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, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Legal and Investigation Matters — As of December 31, 2015, we have accrued an estimate of the probable and estimable costs for the resolution of certain legal and investigation matters. We have not accrued 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements    
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). This update requires businesses to classify deferred tax liabilities and assets on their balance sheets as noncurrent. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, an entity must apply the new guidance either retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements prospectively for all new information on a going forward-basis. We have early adopted the standard on a retrospective basis which resulted in zero of deferred tax liabilities and $7.5 million of deferred tax assets being re-classified from current to noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This new standard specifies that the acquirer should recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, eliminating the current requirement to retrospectively account for these adjustments. Additionally, the full effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts should be recognized in the same period as the adjustments to the provisional amounts. The standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We plan to adopt this new standard and do not currently anticipate a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires companies to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value rather than at the lower of cost or market. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We plan to adopt this new standard and do not currently anticipate a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Improvements, which contains amendments that will affect a wide variety of topics in the Codification. The amendments in this Update will apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. Transition guidance varies based on the amendments in the Update. The amendments in the Update that require transition guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. All other amendments will be effective upon the issuance of this Update. We plan to adopt the standard and are in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2015-10 on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as an asset. Final guidance on this standard, issued as ASU 2015-15 in August 2015, includes an SEC staff announcement that the SEC staff will not object to an entity presenting the cost of securing a revolving line of credit as an asset, regardless of whether a balance is outstanding. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, an entity must apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We plan to adopt the standard on a retrospective basis effective January 1, 2016 and expect it will result in the netting of our deferred financing costs against long-term debt balances on the consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented. There will be no impact to the manner in which deferred financing costs are amortized in our consolidated financial statements.
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605 - Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. The standard requires that an entity recognizes 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 and should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of initial application. ASU 2014-09 was initially scheduled to be effective for the first quarter of 2017; however, on April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed to defer the effective date by one year and the proposal was accepted during the second quarter of 2015. ASU 2014-09 is now scheduled to be effective for entities beginning after December 15, 2017. We are in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
Nature of Operations
Nature of Operations — Our business is comprised of two business lines: (1) Drilling Services and (2) Rental Tools Services. We report our Rental Tools Services business as one reportable segment (Rental Tools) and report our Drilling Services business as two reportable segments: (1) U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling and (2) International & Alaska Drilling.
In our Drilling Services business, we drill oil and gas wells for customers in both the U.S. and international markets. We provide this service with both Company-owned rigs and customer-owned rigs. We refer to the provision of drilling services with customer owned rigs as our operations and maintenance (O&M) service in which operators own their own drilling rigs but choose Parker Drilling to operate and maintain the rigs for them. The nature and scope of activities involved in drilling an oil and gas well is similar whether it is drilled with a Company-owned rig (as part of a traditional drilling contract) or a customer-owned rig (as part of an O&M contract). In addition, we provide project related services, such as engineering, procurement, project management and commissioning of customer owned drilling facility projects. We have extensive experience and expertise in drilling geologically difficult wells and in managing the logistical and technological challenges of operating in remote, harsh and ecologically sensitive areas.
    Our U.S. (Lower 48) Drilling segment provides drilling services with our Gulf of Mexico (GOM) barge rig drilling fleet and through U.S. (Lower 48) based O&M services. Our GOM barge drilling fleet operates barge rigs that drill for oil and natural gas in shallow waters in and along the inland waterways and coasts of Louisiana, Alabama and Texas. The majority of these wells are drilled in shallow water depths ranging from 6 to 12 feet. Our International & Alaska Drilling segment provides drilling services, with Company-owned rigs as well as through O&M contracts, and project related services. We strive to deploy our fleet of Parker-owned rigs in markets where we expect to have opportunities to keep the rigs consistently utilized and build a sufficient presence to achieve efficient operating scale.    
In our Rental Tools Services business, we provide premium rental equipment and services to exploration and production (E&P) companies, drilling contractors and service companies on land and offshore in the United States (U.S.) and select international markets. Tools we provide include standard and heavy-weight drill pipe, all of which are available with standard or high-torque connections, tubing, pressure control equipment, including blow-out preventers (BOPs), drill collars and more. We also provide well construction services, which include tubular running services and downhole tools, and well intervention services, which include whipstock, fishing products and related services, as well as inspection and machine shop support. Generally, rental tools are used for only a portion of a well drilling program and are requested by the customer when they are needed, requiring us to keep a broad inventory of rental tools in stock. Rental tools are usually rented on a daily or monthly basis.
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. We currently have operations in 21 countries. Parker has set numerous world records for deep and extended-reach drilling land rigs and is an industry leader in quality, health, safety and environmental practices.
Consolidation
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 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
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. During the 2015 fourth quarter we incurred a $4.8 million loss on the sale of our controlling interest in a consolidated joint venture in Egypt, which also resulted in the disposal of the related noncontrolling interest of $2.2 million. Also, during the 2015 second quarter we incurred a $0.9 million loss on the divestiture of our controlling interest in a consolidated joint venture in Russia, which also resulted in the disposal of the related noncontrolling interest of $0.8 million. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we also purchased the remaining noncontrolling interest of ITS Arabia Limited for $6.75 million, of which $3.4 million remains payable to the seller at a later date. At the time of purchase, the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest was $3.0 million.
Reclassifications
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.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition — Drilling revenues and expenses, comprised of daywork drilling contracts, call-outs against master service agreements and engineering and related project service contracts, are recognized as services are performed and collection is reasonably assured. For certain contracts, we receive payments contractually designated for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment. Mobilization payments received, and direct costs incurred for the mobilization, are deferred and recognized over the primary term of the related drilling contract; however, costs incurred to relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. For contracts that are terminated prior to the specified term, early termination payments received by us are recognized as revenues when all contractual requirements are met. Revenues from rental activities are recognized ratably over the rental term, which is generally less than six months. Our project related services contracts include engineering, consulting, and project management scopes of work and revenue is typically recognized on a time and materials basis.
Reimbursable Costs
Reimbursable Revenues — The Company recognizes reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as revenues and accounts for out-of-pocket expenses as direct operating costs. Such amounts totaled $87.8 million, $82.6 million, and $69.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Additionally, the Company typically receives a nominal handling fee, which is recognized as earned in revenues in our consolidated statement of operations.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States (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 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, mobilization and deferred mobilization, self-insured medical/dental plans, 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.
Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation
Purchase Price Allocation — We allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities in accordance with the acquisition method based on estimated fair values at the transaction date. Transaction and integration costs associated with an acquisition are expensed as incurred. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values, including quoted market prices, the carrying value of acquired assets, and widely accepted valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows. We typically engage third-party appraisal firms to assist in fair value determination of inventories, identifiable intangible assets, and any other significant assets or liabilities. Judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact our results of operations. See Note 2 - Acquisitions for further discussion.
Intangible Assets
Goodwill — We account for all 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. We perform our annual goodwill impairment review as of October 1 of each year, and more frequently if negative conditions or other triggering events arise. The quantitative impairment test we perform for goodwill utilizes certain assumptions, including forecasted revenue and costs assumptions. See Note 3 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further discussion.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents — 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 Doubtful Accounts
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. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to customers.
Property, Plant and Equipment
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:
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.
Annual Impairment Review
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 cashflows is less than the carrying value of the asset group, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the assets’ carrying value exceeds its fair value. 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
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. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, capitalized interest costs were $0.2 million, $1.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
Assets Held for Sale
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
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. Rig materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or market value.
Deferred Costs
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
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 — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method and have been provided based upon tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. 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 financial statement 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 impacting 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 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)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) — Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The effects of dilutive securities, stock options, unvested restricted stock and convertible debt are included in the diluted EPS calculation, when applicable.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
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.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had deposits in domestic banks in excess of federally insured limits of approximately $91.3 million and $59.3 million, respectively. In addition, we had deposits in foreign banks, which were not insured at December 31, 2015 and 2014 of $44.1 million and $54.4 million, respectively.
Our customer base primarily consists of major, independent and national oil and natural gas companies and integrated service providers. We depend on a limited number of significant customers. Our largest customer, Exxon Neftegas Limited constituted 27.9 percent of our revenues for 2015.
Fair Value Measurements
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
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
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 (RSUs), performance shares units (PSUs), performance cash units (PCUs) and phantom share units.

                Our RSUs are service-based awards and compensation expense is recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period, which is typically three years
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible Assets — Our intangible assets are related to trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology, which were acquired through acquisition and 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. See Note 3 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further discussion.