Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vornado and the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. All inter-company amounts have been eliminated. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recently Issued Accounting Literature In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update ("ASU 2020-04") establishing Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform. ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. We have elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur. In August 2020, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2020-06") Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock, removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception and also simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. ASU 2020-06 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2020-06 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - continued Recently Issued Accounting Literature - continued In July 2021, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2021-05") Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments to ASC Topic 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). ASU 2021-05 provides additional ASC 842 classification guidance as it relates to a lessor's accounting for certain leases with variable lease payments. ASU 2021-05 requires a lessor to classify a lease with variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate as an operating lease if either a sales-type lease or direct financing lease classification would trigger a day-one loss. ASU 2021-05 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2021-05 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Significant Accounting Policies Real Estate: Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Betterments, major renewals and certain costs directly related to the improvement and leasing of real estate are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. For redevelopment of existing operating properties, the net book value of the existing property under redevelopment plus the cost for the construction and improvements incurred in connection with the redevelopment, including interest and debt expense, are capitalized to the extent the capitalized costs of the property do not exceed the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property when complete. If the cost of the redeveloped property, including the net book value of the existing property, exceeds the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property, the excess is charged to expense. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from 7 to 40 years. Tenant allowances are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases, which approximate the useful lives of the assets. Upon the acquisition of real estate, we assess whether the transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or as a business combination. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. Our acquisitions of real estate generally will not meet the definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e. land, buildings, and related identified intangible assets). We assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, identified intangibles, such as acquired above and below-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships) and acquired liabilities and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments which are on a relative fair value basis. We assess fair value 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 historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions. We amortize identified intangibles that have finite lives over the period they are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business acquired. Our properties, including any related right-of-use ("ROU") assets and intangible assets, are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. If our estimates of the future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or market conditions change, our evaluation of impairment losses may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates of future cash flows are subjective and are based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates, capital requirements, capitalization rates and discount rates that could differ materially from actual results. 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - continued Significant Accounting Policies - continued Partially Owned Entities: We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider (i) whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which we are the primary beneficiary or (ii) whether the entity is a voting interest entity in which we have a majority of the voting interests of the entity. We are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We generally do not control a partially owned entity if the approval of all of the partners/members is contractually required with respect to decisions that most significantly impact the performance of the partially owned entity. This includes decisions regarding operating/capital budgets, and the placement of new or additional financing secured by the assets of the venture, among others. We account for investments under the equity method when the requirements for consolidation are not met, and we have significant influence over the operations of the investee. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period. Investments that do not qualify for consolidation or equity method accounting are accounted for under the cost method. Investments in unconsolidated partially owned entities are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded when there is a decline in the fair value below the carrying value and we conclude such decline is other-than-temporary. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of an investment over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on current plans, intended holding periods, ability to hold, and available information at the time the analyses are prepared. 220 Central Park South Condominium Units Ready For Sale: Our 220 Central Park South ("220 CPS") residential condominium units are reclassified from "development costs and construction in progress" to "220 Central Park South condominium units ready for sale" upon receipt of the unit's temporary certificate of occupancy. These units are substantially complete and ready for sale. Each unit is carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We have used the relative sales value method to allocate costs to individual condominium units. GAAP income is recognized when legal title transfers upon closing of the condominium unit sales and is included in "net gains on disposition of wholly owned and partially owned assets" on our consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, none of the 220 CPS condominium units ready for sale had a carrying value that exceeded fair value. Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents consists of (i) deposits at major commercial banks, which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit, (ii) United States Treasury Bills, and (iii) Certificate of Deposits placed through an Account Registry Service. Restricted Cash: Restricted cash consists of security deposits, cash restricted for the purposes of facilitating a Section 1031 Like-Kind exchange, cash restricted in connection with our deferred compensation plan and cash escrowed under loan agreements, including for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance and capital improvements. Deferred Charges: Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense. Direct and incremental costs related to successful leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest rate method, in accordance with the terms of the agreements to which they relate. 