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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Real Estate [Policy Text Block]

The Fund is accounted for under ASC 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies and its investments are reported on its balance sheet at fair value, with changes in value each period recognized in earnings. We consolidate the accounts of the Fund into our consolidated financial statements, retaining the fair value basis of accounting.

 

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Policy [Text Block]

Redeemable noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheets are comprised primarily of Class A Operating Partnership units that are held by third parties and are recorded at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the value from period to period are charged to “additional capital” in our consolidated statements of changes in equity.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests exclude our Series G-1 through G-4 convertible preferred units and Series D-13 cumulative redeemable preferred units, as they are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities and Equity, because of their possible settlement by issuing a variable number of Vornado common shares.

Fair Value Measurement Policy [Policy Text Block]

In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret Level 2 and 3 inputs in determining the fair value of our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Accordingly, our fair value estimates, which are made at the end of each reporting period, may be different than the amounts that may ultimately be realized upon sale or disposition of these assets.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets consist of (i) marketable securities, (ii) real estate fund investments, (iii) the assets in our deferred compensation plan (for which there is a corresponding liability on our consolidated balance sheet), (iv) mandatorily redeemable instruments (Series G-1 through G-4 convertible preferred units and Series D-13 cumulative redeemable preferred units), and (v) an interest rate swap.

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis on our consolidated balance sheets consist primarily of real estate assets required to be measured for impairment at December 31, 2014. The fair value of our real estate assets was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including (i) discounted cash flow analysis, which considers, among other things, leasing assumptions, growth rates, discount rates and terminal capitalization rates, (ii) income capitalization approach, which considers prevailing market capitalization rates, and (iii) comparable sales activity.

Financial Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value

 

Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets include cash equivalents (primarily money market funds, which invest in obligations of the United States government), mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable and our secured and unsecured debt. Estimates of the fair value of these instruments are determined by the standard practice of modeling the contractual cash flows required under the instrument and discounting them back to their present value at the appropriate current risk adjusted interest rate, which is provided by a third-party specialist. For floating rate debt, we use forward rates derived from observable market yield curves to project the expected cash flows we would be required to make under the instrument. The fair value of cash equivalents and borrowings under our revolving credit facility is classified as Level 1, and the fair value of our mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable is classified as Level 3. The fair value of our secured and unsecured debt are classified as Level 2.