Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements reflect all of our accounts, including those of our controlled subsidiaries and our tenancy-in-common interests as described below. The portion of equity in a consolidated subsidiary that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us is presented as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements include the historical results of our predecessor prior to the REIT reorganization, the CPA^®:15 Merger and the CPA^®:16 Merger. When we obtain an economic interest in an entity, we evaluate the entity to determine if it is deemed a VIE and, if so, whether we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary and are therefore required to consolidate the entity. We apply accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs to certain entities in which the 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. Fixed price purchase and renewal options within a lease as well as certain decision-making rights within a loan can cause us to consider an entity a VIE. Significant judgment is required to determine whether a VIE should be consolidated. We review the contractual arrangements provided for in the partnership agreement or other related contracts to determine whether the entity is considered a VIE, and to establish whether we have any variable interests in the VIE. We then compare our variable interests, if any, to those of the other variable interest holders to determine which party is the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on whether the entity (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In connection with the CPA^®:16 Merger, we acquired 12 VIEs. We consider these entities VIEs because the leases have certain features such as fixed price purchase or renewal options. For an entity that is not considered to be a VIE but rather a voting interest entity, the general partners in a limited partnership (or similar entity) are presumed to control the entity regardless of the level of their ownership and, accordingly, may be required to consolidate the entity. We evaluate the partnership agreements or other relevant contracts to determine whether there are provisions in the agreements that would overcome this presumption. If the agreements provide the limited partners with either (i) the substantive ability to dissolve or liquidate the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partners without cause or (ii) substantive participating rights, the limited partners’ rights overcome the presumption of control by a general partner of the limited partnership, and, therefore, the general partner must account for its investment in the limited partnership using the equity method of accounting. We have an investment in a tenancy-in-common interest in various underlying international properties. Consolidation of this investment is not required as such interest does not qualify as a VIE and does not meet the control requirement for consolidation. Accordingly, we account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. We use the equity method of accounting because the shared decision-making involved in a tenancy-in-common interest investment provides us with significant influence on the operating and financial decisions of this investment. We also have certain investments in wholly-owned tenancy-in-common interests, which we now consolidate after we obtained the remaining interests in the CPA^®:16 Merger. Additionally, we own interests in single-tenant, net-leased properties leased to companies through noncontrolling interests in partnerships and limited liability companies that we do not control but over which we exercise significant influence. We account for these investments under the equity method of accounting. At times, the carrying value of our equity investments may fall below zero for certain investments. We intend to fund our share of the jointly-owned investments’ future operating deficits should the need arise. However, we have no legal obligation to pay for any of the liabilities of such investments nor do we have any legal obligation to fund operating deficits. At December 31, 2014, none of our equity investments had carrying values below zero. In June 2014, CWI 2 filed a registration statement on Form S-11 with the SEC to sell up to $1.0 billion of its common stock in an initial public offering, plus up to an additional $400.0 million of its common stock under a dividend reinvestment plan. In January 2015, CWI 2 amended the registration statement so that the offering is for up to $1.4 billion of its common stock plus up to an additional $600.0 million of its common stock through its dividend reinvestment plan. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on February 9, 2015. Through December 31, 2014, the financial activity of CWI 2, which had no significant assets, liabilities or operations, was included in our consolidated financial statements. We will continue to consolidate the financial activity of CWI 2 until it admits sufficient shareholders. In September 2014, two feeder funds of CCIF, which are BDCs, each filed registration statements on Form N-2 with the SEC to sell up to 50,000,000 shares and 21,000,000 shares, respectively, of their beneficial interests in initial public offerings, with the proceeds to be invested in shares of CCIF. As of the date of this Report, the registration statements have not been declared effective by the SEC and there can be no assurance as to whether or when such offerings would be commenced. In December 2014, we invested $25.0 million in CCIF, and now account for our interest in CCIF under the equity method of accounting (Note 7). Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Accounting for Acquisitions In accordance with the guidance for business combinations, we determine whether a transaction or other event is a business combination, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business. Each business combination is then accounted for by applying the acquisition method. If the assets acquired are not a business, we account for the transaction or other event as an asset acquisition. Under both methods, we recognize the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity. In addition, for transactions that are business combinations, we evaluate the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. We immediately expense acquisition-related costs and fees associated with business combinations. Purchase Price Allocation When we acquire properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. The tangible assets consist of land, buildings and site improvements. The intangible assets, include the above- and below-market value of leases and the in-place leases, which includes a value for tenant relationships. Land is typically valued utilizing the sales comparison (or market) approach. Buildings are valued, as if vacant, using the cost and/or income approach. Site improvements are valued using the cost approach. The fair value of real estate is determined primarily by reference to portfolio appraisals which determines their values, on a property level, by applying a discounted cash flow analysis to the estimated net operating income for each property in the portfolio during the remaining anticipated lease term, and the estimated residual value. The estimated residual value of each property is based on a hypothetical sale of the property upon expiration of a lease factoring in the re-tenanting of such property at estimated current market rental rates, applying a selected capitalization rate and deducting estimated costs of sale. The discount rates and residual capitalization rates used to value the properties are selected based on several factors, including the creditworthiness of the lessees, industry surveys, property type, location, and age, current lease rates relative to market lease rates, and anticipated lease duration. In the case where a tenant has a purchase option deemed to be materially favorable to the tenant, or the tenant has long-term renewal options at rental rates below estimated market rental rates, we include the value of the exercise of such purchase option or long-term renewal options in the determination of residual value. Where a property is deemed to have excess land, the discounted cash flow analysis includes the estimated excess land value at the assumed expiration of the lease, based upon an analysis of comparable land sales or listings in the general market area of the property grown at estimated market growth rates through the year of lease expiration. See Real Estate Leased to Others and Depreciation below for a discussion of our significant accounting policies related to tangible assets. We record above- and below-market lease intangible values for acquired properties based on the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the leases acquired including consideration of the credit of the lessee) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the leases negotiated and in place at the time of acquisition of the properties and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the property or equivalent property, both of which are measured over a period equal to the estimated lease term, which includes renewal options that have rental rates below estimated market rental rates. We amortize the above-market lease intangible as a reduction of lease revenue over the remaining contractual lease term. We amortize the below-market lease intangible as an increase to lease revenue over the initial term and any renewal periods in the respective leases. We include the value of below-market leases in Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. We measure the fair value of the below-market purchase option liabilities we acquired in connection with the CPA^®:15 Merger and CPA^®:16 Merger as the excess of the present value of the fair value of the real estate over the present value of the tenant’s exercise price at the option date. The value of any in-place lease is estimated to be equal to the acquirer’s avoidance of costs as a result of having tenants in place, that would be necessary to lease the property for a lease term equal to the remaining primary in-place lease term and the value of investment grade tenancy. The cost avoidance is derived first by determining the in-place lease term on the subject lease. Then, based on our review of the market, the cost to be borne by a property owner to replicate a market lease to the remaining in-place term is estimated. These costs consist of: (i) rent lost during downtime (i.e., assumed periods of vacancy), (ii) estimated expenses that would be incurred by the property owner during periods of vacancy, (iii) rent concessions (i.e. free rent), (iv) leasing commissions, and (v) tenant improvements allowances given to tenants. We determine these values using our estimates or by relying in part upon third-party appraisals. We amortize the capitalized value of in-place lease intangibles to expense over the remaining initial term of each lease. The amortization period for intangibles does not exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building. If a lease is terminated, we charge the unamortized portion of above- and below-market lease values to lease revenues and in-place lease values to amortization expense. When we acquire leveraged properties, the fair value of the related debt instruments is determined using a discounted cash flow model with rates that take into account the credit of the tenants, where applicable, and interest rate risk. Such resulting premium or discount is amortized over the remaining term of the obligation. We also consider the value of the underlying collateral, taking into account the quality of the collateral, the credit quality of the tenant, the time until maturity and the current interest rate. Goodwill In the case of a business combination, after identifying all tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, the excess consideration paid over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and assumed, respectively, represents goodwill. We allocated goodwill to the respective reporting units in which such goodwill arose. Goodwill acquired in the CPA^®:15 Merger and the CPA^®:16 Merger was attributed to the Real Estate Ownership segment which comprises one reporting unit. In the event we dispose of a property that constitutes a business under GAAP from a reporting unit with goodwill, we allocate a portion of the reporting unit’s goodwill to that business in determining the gain or loss on the disposal of the business. The amount of goodwill allocated to the business is based on the relative fair value of the business to the fair value of the reporting unit. Real Estate and Operating Real Estate We carry land, buildings, and personal property at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize improvements and significant renovations that increase the useful life of the properties, while we expense replacements, maintenance, and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets as incurred. Assets Held for Sale We classify those assets that are associated with operating leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied, and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell. As described below, under Recent Accounting Requirements, on January 1, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2014-08 and other than the properties classified as held for sale prior to adoption or acquired as held for sale upon acquisition no other sales qualify as discontinued operations. The results of operations and the related gain or loss on sale of properties that have been sold or that are classified as held for sale and in which we will have no significant continuing involvement are included in discontinued operations (Note 16). If circumstances arise that we previously considered unlikely and, as a result, we decide not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, we reclassify the property as held and used. We measure and record a property that is reclassified as held and used at the lower of (i) its carrying amount before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used or (ii) the estimated fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. We recognize gains and losses on the sale of properties when, among other criteria, we no longer have continuing involvement, the parties are bound by the terms of the contract, all consideration has been exchanged, and all conditions precedent to closing have been performed. At the time the sale is consummated, a gain or loss is recognized as the difference between the sale price, less any selling costs, and the carrying value of the property. Notes Receivable For investments in mortgage notes and loan participations, the loans are initially reflected at acquisition cost, which consists of the outstanding balance, net of the acquisition discount or premium. We amortize any discount or premium as an adjustment to increase or decrease, respectively, the yield realized on these loans over the life of the loan. As such, differences between carrying value and principal balances outstanding do not represent embedded losses or gains as we generally plan to hold such loans to maturity. Our notes receivable are included in Other assets, net in the consolidated financial statements. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all short-term, highly-liquid investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Items classified as cash equivalents include commercial paper and money market funds. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in the custody of several financial institutions, and these balances, at times, exceed federally-insurable limits. We seek to mitigate this risk by depositing funds only with major financial institutions. Internal-Use Software Development Costs We expense costs associated with the assessment stage of software development projects. Upon completion of the preliminary project assessment stage, we capitalize internal and external costs associated with the application development stage, including the costs associated with software that allows for the conversion of our old data to our new system. We expense the personnel-related costs of training and data conversion. We also expense costs associated with the post-implementation and operation stage, including maintenance and specified upgrades; however, we capitalize internal and external costs associated with significant upgrades to existing systems that result in additional functionality. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software’s estimated useful life, which is three to five years. Periodically, we reassess the useful life considering technology, obsolescence, and other factors. Other Assets and Liabilities We include prepaid expenses, deferred rental income, tenant receivables, deferred charges, escrow balances held by lenders, restricted cash balances, marketable securities, derivative assets, other intangible assets, corporate fixed assets and notes receivable in Other assets. We include derivative liabilities, amounts held on behalf of tenants, and deferred revenue in Other liabilities. Deferred charges are costs incurred in connection with mortgage financings, refinancings, issuance of corporate bonds, and the amendment of our credit facility that are amortized over the terms of the debt and included in Interest expense in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred rental income is the aggregate cumulative difference for operating leases between scheduled rents that vary during the lease term, and rent recognized on a straight-line basis. Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities reported as a component of Other comprehensive (loss) income until realized. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We consider rents due under leases and payments under notes receivable to be past-due or delinquent when a contractually required rent, principal or interest payment is not remitted in accordance with the provisions of the underlying agreement. We evaluate each account individually and set up an allowance when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Revenue Recognition Real Estate Leased to Others We lease real estate to others primarily on a triple-net leased basis, whereby the tenant is generally responsible for operating expenses relating to the property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and improvements. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs, including routine betterments, to operations as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, our tenants, pursuant to their lease obligations, have made direct payment to the taxing authorities of real estate taxes of approximately $59.8 million, $37.3 million, and $18.7 million, respectively. Substantially all of our leases provide for either scheduled rent increases, periodic rent adjustments based on formulas indexed to changes in the CPI or similar indices, or percentage rents. CPI-based adjustments are contingent on future events and are therefore not included as minimum rent in straight-line rent calculations. We recognize rents from percentage rents as reported by the lessees, which is after the level of sales requiring a rental payment to us is reached. Percentage rents were insignificant for the periods presented. We account for leases as operating or direct financing leases, as described below: Operating leases — We record real estate at cost less accumulated depreciation; we recognize future minimum rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable lease term of the related leases and charge expenses to operations as incurred (Note 5). Direct financing method — We record leases accounted for under the direct financing method as a net investment (Note 5). The net investment is equal to the cost of the leased assets. The difference between the cost and the gross investment, which includes the residual value of the leased asset and the future minimum rents, is unearned income. We defer and amortize unearned income to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on our net investment in the lease. Investment Management Operations We earn structuring revenue and asset management revenue in connection with providing services to the Managed REITs. We earn structuring revenue for services we provide in connection with the analysis, negotiation, and structuring of transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions and the placement of mortgage financing obtained by the Managed REITs. Asset management revenue consists of property management, leasing, and advisory revenue. Receipt of the incentive revenue portion of the asset management revenue or performance revenue, however, which we received from CPA^®:15 prior to the date of the CPA^®:15 Merger on September 28, 2012, was subordinated to the achievement of specified cumulative return requirements by the stockholders of those CPA^® REITs. At our option, the performance revenue could be collected in cash or shares of the CPA^® REIT (Note 4). In addition, we earn subordinated incentive and disposition revenue related to the disposition of properties. We may also earn termination revenue in connection with the termination of the advisory agreements for the Managed REITs. We recognize all revenue as earned. We earn structuring revenue upon the consummation of a transaction and asset management revenue when services are performed. We recognize revenue subject to subordination only when the performance criteria of the Managed REIT is achieved and contractual limitations are not exceeded. We earned subordinated disposition and incentive revenue from CPA^®:15 until the completion of the CPA^®:15 Merger on September 28, 2012 (Note 4), through which its stockholders received their initial investment plus a specified preferred return. We may earn termination revenue if a liquidity event is consummated by any of the other Managed REITs. As a condition of the CPA^®:15 Merger and CPA^®:16 Merger, we waived the subordinated disposition and termination fees that we would have been entitled to receive from CPA^®:15 and CPA^®:16 – Global upon their liquidation pursuant to the terms of our advisory agreements with CPA^®:15 and CPA^®:16 – Global, respectively (Note 4). We are also reimbursed for certain costs incurred in providing services, including broker-dealer commissions paid on behalf of the Managed REITs, marketing costs, and the cost of personnel provided for the administration of the Managed REITs. We record reimbursement income as the expenses are incurred, subject to limitations on a Managed REIT’s ability to incur offering costs. Depreciation We compute depreciation of building and related improvements using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of the properties (not to exceed 40 years) and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (generally up to seven years). We compute depreciation of tenant improvements using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life. Impairments We periodically assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our long-lived real estate and related intangible assets, may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. These impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, the vacancy of a property that is not subject to a lease; an upcoming lease expiration, a tenant with credit difficulty, or a likely disposition of the property. We may incur impairment charges on long-lived assets, including real estate, direct financing leases, assets held for sale, and equity investments in real estate. We may also incur impairment charges on marketable securities and goodwill. Our policies for evaluating whether these assets are impaired are presented below. Real Estate For real estate assets held for investment, which include finite-lived intangibles, in which an impairment indicator is identified, we follow a two-step process to determine whether an asset is impaired and to determine the amount of the charge. First, we compare the carrying value of the property’s asset group to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flow that we expect the property’s asset group will generate, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual sale of the property’s asset group. The undiscounted cash flow analysis requires us to make our best estimate of market rents, residual values, and holding periods. We estimate market rents and residual values using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. As our investment objective is to hold properties on a long-term basis, holding periods used in the undiscounted cash flow analysis are generally approximately ten years, but may be less if our intent is to hold a property for less than ten years. Depending on the assumptions made and estimates used, the future cash flow projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets and associated intangible assets can vary within a range of outcomes. We consider the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining our estimate of future cash flows and, if warranted, we apply a probability-weighted method to the different possible scenarios. If the future net undiscounted cash flow of the property’s asset group is less than the carrying value, the carrying value of property’s asset group is considered not recoverable. We then measure the impairment loss as the excess of the carrying value of the property’s asset group over its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the property’s asset group is primarily determined using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. In cases where the available market information is not deemed appropriate, we perform a future net cash flow analysis discounted for inherent risk associated with each asset to determine an estimated fair value. Direct Financing Leases We review our direct financing leases at least annually to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in the current estimate of residual value of the property. The residual value is our estimate of what we could realize upon the sale of the property at the end of the lease term, based on market information. If this review indicates that a decline in residual value has occurred that is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the residual value. When we enter into a contract to sell the real estate assets that are recorded as direct financing leases, we evaluate whether we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur. If we determine that the disposition is probable we assess the carrying amount for recoverability and if as a result of the decreased expected cash flows we determine that our carrying value is not fully recoverable, we record an allowance for credit losses to reflect the change in the estimate of the future cash flows that includes rent. Accordingly, the net investment balance is written down to fair value. Assets Held for Sale We classify real estate assets that are accounted for as operating leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied, and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. When we classify an asset as held for sale, we compare the asset’s fair value less estimated cost to sell to its carrying value, and if the fair value less estimated cost to sell is less than the property’s carrying value, we reduce the carrying value to the fair value less estimated cost to sell. We will continue to review the property for subsequent changes in the fair value, and may recognize an additional impairment charge, if warranted. Equity Investments in Real Estate and the Managed REITs We evaluate our equity investments in real estate and in the Managed REITs on a periodic basis to determine if there are any indicators that the value of our equity investment may be impaired and whether or not that impairment is other-than-temporary. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is determined to be other-than-temporary, we measure the charge as the excess of the carrying value of our investment over its estimated fair value, which is determined by calculating our share of the estimated fair market value of the underlying net assets based on the terms of the applicable partnership or joint venture agreement. For our equity investments in real estate, we calculate the estimated fair value of the underlying investment’s real estate or net investment in direct financing lease as described in Real Estate and Direct Financing Leases above. The fair value of the underlying investment’s debt, if any, is calculated based on market interest rates and other market information. The fair value of the underlying investment’s other financial assets and liabilities (excluding net investment in direct financing leases) have fair values that generally approximate their carrying values. For certain investments in the Managed REITs, we calculate the estimated fair value of our investment using the most recently published net asset value per share of each Managed REIT, which for CPA^®:18 – Global is deemed to be the most recent public offering price through December 31, 2014, multiplied by the number of shares owned. Goodwill We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event using a two-step process. A triggering event is an event or circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, including sales of properties defined as businesses for which the relative size of the sold property is significant to the reporting unit, that could impact our goodwill impairment calculations. To identify any impairment, we first compare the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units with their respective carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, we do not consider goodwill to be impaired and no further analysis is required. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we then perform the second step to determine and measure the amount of the potential impairment charge. We calculate the estimated fair value of the Investment Management reporting unit by applying a price-to-EBITDA multiple to earnings. For the Real Estate Ownership reporting unit, we calculate its estimated fair value by applying an AFFO multiple. For both reporting units, the multiples are based on comparable companies. The selection of the comparable companies to be used in our evaluation process could have a significant impact on the fair value of our reporting units and possible impairments. The testing did not indicate any goodwill impairment as each of the reporting units with goodwill had fair value that was substantially in excess of the carrying value. For the second step, if it were required, we compare the implied fair value of the goodwill for each reporting unit with its respective carrying amount and record an impairment charge equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value. We would determine the implied fair value of the goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill. The goodwill recorded in our Investment Management reporting unit is evaluated in the fourth quarter of every year. In connection with the CPA^®16: Merger and the CPA^®:15 Merger, we recorded goodwill in our Real Estate Ownership reporting unit. Prior to the CPA^®:15 Merger, there was no goodwill recorded in our Real Estate Ownership reporting unit. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in our Real Estate Ownership reporting unit during the fourth quarter of each year. Stock-Based Compensation We have granted restricted shares, or RSAs, stock options, RSUs, and PSUs to certain employees and independent directors. Grants were awarded in the name of the recipient subject to certain restrictions of transferability and a risk of forfeiture. Stock-based compensation expense for all equity-classified stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with current accounting guidance for share-based payments. We recognize these compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line or graded-vesting basis, as appropriate, over the requisite service period of the award. We include stock-based compensation within the listed shares caption of equity. Foreign Currency Translation We have interests in real estate investments primarily in the European Union and United Kingdom for which the functional currency is the euro and the British pound sterling, respectively. We perform the translation from the euro or the British pound sterling to the U.S. dollar for assets and liabilities using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the year. We report the gains and losses resulting from such translation as a component of other comprehensive income in equity. These translation gains and losses are released to net income when we have substantially exited from all investments in the related currency. Transaction Gains or Losses A transaction gain or loss (measured from the transaction date or the most recent intervening balance sheet date, whichever is later), realized upon settlement of a foreign currency transaction generally will be included in net income for the period in which the transaction is settled. Also, foreign currency intercompany transactions that are scheduled for settlement, consisting primarily of accrued interest and the translation to the reporting currency of subordinated intercompany debt with scheduled principal payments, are included in the determination of net income. Intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long term nature (that is, settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future), in which the entities to the transactions are consolidated or accounted for by the equity method in our consolidated financial statements, are not included in net income but are reported as a component of other comprehensive income in equity. Net realized gains or (losses) are recognized on foreign currency transactions in connection with the transfer of cash from foreign operations of subsidiaries to the parent company. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized net realized losses on such transactions of $0.4 million, $0.2 million, and $0.6 million, respectively. Derivative Instruments We measure derivative instruments at fair value and record them as assets or liabilities, depending on our rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. For a derivative designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. For a derivative designated and that qualified as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value and/or the net settlement of the derivative are reported in Other comprehensive (loss) income as part of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts are reclassified out of Other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings when the hedged investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. We use the portfolio exception in Accounting Standards Codification, 820-10-35-18D, Application to Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities with Offsetting Positions in Market Risk or Counterparty Credit Risk, the “portfolio exception,” with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for all of our derivative transactions subject to master netting arrangements. Income Taxes We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required, among other things, to distribute at least 90% of our REIT net taxable income to our stockholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of our income and assets. As a REIT, we are not subject to federal income taxes on our income and gains that we distribute to our stockholders as long as we satisfy certain requirements, principally relating to the nature of our income and the level of our distributions, as well as other factors. We believe that we have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner that allows us to continue to qualify as a REIT. We conduct business in various states and municipalities within the United States, Europe, and Asia and, as a result, we or one or more of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and certain foreign jurisdictions. As a result, we are subject to certain foreign, state, and local taxes and a provision for such taxes is included in the consolidated financial statements. We elect to treat certain of our corporate subsidiaries as TRSs. In general, a TRS may perform additional services for our tenants and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate-related business (except for the operation or management of health care facilities or lodging facilities or providing to any person, under a franchise, license or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated). A TRS is subject to corporate federal income tax. One of our TRS subsidiaries owns a hotel that is managed on our behalf by a third-party hotel management company. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the corporate subsidiaries TRS and for the foreign taxes in those respective jurisdictions based on earnings reported. The current provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable because of temporary differences in the recognition of certain income and expense items for financial reporting and tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are computed under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between tax bases and financial bases of assets and liabilities (Note 15). Significant judgment is required in determining our tax provision and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish tax reserves based on a benefit recognition model, which we believe could result in a greater amount of benefit (and a lower amount of reserve) being initially recognized in certain circumstances. Provided that the tax position is deemed more likely than not of being sustained, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. We derecognize the tax position when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained. Our earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in depreciation, including hotel properties, and timing differences of rent recognition and certain expense deductions, for federal income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes relate primarily to our TRSs and foreign properties and are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities of our TRSs and their respective tax bases and for their operating loss and tax credit carry forwards based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. However, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized based on consideration of available evidence, including tax planning strategies and other factors. Deferred Income Taxes We recognize deferred income taxes in certain of our subsidiaries taxable in the United States or in foreign jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes are generally the result of temporary differences (items that are treated differently for tax purposes than for U.S. GAAP purposes as described in Note 15). In addition, deferred tax assets arise from unutilized tax net operating losses, generated in prior years. We provide a valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets when we believe that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred income tax asset may not be realized. Whenever a change in circumstances causes a change in the estimated realizability of the related deferred income tax asset, the resulting increase or decrease in the valuation allowance is included in deferred income tax expense (benefit). Real Estate Ownership Operations We derive most of our REIT income from our real estate operations under our Real Estate Ownership segment. As such, our real estate operations are generally not subject to federal tax, and accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes in the consolidated financial statements for these operations. These operations may be subject to certain state, local, and foreign taxes, as applicable. Investment Management Operations We conduct our Investment Management operations primarily through TRSs. These operations are subject to federal, state, local, and foreign taxes, as applicable. Our financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis including these TRSs and include a provision for current and deferred taxes on these operations. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings attributable to the unvested RSUs and RSAs by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects potentially dilutive securities (options and PSUs) using the treasury stock method, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive. Recent Accounting Requirements The following Accounting Standards Updates, or ASUs, promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standard Board are applicable to us: ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Specifically, ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, and affects the evaluation of fee arrangements in the primary beneficiary determination. ASU 2015-02 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-02 on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2014-12, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU 2014-12 provides guidance on share-based payment awards, in which a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite vesting period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-12 on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 does not apply to our lease revenues, but will apply to sales of real estate, reimbursed tenant costs and revenues generated from our operating properties and our Investment Management business. Additionally, this guidance modifies disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective beginning in 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. In adopting ASU 2014-09, companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2017. ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. A discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, or a business. Under this new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a “strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.” The new guidance also requires disclosures including pre-tax profit or loss and significant gains or losses arising from dispositions that represent an “individually significant component of an entity,” but do not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations under ASU 2014-08. In the ordinary course of business we sell properties, which, under prior accounting guidance, we generally reported as discontinued operations; however, under ASU 2014-08 such property dispositions typically would not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. We elected to early adopt ASU 2014-08 prospectively for all dispositions after December 31, 2013. Consequently, individually significant properties that were sold or classified as held-for-sale during 2014 were not reclassified to discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements, but have been disclosed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. By contrast, and as required by the new guidance, the results for the current and prior year periods reflect as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements all dispositions and assets classified as held-for-sale through December 31, 2013 that were deemed under the prior accounting guidance to be discontinued operations, as well as those assets classified as held-for-sale as part of the CPA^®:16 Merger. This ASU did not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations for any of the periods presented. ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit relating to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward as a reduction to a deferred tax asset except in certain situations. To the extent the net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward is not available as of the reporting date under the governing tax law to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position, or the governing tax law does not require the entity to use and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and should not net with a deferred tax asset. ASU 2013-11 became effective for us at the beginning of 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations (Note 15). Out-of-Period Adjustments In 2013, we identified an error in the consolidated financial statements related to accounting for deferred foreign income taxes in connection with the initial acquisition accounting for 95 properties acquired in the CPA^®:15 Merger and seven other properties acquired during 2000-2013 (Note 15). We concluded that this adjustment was not material to our financial position or results of operations for 2013 or any of the prior periods. As such, in 2013 we recorded out-of-period adjustments of $2.3 million and $37.5 million to reflect the cumulative deferred tax assets and liabilities, respectively, associated with the initial basis differential that resulted from the tax-basis carry-over of these properties as well as an aggregate corresponding increase to total assets of $32.4 million, primarily comprised of $31.4 million to Goodwill and $1.0 million to Net investments in properties. Additionally, this adjustment resulted in a net decrease of $2.3 million to Net income, including primarily a deferred income tax expense of $2.0 million. During 2012, we identified errors in the consolidated financial statements related to prior years. The errors were primarily attributable to the misapplication of guidance in accounting for and clerical errors related to the expropriation of land related to two investments and our reimbursement of certain affiliated costs. We concluded that these adjustments were not material, individually or in the aggregate, to our results for 2012 or any of the prior periods, and as such, in 2012 we recorded an out-of-period adjustment to increase our income from operations by $2.5 million within continuing operations primarily attributable to an increase in Gain on sale of real estate of $2.0 million in the consolidated statement of income. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements reflect all of our accounts, including those of our controlled subsidiaries and our tenancy-in-common interests as described below. The portion of equity in a consolidated subsidiary that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us is presented as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements include the historical results of our predecessor prior to the REIT reorganization, the CPA^®:15 Merger and the CPA^®:16 Merger.

When we obtain an economic interest in an entity, we evaluate the entity to determine if it is deemed a VIE and, if so, whether we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary and are therefore required to consolidate the entity. We apply accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs to certain entities in which the 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. Fixed price purchase and renewal options within a lease as well as certain decision-making rights within a loan can cause us to consider an entity a VIE. Significant judgment is required to determine whether a VIE should be consolidated. We review the contractual arrangements provided for in the partnership agreement or other related contracts to determine whether the entity is considered a VIE, and to establish whether we have any variable interests in the VIE. We then compare our variable interests, if any, to those of the other variable interest holders to determine which party is the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on whether the entity (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

In connection with the CPA^®:16 Merger, we acquired 12 VIEs. We consider these entities VIEs because the leases have certain features such as fixed price purchase or renewal options.

For an entity that is not considered to be a VIE but rather a voting interest entity, the general partners in a limited partnership (or similar entity) are presumed to control the entity regardless of the level of their ownership and, accordingly, may be required to consolidate the entity. We evaluate the partnership agreements or other relevant contracts to determine whether there are provisions in the agreements that would overcome this presumption. If the agreements provide the limited partners with either (i) the substantive ability to dissolve or liquidate the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partners without cause or (ii) substantive participating rights, the limited partners’ rights overcome the presumption of control by a general partner of the limited partnership, and, therefore, the general partner must account for its investment in the limited partnership using the equity method of accounting.

We have an investment in a tenancy-in-common interest in various underlying international properties. Consolidation of this investment is not required as such interest does not qualify as a VIE and does not meet the control requirement for consolidation. Accordingly, we account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. We use the equity method of accounting because the shared decision-making involved in a tenancy-in-common interest investment provides us with significant influence on the operating and financial decisions of this investment. We also have certain investments in wholly-owned tenancy-in-common interests, which we now consolidate after we obtained the remaining interests in the CPA^®:16 Merger.

Additionally, we own interests in single-tenant, net-leased properties leased to companies through noncontrolling interests in partnerships and limited liability companies that we do not control but over which we exercise significant influence. We account for these investments under the equity method of accounting. At times, the carrying value of our equity investments may fall below zero for certain investments. We intend to fund our share of the jointly-owned investments’ future operating deficits should the need arise. However, we have no legal obligation to pay for any of the liabilities of such investments nor do we have any legal obligation to fund operating deficits. At December 31, 2014, none of our equity investments had carrying values below zero.

In June 2014, CWI 2 filed a registration statement on Form S-11 with the SEC to sell up to $1.0 billion of its common stock in an initial public offering, plus up to an additional $400.0 million of its common stock under a dividend reinvestment plan. In January 2015, CWI 2 amended the registration statement so that the offering is for up to $1.4 billion of its common stock plus up to an additional $600.0 million of its common stock through its dividend reinvestment plan. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on February 9, 2015. Through December 31, 2014, the financial activity of CWI 2, which had no significant assets, liabilities or operations, was included in our consolidated financial statements. We will continue to consolidate the financial activity of CWI 2 until it admits sufficient shareholders.

In September 2014, two feeder funds of CCIF, which are BDCs, each filed registration statements on Form N-2 with the SEC to sell up to 50,000,000 shares and 21,000,000 shares, respectively, of their beneficial interests in initial public offerings, with the proceeds to be invested in shares of CCIF. As of the date of this Report, the registration statements have not been declared effective by the SEC and there can be no assurance as to whether or when such offerings would be commenced. In December 2014, we invested $25.0 million in CCIF, and now account for our interest in CCIF under the equity method of accounting (Note 7).

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Accounting for Acquisitions

In accordance with the guidance for business combinations, we determine whether a transaction or other event is a business combination, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business. Each business combination is then accounted for by applying the acquisition method. If the assets acquired are not a business, we account for the transaction or other event as an asset acquisition. Under both methods, we recognize the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity. In addition, for transactions that are business combinations, we evaluate the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. We immediately expense acquisition-related costs and fees associated with business combinations.

Purchase Price Allocation

When we acquire properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. The tangible assets consist of land, buildings and site improvements. The intangible assets, include the above- and below-market value of leases and the in-place leases, which includes a value for tenant relationships. Land is typically valued utilizing the sales comparison (or market) approach. Buildings are valued, as if vacant, using the cost and/or income approach. Site improvements are valued using the cost approach. The fair value of real estate is determined primarily by reference to portfolio appraisals which determines their values, on a property level, by applying a discounted cash flow analysis to the estimated net operating income for each property in the portfolio during the remaining anticipated lease term, and the estimated residual value. The estimated residual value of each property is based on a hypothetical sale of the property upon expiration of a lease factoring in the re-tenanting of such property at estimated current market rental rates, applying a selected capitalization rate and deducting estimated costs of sale. The discount rates and residual capitalization rates used to value the properties are selected based on several factors, including the creditworthiness of the lessees, industry surveys, property type, location, and age, current lease rates relative to market lease rates, and anticipated lease duration. In the case where a tenant has a purchase option deemed to be materially favorable to the tenant, or the tenant has long-term renewal options at rental rates below estimated market rental rates, we include the value of the exercise of such purchase option or long-term renewal options in the determination of residual value. Where a property is deemed to have excess land, the discounted cash flow analysis includes the estimated excess land value at the assumed expiration of the lease, based upon an analysis of comparable land sales or listings in the general market area of the property grown at estimated market growth rates through the year of lease expiration. See Real Estate Leased to Others and Depreciation below for a discussion of our significant accounting policies related to tangible assets.

We record above- and below-market lease intangible values for acquired properties based on the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the leases acquired including consideration of the credit of the lessee) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the leases negotiated and in place at the time of acquisition of the properties and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the property or equivalent property, both of which are measured over a period equal to the estimated lease term, which includes renewal options that have rental rates below estimated market rental rates. We amortize the above-market lease intangible as a reduction of lease revenue over the remaining contractual lease term. We amortize the below-market lease intangible as an increase to lease revenue over the initial term and any renewal periods in the respective leases. We include the value of below-market leases in Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.

We measure the fair value of the below-market purchase option liabilities we acquired in connection with the CPA^®:15 Merger and CPA^®:16 Merger as the excess of the present value of the fair value of the real estate over the present value of the tenant’s exercise price at the option date.

The value of any in-place lease is estimated to be equal to the acquirer’s avoidance of costs as a result of having tenants in place, that would be necessary to lease the property for a lease term equal to the remaining primary in-place lease term and the value of investment grade tenancy. The cost avoidance is derived first by determining the in-place lease term on the subject lease. Then, based on our review of the market, the cost to be borne by a property owner to replicate a market lease to the remaining in-place term is estimated. These costs consist of: (i) rent lost during downtime (i.e., assumed periods of vacancy), (ii) estimated expenses that would be incurred by the property owner during periods of vacancy, (iii) rent concessions (i.e. free rent), (iv) leasing commissions, and (v) tenant improvements allowances given to tenants. We determine these values using our estimates or by relying in part upon third-party appraisals. We amortize the capitalized value of in-place lease intangibles to expense over the remaining initial term of each lease. The amortization period for intangibles does not exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building.

If a lease is terminated, we charge the unamortized portion of above- and below-market lease values to lease revenues and in-place lease values to amortization expense.

When we acquire leveraged properties, the fair value of the related debt instruments is determined using a discounted cash flow model with rates that take into account the credit of the tenants, where applicable, and interest rate risk. Such resulting premium or discount is amortized over the remaining term of the obligation. We also consider the value of the underlying collateral, taking into account the quality of the collateral, the credit quality of the tenant, the time until maturity and the current interest rate.

Goodwill

In the case of a business combination, after identifying all tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, the excess consideration paid over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and assumed, respectively, represents goodwill. We allocated goodwill to the respective reporting units in which such goodwill arose. Goodwill acquired in the CPA^®:15 Merger and the CPA^®:16 Merger was attributed to the Real Estate Ownership segment which comprises one reporting unit. In the event we dispose of a property that constitutes a business under GAAP from a reporting unit with goodwill, we allocate a portion of the reporting unit’s goodwill to that business in determining the gain or loss on the disposal of the business. The amount of goodwill allocated to the business is based on the relative fair value of the business to the fair value of the reporting unit.

Real Estate and Operating Real Estate

We carry land, buildings, and personal property at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize improvements and significant renovations that increase the useful life of the properties, while we expense replacements, maintenance, and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets as incurred.

Assets Held for Sale

We classify those assets that are associated with operating leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied, and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell. As described below, under Recent Accounting Requirements, on January 1, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2014-08 and other than the properties classified as held for sale prior to adoption or acquired as held for sale upon acquisition no other sales qualify as discontinued operations. The results of operations and the related gain or loss on sale of properties that have been sold or that are classified as held for sale and in which we will have no significant continuing involvement are included in discontinued operations (Note 16).

If circumstances arise that we previously considered unlikely and, as a result, we decide not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, we reclassify the property as held and used. We measure and record a property that is reclassified as held and used at the lower of (i) its carrying amount before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used or (ii) the estimated fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

We recognize gains and losses on the sale of properties when, among other criteria, we no longer have continuing involvement, the parties are bound by the terms of the contract, all consideration has been exchanged, and all conditions precedent to closing have been performed. At the time the sale is consummated, a gain or loss is recognized as the difference between the sale price, less any selling costs, and the carrying value of the property.

Notes Receivable

For investments in mortgage notes and loan participations, the loans are initially reflected at acquisition cost, which consists of the outstanding balance, net of the acquisition discount or premium. We amortize any discount or premium as an adjustment to increase or decrease, respectively, the yield realized on these loans over the life of the loan. As such, differences between carrying value and principal balances outstanding do not represent embedded losses or gains as we generally plan to hold such loans to maturity. Our notes receivable are included in Other assets, net in the consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all short-term, highly-liquid investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Items classified as cash equivalents include commercial paper and money market funds. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in the custody of several financial institutions, and these balances, at times, exceed federally-insurable limits. We seek to mitigate this risk by depositing funds only with major financial institutions.

Internal-Use Software Development Costs

We expense costs associated with the assessment stage of software development projects. Upon completion of the preliminary project assessment stage, we capitalize internal and external costs associated with the application development stage, including the costs associated with software that allows for the conversion of our old data to our new system. We expense the personnel-related costs of training and data conversion. We also expense costs associated with the post-implementation and operation stage, including maintenance and specified upgrades; however, we capitalize internal and external costs associated with significant upgrades to existing systems that result in additional functionality. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software’s estimated useful life, which is three to five years. Periodically, we reassess the useful life considering technology, obsolescence, and other factors.

Other Assets and Liabilities

We include prepaid expenses, deferred rental income, tenant receivables, deferred charges, escrow balances held by lenders, restricted cash balances, marketable securities, derivative assets, other intangible assets, corporate fixed assets and notes receivable in Other assets. We include derivative liabilities, amounts held on behalf of tenants, and deferred revenue in Other liabilities. Deferred charges are costs incurred in connection with mortgage financings, refinancings, issuance of corporate bonds, and the amendment of our credit facility that are amortized over the terms of the debt and included in Interest expense in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred rental income is the aggregate cumulative difference for operating leases between scheduled rents that vary during the lease term, and rent recognized on a straight-line basis. Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities reported as a component of Other comprehensive (loss) income until realized.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We consider rents due under leases and payments under notes receivable to be past-due or delinquent when a contractually required rent, principal or interest payment is not remitted in accordance with the provisions of the underlying agreement. We evaluate each account individually and set up an allowance when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms, and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Revenue Recognition

Real Estate Leased to Others

We lease real estate to others primarily on a triple-net leased basis, whereby the tenant is generally responsible for operating expenses relating to the property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and improvements. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs, including routine betterments, to operations as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, our tenants, pursuant to their lease obligations, have made direct payment to the taxing authorities of real estate taxes of approximately $59.8 million, $37.3 million, and $18.7 million, respectively.

Substantially all of our leases provide for either scheduled rent increases, periodic rent adjustments based on formulas indexed to changes in the CPI or similar indices, or percentage rents. CPI-based adjustments are contingent on future events and are therefore not included as minimum rent in straight-line rent calculations. We recognize rents from percentage rents as reported by the lessees, which is after the level of sales requiring a rental payment to us is reached. Percentage rents were insignificant for the periods presented.

We account for leases as operating or direct financing leases, as described below:

Operating leases — We record real estate at cost less accumulated depreciation; we recognize future minimum rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable lease term of the related leases and charge expenses to operations as incurred (Note 5).

Direct financing method — We record leases accounted for under the direct financing method as a net investment (Note 5). The net investment is equal to the cost of the leased assets. The difference between the cost and the gross investment, which includes the residual value of the leased asset and the future minimum rents, is unearned income. We defer and amortize unearned income to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on our net investment in the lease.

Investment Management Operations

We earn structuring revenue and asset management revenue in connection with providing services to the Managed REITs. We earn structuring revenue for services we provide in connection with the analysis, negotiation, and structuring of transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions and the placement of mortgage financing obtained by the Managed REITs. Asset management revenue consists of property management, leasing, and advisory revenue. Receipt of the incentive revenue portion of the asset management revenue or performance revenue, however, which we received from CPA^®:15 prior to the date of the CPA^®:15 Merger on September 28, 2012, was subordinated to the achievement of specified cumulative return requirements by the stockholders of those CPA^® REITs. At our option, the performance revenue could be collected in cash or shares of the CPA^® REIT (Note 4). In addition, we earn subordinated incentive and disposition revenue related to the disposition of properties. We may also earn termination revenue in connection with the termination of the advisory agreements for the Managed REITs.

We recognize all revenue as earned. We earn structuring revenue upon the consummation of a transaction and asset management revenue when services are performed. We recognize revenue subject to subordination only when the performance criteria of the Managed REIT is achieved and contractual limitations are not exceeded.

We earned subordinated disposition and incentive revenue from CPA^®:15 until the completion of the CPA^®:15 Merger on September 28, 2012 (Note 4), through which its stockholders received their initial investment plus a specified preferred return. We may earn termination revenue if a liquidity event is consummated by any of the other Managed REITs. As a condition of the CPA^®:15 Merger and CPA^®:16 Merger, we waived the subordinated disposition and termination fees that we would have been entitled to receive from CPA^®:15 and CPA^®:16 – Global upon their liquidation pursuant to the terms of our advisory agreements with CPA^®:15 and CPA^®:16 – Global, respectively (Note 4).