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - continued Significant Accounting Policies - continued Revenue Recognition: •Rental revenues include revenues from the leasing of space at our properties to tenants, revenues from the Hotel Pennsylvania (permanently closed on April 5, 2021), trade shows, tenant services and parking garage revenues. •Revenues from the leasing of space at our properties to tenants includes (i) lease components, including fixed and variable lease payments, and nonlease components which include reimbursement of common area maintenance expenses, and (ii) reimbursement of real estate taxes and insurance expenses. As lessor, we have elected to combine the lease and nonlease components of our operating lease agreements and account for the components as a single lease component in accordance with ASC 842. •Revenues from fixed lease payments for operating leases in our portfolio are recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease, together with renewal options that are reasonably certain of being exercised. We commence revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. •Revenue derived from the reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance expenses and common area maintenance expenses are generally recognized in the same period as the related expenses are incurred. •We recognize amortization of acquired below-market leases as an increase to rental revenues and amortization of acquired above-market leases as a decrease to rental revenues over the term of the lease (see Note 8 - Identified Intangible Assets and Liabilities). •Hotel revenues arising from the operation of Hotel Pennsylvania, which we permanently closed on April 5, 2021, consists of room revenue, food and beverage revenue, and banquet revenue. Room revenues are recognized when the rooms are made available for the guest, in accordance with ASC 842. •Trade shows revenues arising from the operation of trade shows is primarily booth rentals. These revenues are recognized upon the occurrence of the trade shows when the trade show booths are made available for use by the exhibitors, in accordance with ASC 842. •Tenant services revenues arises from sub-metered electric, elevator, trash removal and other services provided to tenants at their request. These revenues are recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). •Parking garage revenues arise from the operations of our parking facilities which charge a hourly or monthly fee to provide parking services. These revenues are recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC 606. •Fee and other income includes management, leasing and other revenue arising from contractual agreements with third parties or with partially owned entities and includes BMS cleaning, engineering and security services. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC 606. We evaluate on an individual lease basis whether it is probable that we will collect substantially all amounts due from our tenants and recognize changes in the collectability assessment of our operating leases as adjustments to rental revenue. Management exercises judgment in assessing collectability of tenant receivables and considers payment history, current credit status and publicly available information about the financial condition of the tenant, the impact of COVID-19 on tenants' businesses, and other factors. Tenant receivables, including receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents, are written off when management deems that the collectability of substantially all future lease payments from a specific lease is not probable of collection, at which point, the Company will limit future rental revenues to cash received. We have made a policy election in accordance with the FASB Staff Q&A which provides relief in accounting for leases during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to continue recognizing rental revenue on a straight-line basis for rent deferrals, with no impact to revenue recognition, and to recognize rent abatements as a reduction to rental revenue in the period granted. 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - continued Significant Accounting Policies - continued Income Taxes: Vornado operates in a manner intended to enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856‑860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under those sections, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income as a dividend to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders. Vornado distributes to its shareholders 100% of its REIT taxable income and therefore, no provision for Federal income taxes is required. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2021, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 84.2% ordinary income under Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code and 15.8% qualified dividend income (taxed as long-term capital gain). Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2020, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as ordinary income. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2019, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 62.1% ordinary income and 37.9% long-term capital gain. We have elected to treat certain consolidated subsidiaries, and may in the future elect to treat newly formed subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries pursuant to an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code that became effective January 1, 2001. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate related activities and/or perform non-customary services for tenants and are subject to Federal and State income tax at regular corporate tax rates. Farley Office and Retail, our 220 CPS condominium project and the operations of Hotel Pennsylvania, prior to its closure, are held through taxable REIT subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $8,582,000 and $15,017,000, respectively, and are included in “other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax liabilities of $40,591,000 and $29,348,000, respectively, which are included in "other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. The deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to net operating loss carry forwards and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $10,496,000 of income tax benefit based on an effective tax rate of approximately (5.3)%. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized $36,630,000 and $103,439,000 of income tax expense, respectively, based on effective tax rates of approximately (8.6)% and 3.0%, respectively. Income tax benefit (expense) recorded in each of the years primarily relates to our consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries, and certain state, local, and franchise taxes. The year ended December 31, 2021 included $27,910,000 of income tax benefit recognized by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, $10,868,000 of income tax expense resulting from book to tax differences (primarily straight-line rent adjustments and depreciation) on our investment in Farley Office and Retail and $5,711,000 of income tax expense recognized on the sale of 220 CPS condominium units. The years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, included $49,221,000 and $101,828,000, respectively, of income tax expense recognized on the sale of 220 CPS condominium units. The Company has no uncertain tax positions recognized as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Operating Partnership’s partners are required to report their respective share of taxable income on their individual tax returns. The estimated taxable income attributable to Vornado common shareholders (unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $413,026,000, $419,812,000, and $917,162,000, respectively. The book to tax differences between net income (loss) and estimated taxable income primarily result from differences in the income recognition or deductibility of depreciation and amortization, gain or loss from the sale of real estate and other capital transactions, impairment losses, straight-line rent adjustments, stock option expense and repairs expense related to the tangible property regulations. The net basis of Vornado’s assets and liabilities for tax reporting purposes is approximately $2.6 billion lower than the amounts reported in Vornado’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vornado and the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. All inter-company amounts have been eliminated. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update ("ASU 2020-04") establishing Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform. ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. We have elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur.

