| BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Company, BHGE LLC, we, us, or our ) and the successor to Baker Hughes Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (Baker Hughes) is a fullstream oilfield technology provider that has a unique mix of equipment and service capabilities. We conduct business in more than 120 countries and employ over 64,000 employees. BASIS OF PRESENTATION On July 3, 2017, we closed our previously announced business combination (the Transactions) to combine the oil and gas business (GE O&G) of General Electric Company (GE) and Baker Hughes (refer to "Note 2. Business Acquisition" for further details on the Transactions). In connection with the Transactions, we entered into and are governed by an Amended & Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2017 (the BHGE LLC Agreement). Under the BHGE LLC Agreement, EHHC Newco, LLC (EHHC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), is our sole managing member and BHGE is the sole managing member of EHHC. As our managing member, EHHC conducts, directs and exercises full control over all our activities, including our day-to-day business affairs and decision-making, without the approval of any other member. As such, EHHC is responsible for all our operational and administrative decisions and the day-to-day management of our business. GE owns approximately 62.5% of our common units and BHGE owns approximately 37.5% of our common units indirectly through two wholly owned subsidiaries. The current year results, and balances, may not be comparable to prior years as they include the results of Baker Hughes from July 3, 2017. The Transactions were treated as a "reverse acquisition" for accounting purposes and, as such, the historical financial statements of the accounting acquirer, GE O&G, are the historical financial statements of the Company. The accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. and such principles, U.S. GAAP) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for annual financial information. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company's financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis, effective July 3, 2017. Under this basis of presentation, our financial statements consolidate all of our subsidiaries (entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, most often because we hold a majority voting interest). All subsequent periods will also be presented on a consolidated basis. For all periods prior to July 3, 2017, the Company's financial statements were prepared on a combined basis. The combined financial statements combine certain accounts of GE and its subsidiaries that were historically managed as part of its oil & gas business and contributed to BHGE LLC as part of the Transactions. Additionally, it also includes certain assets, liabilities and results of operations of other businesses of GE that were also contributed to BHGE LLC as part of the Transactions on a fully retrospective basis (in accordance with the guidance applicable to transactions between entities under common control) based on their carrying values, as reflected in the accounting records of GE. The consolidated and combined statements of income reflect intercompany expense allocations made to us by GE for certain corporate functions and for shared services provided by GE. Where possible, these allocations were made on a specific identification basis, and in other cases, these expenses were allocated by GE based on relative percentages of net operating costs or some other basis depending on the nature of the allocated cost. See "Note 16. Related Party Transactions" for further information on expenses allocated by GE. The historical financial results in the consolidated and combined financial statements presented may not be indicative of the results that would have been achieved had GE O&G operated as a separate, stand-alone entity during those periods. The GE O&G numbers in the consolidated and combined statements of income (loss) have been reclassed to conform to the current presentation. We believe that the current presentation is a more appropriate presentation of the combined businesses. Merger and related costs includes all costs associated with the Transactions described in Note 2. Refer to "Note 2. Business Acquisition" for further details. In the notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements, all dollar and members' units in tabulations are in millions of dollars and members' units, respectively, unless otherwise indicated. Certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets or liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions and information that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be perceived with certainty, and accordingly, these estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as our operating environment changes. While we believe that the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated and combined financial statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, determining the following: allowance for doubtful accounts and inventory valuation reserves; recoverability of long-lived assets, including revenue recognition on long term contracts, valuation of goodwill; useful lives used in depreciation and amortization; income taxes and related valuation allowances; accruals for contingencies; actuarial assumptions to determine costs and liabilities related to employee benefit plans; stock-based compensation expense; valuation of derivatives and the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions; and expense allocations for certain corporate functions and shared services provided by GE. Foreign Currency Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar have been translated into U.S. dollars at the quarterly exchange rates, and revenue, expenses, and cash flows have been translated at average rates for the respective periods. Any resulting translation gains and losses are included in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, such as those resulting from the settlement of receivables or payables in the non-functional currency and those resulting from remeasurements of monetary items, are included in the consolidated and combined statement of income (loss). Cost and Equity Method Investment Investments in privately held companies in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, most often because we hold a voting interest of 0% to 20% are accounted for using the cost method. Associated companies are entities in which we do not have a controlling financial interest, but over which we have significant influence, most often because we hold a voting interest of 20% to 50% . Associated companies are accounted for as equity method investments. Results of associated companies are presented on a one-line basis in the caption "Equity in loss of affiliate" in our consolidated and combined statements of income (loss). Investments in, and advances to, associated companies are presented on a one-line basis in the caption "All other assets" in our consolidated and combined statement of financial position. Sales of Goods and Services We record all sales of goods and services only when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered and collectability of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured. Except for goods sold under long-term construction type contracts and service agreements, we recognize sales of goods under the provisions of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 104, Revenue Recognition . In situations where arrangements include customer acceptance provisions based on seller or customer-specified objective criteria, we recognize revenue when we have reliably demonstrated that all specified acceptance criteria have been met or when formal acceptance occurs, respectively. We do not provide for anticipated losses before we record sales. We recognize revenue on larger construction and equipment contracts using long-term construction accounting. We estimate total long-term contract revenue net of price concessions as well as total contract costs. For larger construction and equipment contracts, we recognize sales based on our progress toward contract completion measured by actual costs incurred in relation to our estimate of total expected costs. We routinely update our estimates of future costs for agreements in process and report any cumulative effects of such adjustments in current operations. We provide for any loss that we expect to incur on these agreements when that loss is probable. We sell product services under long-term product maintenance agreements, where costs of performing services are incurred on an other than straight-line basis. We recognize related sales based on the extent of our progress toward completion measured by actual costs incurred in relation to our estimate of total expected costs. We routinely update our estimates of future costs for agreements in process and report any cumulative effects of such adjustments in current operations. For our long-term product maintenance agreements, we regularly assess customer credit risk inherent in the carrying amounts of receivables and contract costs and estimated earnings, including the risk that contractual penalties may not be sufficient to offset our accumulated costs in the event of customer termination. We gain insight into expected future utilization and cost trends, as well as credit risk, through our knowledge of the installed base of equipment and the close interaction with our customers that comes with supplying critical services and parts over extended periods. Revisions, after applying the cumulative catch up basis of accounting, may affect a product services agreement's total estimated profitability resulting in an adjustment of earnings. We provide for probable losses when they become evident. Arrangements for the sale of goods and services sometimes include multiple components. Our arrangements with multiple components usually involve an upfront deliverable of equipment and future service deliverables such as installation, commissioning, training or the future delivery of ancillary products. In most cases, the relative values of the undelivered components are not significant to the overall arrangement and are typically delivered within three to six months after the core product has been delivered. In such agreements, selling price is determined for each component and any difference between the total of the separate selling prices and total contract consideration (i.e., discount) is allocated pro rata across each of the components in the arrangement. The value assigned to each component is objectively determined and obtained primarily from sources such as the separate selling price for that or a similar item or from competitor prices for similar items. If such evidence is not available, we use our best estimate of selling price, which is established consistent with the pricing strategy of the business and considers product configuration, geography, customer type, and other market specific factors. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and relate to the research and development of new products and services. These costs amounted to $501 million , $352 million and $408 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015, respectively. Research and development expenses were reported in cost of goods sold and cost of services sold. Cash and Equivalents Short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less are included in cash equivalents unless designated as available-for-sale and classified as investment securities. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $1,190 million and $752 million , respectively, of cash and equivalents were considered restricted as they were held in bank accounts and cannot be released, transferred or otherwise converted into a currency that is regularly transacted internationally, due to lack of market liquidity, capital controls or similar monetary or exchange limitations limiting the flow of capital out of the jurisdiction. Cash and equivalents includes $997 million of cash at December 31, 2017 held on behalf of GE, of which $764 million is restricted, and a corresponding liability is reported in short-term borrowings. See "Note 16. Related Party Transactions" for further details. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on various factors including the payment history and financial condition of our debtors and the economic environment. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded based on the aging status of the debtor accounts or when it becomes evident that the debtor will not make the required payments at either contractual due dates or in the future. Concentration of Credit Risk We grant credit to our customers who primarily operate in the oil and natural gas industry. Although this concentration affects our overall exposure to credit risk, our current receivables are spread over a diverse group of customers across many countries, which mitigates this risk. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers' financial conditions, including monitoring our customers' payment history and current credit worthiness to manage this risk. We do not generally require collateral in support of our current receivables, but we may require payment in advance or security in the form of a letter of credit or a bank guarantee. Inventories All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable values and they are measured on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis or average cost basis. As necessary, we record provisions and maintain reserves for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory. To determine these reserve amounts, we regularly review inventory quantities on hand and compare them to estimates of future product demand, market conditions, production requirements and technological developments. Property, Plant and Equipment (PP&E) Property, plant and equipment is initially stated at cost and is depreciated over its estimated economic life. Subsequently, property, plant and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. We manufacture a substantial portion of our tools and equipment and the cost of these items, which includes direct and indirect manufacturing costs, is capitalized and carried in inventory until it is completed. Other Intangible Assets We amortize the cost of other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite. The cost of intangible assets is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated economic life. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In these circumstances, they are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment and written down to fair value as required. Refer to the Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets accounting policy. Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets We perform an annual impairment test of goodwill on a qualitative or quantitative basis for each of our reporting units as of July 1, or more frequently when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist at the reporting unit level. When performing the annual impairment test we have the option of first performing a qualitative assessment to determine the existence of events and circumstances that would lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If such a conclusion is reached, we would then be required to perform a quantitative impairment assessment of goodwill. However, if the assessment leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then no further assessments are required. A quantitative assessment for the determination of impairment is made by comparing the carrying amount of each reporting unit with its fair value, which is generally calculated using a combination of market, comparable transaction and discounted cash flow approaches. See "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for further information on valuation methodology and impairment of goodwill. We review PP&E, intangible assets and certain other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable and at least annually for indefinite-lived intangible assets. When testing for impairment, we group our long-lived assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities (or asset group). The determination of recoverability is made based upon the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is determined by comparing the fair value, as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis, with the carrying value of the related assets. Financial Instruments Our financial instruments include cash and equivalents, current receivables, investments, accounts payables, short and long-term debt, and derivative financial instruments. We monitor our exposure to various business risks including commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates and we regularly use derivative financial instruments to manage these risks. At the inception of a new derivative, we designate the derivative as a hedge or we determine the derivative to be undesignated as a hedging instrument. We document the relationships between the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. We assess whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item at both the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. We have a program that utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures. Under this program, our strategy is to have gains or losses on the foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the foreign currency transaction and translation gains or losses to the extent practical. These foreign currency exposures typically arise from changes in the value of assets (for example, current receivables) and liabilities (for example, current payables) which are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective entity. We record all derivatives as of the end of our reporting period in our consolidated and combined statement of financial position at fair value. For the forward contracts held as undesignated hedging instruments, we record the changes in fair value of the forward contracts in our consolidated and combined statements of income along with the change in the fair value, related to foreign exchange movements, of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of forward contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. If derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge are determined to be ineffective, the ineffective portion of that derivative's change in fair value is recognized in earnings. Fair Value Measurements For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for the identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. Preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy: • Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. • Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. • Level 3 - Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable. We maintain policies and procedures to value instruments using the best and most relevant data available. In addition, we perform reviews to assess the reasonableness of the valuations. With regard to Level 3 valuations (including instruments valued by third parties), we perform a variety of procedures to assess the reasonableness of the valuations. Such reviews include an evaluation of instruments whose fair value change exceeds predefined thresholds (and/or does not change) and consider the current interest rate, currency and credit environment, as well as other published data, such as rating agency market reports and current appraisals. Recurring Fair Value Measurements Derivatives When we have Level 1 derivatives, which are traded either on exchanges or liquid over-the-counter markets, we use closing prices for valuation. The majority of our derivatives are valued using internal models and are included in Level 2. These internal models maximize the use of market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities. Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 primarily represent foreign currency and commodity forward contracts for the Company. Investments in Debt and Equity Securities When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities, and they are included in Level 1. Level 1 securities primarily include publicly traded equity securities. For investment securities for which market prices are observable for identical or similar investment securities but not readily accessible for each of those investments individually (that is, it is difficult to obtain pricing information for each individual investment security at the measurement date), we use pricing models that are consistent with what other market participants would use. The inputs and assumptions to the models are derived from market observable sources including: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and other market-related data. Thus, certain securities may not be priced using quoted prices, but rather determined from market observable information. These investments are included in Level 2. When we use valuations that are based on significant unobservable inputs we classify the investment securities in Level 3. Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. These assets can include long-lived assets that have been reduced to fair value when they are held for sale, cost and equity method investments and long-lived assets that are written down to fair value when they are impaired and the remeasurement of retained investments in formerly consolidated subsidiaries upon a change in control that results in a deconsolidation of a subsidiary, if we sell a controlling interest and retain a noncontrolling stake in the entity. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired and retained investments are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs. Cost and Equity Method Investments Cost and equity method investments are valued using market observable data such as quoted prices when available. When market observable data is unavailable, investments are valued using a discounted cash flow model, comparative market multiples or a combination of both approaches as appropriate and other third-party pricing sources. Long-lived Assets Fair values of long-lived assets, including real estate, are primarily derived internally and are based on observed sales transactions for similar assets. In other instances, for example, collateral types for which we do not have comparable observed sales transaction data, collateral values are developed internally and corroborated by external appraisal information. Adjustments to third-party valuations may be performed in circumstances where market comparables are not specific to the attributes of the specific collateral or appraisal information may not be reflective of current market conditions due to the passage of time and the occurrence of market events since receipt of the information. Income Taxes We are treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, except for certain U.S. corporations owned by the Company, we are not subject to U.S. federal income tax under current U.S. tax laws. Our members will each be required to take into account for U.S. federal income tax purposes their distributive share of our items of income, gain, loss and deduction, which generally will include the U.S. operations of both Baker Hughes and GE O&G. BHGE and GE will each be taxed on their distributive share of income and gain, whether or not a corresponding amount of cash or other property is distributed to them. For assets held indirectly by us through subsidiaries, including both foreign and U.S., the taxes attributable to those subsidiaries will be reflected in our consolidated and combined financial statements. We account for taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax return bases of assets and liabilities as well as from net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards, based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes actually are paid or recovered and other provisions of the tax law. The effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period in which such change is enacted. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not, and a valuation allowance is established for any portion of a deferred tax asset that management believes may not be realized. Due to the enactment of U.S. tax reform, repatriations of foreign earnings will generally be free of U.S. federal tax but may incur other taxes, such as withholding or state taxes. Indefinite reinvestment is determined by management’s judgment about and intentions concerning the future operations of the Company. Most of these earnings have been reinvested in active non-U.S. business operations. At December 31, 2017, we have not changed our indefinite reinvestment decision as a result of U.S. tax reform but will reassess this during the course of 2018, accordingly, we have not provided income tax on such earnings. It is not practicable to determine the income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. We operate in more than 120 countries and our tax filings are subject to audit by the tax authorities in the jurisdictions where we conduct business. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes that are resolved with the tax authorities or through the courts. We have provided for the amounts that we believe will ultimately result from these proceedings. We recognize uncertain tax positions that are “more likely than not” to be sustained if the relevant tax authority were to audit the position with full knowledge of all the relevant facts and other information. For those tax positions that meet this threshold, we measure the amount of tax benefit based on the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% chance of being realized in a final settlement with the relevant authority. We classify interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. The effects of tax adjustments and settlements from taxing authorities are presented in the combined financial statements in the period they are recorded. Additionally, as part of U.S. tax reform, the U.S. has enacted a tax on "base eroding" payments from the U.S. and a minimum tax on foreign earnings (global intangible low-taxed income). Because aspects of the new minimum tax and the effect on our operations is uncertain and because aspects of the accounting rules associated with this provision have not been resolved, we have not made a provisional accrual for the deferred tax aspects of this provision and consequently have not made an accounting policy election on the deferred tax treatment of this tax. Environmental Liabilities We are involved in numerous remediation actions to clean up hazardous waste as required by federal and state laws. Liabilities for remediation costs exclude possible insurance recoveries and, when dates and amounts of such costs are not known, are not discounted. When there appears to be a range of possible costs with equal likelihood, liabilities are based on the low end of such range. It is reasonably possible that our environmental remediation exposure will exceed amounts accrued. However, due to uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, technology and information related to individual sites, such amounts are not reasonably estimable. The determination of the required accruals for remediation costs is subject to uncertainty, including the evolving nature of environmental regulations and the difficulty in estimating the extent and type of remediation activity that is necessary. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO BE ADOPTED ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Background In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new comprehensive set of revenue recognition principles, Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, that supersedes most existing U.S. GAAP revenue recognition guidance (including ASC 605-35, Revenue Recognition - Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts). The new standard will become effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2018 and will apply it retrospectively to all periods presented and will elect the practical expedient for contract modifications. Since the issuance of the new standard by the FASB, we have engaged in a collaborative process with our industry peers and worked with standard setters on important interpretive matters with the objective of ensuring consistency in the application of the standard. Change in Timing and Presentation, No Impact to Cash or Economics The new standard requires companies to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue |
