Interpretation of SFAS No.143,'Accounting for conditional asset retirement obligations:an interpretation of FASB statement No.143'

摘要

In June 2001,the FASB issued Statement No.143,"Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No.143 requires that companies recognize liabilities for asset retirement obligations in the period in which the obligation is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.Since that time numerous questions have arisen regarding the timing of recognition of the asset retirement obligation liability when the performance of the retirement activity is conditional on a future event.As a consequence,a variety of approaches have been used in practice.For example,some companies have recognized the fair value of their asset retirement obligations without regard to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the retirement.Others have recognized the fair value of their obligations only when it is probable that the asset will be retired.Some have delayed recognition until retirement of the asset actually occurs.On June 17,2004,the FASB issued an exposure draft for a proposed interpretation of SFAS No.143," Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations:An Interpretation of FASB Statement No.143." The comment deadline expired on August 1,2004.