We are also reimbursed for certain costs incurred in providing services, including broker-dealer commissions paid on behalf of the Managed REITs, marketing costs, and the cost of personnel provided for the administration of the Managed REITs. We record reimbursement income as the expenses are incurred, subject to limitations on a Managed REIT’s ability to incur offering costs.

Depreciation

We compute depreciation of building and related improvements using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of the properties (not to exceed 40 years) and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (generally up to seven years). We compute depreciation of tenant improvements using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life.

Impairments

We periodically assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our long-lived real estate and related intangible assets, may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. These impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, the vacancy of a property that is not subject to a lease; an upcoming lease expiration, a tenant with credit difficulty, or a likely disposition of the property. We may incur impairment charges on long-lived assets, including real estate, direct financing leases, assets held for sale, and equity investments in real estate. We may also incur impairment charges on marketable securities and goodwill. Our policies for evaluating whether these assets are impaired are presented below.

Real Estate

For real estate assets held for investment, which include finite-lived intangibles, in which an impairment indicator is identified, we follow a two-step process to determine whether an asset is impaired and to determine the amount of the charge. First, we compare the carrying value of the property’s asset group to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flow that we expect the property’s asset group will generate, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual sale of the property’s asset group. The undiscounted cash flow analysis requires us to make our best estimate of market rents, residual values, and holding periods. We estimate market rents and residual values using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. As our investment objective is to hold properties on a long-term basis, holding periods used in the undiscounted cash flow analysis are generally approximately ten years, but may be less if our intent is to hold a property for less than ten years. Depending on the assumptions made and estimates used, the future cash flow projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets and associated intangible assets can vary within a range of outcomes. We consider the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining our estimate of future cash flows and, if warranted, we apply a probability-weighted method to the different possible scenarios. If the future net undiscounted cash flow of the property’s asset group is less than the carrying value, the carrying value of property’s asset group is considered not recoverable. We then measure the impairment loss as the excess of the carrying value of the property’s asset group over its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the property’s asset group is primarily determined using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. In cases where the available market information is not deemed appropriate, we perform a future net cash flow analysis discounted for inherent risk associated with each asset to determine an estimated fair value.

Direct Financing Leases

We review our direct financing leases at least annually to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in the current estimate of residual value of the property. The residual value is our estimate of what we could realize upon the sale of the property at the end of the lease term, based on market information. If this review indicates that a decline in residual value has occurred that is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the residual value.

When we enter into a contract to sell the real estate assets that are recorded as direct financing leases, we evaluate whether we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur. If we determine that the disposition is probable we assess the carrying amount for recoverability and if as a result of the decreased expected cash flows we determine that our carrying value is not fully recoverable, we record an allowance for credit losses to reflect the change in the estimate of the future cash flows that includes rent. Accordingly, the net investment balance is written down to fair value.

Assets Held for Sale

We classify real estate assets that are accounted for as operating leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied, and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. When we classify an asset as held for sale, we compare the asset’s fair value less estimated cost to sell to its carrying value, and if the fair value less estimated cost to sell is less than the property’s carrying value, we reduce the carrying value to the fair value less estimated cost to sell. We will continue to review the property for subsequent changes in the fair value, and may recognize an additional impairment charge, if warranted.

Equity Investments in Real Estate and the Managed REITs

We evaluate our equity investments in real estate and in the Managed REITs on a periodic basis to determine if there are any indicators that the value of our equity investment may be impaired and whether or not that impairment is other-than-temporary. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is determined to be other-than-temporary, we measure the charge as the excess of the carrying value of our investment over its estimated fair value, which is determined by calculating our share of the estimated fair market value of the underlying net assets based on the terms of the applicable partnership or joint venture agreement. For our equity investments in real estate, we calculate the estimated fair value of the underlying investment’s real estate or net investment in direct financing lease as described in Real Estate and Direct Financing Leases above. The fair value of the underlying investment’s debt, if any, is calculated based on market interest rates and other market information. The fair value of the underlying investment’s other financial assets and liabilities (excluding net investment in direct financing leases) have fair values that generally approximate their carrying values. For certain investments in the Managed REITs, we calculate the estimated fair value of our investment using the most recently published net asset value per share of each Managed REIT, which for CPA^®:18 – Global is deemed to be the most recent public offering price through December 31, 2014, multiplied by the number of shares owned.

Goodwill

We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event using a two-step process. A triggering event is an event or circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, including sales of properties defined as businesses for which the relative size of the sold property is significant to the reporting unit, that could impact our goodwill impairment calculations. To identify any impairment, we first compare the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units with their respective carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, we do not consider goodwill to be impaired and no further analysis is required. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we then perform the second step to determine and measure the amount of the potential impairment charge.

We calculate the estimated fair value of the Investment Management reporting unit by applying a price-to-EBITDA multiple to earnings. For the Real Estate Ownership reporting unit, we calculate its estimated fair value by applying an AFFO multiple. For both reporting units, the multiples are based on comparable companies. The selection of the comparable companies to be used in our evaluation process could have a significant impact on the fair value of our reporting units and possible impairments. The testing did not indicate any goodwill impairment as each of the reporting units with goodwill had fair value that was substantially in excess of the carrying value.

For the second step, if it were required, we compare the implied fair value of the goodwill for each reporting unit with its respective carrying amount and record an impairment charge equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value. We would determine the implied fair value of the goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill.

The goodwill recorded in our Investment Management reporting unit is evaluated in the fourth quarter of every year. In connection with the CPA^®16: Merger and the CPA^®:15 Merger, we recorded goodwill in our Real Estate Ownership reporting unit. Prior to the CPA^®:15 Merger, there was no goodwill recorded in our Real Estate Ownership reporting unit. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in our Real Estate Ownership reporting unit during the fourth quarter of each year.

Stock-Based Compensation

We have granted restricted shares, or RSAs, stock options, RSUs, and PSUs to certain employees and independent directors. Grants were awarded in the name of the recipient subject to certain restrictions of transferability and a risk of forfeiture. Stock-based compensation expense for all equity-classified stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with current accounting guidance for share-based payments. We recognize these compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line or graded-vesting basis, as appropriate, over the requisite service period of the award. We include stock-based compensation within the listed shares caption of equity.

Foreign Currency

Translation

We have interests in real estate investments primarily in the European Union and United Kingdom for which the functional currency is the euro and the British pound sterling, respectively. We perform the translation from the euro or the British pound sterling to the U.S. dollar for assets and liabilities using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the year. We report the gains and losses resulting from such translation as a component of other comprehensive income in equity. These translation gains and losses are released to net income when we have substantially exited from all investments in the related currency.

Transaction Gains or Losses

A transaction gain or loss (measured from the transaction date or the most recent intervening balance sheet date, whichever is later), realized upon settlement of a foreign currency transaction generally will be included in net income for the period in which the transaction is settled. Also, foreign currency intercompany transactions that are scheduled for settlement, consisting primarily of accrued interest and the translation to the reporting currency of subordinated intercompany debt with scheduled principal payments, are included in the determination of net income.

Intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long term nature (that is, settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future), in which the entities to the transactions are consolidated or accounted for by the equity method in our consolidated financial statements, are not included in net income but are reported as a component of other comprehensive income in equity.

Net realized gains or (losses) are recognized on foreign currency transactions in connection with the transfer of cash from foreign operations of subsidiaries to the parent company. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized net realized losses on such transactions of $0.4 million, $0.2 million, and $0.6 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

We measure derivative instruments at fair value and record them as assets or liabilities, depending on our rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. For a derivative designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. For a derivative designated and that qualified as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value and/or the net settlement of the derivative are reported in Other comprehensive (loss) income as part of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts are reclassified out of Other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings when the hedged investment is either sold or substantially liquidated.

We use the portfolio exception in Accounting Standards Codification, 820-10-35-18D, Application to Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities with Offsetting Positions in Market Risk or Counterparty Credit Risk, the “portfolio exception,” with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for all of our derivative transactions subject to master netting arrangements.

Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required, among other things, to distribute at least 90% of our REIT net taxable income to our stockholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of our income and assets. As a REIT, we are not subject to federal income taxes on our income and gains that we distribute to our stockholders as long as we satisfy certain requirements, principally relating to the nature of our income and the level of our distributions, as well as other factors. We believe that we have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner that allows us to continue to qualify as a REIT.

We conduct business in various states and municipalities within the United States, Europe, and Asia and, as a result, we or one or more of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and certain foreign jurisdictions. As a result, we are subject to certain foreign, state, and local taxes and a provision for such taxes is included in the consolidated financial statements.

We elect to treat certain of our corporate subsidiaries as TRSs. In general, a TRS may perform additional services for our tenants and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate-related business (except for the operation or management of health care facilities or lodging facilities or providing to any person, under a franchise, license or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated). A TRS is subject to corporate federal income tax. One of our TRS subsidiaries owns a hotel that is managed on our behalf by a third-party hotel management company.

Deferred income taxes are recorded for the corporate subsidiaries TRS and for the foreign taxes in those respective jurisdictions based on earnings reported. The current provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable because of temporary differences in the recognition of certain income and expense items for financial reporting and tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are computed under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between tax bases and financial bases of assets and liabilities (Note 15).

Significant judgment is required in determining our tax provision and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish tax reserves based on a benefit recognition model, which we believe could result in a greater amount of benefit (and a lower amount of reserve) being initially recognized in certain circumstances. Provided that the tax position is deemed more likely than not of being sustained, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. We derecognize the tax position when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained.

Our earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in depreciation, including hotel properties, and timing differences of rent recognition and certain expense deductions, for federal income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes relate primarily to our TRSs and foreign properties and are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities of our TRSs and their respective tax bases and for their operating loss and tax credit carry forwards based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. However, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized based on consideration of available evidence, including tax planning strategies and other factors.

Deferred Income Taxes

We recognize deferred income taxes in certain of our subsidiaries taxable in the United States or in foreign jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes are generally the result of temporary differences (items that are treated differently for tax purposes than for U.S. GAAP purposes as described in Note 15). In addition, deferred tax assets arise from unutilized tax net operating losses, generated in prior years. We provide a valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets when we believe that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred income tax asset may not be realized. Whenever a change in circumstances causes a change in the estimated realizability of the related deferred income tax asset, the resulting increase or decrease in the valuation allowance is included in deferred income tax expense (benefit).

Real Estate Ownership Operations

We derive most of our REIT income from our real estate operations under our Real Estate Ownership segment. As such, our real estate operations are generally not subject to federal tax, and accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes in the consolidated financial statements for these operations. These operations may be subject to certain state, local, and foreign taxes, as applicable.

Investment Management Operations

We conduct our Investment Management operations primarily through TRSs. These operations are subject to federal, state, local, and foreign taxes, as applicable. Our financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis including these TRSs and include a provision for current and deferred taxes on these operations.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings attributable to the unvested RSUs and RSAs by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects potentially dilutive securities (options and PSUs) using the treasury stock method, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Recent Accounting Requirements

The following Accounting Standards Updates, or ASUs, promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standard Board are applicable to us:

ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Specifically, ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, and affects the evaluation of fee arrangements in the primary beneficiary determination. ASU 2015-02 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-02 on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-12, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU 2014-12 provides guidance on share-based payment awards, in which a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite vesting period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-12 on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 does not apply to our lease revenues, but will apply to sales of real estate, reimbursed tenant costs and revenues generated from our operating properties and our Investment Management business. Additionally, this guidance modifies disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective beginning in 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. In adopting ASU 2014-09, companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2017.

ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. A discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, or a business. Under this new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a “strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.” The new guidance also requires disclosures including pre-tax profit or loss and significant gains or losses arising from dispositions that represent an “individually significant component of an entity,” but do not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations under ASU 2014-08. In the ordinary course of business we sell properties, which, under prior accounting guidance, we generally reported as discontinued operations; however, under ASU 2014-08 such property dispositions typically would not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. We elected to early adopt ASU 2014-08 prospectively for all dispositions after December 31, 2013. Consequently, individually significant properties that were sold or classified as held-for-sale during 2014 were not reclassified to discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements, but have been disclosed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. By contrast, and as required by the new guidance, the results for the current and prior year periods reflect as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements all dispositions and assets classified as held-for-sale through December 31, 2013 that were deemed under the prior accounting guidance to be discontinued operations, as well as those assets classified as held-for-sale as part of the CPA^®:16 Merger. This ASU did not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations for any of the periods presented.

ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit relating to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward as a reduction to a deferred tax asset except in certain situations. To the extent the net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward is not available as of the reporting date under the governing tax law to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position, or the governing tax law does not require the entity to use and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and should not net with a deferred tax asset. ASU 2013-11 became effective for us at the beginning of 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations (Note 15).

Out-of-Period Adjustments

In 2013, we identified an error in the consolidated financial statements related to accounting for deferred foreign income taxes in connection with the initial acquisition accounting for 95 properties acquired in the CPA^®:15 Merger and seven other properties acquired during 2000-2013 (Note 15). We concluded that this adjustment was not material to our financial position or results of operations for 2013 or any of the prior periods. As such, in 2013 we recorded out-of-period adjustments of $2.3 million and $37.5 million to reflect the cumulative deferred tax assets and liabilities, respectively, associated with the initial basis differential that resulted from the tax-basis carry-over of these properties as well as an aggregate corresponding increase to total assets of $32.4 million, primarily comprised of $31.4 million to Goodwill and $1.0 million to Net investments in properties. Additionally, this adjustment resulted in a net decrease of $2.3 million to Net income, including primarily a deferred income tax expense of $2.0 million.

During 2012, we identified errors in the consolidated financial statements related to prior years. The errors were primarily attributable to the misapplication of guidance in accounting for and clerical errors related to the expropriation of land related to two investments and our reimbursement of certain affiliated costs. We concluded that these adjustments were not material, individually or in the aggregate, to our results for 2012 or any of the prior periods, and as such, in 2012 we recorded an out-of-period adjustment to increase our income from operations by $2.5 million within continuing operations primarily attributable to an increase in Gain on sale of real estate of $2.0 million in the consolidated statement of income.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.