| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2014 |
| Basis of Presentation | ' |
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| Basis of Presentation |
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| The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, are unaudited and exclude some of the disclosures required in audited financial statements. Management believes it has made all necessary adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) so that the condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
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| The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership, its wholly owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, the consolidated entities which are considered to be variable interest entities and for which the Partnership is considered the primary beneficiary, and certain partnerships or similar entities which are not considered variable interest entities but in which the general partner is presumed to have control. |
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| All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
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| Restructurings within consolidated CLOs are treated as investment purchases or sales, as applicable, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. |
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| Consolidation | ' |
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| Consolidation |
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| The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Blackstone Funds in which the general partner is presumed to have control. Although the Partnership has a non-controlling interest in Blackstone Holdings, the limited partners do not have the right to dissolve the partnerships or have substantive kick out rights or participating rights that would overcome the presumption of control by the Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Blackstone Holdings and records non-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings. |
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| In addition, the Partnership consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which it is the primary beneficiary. An enterprise is determined to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a VIE and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (for example, management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. Performance of that analysis requires the exercise of judgment. VIEs qualify for the deferral of the consolidation guidance if all of the following conditions have been met: |
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| (a) | The entity has all of the attributes of an investment company as defined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Auditing Guide, Investment Companies (“Investment Company Guide”), or does not have all the attributes of an investment company but it is an entity for which it is acceptable based on industry practice to apply measurement principles that are consistent with the Investment Company Guide, | |
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| (b) | The reporting entity does not have explicit or implicit obligations to fund any losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity, and | |
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| (c) | The entity is not a securitization or asset-backed financing entity or an entity that was formerly considered a qualifying special purpose entity. | |
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| Where the VIEs have qualified for the deferral of the current consolidation guidance, the analysis is based on previous consolidation guidance. This guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (for example, management and performance related fees), would be expected to absorb a majority of the variability of the entity. Under both guidelines, the Partnership determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a variable interest entity and reconsiders that conclusion continually. In evaluating whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, Blackstone evaluates its economic interests in the entity held either directly by the Partnership and its affiliates or indirectly through employees. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Partnership, affiliates of the Partnership or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Blackstone Funds could affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, the Partnership assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly. |
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| Assets of consolidated variable interest entities that can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE and liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone are presented in a separate section in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. |
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| Blackstone’s other disclosures regarding VIEs are discussed in Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities”. |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | ' |
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| Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
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| GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. |
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| Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows: |
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| • | | Level I — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The type of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price. |
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| • | | Level II — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs, and certain funds of hedge funds and proprietary investments in which Blackstone has the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. |
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| • | | Level III — Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-focused funds, distressed debt and non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, certain corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs and certain funds of hedge funds that use net asset value per share to determine fair value in which Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date if an investee fund manager has the ability to limit the amount of redemptions, and/or the ability to side pocket investments, irrespective of whether such ability has been exercised. Senior and subordinate notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy. |
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| In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. |
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| Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period. |
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| Level II Valuation Techniques |
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| Financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy comprise debt instruments, including corporate loans and bonds held by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles, those held within Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies and debt securities sold, not yet purchased and interests in investment funds. Certain equity securities and derivative instruments valued using observable inputs are also classified as Level II. |
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| The valuation techniques used to value financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: |
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| • | | Debt Instruments and Equity Securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices and market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments. The valuation of certain equity securities is based on an observable price for an identical security adjusted for the effect of a restriction. |
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| • | | Investment Funds held by the consolidated Blackstone Funds are valued using net asset value per share as described in Level III Valuation Techniques — Funds of Hedge Funds. Certain investments in investment funds are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as the investment can be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. |
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| • | | Freestanding Derivatives and Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges are valued using contractual cash flows and observable inputs comprising yield curves, foreign currency rates and credit spreads. |
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| Level III Valuation Techniques |
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| In the absence of observable market prices, Blackstone values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist; management’s determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments for non-performance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties, certain funds of hedge funds and credit-focused investments. |
