| Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by us. Entities which we do not control through our voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities, but where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method or as preferred equity investments. See Note 5, "Preferred Equity and Other Investments." ROP's investments in majority-owned and controlled real estate joint ventures are reflected in the financial statements on a consolidated basis with a reduction for the noncontrolling partners' interests. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. We consolidate a variable interest entity, or VIE, in which we are considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. A noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us. Noncontrolling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of capital in the consolidated balance sheet and the presentation of net income is modified to present earnings and other comprehensive income attributed to controlling and noncontrolling interests. We assess the accounting treatment for each joint venture and preferred equity investment. This assessment includes a review of each joint venture or limited liability company agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating. For all VIEs, we review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. In situations where we and our partner approve, among other things, the annual budget, receive a detailed monthly reporting package from us, meet on a quarterly basis to review the results of the joint venture, review and approve the joint venture's tax return before filing, and approve all leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property, we do not consolidate the joint venture as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the joint venture. Our joint venture agreements typically contain certain protective rights such as the requirement of partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the property and the payment of capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan. Investment in Commercial Real Estate Properties On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indications that the value of our real estate properties may be other than temporarily impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. A property's value is considered impaired if management's estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges for consolidated properties) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the calculated fair value of the property. We also evaluate our real estate properties for potential impairment when a real estate property has been classified as held for sale. Real estate assets held for sale are valued at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. We do not believe that the values of any of our consolidated properties were other than temporarily impaired at June 30, 2015 . We allocate the purchase price of real estate to land and building (inclusive of tenant improvements) and, if determined to be material, intangibles, such as the value of the above- and below-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building (inclusive of tenant improvements) over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years . We amortize the amount allocated to the above- and below-market leases over the remaining term of the associated lease, which generally range from one to 14 years , and record it as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income. We amortize the amount allocated to the values associated with in-place leases over the expected term of the associated lease, which generally ranges from one to 14 years . If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off. The tenant improvements and origination costs are amortized as an expense over the remaining life of the lease (or charged against earnings if the lease is terminated prior to its contractual expiration date). We assess fair value of the leases based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. To the extent acquired leases contain fixed rate renewal options that are below-market and determined to be material, we amortize such below-market lease value into rental income over the renewal period. We recognized an increase of $6.9 million , $12.6 million , $5.4 million and $11.2 million in rental revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for the amortization of aggregate below-market leases in excess of above-market leases and a reduction in lease origination costs, resulting from the allocation of the purchase price of the applicable properties. The following summarizes our identified intangible assets (acquired above-market leases and in-place leases) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market leases) as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Identified intangible assets (included in other assets): Gross amount $ 289,180 $ 293,354 Accumulated amortization (221,273 ) (212,957 ) Net $ 67,907 $ 80,397 Identified intangible liabilities (included in deferred revenue): Gross amount $ 434,723 $ 443,520 Accumulated amortization (324,960 ) (315,889 ) Net $ 109,763 $ 127,631 ____________________________________________________________________ (1) As of June 30, 2015, $1.8 million and $5.8 million of net intangible assets and net intangible liabilities, respectively, were reclassed to assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures We may originate loans for real estate acquisition, development and construction, where we expect to receive some or all of the residual profit from such projects. When the risk and rewards of these arrangements are essentially the same as an investor or joint venture partner, we account for these arrangements as real estate investments under the equity method of accounting for investments. Otherwise, we account for these arrangements consistent with our loan accounting for our preferred equity investments. Revenue Recognition Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental revenue recognition commences when the tenant takes possession or controls the physical use of the leased space. In order for the tenant to take possession, the leased space must be substantially ready for its intended use. To determine whether the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use, management evaluates whether we are or the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of the finished space, which is when such tenant improvements are substantially complete. In certain instances, when management concludes that we are not the owner (the tenant is the owner) of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of or controls the space. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, we record amounts funded to construct the tenant improvements as a capital asset. For these tenant improvements, we record amounts reimbursed by tenants as a reduction of the capital asset. When management concludes that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, we record our contribution towards those improvements as a lease incentive, which is included in deferred costs, net on our consolidated balance sheets and amortized as a reduction to rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred rents receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. We establish, on a current basis, an allowance for future potential tenant credit losses, which may occur against this account. The balance reflected on the consolidated balance sheets is net of such allowance. In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters' wage rate in effect during a base year or increases in the consumer price index over the index value in effect during a base year. In addition, many of our leases contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations. Electricity is most often supplied by the landlord either on a sub-metered basis, or rent inclusion basis (i.e., a fixed fee is included in the rent for electricity, which amount may increase based upon increases in electricity rates or increases in electrical usage by the tenant). Base building services other than electricity (such as heat, air conditioning and freight elevator service during business hours, and base building cleaning) are typically provided at no additional cost, with the tenant paying additional rent only for services which exceed base building services or for services which are provided outside normal business hours. These escalations are based on actual expenses incurred in the prior calendar year. If the expenses in the current year are different from those in the prior year, then during the current year, the escalations will be adjusted to reflect the actual expenses for the