labor and material costs, as well as indirect construction costs. Impairment of Long-lived Assets We evaluate long-lived assets of identifiable business activities for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our management’s judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. These events include market declines that are believed to be other than temporary, changes in the manner in which we intend to use a long-lived asset, decisions to sell an asset and adverse changes in the legal or business environment, such as adverse actions by regulators. If an event occurs, which is a determination that involves judgment, we evaluate the recoverability of our carrying values of an asset group based on the long-lived assets’ ability to generate future cash flows on an undiscounted basis. If the carrying amount is higher than the undiscounted cash flows, we further evaluate the impairment loss by comparing management’s estimate of the fair value of the assets to the carrying value of such assets. We record a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and will mature within 90 days or less from the date of acquisition. We record cash equivalents, if any, at its carrying value, which approximates its fair value. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable represent valid claims against customers for services rendered, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. We assess the creditworthiness of our counterparties on an ongoing basis and require security, including prepayments and other forms of collateral, when appropriate. Our policy is to establish provisions for losses on accounts receivable due from shippers if we determine that we will not collect all or part of the outstanding balance. Outstanding customer receivables are regularly reviewed for possible nonpayment indicators, and allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded based upon management’s estimate of collectability based on a historical analysis of uncollected amounts, general and specific economic trends, known specific issues related to individual customers, sectors and transactions that might impact collectability at each balance sheet date. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, more than 95% of our accounts receivable are with a related party and we have not experienced any significant collection issues and do not expect collection issues in the foreseeable future; therefore, we have recorded zero in allowance for doubtful accounts. Income Taxes BP Midstream Partners LP is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, with each partner being separately taxed on its share of taxable income. We are not subject to U.S. federal income taxes. Rather, our taxable income flows through to the owners, who are responsible for paying the applicable income taxes on the income allocated to them. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, we are subject to partnership audit rules enacted as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the “Centralized Partnership Audit Regime”). Under the Centralized Partnership Audit Regime, any IRS audit of the Partnership would be conducted at the Partnership level, and if the IRS determines an adjustment, the default rule is that we would pay an “imputed underpayment” including interest and penalties, if applicable. We may instead elect to make a “push-out” election, in which case the partners for the year that is under audit would be required to take into account the adjustments on their own personal income tax returns. Our partnership agreement does not stipulate how we will address imputed underpayments. If we receive an imputed underpayment, a determination will be made based on the relevant facts and circumstances that exist at that time. We may treat any payments of imputed underpayment, which are made on behalf of our unitholders, as distribution of cash to such unitholders. Asset Retirement Obligations Asset retirement obligations represent legal and constructive obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the asset. We record liabilities for obligations related to the retirement and removal of long-lived assets used in our businesses at fair value on a discounted basis when they are incurred and can be reasonably estimated. Amounts recorded for the related assets are increased by the amount of these obligations. Over time, the liabilities increase due to the change in their present value, and the initial capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets. The liabilities are eventually extinguished when settled at the time the asset is taken out of service. Although the Wholly Owned Assets will be replaced as needed, in management's judgement, the pipelines will continue to exist for an indefinite period of time. Therefore, there is uncertainty around the asset retirement settlement dates. As a result, we determined that there is not sufficient information to make a reasonable estimate of the asset retirement obligations for the Wholly Owned Assets, and we did not recognize any asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. We continue to evaluate our asset retirement obligations and future developments that could impact the amounts we record. Legal We are subject to litigation and regulatory proceedings as the result of our business operations and transactions. We utilize both internal and external counsel in evaluating our potential exposure to adverse outcomes from orders, judgments or settlements. In general, we expense legal costs as incurred. Environmental Matters We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws require us to take future action to remediate the effects on the environment of prior disposal or release of chemicals or petroleum substances by us or other parties. Environmental expenditures that are required to obtain future economic benefits from its assets are capitalized as part of those assets. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future earnings shall be expensed, unless already provisioned for, which then shall be charged against provisions. Provisions are recognized when we have a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, if it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. We do not discount environmental liabilities, and we record environmental liabilities when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and when we can reasonably estimate the costs. In making environmental liability estimations, we consider the material effect of environmental compliance, pending legal actions against us and potential third-party liability claims. Often, as the remediation evaluation and effort progresses, additional information is obtained, requiring revisions to estimated costs. Generally, our recording of these provisions coincides with our commitment to a formal plan of action, or if earlier, on the closure or divestment of inactive sites. We recognize receivables for anticipated associated insurance recoveries when such recoveries are deemed to be probable. The ultimate requirement for remediation and its cost are inherently difficult to estimate. We believe that the outcome of these uncertainties should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows, or operating results. Our existing environmental conditions prior to the IPO are obligations contributed to us by the prior operator of these facilities, BP Pipelines, who has agreed to indemnify us with respect to such conditions under the terms of an omnibus agreement that we entered into in connection with the IPO. For provisions related to such conditions, we record indemnification assets in our consolidated balance sheets in the amounts that equal the provisions. Subsequent to the IPO, revisions to the estimated environmental liability for conditions that are not indemnified under the omnibus agreement with our Parent are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations when they are probable and reasonably estimable. For additional information regarding our environmental matters, refer to Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies . Other Contingencies We recognize liabilities for contingencies when we have an exposure that indicates it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Where the most likely outcome of a contingency can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for that amount. Where the most likely outcome cannot be estimated, a range of potential losses is established and if no one amount in that range is more likely than any other, the lower end of the range is accrued. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from our estimates, or additional facts and circumstances cause us to revise our estimates, our earnings will be affected. Fair Value Estimates Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. We categorize assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three levels depending on the ability to observe inputs employed in their measurement: • Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 inputs are inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included within level 1 for the asset or liability. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability reflecting significant modifications to observable related market data or our assumptions about pricing by market participants. We classify the fair value of an asset or liability based on the lowest level of input significant to its measurement. A fair value initially reported as Level 3 will be subsequently reported as Level 2 if the unobservable inputs become inconsequential to its measurement, or corroborating market data becomes available. Asset and liability fair values initially reported as Level 2 will be subsequently reported as Level 3 if corroborating market data becomes unavailable. Net Income per Unit Net income per unit applicable to common limited partner units and to subordinated limited partner units is computed by dividing the respective limited partners’ interest in net income by the weighted average number of common units and subordinated units, respectively, outstanding for the period. Because we have more than one class of participating securities, we use the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners. The classes of participating securities include common units, subordinated units and incentive distribution rights. Unit-Based Compensation The fair value of phantom unit awards granted to non-employee directors is based on the fair market value of our common units on the date of grant. Our unit-based compensation expenses are recognized ratably over the vesting term of the awards. We have elected to recognize the impact of forfeitures only when they occur. Leases We recognize an operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a corresponding operating lease liability on our consolidated balance sheets based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date for arrangements with duration greater than one year. We use our incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of future minimum lease payments over the duration of the lease term, which is determined to be reasonably certain. We do not separate lease and non-lease components for accounting purposes. |