Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In order to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required in preparation of our financial statements to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain reclassifications within the footnotes have been made to prior period amounts in order to conform with current period presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these investments.

Restricted Cash

At December 31, 2010, restricted cash primarily includes cash held in escrow in connection with mortgage debt requirements. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short term maturity of these investments.

Investment in Real Estate and Depreciation

Investment in Real Estate is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We review our properties on a continuous basis for impairment and provide a provision if impairments exist. To determine if an impairment may exist, we review our properties and identify those that have had either an event of change or event of circumstances warranting further assessment of recoverability (such as a decrease in occupancy or decline in general market conditions). If further assessment of recoverability is needed, we estimate the future net cash flows expected to result from the use of the property and its eventual disposition on an individual property basis. If the sum of the expected future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the property on an individual property basis, we will recognize an impairment loss based upon the estimated fair value of such property. For properties we consider held for sale, we cease depreciating the properties and value the properties at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, less costs to dispose. If circumstances arise that were previously considered unlikely, and, as a result, we decide not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, we will reclassify such property as held and used. Such property is measured at the lower of its carrying amount (adjusted for any depreciation and amortization expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used) or fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. To calculate the fair value of properties held for sale, we deduct from the estimated sales price of the property the estimated costs to close the sale. We classify properties as held for sale when all criteria within the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (the “FASB”) guidance on the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets are met.

Interest costs, real estate taxes, compensation costs of development personnel and other directly related costs incurred during construction periods are capitalized and depreciated commencing with the date the property is substantially completed. Upon substantial completion, we reclassify construction in progress to building, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. Such costs begin to be capitalized to the development projects from the point we are undergoing necessary activities to get the development ready for its intended use and ceases when the development projects are substantially completed and held available for occupancy. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method based on the following useful lives:

	Years
Buildings and Improvements		8 to 50
Land Improvements		3 to 20
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment		5 to 10

Construction expenditures for tenant improvements, leasehold improvements and leasing commissions (inclusive of compensation costs of personnel attributable to leasing) are capitalized and amortized over the terms of each specific lease. Capitalized compensation costs of personnel attributable to leasing relate to time directly attributable to originating leases with independent third parties that result directly from and are essential to originating those leases and would not have been incurred had these leasing transactions not occurred. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized.

Upon acquisition of a property, we allocate the purchase price of the property based upon the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which generally consists of land, buildings, tenant improvements, leasing commissions and intangible assets including in-place leases, above market and below market leases and tenant relationships. We allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property by valuing the property as if it were vacant. Acquired above and below market leases are valued based on the present value of the difference between prevailing market rates and the in-place rates measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below market fixed rate renewal options for below market leases. The above market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the remaining term of the respective leases, and the below market lease values are amortized as an increase to base rental revenue over the remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below market fixed rate renewal options of the respective leases.

The purchase price is further allocated to in-place lease values and tenant relationships based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the respective tenant. The value of in-place lease intangibles and tenant relationships, which are included as components of Deferred Leasing Intangibles, Net (see below), are amortized over the remaining lease term (and expected renewal periods of the respective lease for tenant relationships) as adjustments to depreciation and other amortization expense. If a tenant terminates its lease early, the unamortized portion of the tenant improvements, leasing commissions, above and below market leases, the in-place lease value and tenant relationships is immediately written off.

Deferred Leasing Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization (exclusive of Deferred Leasing Intangibles held for sale) included in our total assets and total liabilities consist of the following:

	December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010
In-Place Leases	$	17,157	$	18,427
Above Market Leases	$	4,761	$	2,665
Tenant Relationships	$	11,457	$	12,547
Total included in Total Assets	$	33,375	$	33,639
Below Market Leases	$	14,442	$	16,145
Total included in Total Liabilities	$	14,442	$	16,145

Amortization expense related to in-place leases and tenant relationships of deferred leasing intangibles, exclusive of in-place leases and tenant relationships held for sale, was $9,688, $12,950 and $14,871 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Rental revenues increased by $1,331, $2,631 and $3,823 related to net amortization of above/(below) market leases, exclusive of above/(below) market leases held for sale, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. We will recognize net amortization expense related to the deferred leasing intangibles over the next five years, for properties owned as of December 31, 2011 and not classified as held for sale, as follows:

	Estimated Amortization of In-Place Leases and Tenant Relationships		Estimated Net Increase to Rental Revenues Related to Above and Below Market Leases
2012	$	5,849	$	632
2013	$	4,912	$	423
2014	$	4,050	$	330
2015	$	3,295	$	321
2016	$	2,173	$	834

Construction Revenues and Expenses

Construction revenues and expenses represent revenues earned and expenses incurred in connection with a taxable REIT subsidiary acting as a general contractor or development manager to construct industrial properties and also include revenues and expenses related to the development of properties for third parties. We use the percentage-of-completion contract method to recognize revenue. Using this method, revenues are recorded based on estimates of the percentage of completion of individual contracts. The percentage of completion estimates are based on a comparison of the contract expenditures incurred to the estimated final costs. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability may result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

At December 31, 2011, we owned a land parcel located in Toronto, Canada for which the functional currency was determined to be the Canadian dollar. The assets and liabilities related to this land parcel are translated to U.S. dollars from the Canadian dollar based on the current exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date. The income statement accounts related to this land parcel are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs include fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing. These fees and costs are being amortized over the terms of the respective loans. Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs was $12,782 and $16,410 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written-off when debt is retired before the maturity date.

Investment in and Advances to Other Real Estate Partnerships

Investment in and Advances to Other Real Estate Partnerships represents our limited partnership interests in and advances to, through the Operating Partnership, the Other Real Estate Partnerships. We account for our Investment in and Advances to Other Real Estate Partnerships under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, our share of earnings or losses of the Other Real Estate Partnerships is reflected in income as earned and contributions or distributions increase or decrease, respectively, our Investment in and Advances to Other Real Estate Partnerships as paid or received, respectively.

On a continuous basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our Investment in and Advances to Other Real Estate Partnerships may be impaired. An investment is impaired if our estimate of the value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment. Our estimates of fair value for each investment are based on a number of subjective assumptions that are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, demand for space, market rental rates and operating costs and the discount rate used to value the cash flows of the properties. As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter our assumptions, our fair values estimated by management in the impairment analyses may not be realized.

Investments in Joint Ventures

Investments in Joint Ventures represent our limited partnership interests in our Joint Ventures. We account for our Investments in Joint Ventures under the equity method of accounting, as we do not have a majority voting interest, operational control or financial control. Control is determined using accounting standards related to the consolidation of joint ventures and variable interest entities. In order to assess whether consolidation of a variable-interest entity is required, an enterprise is required to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based on whether the entity (1) has the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE, and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Additionally, they require an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary and provide a framework for the events that trigger a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE.

Under the equity method of accounting, our share of earnings or losses of our Joint Ventures is reflected in income as earned and contributions or distributions increase or decrease our Investments in Joint Ventures as paid or received, respectively. Differences between our carrying value of our Investments in Joint Ventures and our underlying equity of such Joint Ventures are amortized over the respective lives of the underlying assets.

On a continuous basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our Investments in Joint Ventures may be impaired. An investment is impaired if our estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment. Our estimates of fair value for each investment are based on a number of subjective assumptions that are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, demand for space, market rental rates and operating costs, the discount rate used to value the cash flows of the properties, the cap rate used to estimate the terminal value of the underlying properties and the discount rate used to value the Joint Ventures’ debt. As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter our assumptions, our fair values estimated in the impairment analyses may not be realized.

Limited Partners Units

Limited partner Units are reported within Partners’ Capital in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 because they are not redeemable for cash or other assets (a) at a fixed or determinable date, (b) at the option of the Unitholder or (c) upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the Operating Partnership. Redemption can be effectuated, as determined by the General Partner, either by exchanging the Units for shares of common stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment, or by paying cash equal to the fair market value of such shares.

The Operating Partnership is the only significant asset of the Company and economic, fiduciary and contractual means align the interests of the Company and the Operating Partnership. The Board of Directors and officers of the Company direct the Company to act when acting in its capacity as sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. Because of this, the Operating Partnership is deemed to have effective control of the form of redemption consideration. As of December 31, 2011, all criteria were met for the Operating Partnership to control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of the Company’s common shares required to be delivered upon redemption of all remaining Units.

Stock Based Compensation

We account for stock based compensation using the modified prospective application method, which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest.

Net income, net of preferred dividends, is allocated to Unitholders and participating securities based upon their proportionate share of weighted average Units plus weighted average participating securities. Participating securities are unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. Certain restricted stock awards and restricted unit awards granted to employees and directors are considered participating securities as they receive non-forfeitable dividend or dividend equivalents at the same rate as Units. See Note 10 for further disclosure about participating securities.

Revenue Recognition

Rental income is recognized on a straight-line method under which contractual rent increases are recognized evenly over the lease term. Tenant recovery income includes payments from tenants for real estate taxes, insurance and other property operating expenses and is recognized as revenue in the same period the related expenses are incurred by us.

Revenue is generally recognized on payments received from tenants for early lease terminations upon the effective termination of a tenant’s lease and when we have no further obligations under the lease.

Interest income on mortgage loans receivable is recognized based on the accrual method unless a significant uncertainty of collection exists. If a significant uncertainty exists, interest income is recognized as collected.

We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of tenant accounts receivable including deferred rent receivable, which is estimated to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets are shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,638 and $2,924 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Deferred rent receivable in the consolidated balance sheets are shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,302 and $1,855 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. For accounts receivable we deem uncollectible, we use the direct write-off method.

Gain on Sale of Real Estate

Gain on sale of real estate is recognized using the full accrual method, when appropriate. Gains relating to transactions which do not meet the full accrual method of accounting are deferred and recognized when the full accrual method of accounting criteria are met or by using the installment or deposit methods of profit recognition, as appropriate in the circumstances. As the assets are sold, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are written off with resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss. Estimated future costs to be incurred by us after completion of each sale are included in the determination of the gain on sales.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are primarily comprised of mortgage note receivables that we have made in connection with sales of real estate assets. The note receivables are recorded at fair value at the time of issuance. Interest income is accrued as earned. Notes receivable are considered past due based on the contractual terms of the note agreement. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the collectability of each mortgage note receivable based on various factors which may include payment history, expected fair value of the collateral securing the loan, internal and external credit information and/or economic trends. A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the existing contractual terms. When a loan is considered impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the note receivable to the present value of expected future cash flows. Since the majority of our notes receivable are collateralized by a first mortgage, the loans have risk characteristics similar to the risks in owning commercial real estate.

Income Taxes

In accordance with partnership taxation, each of the partners is responsible for reporting their share of taxable income or loss.

A benefit/provision has been made for federal, state and local income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We may also be subject to certain federal excise and franchise taxes if we engage in certain types of transactions. In accordance with FASB’s guidance, the total benefit/provision has been separately allocated to income (loss) from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations and gain (loss) on sale of real estate. The provision for excise and franchise taxes has been reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.

We evaluate tax positions taken in the financial statements on a quarterly basis under the interpretation for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As a result of this evaluation, we may recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is “more-likely-than-not” that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2011, we do not have any unrecognized tax benefits.

We file income tax returns in the U.S., and various states and foreign jurisdictions. In general, the statutes of limitations for income tax returns remain open for the years 2008 through 2011. One of our taxable REIT subsidiaries which liquidated in September 2009 is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for 2008 and for the tax year ended September 1, 2009 during which we received refunds from the IRS of $3,767 and $40,418, respectively.

During 2005, we recorded a $745 franchise tax reserve related to a potential state franchise tax assessment for the 1996-2001 tax years. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we received a refund from the state, representing amounts paid during 2006 related to the 1996-2001 tax years. Based on the refund received and discussions with the taxing authorities, as of December 31, 2011, management believes that it is unlikely that any franchise tax amounts will be assessed by the state for such tax years. As such, during the year ended December 31, 2011, we reversed $745 of franchise taxes. Franchise taxes are recorded within general and administrative expense.

Earnings Per Unit (“EPU”)

Basic net income (loss) available to Unitholders per Unit is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to Unitholders by the weighted average number of Units outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) available to Unitholders per Unit is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to Unitholders by the sum of the weighted average number of Units outstanding and any dilutive non-participating securities for the period. See Note 10 for further disclosure about EPU.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Historically, we have used interest rate protection agreements (“Agreements”) to fix the interest rate on anticipated offerings of senior unsecured notes or convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt. Receipts or payments that result from the settlement of Agreements used to fix the interest rate on anticipated offerings of senior unsecured notes are amortized over the life of the derivative or the life of the debt and included in interest expense. Receipts or payments resulting from Agreements used to convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt are recognized as a component of interest expense. Agreements which qualify for hedge accounting are marked-to-market and any gain or loss that is effective is recognized in other comprehensive income (partners’ capital). Any Agreements which no longer qualify for hedge accounting are marked-to-market and any gain or loss is recognized in net income (loss) available to Unitholders immediately. Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income during the hedge period are reclassified to earnings in the same period during which the forecasted transaction or hedged item affects net income (loss). The credit risks associated with Agreements are controlled through the evaluation and monitoring of the creditworthiness of the counterparty. In the event that the counterparty fails to meet the terms of Agreements, our exposure is limited to the current value of the interest rate differential, not the notional amount, and our carrying value of Agreements on the balance sheet. See Note 15 for more information on Agreements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments other than our derivatives include tenant accounts receivable, net, notes receivable, accounts payable, other accrued expenses, mortgage and other loans payable, unsecured credit facility and senior unsecured notes. The fair values of the tenant accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and other accrued expenses approximate their carrying or contract values. See Note 7 for the fair values of the mortgage and other loans payable, unsecured credit facility and senior unsecured notes and see Note 4 for the fair value of our notes receivable.

Discontinued Operations

The FASB’s guidance on financial reporting for the disposal of long lived assets requires that the results of operations and gains or losses on the sale of property or property held for sale be presented in discontinued operations if both of the following criteria are met: (a) the operations and cash flows of the property have been (or will be) eliminated from our ongoing operations as a result of the disposal transaction and (b) we will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the property after the disposal transaction. The guidance also requires prior period results of operations for these properties to be reclassified and presented in discontinued operations in prior consolidated statements of operations.

Segment Reporting

Management views the Consolidated Operating Partnership as a single segment.