2.4.0.81020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policiestruefalsefalse1false falsefalseD2013Q2YTDhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001455650duration2013-01-01T00:00:002013-06-30T00:00:001true 1us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstractus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringfalse0Summary of Significant Accounting Policies2false 2us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Times New Roman;"> 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Quarterly Presentation         The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. 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 consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the SEC. Principles of Consolidation         The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. The Company consolidates variable interest entities ("VIE") where the Company is the primary beneficiary, if any, and voting interest entities which are generally majority owned or otherwise controlled by the Company. All significant intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation. Variable Interest Entities         A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE includes both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The Company bases its qualitative analysis on its review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and relevant financial agreements and its quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flow of the entity. The Company reassesses its initial evaluation of an entity as a VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events.         A VIE must be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who, along with its affiliates and agents has both the: (i) power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance; and (ii) obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE or the right to receive the benefits from the VIE, which could be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by considering qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of its investment; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or other interests to provide financial support; consideration of the VIE's purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of the Company and the other interests. The Company reassesses its determination of whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE each reporting period. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair value and performance of investments held by these VIEs and general market conditions.         The Company evaluates its CRE debt and securities, investments in unconsolidated ventures and its securitization financing transaction to determine whether they are a VIE. The Company analyzes new investments and financings, as well as reconsideration events for existing investments and financings, which vary depending on type of investment or financing. As of June 30, 2013, the Company identified one VIE related to its securities investments. The VIE has a carrying value of $25.2 million as of June 30, 2013. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as of June 30, 2013 would not exceed the carrying value of its investment. Based on management's analysis, the Company determined that it does not currently or potentially hold a significant interest in this VIE and, therefore, is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the VIE is not consolidated in the Company's financial statements as of June 30, 2013. The Company did not provide financial support to its unconsolidated VIE during the six months ended June 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2013, there were no explicit arrangements or implicit variable interests that could require the Company to provide financial support to its unconsolidated VIE. An affiliate of the Sponsor is named special servicer of the VIE. Voting Interest Entities         A voting interest entity is an entity in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable it to finance its activities independently and the equity holders have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, the obligation to absorb the losses of the entity and the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a voting interest entity is ownership of a majority voting interest. If the Company has a majority voting interest in a voting interest entity, the entity will generally be consolidated. The Company does not consolidate a voting interest entity if there are substantive participating and/or kick-out rights by other parties.         The Company performs on-going reassessments of whether entities previously evaluated under the majority voting-interest framework have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore subject to the VIE consolidation framework. Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Ventures         The Company has non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interests in entities that may be accounted for using the equity method, at fair value or the cost method.         Under the equity method, the investment is adjusted each period for capital contributions and distributions and its share of the entity's net income (loss). Capital contributions, distributions and net income (loss) of such entities are recorded in accordance with the terms of the governing documents. Allocations of net income (loss) may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in such entities as a result of preferred returns and allocation formulas, if any, as described in such governing documents.         The Company may account for an investment in an unconsolidated entity at fair value by electing the fair value option. The Company elected the fair value option for its investments in joint ventures that own limited partnership interests in real estate private equity funds ("PE Investments"). PE Investments are recorded as investments in private equity funds, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company records the change in fair value for its share of the projected future cash flow of PE Investments from one period to another in equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures in the consolidated statements of operations. Any change in fair value attributed to market related assumptions are considered unrealized gain (loss).         The Company may account for investments that do not qualify for equity method accounting or for which the fair value option was not elected using the cost method if the Company determines the investment in the unconsolidated entity is insignificant. Under the cost method, equity in earnings is recorded as dividends are received to the extent they are not considered a return of capital which is recorded as a reduction of cost of the investment.         