Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of W&T Offshore, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Our interests in oil and gas joint ventures are proportionately consolidated. All significant intercompany transactions and amounts have been eliminated for all years presented. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the appropriate rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
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| Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods and the reported amounts of proved oil and natural gas reserves. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
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| Realized Prices [Policy Text Block] |
Realized Prices The price we receive for our crude oil, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and natural gas production directly affects our revenues, profitability, cash flows, liquidity, access to capital, proved reserves and future rate of growth. The average realized prices of these commodities
decreased in
2
019 compared to the average realized prices in 2018.
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| New Accounting Pronouncements, Adopted [Policy Text Block] |
Accounting Standard Updates Effective January 1, 2019
In
February 2016, Accounting Standards Update 2016 -02, Leases (Topic ) (“ASU 842
2016 -02” ) was issued requiring an entity to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability for all leases. The classification of leases as either a finance or operating lease determines the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses. ASU 2016 -02 also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. Leases acquired to explore for or extract oil or natural gas resources, including the right to explore for those natural resources and rights to use the land in which those natural resources are contained, are not within the scope of this standard’s update. ASU 2016 -02 was effective for us in the first quarter of 2019 and we adopted the new standard using a modified retrospective approach, with the date of initial application on January 1, 2019. Consequently, upon transition, we recognized an ROU asset and a lease liability with no retained earnings impact. See Note 7 for additional information. |
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| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original or remaining maturities of
three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. |
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| Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] |
Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue from the sale of crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas when our performance obligations are satisfied. Our contracts with customers are primarily short-term (less than 12 months). Our responsibilities to deliver a unit of crude oil, NGL, and natural gas under these contracts represent separate, distinct performance obligations. These performance obligations are satisfied at the point in time control of each unit is transferred to the customer. Pricing is primarily determined utilizing a particular pricing or market index, plus or minus adjustments reflecting quality or location differentials.We record oil and natural gas revenues based upon physical deliveries to our customers, which can be different from our net revenue ownership interest in field production. These differences create imbalances that we recognize as a liability only when the estimated remaining recoverable reserves of a property will
not be sufficient to enable the under-produced party to recoup its entitled share through production. We do not record receivables for those properties in which we have taken less than our ownership share of production. At December
31, 2019 and 2018, $3.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, were included in current liabilities related to natural gas imbalances. |
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| Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Concentration of Credit Risk Our customers are primarily large integrated oil and natural gas companies and large commodity trading companies. The majority of our production is sold utilizing month-to-month contracts that are based on bid prices. We attempt to minimize our credit risk exposure to purchasers of our oil and natural gas, joint interest owners, derivative counterparties and other third -party entities through formal credit policies, monitoring procedures, and letters of credit or guarantees when considered necessary.The following table identifies customers from whom we derived 10% or more of our receipts from sales of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas:
We believe that the loss of any of the customers above would
not result in a material adverse effect on our ability to market future oil and natural gas production as replacement customers could be obtained in a relatively short period of time on terms, conditions and pricing substantially similar to those currently existing. |
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| Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] |
Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Bad Debts Our accounts receivables are recorded at their historical cost, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The carrying value approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of such accounts. In addition to receivables from sales of our production to our customers, we also have receivables from joint interest owners on properties we operate. In certain arrangements, we have the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover amounts due us from the joint interest partners. We use the specific identification method of determining if an allowance for doubtful accounts is needed and the amounts recorded relate to certain joint interest owners. The following table describes the balance and changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
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| Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets [Policy Text Block] |
Prepaid expenses and other assets Amounts recorded in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are expected to be realized within one year. The following table provides the primary components (in thousands):