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| Private Equity Investments — The fair values of private equity investments are determined by reference to projected net earnings, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), the discounted cash flow method, public market or private transactions, valuations for comparable companies and other measures which, in many cases, are unaudited at the time received. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions (for example, multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company such as EBITDA by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Where a discounted cash flow method is used, a terminal value is derived by reference to EBITDA or price/earnings exit multiples. |
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| Real Estate Investments — The fair values of real estate investments are determined by considering projected operating cash flows, sales of comparable assets, if any, and replacement costs, among other measures. The methods used to estimate the fair value of real estate investments include the discounted cash flow method and/or capitalization rates (“cap rates”) analysis. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or assets (for example, multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Where a discounted cash flow method is used, a terminal value is derived by reference to an exit EBITDA multiple or capitalization rate. Additionally, where applicable, projected distributable cash flow through debt maturity will be considered in support of the investment’s fair value. |
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| Funds of Hedge Funds — The investments of consolidated Blackstone Funds in funds of hedge funds (“Investee Funds”) are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Investee Fund. In limited circumstances, the Partnership may determine, based on its own due diligence and investment procedures, that NAV per share does not represent fair value. In such circumstances, the Partnership will estimate the fair value in good faith and in a manner that it reasonably chooses, in accordance with the requirements of GAAP. |
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| Certain investments of Blackstone and of the consolidated Blackstone funds of hedge funds and credit-focused funds measure their investments in underlying funds at fair value using NAV per share without adjustment. The terms of the investee’s investment generally provide for minimum holding periods or lock-ups, the institution of gates on redemptions or the suspension of redemptions or an ability to side pocket investments, at the discretion of the investee’s fund manager, and as a result, investments may not be redeemable at, or within three months of, the reporting date. A side pocket is used by hedge funds and funds of hedge funds to separate investments that may lack a readily ascertainable value, are illiquid or are subject to liquidity restriction. Redemptions are generally not permitted until the investments within a side pocket are liquidated or it is deemed that the conditions existing at the time that required the investment to be included in the side pocket no longer exist. As the timing of either of these events is uncertain, the timing at which the Partnership may redeem an investment held in a side pocket cannot be estimated. Investments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share are reflected within the fair value hierarchy based on the existence of redemption restrictions, if any, as described above. Further disclosure on instruments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share is presented in Note 5. “Net Asset Value as Fair Value”. |
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| Credit-Focused Investments — The fair values of credit-focused investments are generally determined on the basis of prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In some instances, Blackstone may utilize other valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method or a market approach. |
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| Credit-Focused Liabilities — Credit-focused liabilities comprise senior and subordinate loans issued by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles. Such liabilities are valued using a discounted cash flow method. |
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| Level III Valuation Process |
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| Investments classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy are valued on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration any changes in Blackstone’s weighted-average cost of capital assumptions, discounted cash flow projections and exit multiple assumptions, as well as any changes in economic and other relevant conditions, and valuation models are updated accordingly. The valuation process also includes a review by an independent valuation party, at least annually for all investments, and quarterly for certain investments, to corroborate the values determined by management. The valuations of Blackstone’s investments are reviewed quarterly by a valuation committee which is chaired by Blackstone’s Vice Chairman and includes senior heads of each of Blackstone’s businesses, as well as representatives of legal and finance. Each quarter, the valuations of Blackstone’s investments are also reviewed by the Audit Committee in a meeting attended by the chairman of the valuation committee. The valuations are further tested by comparison to actual sales prices obtained on disposition of the investments. |
| Investments, at Fair Value | ' |
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| Investments, at Fair Value |
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| The Blackstone Funds are accounted for as investment companies under the Investment Company Guide, and reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments (the “Portfolio Companies”), at fair value. Blackstone has retained the specialized accounting for the consolidated Blackstone Funds. Thus, such consolidated funds’ investments are reflected in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). |
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| Blackstone’s principal investments are presented at fair value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation and realized gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within Investment Income (Loss). |
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| For certain instruments, the Partnership has elected the fair value option. Such election is irrevocable and is applied on an investment by investment basis at initial recognition. The Partnership has applied the fair value option for certain loans and receivables that otherwise would not have been carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income. Accounting for these financial instruments at fair value is consistent with how the Partnership accounts for its other principal investments. Loans extended to third parties are recorded within Accounts Receivable within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Debt securities for which the fair value option has been elected are recorded within Investments. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such investments is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, credit-focused and funds of hedge funds investments. Changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue. |
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| In addition, the Partnership has elected the fair value option for the assets and liabilities of CLO vehicles that are consolidated as of January 1, 2010, as a result of the initial adoption of variable interest entity consolidation guidance. The Partnership has also elected the fair value option for CLO vehicles consolidated as a result of the acquisitions of CLO management contracts or the acquisition of the share capital of CLO managers. The adjustment resulting from the difference between the fair value of assets and liabilities for each of these events is presented as a transition and acquisition adjustment to Appropriated Partners’ Capital. Assets of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Investments within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Liabilities within Loans Payable for the amounts due to unaffiliated third parties and Due to Affiliates for the amounts held by non-consolidated affiliates. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such assets and liabilities is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate and credit-focused investments. Changes in the fair value of consolidated CLO assets and liabilities and related interest, dividend and other income subsequent to adoption and acquisition are presented within Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities. Expenses of consolidated CLO vehicles are presented in Fund Expenses. Amounts attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities have a corresponding adjustment to Appropriated Partners’ Capital. |
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| The Partnership has elected the fair value option for certain proprietary investments that would otherwise have been accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The fair value of such investments is based on quoted prices in an active market or using the discounted cash flow method. Changes in fair value are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
