Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]    
Organization and Nature of Operations Parker Drilling Company, incorporated in Delaware, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Parker Drilling” or the “Company” or “we” or “us” or “our”) is an international provider of contract drilling and drilling-related services as well as rental tools and services. We have operated in over 50 countries since beginning operations in 1934, making us among the most geographically experienced drilling contractors and rental tools providers in the world.  
Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries in which we exercise control or have a controlling financial interest, including entities, if any, in which the Company is allocated a majority of the entity’s losses or returns, regardless of ownership percentage. If a subsidiary of Parker Drilling has a 50.0 percent interest in an entity but Parker Drilling’s interest in the subsidiary or the entity does not meet the consolidation criteria described above, then that interest is accounted for under the equity method.  
Noncontrolling Interest We apply accounting standards related to noncontrolling interests for ownership interests in our subsidiaries held by parties other than Parker Drilling. We report noncontrolling interest as equity on the consolidated balance sheets and report net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest and to noncontrolling interest separately on the consolidated statements of operations.  
Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not materially affect our consolidated financial results.  
Use of Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and our revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Estimates are typically used when accounting for certain significant items such as legal or contractual liability accruals, self-insured medical/dental plans, impairment, income taxes and valuation allowance, and other items requiring the use of estimates. Estimates are based on a number of variables, which may include third party valuations, historical experience, where applicable, and assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ from management estimates.  
Purchase Price Allocation We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, assets and liabilities, including any remaining noncontrolling interests, are recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed, plus the value of any noncontrolling interests, is recognized as goodwill.  
Goodwill We perform our annual goodwill impairment review during the fourth quarter, as of October 1, and more frequently if negative conditions or other triggering events arise that indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit has decreased below its carrying value. In order to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company used a weighting of the discounted cash flow, guideline public company and guideline transaction method. The Company engages third-party appraisal firms to assist in fair value determination of the reporting unit. The quantitative impairment test we perform for goodwill utilizes certain assumptions, including forecasted revenues and costs assumptions.  
Intangible Assets Our intangible assets are related to developed technology and trade names, which were acquired through acquisition and are classified as definite lived intangibles that are generally amortized over a weighted average period of approximately three to six years. We assess the recoverability of the unamortized balance of our intangible assets when indicators of impairment are present based on expected future profitability and undiscounted expected cash flows and their contribution to our overall operations. Should the review indicate that the carrying value is not fully recoverable, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the intangible assets would be recognized as an impairment loss.  
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers cash equivalents to be highly liquid debt instruments that have a remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.  
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debt Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoice amount and typically do not bear interest. The allowance for bad debt is estimated for losses that may occur resulting from disputed amounts and the inability of our customers to pay amounts owed. We estimate the allowance based on historical write-off experience and information about specific customers. We review individually, for collectability, all balances over 90 days past due as well as balances due from any customer with respect to which we have information leading us to believe that a risk exists for potential collection.Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.  
Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Maintenance and most repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of upgrades and replacements is capitalized. The Company capitalizes software developed or obtained for internal use. Accordingly, the cost of third-party software, as well as the cost of third-party and internal personnel that are directly involved in application development activities, are capitalized during the application development phase of new software systems projects. Costs during the preliminary project stage and post-implementation stage of new software systems projects, including data conversion and training costs, are expensed as incurred. We account for depreciation of property, plant and equipment on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets after provision for salvage value. Depreciation, for tax purposes, utilizes several methods of accelerated depreciation. Depreciable lives for different categories of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Computer, office equipment and other
3 to 10 years
Land drilling equipment
3 to 20 years
Barge drilling equipment
3 to 20 years
Drill pipe, rental tools and other
4 to 15 years
Buildings and improvements
5 to 30 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.
 
Impairment We evaluate the carrying amounts of long-lived assets for potential impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate recoverability by determining the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows for the respective asset groups identified. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the assets’ carrying value exceeds the fair value of such assets. Management considers a number of factors such as estimated future cash flows from the assets, appraisals and current market value analysis in determining fair value. Assets are written down to fair value if the final estimate of current fair value is below the net carrying value. The assumptions used in the impairment evaluation are inherently uncertain and require management judgment.  
Capitalized Interest Interest from external borrowings is capitalized on major projects until the assets are ready for their intended use. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying asset and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets in the same manner as the underlying assets. Capitalized interest costs reduce net interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.  
Assets Held for Sale We classify an asset as held for sale when the facts and circumstances meet the criteria for such classification, including the following: (a) we have committed to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is available for immediate sale, (c) we have initiated actions to complete the sale, including locating a buyer, (d) the sale is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable relative to its fair value, and (f) the plan to sell is unlikely to be subject to significant changes or termination.  
Rig Materials and Supplies Because our international drilling generally occurs in remote locations, making timely outside delivery of spare parts uncertain, a complement of parts and supplies is maintained either at the drilling site or in warehouses close to the operation. During periods of high rig utilization, these parts are generally consumed and replenished within a one-year period. During a period of lower rig utilization in a particular location, the parts, like the related idle rigs, are generally not transferred to other international locations until new contracts are obtained because of the significant transportation costs that would result from such transfers. We classify those parts which are not expected to be utilized in the following year as long-term assets. Additionally, our international rental tools business holds machine shop consumables and steel stock for manufacture in our machine shops and inspection and repair shops, which are classified as current assets. Rig materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or market value.  
Deferred Costs We defer costs related to rig mobilization and amortize such costs over the primary term of the related contract. The costs to be amortized within twelve months are classified as current.  
Debt Issuance Costs We typically defer costs associated with issuance of indebtedness, and amortize those costs over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.  
Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method and have been provided for based upon tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted and income or losses are generated. There is little or no expected relationship between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and income or loss before income taxes as the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary not only with respect to nominal rate, but also in terms of the availability of deductions, credits, and other benefits. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled and the effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in income in the period in which the change is enacted. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In order to determine the amount of deferred tax assets or liabilities, as well as the valuation allowances, we must make estimates and assumptions regarding future taxable income, where rigs will be deployed and other matters. Changes in these estimates and assumptions, including changes in tax laws and other changes affecting our ability to recognize the underlying deferred tax assets, could require us to adjust the valuation allowances.The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50.0 percent likely of being realized and changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.  
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The effects of dilutive securities, stock options, unvested restricted stock, assumed conversion of convertible stock and convertible debt are included in the diluted EPS calculation, when applicable.  
Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables with a variety of national and international oil and natural gas companies. We generally do not require collateral on our trade receivables. We depend on a limited number of significant customers.  
Fair Value Measurements For purposes of recording fair value adjustments for certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, and determining fair value disclosures, we estimate fair value at a price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market for the asset or liability. Our valuation technique requires inputs that we categorize using a three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, as follows: (1) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1), (2) direct or indirect observable inputs, including quoted prices or other market data, for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or identical assets or liabilities in less active markets (Level 2) and (3) unobservable inputs that require significant judgment for which there is little or no market data (Level 3). When multiple input levels are required for a valuation, we categorize the entire fair value measurement according to the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement even though we may have also utilized significant inputs that are more readily observable.  
Foreign Currency In our international rental tool business, for certain subsidiaries and branches outside the U.S., the local currency is the functional currency. The financial statements of these subsidiaries and branches are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: (i) assets and liabilities at month-end exchange rates; (ii) income, expenses and cash flows at monthly average exchange rates or exchange rates in effect on the date of the transaction; and (iii) stockholders’ equity at historical exchange rates. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, the resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other elements of comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  
Stock-Based Compensation Under our long-term incentive plan, we are authorized to issue the following: stock options; stock appreciation rights; restricted stock awards; restricted stock units; performance-based awards; and other types of awards in cash or stock to key employees, consultants, and directors. We typically grant restricted stock units, time-based phantom stock units, performance cash units, and performance-based phantom stock units.Stock-based compensation expense is recognized, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, which is based on historical experience and adjusted, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on actual forfeitures. We recognize stock-based compensation expense in the same financial statement line item as cash compensation paid to the respective employees. Tax deduction benefits for awards in excess of recognized compensation costs are reported as an operating cash flow.  
Legal and Investigation Matters We accrue estimates of the probable and estimable costs for the resolution of certain legal and investigative matters. We do not accrue any amounts for other matters for which the liability is not probable and reasonably estimable. Generally, the estimate of probable costs related to these matters is developed in consultation with our legal advisors. The estimates take into consideration factors such as the complexity of the issues, litigation risks and settlement costs. If the actual settlement costs, final judgments, or fines, after appeals, differ from our estimates, our future financial results may be adversely affected.  
Recent Accounting Pronouncements   Standards recently adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic No. 605 - Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, statement of operations, and statements of cash flows. See Note 14 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers for further details.
Standards not yet adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires (a) an entity to separate the lease components from the non-lease components in a contract where the lease component will be accounted for under ASU 2016-02 and the non-lease component will be accounted for under ASU 2014-09, (b) recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees and derecognition of the leased asset and recognition of a net investment in the lease by the lessor and (c) additional disclosure requirements for both lessees and lessors. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, although early adoption is permitted. Under the updated accounting standard, we have determined that our drilling contracts contain a lease component. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 which 1) provides for a new transition method whereby entities may elect to adopt the update using a prospective with cumulative catch-up approach and 2) provides lessors with an option to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease components when certain criteria are met and requires them to account for the combined component in accordance with the new revenue standard if the associated non-lease components are the predominant components. We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 using modified retrospective transition method applied at the beginning of the period of adoption. We have elected certain available practical expedients. Our adoption, and the ultimate effect on our consolidated financial statements, will be based on an evaluation
of the contract-specific facts and circumstances, and such effect could introduce variability to the timing of our revenue recognition relative to current accounting standards. We are evaluating the requirements to determine the effect such requirements may have on our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of cash flows and on the disclosures contained in our notes to the consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02. While, the Company continues to evaluate all of the effects of the adoption of this ASU, the Company believes the most significant effects relate to (i) the recognition of new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for the Company’s operating leases and (ii) providing significant new disclosures about the Company’s leasing activities. Depending on the results of the evaluation, our ultimate conclusions may vary.