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| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Properties and Equipment We use the full-cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas properties and equipment, which are recorded at cost. Under this method, all costs associated with the acquisition, exploration, development and abandonment of oil and natural gas properties are capitalized. Acquisition costs include costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire properties. Exploration costs include costs of drilling exploratory wells and external geological and geophysical costs, which mainly consist of seismic costs. Development costs include the cost of drilling development wells and costs of completions, platforms, facilities and pipelines. Costs associated with production, certain geological and geophysical costs and general and administrative costs are expensed in the period incurred. Oil and natural gas properties included in the amortization base are amortized using the units-of-production method based on production and estimates of proved reserve quantities. In addition to costs associated with evaluated properties and capitalized asset retirement obligations (“ARO”), the amortization base includes estimated future development costs to be incurred in developing proved reserves as well as estimated plugging and abandonment costs, net of salvage value, related to developing proved reserves. Future development costs related to proved reserves are not recorded as liabilities on the balance sheet, but are part of the calculation of depletion expense. Oil and natural gas properties and equipment include costs of unproved properties. The cost of unproved properties related to significant acquisitions are excluded from the amortization base until it is determined that proved reserves can be assigned to such properties or until such time as we have made an evaluation that impairment has occurred. The costs of drilling exploratory dry holes are included in the amortization base immediately upon determination that such wells are non-commercial.Sales of proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties, whether or not being amortized currently, are accounted for as adjustments of capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and natural gas.Furniture, fixtures and non-oil and natural gas property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally ranging from five to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed in the period incurred. Oil and Natural Gas Properties and Other, Net – at cost Oil and natural gas properties and equipment are recorded at cost using the full cost method. There were no amounts excluded from amortization as of the dates presented in the following table (in thousands):
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| Oil and Gas Properties Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Ceiling Test Write-Down Under the full-cost method of accounting, we are required to perform a “ceiling test” calculation quarterly, which determines a limit on the book value of our oil and natural gas properties. If the net capitalized cost of oil and natural gas properties (including capitalized ARO) net of related deferred income taxes exceeds the ceiling test limit, the excess is charged to expense on a pre-tax basis and separately disclosed. Any such write downs are not recoverable or reversible in future periods. The ceiling test limit is calculated as: (i) the present value of estimated future net revenues from proved reserves, less estimated future development costs, discounted at 10%; (ii) plus the cost of unproved oil and natural gas properties not being amortized; (iii) plus the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved oil and natural gas properties included in the amortization base; and (iv) less related income tax effects. Estimated future net revenues used in the ceiling test for each period are based on current prices for each product, defined by the SEC as the unweighted average of first -day-of-the-month commodity prices over the prior twelve months for that period. All prices are adjusted by field for quality, transportation fees, energy content and regional price differentials.We did
not record a ceiling test write-down during 2019, 2018 or 2017. If average crude oil and natural gas prices decrease significantly, it is possible that ceiling test write-downs could be recorded during 2020 or in future periods. |
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| Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] |
Asset Retirement Obligations We are required to record a separate liability for the present value of our ARO, with an offsetting increase to the related oil and natural gas properties on our balance sheet. We have significant obligations to plug and abandon well bores, remove our platforms, pipelines, facilities and equipment and restore the land or seabed at the end of oil and natural gas production operations. These obligations are primarily associated with plugging and abandoning wells, removing pipelines, removing and disposing of offshore platforms and site cleanup. Estimating such costs requires us to make judgments on both the costs and the timing of ARO. Asset removal technologies and costs are constantly changing, as are regulatory, political, environmental, safety and public relations considerations, which can substantially affect our estimates of these future costs from period to period. See Note
6 for additional information. |
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| Industry Specific Policies, Oil and Gas [Policy Text Block] |
Oil and Natural Gas Reserve Information We use the unweighted average of
first -day-of-the-month commodity prices over the preceding 12 -month period when estimating quantities of proved reserves. Similarly, the prices used to calculate the standardized measure of discounted future cash flows and prices used in the ceiling test for impairment are the 12 -month average commodity prices. Proved undeveloped reserves may only be classified as such if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, with some limited exceptions allowed. Refer to Note 20 for additional information about our proved reserves. |
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| Derivatives, Reporting of Derivative Activity [Policy Text Block] |
Derivative Financial Instruments We have exposure related to commodity prices and have used various derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price risk from sales of oil and natural gas. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. We entered into commodity derivatives contracts during 2019, 2018 and 2017, and as of December 31, 2019, we had open commodity derivative instruments. When we have outstanding borrowings on our revolving bank credit facility, we may use various derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk from floating interest rates. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, we did not enter into any derivative instruments related to interest rates.Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as an asset or a liability at fair value. We have elected
not to designate our derivatives instruments as hedging instruments, therefore, all changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. These derivative instruments may or may
not have qualified for hedge accounting treatment. |
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| Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments We include fair value information in the notes to our consolidated financial statements when the fair value of our financial instruments is different from the book value or it is required by applicable guidance. We believe that the book value of our cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities materially approximates fair value due to the short-term nature and the terms of these instruments. We believe that the book value of our restricted deposits approximates fair value as deposits are in cash or short-term investments.
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| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Income Taxes We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with the
Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standard Codification. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by applying tax rates in effect at the end of a reporting period to the cumulative temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. The effects of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recognized in the period in which the new legislation is enacted. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of them will not be realized. We recognize uncertain tax positions in our financial statements when it is more likely than not that we will sustain the benefit taken or expected to be taken. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. See Note 13 for additional information. |
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| Other Noncurrent Assets [Policy Text Block] |
Other Assets (long-term) The major categories recorded in Other assets are presented in the following table (in thousands):
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| Accrued Liabilities Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Accrued Liabilities The major categories recorded in Accrued liabilities are presented in the following table (in thousands):
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| Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Debt Issued During 2016
We accounted for a debt exchange transaction in 2016, which is described in Note 2, as a troubled debt restructuring pursuant to the guidance under Accounting Standard Codification 470 -60, Troubled Debt Restructuring (“ASC 470 -60” ). Under ASC 470 -60, the carrying value of the debt issued during 2016 (as described in Note 2 ) is measured using all future undiscounted payments (principal and interest); therefore, no interest expense was recorded for the debt issued in 2016 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations since January 1, 2017 through October 18, 2018. Additionally, interest paid related to the debt issued in 2016 was classified as a financing activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as required under ASC 470 -60. See Note 2 for additional information.Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs associated with the Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) are amortized using the straight-line method over the scheduled maturity of the debt. Debt issuance costs associated with all other debt are deferred and amortized over the scheduled maturity of the debt utilizing the effective interest method. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our Credit Agreement is reported within Other Assets (noncurrent) and unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our other debt instruments are reported as a reduction in Long-term debt – carrying value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 2 for additional information.Discounts Provided on Debt Issuance Discounts were recorded in Long-term debt – carrying value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.Gain on Debt Transactions During
2018, the refinancing of our capital structure resulted in a gain of $47.1 million as a result of writing off the carrying value adjustments related to the debt issued in 2016, partially offset by premiums paid to repurchase and retire, repay or redeem all of our prior debt instruments. During 2017, differences in the utilization of the payment-in-kind option resulted in a gain. See Note 2 for additional information. |
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| Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Policy Text Block] |
Other Liabilities (long-term) The major categories recorded in Other liabilities are presented in the following table (in thousands):
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| Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] |
Share-Based Compensation Compensation cost for share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors is based on the fair value of the equity instrument on the date of grant and is recognized over the period during which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair value for equity instruments subject to only time or to Company performance measures was determined using the closing price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight line basis over the period during which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Estimates are made for forfeitures during the vesting period, resulting in the recognition of compensation cost only for those awards that are estimated to vest and estimated forfeitures are adjusted to actual forfeitures when the equity instrument vests. See Note
11 for additional information. |
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| Other Income (Expense), Net [Policy Text Block] |
Other Expense (Income), Net For
2019, the amount consists primarily of federal royalty obligation reductions claimed in the current year related to capital deductions from prior periods, and partially offset by expenses related to the amortization of the brokerage fee paid in connection with the Joint Venture Drilling Program (as defined in Note 4 ). For 2018, the amount consists primarily of credits related to the de-recognition of certain liabilities that had exceeded the statute of limitations, partially offset by expense related to the amortization of the brokerage fee paid in connection with the Joint Venture Drilling Program. For 2017, the amount consists primarily of expense items related to the Apache Corporation ("Apache") lawsuit, partially offset by loss-of-use reimbursements from a third -party for damages incurred at one of our platforms. |
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| Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Earnings Per Share Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share under the
two -class method when the effect is dilutive. See Note 14 for additional information. |
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| New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] |
Recent Accounting Developments In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016 -13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic ) (“ASU 326
2016 -13” ) and subsequently issued additional guidance on this topic. The new guidance eliminates the probable recognition threshold and broadens the information to consider past events, current conditions and forecasted information in estimating credit losses. ASU 2016 -13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Our assessment is this amendment will not have a material impact on our financial statements.In
August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017 -12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic (“ASU 815 ) – Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities 2017 -12” ) and subsequently issued additional guidance on this topic. The amendments in ASU 2017 -12 require an entity to present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line in which the earning effect of the hedged item is reported. This presentation enables users of financial statements to better understand the results and costs of an entity’s hedging program. Also, relative to current GAAP, this approach simplifies the financial statement reporting for qualifying hedging relationships. ASU 2017 -12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. As we do not designate our commodity derivative instruments as qualifying hedging instruments, our assessment is this amendment will not impact the presentation of the changes in fair values of our commodity derivative instruments on our financial statements. |
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