In August 2020, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2020-06") Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock, removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception and also simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. ASU 2020-06 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2020-06 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2021, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2021-05") Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments to ASC Topic 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). ASU 2021-05 provides additional ASC 842 classification guidance as it relates to a lessor's accounting for certain leases with variable lease payments. ASU 2021-05 requires a lessor to classify a lease with variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate as an operating lease if either a sales-type lease or direct financing lease classification would trigger a day-one loss. ASU 2021-05 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2021-05 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Real Estate: Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Betterments, major renewals and certain costs directly related to the improvement and leasing of real estate are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. For redevelopment of existing operating properties, the net book value of the existing property under redevelopment plus the cost for the construction and improvements incurred in connection with the redevelopment, including interest and debt expense, are capitalized to the extent the capitalized costs of the property do not exceed the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property when complete. If the cost of the redeveloped property, including the net book value of the existing property, exceeds the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property, the excess is charged to expense. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from 7 to 40 years. Tenant allowances are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases, which approximate the useful lives of the assets.

Upon the acquisition of real estate, we assess whether the transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or as a business combination. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. Our acquisitions of real estate generally will not meet the definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e. land, buildings, and related identified intangible assets).

We assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, identified intangibles, such as acquired above and below-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships) and acquired liabilities and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments which are on a relative fair value basis. We assess fair value 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 historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions. We amortize identified intangibles that have finite lives over the period they are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business acquired.

Our properties, including any related right-of-use ("ROU") assets and intangible assets, are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. If our estimates of the future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or market conditions change, our evaluation of impairment losses may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates of future cash flows are subjective and are based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates, capital requirements, capitalization rates and discount rates that could differ materially from actual results.

Partially Owned Entities: We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider (i) whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which we are the primary beneficiary or (ii) whether the entity is a voting interest entity in which we have a majority of the voting interests of the entity. We are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We generally do not control a partially owned entity if the approval of all of the partners/members is contractually required with respect to decisions that most significantly impact the performance of the partially owned entity. This includes decisions regarding operating/capital budgets, and the placement of new or additional financing secured by the assets of the venture, among others. We account for investments under the equity method when the requirements for consolidation are not met, and we have significant influence over the operations of the investee. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period. Investments that do not qualify for consolidation or equity method accounting are accounted for under the cost method.

Investments in unconsolidated partially owned entities are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded when there is a decline in the fair value below the carrying value and we conclude such decline is other-than-temporary. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of an investment over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on current plans, intended holding periods, ability to hold, and available information at the time the analyses are prepared.

220 Central Park South Condominium Units Ready For Sale: Our 220 Central Park South ("220 CPS") residential condominium units are reclassified from "development costs and construction in progress" to "220 Central Park South condominium units ready for sale" upon receipt of the unit's temporary certificate of occupancy. These units are substantially complete and ready for sale. Each unit is carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We have used the relative sales value method to allocate costs to individual condominium units. GAAP income is recognized when legal title transfers upon closing of the condominium unit sales and is included in "net gains on disposition of wholly owned and partially owned assets" on our consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, none of the 220 CPS condominium units ready for sale had a carrying value that exceeded fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents consists of (i) deposits at major commercial banks, which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit, (ii) United States Treasury Bills, and (iii) Certificate of Deposits placed through an Account Registry Service.