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| Further disclosure on instruments for which the fair value option has been elected is presented in Note 7. “Fair Value Option” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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| Security and loan transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. |
| Equity Method Investments | ' |
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| Equity Method Investments |
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| Investments in which the Partnership is deemed to exert significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Partnership’s share of earnings (losses) from equity method investments is included in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The carrying amounts of equity method investments are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. As the underlying investments of the Partnership’s equity method investments in Blackstone Funds are reported at fair value, the carrying value of the Partnership’s equity method investments approximates fair value. |
| Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements | ' |
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| Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
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| Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements”) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”), comprised primarily of U.S. and non-U.S. government and agency securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt, represent collateralized financing transactions. Such transactions are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their contractual amounts and include accrued interest. The carrying value of repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements approximates fair value. |
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| The Partnership manages credit exposure arising from repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements by, in appropriate circumstances, entering into master netting agreements and collateral arrangements with counterparties that provide the Partnership, in the event of a counterparty default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations. |
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| The Partnership takes possession of securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements and is permitted to repledge, deliver or otherwise use such securities. The Partnership also pledges its financial instruments to counterparties to collateralize repurchase agreements. Financial instruments pledged that can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty are recorded in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. |
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| Blackstone does not offset assets and liabilities relating to reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Additional disclosures relating to offsetting are discussed in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”. |
| Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased | ' |
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| Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased |
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| Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased consist of equity and debt securities that the Partnership has borrowed and sold. The Partnership is required to “cover” its short sale in the future by purchasing the security at prevailing market prices and delivering it to the counterparty from which it borrowed the security. The Partnership is exposed to loss in the event that the price at which a security may have to be purchased to cover a short sale exceeds the price at which the borrowed security was sold short. |
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| Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. |
| Derivative Instruments | ' |
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| Derivative Instruments |
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| The Partnership recognizes all derivatives as assets or liabilities on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. On the date the Partnership enters into a derivative contract, it designates and documents each derivative contract as one of the following: (a) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), (c) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or (d) a derivative instrument not designated as a hedging instrument (“freestanding derivative”). For a fair value hedge, Blackstone records changes in the fair value of the derivative and, to the extent that it is highly effective, changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, in current period earnings in General, Administrative and Other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments caused by factors other than changes in the risk being hedged, which are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recognized in current period earnings. |
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| The Partnership formally documents at inception its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, its risk management objectives, strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction and the Partnership’s evaluation of effectiveness of its hedged transaction. At least monthly, the Partnership also formally assesses whether the derivative it designated in each hedging relationship is expected to be, and has been, highly effective in offsetting changes in estimated fair values or cash flows of the hedged items using either the regression analysis or the dollar offset method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued. The Partnership may also at any time remove a designation of a fair value hedge. The fair value of the derivative instrument is reflected within Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. |
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| For freestanding derivative contracts, the Partnership presents changes in fair value in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments held by consolidated Blackstone Funds are reflected in Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities or, where derivative instruments are held by the Partnership, within Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of freestanding derivative assets are recorded within Investments and freestanding derivative liabilities are recorded within Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. |
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| The Partnership has elected to not offset derivative assets and liabilities or financial assets in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, including cash and securities, that may be received or paid as part of collateral arrangements, even when an enforceable master netting agreement is in place that provides the Partnership, in the event of counterparty default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations. |
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| Blackstone’s other disclosures regarding derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments”. |
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| Blackstone’s disclosures regarding offsetting are discussed in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”. |
| Affiliates | ' |
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| Affiliates |
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| Blackstone considers its Founder, senior managing directors, employees, the Blackstone Funds and the Portfolio Companies to be affiliates. |
| Distributions | ' |
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| Distributions |
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| Distributions are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements when declared. |
| Recent Accounting Developments | ' |
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| Recent Accounting Developments |
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| In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance did not change the requirement for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments required an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. |
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| The guidance was effective prospectively for periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Adoption had no impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. |
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| In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance to enhance disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (a) offset or (b) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset. Under the amended guidance, an entity is required to disclose quantitative information relating to recognized assets and liabilities that are offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, including (a) the gross amounts of those recognized assets and liabilities, (b) the amounts offset to determine the net amount presented in the statement of financial position, and (c) the net amount presented in the statement of financial position. With respect to amounts subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement which are not offset, disclosure is required of (a) the amounts related to recognized financial instruments and other derivative instruments, (b) the amount related to financial collateral (including cash collateral), and (c) the overall net amount after considering amounts that have not been offset. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods and retrospective application is required. As the amendments were limited to disclosure only, adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. |
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| In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the scope of disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendments clarified that the scope of guidance issued in December 2011 to enhance disclosures around financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (a) offset, or (b) subject to a master netting agreement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset, applies to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amendments were effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. |
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| In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the measurement of joint and several liability arrangements in which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance requires entities to measure obligations from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of the guidance is fixed at the reporting date as the sum of (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. |
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| In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent entity’s accounting for cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. When a parent entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or a group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity, any related portion of the total cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. For an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, partial sale guidance applies. As such, a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon a partial sale of such an equity method investment. For an equity method investment that is not a foreign entity, the cumulative translation adjustment is released into net income only if the partial sale represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity that contains the equity method investment. Additionally, the guidance clarifies that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes both (a) events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity (that is, irrespective of any retained investment) and (b) events that result in an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (sometimes also referred to as a step acquisition). Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon the occurrence of those events. The guidance shall be applied on a prospective basis for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The guidance should be applied to derecognition events occurring after the effective date. Prior periods should not be adjusted. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. |
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| In April 2013, the FASB issued guidance on when and how an entity should prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting. The guidance requires an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent. Financial statements prepared using the liquidation basis of accounting shall measure and present assets at the amount of the expected cash proceeds from liquidation. The presentation of assets shall include any items that had not previously been recognized under GAAP but that it expects to either sell in liquidation or use in settling liabilities. Liabilities shall be recognized and measured in accordance with GAAP that otherwise applies to those liabilities. The guidance requires an entity to accrue and separately present the costs that it expects to incur and the income that it expects to earn during the expected duration of the liquidation, including any costs associated with sale or settlement of those assets and liabilities. The guidance requires disclosures about an entity’s plan for liquidation, the methods and significant assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities, the type and amount of costs and income accrued, and the expected duration of the liquidation process. The guidance is effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. The guidance should be applied prospectively. Adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. |
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| In June 2013, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the characteristics of an investment company and to provide guidance for assessing whether an entity is an investment company. Consistent with existing guidance for investment companies, all investments are to be measured at fair value including non-controlling ownership interests in other investment companies. There are no changes to the current requirements relating to the retention of specialized accounting in the consolidated financial statements of a non-investment company parent. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and early application is prohibited. Adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. |
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| In June 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance requires that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity is required to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, an entity may include variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. |
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| The guidance introduces new qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements about contracts with customers including revenue and impairments recognized, disaggregation of revenue and information about contract balances and performance obligations. Information is required about significant judgments and changes in judgments in determining the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and determining the transaction price and amounts allocated to performance obligations. Additional disclosures are required about assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. |
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| The amended guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The guidance may have a material impact on Blackstone’s consolidated financial statements if it is determined that both performance fees and carried interest are forms of variable consideration that may not be included in the transaction price. This may significantly delay the recognition of carried interest income and performance fees. |
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| In June 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance on transfers and servicing. Under the amended guidance, repurchase transactions previously accounted for as sales should be accounted for as secured borrowings. There are additional disclosures relating to repurchase agreements, secured lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings including a disaggregation of the gross obligations by the class of collateral pledged, the remaining contractual tenor of the agreements and a discussion of the potential risks associated with the agreements and the related collateral pledged. |
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| The guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. Earlier application is prohibited. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Blackstone’s financial statements. |
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| In August 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance on the measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities of a consolidated collateralized financing entity. Under the amended guidance, a reporting entity that consolidates a collateralized financing entity may elect to measure the financial assets and the financial liabilities using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. When this measurement alternative is elected, a reporting entity’s consolidated net income (loss) should reflect the reporting entity’s own economic interest in the collateralized financing entity, including (a) changes in the fair value of the beneficial interests retained by the reporting entity and (b) beneficial interests that represent compensation for services. When this measurement alternative is not elected, the amendments clarify that the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities should be measured in accordance with existing fair value guidance and any difference in the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities should be reflected in earnings and attributed to the reporting entity in the consolidated statement of income (loss). The guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the annual period. The guidance is expected to impact the measurement of the financial assets or financial liabilities of Blackstone’s consolidated collateralized loan obligation vehicles and have a material impact on the recognition of appropriated partners’ capital. However, the impact on net income attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. is not expected to be material. |
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