current year. We record a gain on sale of real estate when title is conveyed to the buyer, subject to the buyer's financial commitment being sufficient to provide economic substance to the sale and we have no substantial economic involvement with the buyer. Interest income on preferred equity investments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the instruments and when, in the opinion of management, it is deemed collectible. Several of the preferred equity investments provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management's determination that accrued interest is ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the borrower. If management cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt. Deferred origination fees, original issue discounts and loan origination costs, if any, are recognized as a reduction to the interest income over the terms of the related investments using the effective interest method. Fees received in connection with loan commitments are also deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of loans are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method based on expected cashflows through the expected maturity date of the related investment. If we purchase a preferred equity investment at a discount, intend to hold it until maturity and expect to recover the full value of the investment, we accrete the discount into income as an adjustment to yield over the term of the investment. If we purchase a preferred equity investment at a discount with the intention of foreclosing on the collateral, we do not accrete the discount. For investments acquired at a discount for credit quality, the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at acquisition is not accreted. Anticipated exit fees, the collection of which is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Preferred equity investments are placed on a non-accrual status at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of interest income becomes doubtful. Interest income recognition on any non-accrual preferred equity investment is resumed when such non-accrual preferred equity investment becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. Interest is recorded as income on impaired loans only to the extent cash is received. We may syndicate a portion of the loans that we originate or sell these loans individually. When a transaction meets the criteria of sale accounting, we derecognize the loan sold and recognize gain or loss based on the difference between the sales price and the carrying value of the loan sold. Any related unamortized deferred origination fees, original issue discounts, loan origination costs, discounts or premiums at the time of sale are recognized as an adjustment to the gain or loss on sale, which is included in investment income on the consolidated statements of operations. Any fees received at the time of sale or syndication are recognized as part of investment income. Asset management fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the asset management agreement. Reserve for Possible Credit Losses The expense for possible credit losses in connection with preferred equity investments is the charge to earnings to increase the allowance for possible credit losses to the level that we estimate to be adequate, based on Level 3 data, considering delinquencies, loss experience and collateral quality. Other factors considered relate to geographic trends and product diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions. Based upon these factors, we establish the provision for possible credit losses on each individual investment. When it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts contractually due, the investment is considered impaired. Where impairment is indicated on an investment that is held to maturity, a valuation allowance is measured based upon the excess of the recorded investment amount over the net fair value of the collateral. Any deficiency between the carrying amount of an asset and the calculated value of the collateral is charged to expense. We continue to assess or adjust our estimates based on circumstances of a loan and the underlying collateral. If the additional information obtained reflects increased recovery of our investment, we will adjust our reserves accordingly. There were no loan reserves recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Income Taxes ROP is a partnership and, as a result, all income and losses of the partnership are allocated to the partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. No provision has been made for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements since such taxes, if any, are the responsibility of the individual partners. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair Value Measurements See Note 9, "Fair Value Measurements." Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, preferred equity investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions. The collateral securing our preferred equity investments is located in New York City. See Note 5, "Preferred Equity and Other Investments." We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our tenants and require most tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the total value of a tenant's lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with re-tenanting a space. Although the properties in our real estate portfolio are primarily located in Manhattan, we also have properties located in Brooklyn, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey. The tenants located in our buildings operate in various industries. Other than two tenants who account for 4.6% and 3.7% of our share of annualized cash rent, respectively, no other tenant in the portfolio accounted for more than 2.7% of our share of annualized cash rent, including our share of joint venture annualized cash rent, at June 30, 2015 . Approximately 15.7% , 9.8% , 7.9% , 8.4% , and 7.1% , of our share of annualized cash rent was attributable to 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 625 Madison Avenue, 750 Third Avenue, 919 Third Avenue and 1350 Avenue of the Americas, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2015 . Reclassification Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation primarily in order to include the transfer of three properties in 2015 and four properties in 2014, which were transferred subsequent to June 30, 2014 . Accounting Standards Updates In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued final guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability (ASU No, 2015-03). The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the guidance is permitted. Upon adoption, an entity must apply the new guidance retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company expects to adopt the guidance effective January 1, 2016 and the guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB, issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance, including introducing a separate consolidation analysis specific to limited partnerships and other similar entities (ASU No. 2015-02). Under this analysis, limited partnerships and other similar entities will be considered a VIE unless the limited partners hold substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption of this guidance is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new comprehensive revenue recognition guidance which requires us to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services (ASU No. 2014-09). The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer by one year the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for both public and nonpublic entities and give both public and private companies the option to early adopt using the original effective date. The new guidance can be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting discontinued operations which raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations (ASU No. 2014-08). The guidance also allows us to have a significant continuing involvement and continuing cash flows with the discontinued operations. Additionally, the guidance requires additional disclosures for discontinued operations and new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance is effective for calendar year public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2015 and is to be applied on a prospective basis for new disposals. Early adoption of this guidance was permitted. The Company has adopted the standard beginning in the first quarter of 2015. The adoption of this guidance changed the presentation of discontinued operations for all properties held for sale and/or disposed of subsequent to January 1, 2015. |