Restricted Cash: Restricted cash consists of security deposits, cash restricted for the purposes of facilitating a Section 1031 Like-Kind exchange, cash restricted in connection with our deferred compensation plan and cash escrowed under loan agreements, including for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance and capital improvements.

Deferred Charges: Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense. Direct and incremental costs related to successful leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest rate method, in accordance with the terms of the agreements to which they relate.

•Revenues from the leasing of space at our properties to tenants includes (i) lease components, including fixed and variable lease payments, and nonlease components which include reimbursement of common area maintenance expenses, and (ii) reimbursement of real estate taxes and insurance expenses. As lessor, we have elected to combine the lease and nonlease components of our operating lease agreements and account for the components as a single lease component in accordance with ASC 842.

•Revenues from fixed lease payments for operating leases in our portfolio are recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease, together with renewal options that are reasonably certain of being exercised. We commence revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use.

We evaluate on an individual lease basis whether it is probable that we will collect substantially all amounts due from our tenants and recognize changes in the collectability assessment of our operating leases as adjustments to rental revenue. Management exercises judgment in assessing collectability of tenant receivables and considers payment history, current credit status and publicly available information about the financial condition of the tenant, the impact of COVID-19 on tenants' businesses, and other factors. Tenant receivables, including receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents, are written off when management deems that the collectability of substantially all future lease payments from a specific lease is not probable of collection, at which point, the Company will limit future rental revenues to cash received.

We have made a policy election in accordance with the FASB Staff Q&A which provides relief in accounting for leases during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to continue recognizing rental revenue on a straight-line basis for rent deferrals, with no impact to revenue recognition, and to recognize rent abatements as a reduction to rental revenue in the period granted.

Income Taxes: Vornado operates in a manner intended to enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856‑860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under those sections, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income as a dividend to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders. Vornado distributes to its shareholders 100% of its REIT taxable income and therefore, no provision for Federal income taxes is required. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2021, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 84.2% ordinary income under Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code and 15.8% qualified dividend income (taxed as long-term capital gain). Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2020, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as ordinary income. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2019, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 62.1% ordinary income and 37.9% long-term capital gain.

We have elected to treat certain consolidated subsidiaries, and may in the future elect to treat newly formed subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries pursuant to an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code that became effective January 1, 2001. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate related activities and/or perform non-customary services for tenants and are subject to Federal and State income tax at regular corporate tax rates. Farley Office and Retail, our 220 CPS condominium project and the operations of Hotel Pennsylvania, prior to its closure, are held through taxable REIT subsidiaries.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $8,582,000 and $15,017,000, respectively, and are included in “other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax liabilities of $40,591,000 and $29,348,000, respectively, which are included in "other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. The deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to net operating loss carry forwards and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $10,496,000 of income tax benefit based on an effective tax rate of approximately (5.3)%. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized $36,630,000 and $103,439,000 of income tax expense, respectively, based on effective tax rates of approximately (8.6)% and 3.0%, respectively. Income tax benefit (expense) recorded in each of the years primarily relates to our consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries, and certain state, local, and franchise taxes. The year ended December 31, 2021 included $27,910,000 of income tax benefit recognized by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, $10,868,000 of income tax expense resulting from book to tax differences (primarily straight-line rent adjustments and depreciation) on our investment in Farley Office and Retail and $5,711,000 of income tax expense recognized on the sale of 220 CPS condominium units. The years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, included $49,221,000 and $101,828,000, respectively, of income tax expense recognized on the sale of 220 CPS condominium units. The Company has no uncertain tax positions recognized as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The estimated taxable income attributable to Vornado common shareholders (unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $413,026,000, $419,812,000, and $917,162,000, respectively. The book to tax differences between net income (loss) and estimated taxable income primarily result from differences in the income recognition or deductibility of depreciation and amortization, gain or loss from the sale of real estate and other capital transactions, impairment losses, straight-line rent adjustments, stock option expense and repairs expense related to the tangible property regulations.