The Company evaluates whether disclosure of summarized financial statement information is required for any individually significant investment in unconsolidated ventures. The Company determined there was one significant unconsolidated joint venture with respect to PE Investment I as of June 30, 2013. However, given the Company records equity in earnings (losses) based on the change in fair value for its share of the projected future cash flow from one period to another, the Company determined there is no relevant summarized financial information to disclose. Estimates         The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates and assumptions. Reclassifications         Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation. Comprehensive Income (Loss)         The Company reports consolidated comprehensive income (loss) in separate statements following the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity resulting from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). The only component of OCI is unrealized gain (loss) on CRE securities for which the fair value option was not elected. Fair Value Option         The fair value option provides an election that allows a company to irrevocably elect fair value for certain financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. The Company will generally not elect the fair value option for its assets and liabilities. However, the Company may elect to apply the fair value option for certain investments. Any change in fair value for assets and liabilities for which the election is made is recognized in earnings. Real Estate Debt Investments         CRE debt investments are generally intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan fees, premium, discount and unfunded commitments. CRE debt investments that are deemed to be impaired are carried at amortized cost less a loan loss reserve, if deemed appropriate, which approximates fair value. Real Estate Securities         The Company classifies its CRE securities investments as available for sale on the acquisition date, which are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity. However, the Company may elect the fair value option for certain of its available for sale securities, and as a result, any unrealized gains (losses) on such securities are recorded in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other in the consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2013, the Company did not have any CRE securities investments for which it elected the fair value option. Revenue Recognition Real Estate Debt Investments         Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. The amortization of a premium or accretion of a discount is discontinued if such loan is reclassified to held for sale. Real Estate Securities         Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method with any premium or discount amortized or accreted through earnings based on expected cash flow through the expected maturity date of the security. Changes to expected cash flow may result in a change to the yield which is then applied retrospectively (for high-credit quality securities) or prospectively for all other securities to recognize interest income. Credit Losses and Impairment on Investments Real Estate Debt Investments         Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms. The Company assesses the credit quality of the portfolio and adequacy of loan loss reserves on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment of the Company is required in this analysis. The Company considers the estimated net recoverable value of the loan as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the quality and financial condition of the borrower and the competitive situation of the area where the underlying collateral is located. Because this determination is based on projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amount ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the loan, a loan loss reserve is recorded with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The loan loss reserve for each loan is maintained at a level that is determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses. As of June 30, 2013, the Company did not have any impaired CRE debt investments.         Income recognition is suspended for a loan at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90-days past due or when, in the opinion of the Company, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method until an accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged. Real Estate Securities         CRE securities for which the fair value option is elected are not evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") as any change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized losses on such securities are reclassified to realized gain (loss) on investments and other as losses occur.         CRE securities for which the fair value option is not elected are evaluated for OTTI quarterly. When the fair value of CRE securities is less than its amortized cost the security is considered impaired. If the Company either intends to sell an impaired security or it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell an impaired security prior to its anticipated recovery, then the Company must recognize OTTI through a charge to the consolidated statements of operations equal to the difference between amortized cost and fair value at the measurement date. If the Company does not intend to sell an impaired security and it is not more-likely-than-not that it would be required to sell an impaired security prior to its recovery, then the Company must evaluate the security for any impairment. The portion of OTTI related to expected credit losses is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining OTTI related to the valuation adjustment is recognized as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity. The portion of OTTI recognized through earnings is accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security through interest income, while amounts recognized through OCI are amortized over the life of the security with no impact on earnings. Derivatives         Derivatives are used to manage exposure to interest rate risk. All cash settlements and any change in fair value are recorded in interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2013, the Company had one interest rate floor as a hedge related to its floating-rate investments, maturing in October 2015 with a fair value of $7.1 million and a notional amount of $225.0 million. Derivatives are generally valued using a third-party pricing service. These quotations are not adjusted and are based on observable inputs that can be validated, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (refer to Note 11). The interest rate floor is included in deferred costs and other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2013. Other         Refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 for a complete discussion of the Company's significant accounting policies. Recent Accounting Pronouncements         In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an accounting update to present the reclassification adjustments to OCI by component on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety into earnings, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP to provide additional detail about those amounts. The Company adopted the provisions of the update and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. </div>falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaThe entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 false0Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesfalseSummary of Significant Accounting PoliciesUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruefalsefalseSheethttp://www.northstarreit.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies12