SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), with all intercompany balances eliminated. Certain amounts in 2012 have been reclassified to conform to 2013 presentation. The presentation includes the accounts of the Company, and those entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. The noncontrolling equity holders' share of the assets, liabilities and operations are reflected in noncontrolling interests within permanent equity. The company consolidates certain variable interest entities ("VIEs") in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810 ("ASC 810") Consolidations (see "Real Estate Affiliates" below).

We account for investments in joint ventures where we own a non-controlling interest using the equity method, and investments in joint ventures where we have virtually no influence on the joint venture's operating and financial policies, on the cost method. Under the equity method, the cost of our investment is adjusted for our share of the equity in earnings or losses of such Real Estate Affiliates from the date of investment and reduced by distributions received. Generally, the operating agreements with respect to our Real Estate Affiliates provide that assets, liabilities and funding obligations are shared in accordance with our ownership percentages. We generally also share in the profit and losses, cash flows and other matters relating to our Real Estate Affiliates in accordance with our respective ownership percentages. For cost method investments, we recognize earnings to the extent of distributions received from such investments.

On July 1, 2011, we acquired our partner's economic interest in TWCPC Holdings, L.P. ("The Woodlands Commercial"), The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P. ("The Woodlands Operating"), and The Woodlands Land Development Company, L.P. ("The Woodlands MPC", and together with The Woodlands Commercial and The Woodlands Operating, "The Woodlands"), located near Houston, Texas. As a result of the acquisition, we now consolidate The Woodlands' operations in our consolidated financial statements. Prior to such acquisition, we accounted for The Woodlands using the equity method.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. For example, estimates and assumptions have been made with respect to useful lives of assets, capitalization of development and leasing costs, provision for income taxes, recoverable amounts of receivables and deferred taxes, initial valuations and related amortization periods of deferred costs and intangibles, particularly with respect to acquisitions and impairment of long-lived assets. Estimates and assumptions have also been made with respect to fair value of warrants, options granted and debt, allowance for doubtful accounts, reserves for straight-line rent receivables and notes receivable, and cost ratios. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates.

On August 22, 2013, in conjunction with the Hawaii Community Development Authority's unanimous approval for two mixed-use towers at Ward Village, we reevaluated the useful lives of the existing buildings and improvements located on the sites where this future development will take place. As a result, we recognized an additional $1.2 million in depreciation due to the change in useful life of these buildings and improvements.

Investment in Real Estate

Investment in Real Estate

Master Planned Community Assets, Land, Buildings and Equipment

Real estate assets are stated at cost less any provisions for impairments. Tenant improvements relating to our operating assets, are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for significant improvements are capitalized.

We periodically review the estimated useful lives of properties. Depreciation or amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives:

Asset Type	Years
Buildings and improvements		10-45
Equipment, tenant improvements and fixtures		5-10
Computer hardware and software, and vehicles		3-5

Developments

Development costs, which generally include legal and professional fees and other directly-related third-party costs associated with specific development properties, are capitalized as part of the property being developed. In the event that management no longer has the ability or intent to complete a development, the costs previously capitalized are expensed.

Construction and improvement costs incurred in connection with the development of new properties or the redevelopment of existing properties are capitalized. Real estate taxes and interest costs incurred during construction periods are also capitalized. Capitalized interest costs are based on qualified expenditures and interest rates in place during the construction period. Demolition costs associated with these redevelopments are expensed as incurred.

Our Developments are made up of the following categories:

	December 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Land & improvements	$	194,282	$	172,614
Development costs		293,874		78,198
Condominium rights		—		22,801
Total Developments	$	488,156	$	273,613

Real Estate Affiliates

Real Estate Affiliates

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into partnerships or joint ventures primarily for the development and operations of real estate assets which are referred to as "Real Estate Affiliates". These partnerships or joint ventures are typically characterized by a non-controlling ownership interest with decision making and distribution of expected gains and losses being generally proportionate to the ownership interest. We evaluate these partnerships and joint ventures for consolidation in accordance with ASC 810 Consolidations.

In accordance with ASC 810, we assess our joint ventures at inception to determine if any meet the qualifications of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). We consider a partnership or joint venture a VIE if: (a) the total equity investment is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) characteristics of a controlling financial interest are missing (either the ability to make decisions through voting or other rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity); or (c) the voting rights of the equity holders are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the entity and/or their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. Upon the occurrence of certain events outlined in ASC 810, we reassess our initial determination of whether the partnership or joint venture is a VIE.

We also perform a qualitative assessment of each VIE to determine if we are the primary beneficiary, as required by ASC 810. Under ASC 810, a company concludes that it is the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE if the company has both (a) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The company considers the contractual agreements that define the ownership structure, distribution of profits and losses, risks, responsibilities, indebtedness, voting rights and board representation of the respective parties in determining if the company is the primary beneficiary. As required by ASC 810, management's assessment of whether the company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is continuously performed.

We account for VIEs for which we are not considered to be the primary beneficiary, but have significant influence, using the equity method and investments in VIEs where we do not have significant influence on the joint venture's operating and financial policies using the cost method.

Acquisitions of Properties

Acquisitions of Properties

We account for business combinations in accordance with ASC 805 ("ASC 805") Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the date of a business combination. Our consolidated financial statements and results of operations reflect an acquired business from the acquisition date.

Impairment

Impairment

GAAP related to accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets require that if impairment indicators exist and the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset are less than its carrying amount, an impairment provision should be recorded to write down the carrying amount of such asset to its fair value. The impairment analysis does not consider the timing of future cash flows and whether the asset is expected to earn an above or below market rate of return. We review our real estate assets (including those held by our Real Estate Affiliates), operating assets, land held for development and sale and developments for potential impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Impairment indicators for our assets or projects within our Master Planned Communities segment are assessed separately and include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in sales pace or average selling prices, significant increases in expected land development and construction costs or cancellation rates, and projected losses on expected future sales. Master Planned Community assets have extended life cycles that may last 20 to 40 years and have few long-term contractual cash flows. Further, Master Planned Community assets generally have minimal to no residual values because of their liquidating characteristics. Master Planned Community development periods often occur through several economic cycles. Subjective factors such as the expected timing of property development and sales, optimal development density and sales strategy impact the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and fair value.

Impairment indicators for our Operating Assets segment are assessed separately for each property and include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in net operating income, significant decreases in occupancy, or low occupancy and significant net operating losses.

Impairment indicators for development costs in our Strategic Developments segment, which are typically costs incurred during the beginning stages of a potential development, and developments in progress are assessed by project and include, but are not limited to, significant changes in projected completion dates, revenues or cash flows, development costs, market factors, significant decreases in comparable property sale prices and feasibility.

If an indicator of potential impairment exists, the asset is tested for recoverability by comparing its carrying amount to the estimated future undiscounted cash flow. The cash flow estimates used both for determining recoverability and estimating fair value are inherently judgmental and reflect current and projected trends in rental, occupancy, pricing, development costs, sales pace and capitalization rates, and estimated holding periods for the applicable assets. Although the estimated fair value of certain assets may be exceeded by the carrying amount, a real estate asset is only considered to be impaired when its carrying amount is not expected to be recovered through estimated future undiscounted cash flows. To the extent an impairment provision is necessary; the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value is expensed to operations. In addition, the impairment provision is allocated proportionately to adjust the carrying amount of the asset. The adjusted carrying amount, which represents the new cost basis of the asset, is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset or, for Master Planned Communities, is expensed as a cost of sales when land is sold. Assets that have been impaired will in the future have lower depreciation and cost of sale expenses, but the impairment will have no impact on cash flow.

With respect to our investment in Real Estate Affiliates, a series of operating losses of an asset or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value has occurred which is other-than-temporary. The investment in each Real Estate Affiliate is evaluated periodically and as deemed necessary for recoverability and valuation declines that are other-than-temporary. If the decrease in value of our investment in a Real Estate Affiliate is deemed to be other-than-temporary, our investment in such Real Estate Affiliate is reduced to its estimated fair value. In addition to the property-specific impairment analysis that we perform on the underlying assets of the Real Estate Affiliates' land held for development and sale and developments owned by such Real Estate Affiliates, we also considered the ownership and distribution preferences and limitations and rights to sell and repurchase our ownership interests.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly-liquid investments with maturities at dates of purchase of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents.

Revenue Recognition and Related Matters

Revenue Recognition and Related Matters

Land Sales Revenue

Revenues from land sales are recognized using the full accrual method at closing, when title has passed to the buyer, adequate consideration for the land has been received and we have no continuing involvement with the property. Revenue that is not recognized under the full accrual method is deferred and recognized when the criteria are met or using the installment or cost recovery methods. Revenue related to builder participation rights is recognized when collected.

Cost of land sales is determined as a specified percentage of the land sales revenues recognized for each community development project. These cost ratios are based on actual costs incurred and estimates of future development costs and sales revenues to completion of each project. The ratios are reviewed regularly and revised for changes in sales and cost estimates or development plans. Significant changes in these estimates or development plans, whether due to changes in market conditions or other factors, could result in changes to the cost ratio used for a specific project. For certain parcels of land, however, the specific identification method is used to determine the cost of sales, including acquired parcels that we do not intend to develop or for which development was complete at the date of acquisition. Expenditures in our MPC business to develop land for sale are classified as an operating activity within Master Planned Community development expenditures in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Rental Revenue

Revenue associated with our operating assets includes minimum rent, percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent, tenant recoveries and overage rent.

Minimum rent revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases and include base minimum rent and percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent. Percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent recognized from tenants is included in minimum rents in our consolidated financial statements. Minimum rent revenues also include amortization related to above and below-market tenant leases on acquired properties.

Recoveries from tenants are stipulated in the leases and are generally computed based upon a formula related to real estate taxes, insurance and other real estate operating expenses and are generally recognized as revenues in the period the related costs are incurred.

Overage rent is recognized on an accrual basis once tenant sales exceed contractual thresholds contained in the lease and is calculated by multiplying the tenant sales in excess of the minimum amount by a percentage defined in the lease.

Condominium Rights and Unit Sales

Revenue recognition for individual units in a condominium project are accounted for under the percentage of completion method when the following criteria are met: a) construction is beyond a preliminary stage; b) buyer is unable to require a refund of its deposit, except for non-delivery of the unit; c) sufficient units are sold to assure that it will not revert to a rental property; d) sales prices are collectible; and e) aggregate sales proceeds and costs can be reasonably estimated. Those units that don't meet the criteria use the full accrual method or deposit method.

Resort and Conference Center Revenue

Revenue for the resort and conference center is recognized as services are performed and primarily represents room rentals and food and beverage sales.

Other Income

Other income for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes $12.2 million from the gain on insurance recoveries related to casualty losses at South Street Seaport from Superstorm Sandy, $4.5 million from a legal settlement at Riverwalk, a gain of $8.5 million from our sale of Head Acquisition, LP, and $0.6 million from our sale of Rio West.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes tenant and other receivables, and straight-line rent receivables.

Straight-line rent receivables represent rental revenues recognized in excess of amounts currently due under lease agreements. Such amounts totaling $10.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and $6.9 million as of December 31, 2012, are included in Accounts receivable, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We record allowances against our rent receivables from tenants and other receivables that we consider uncollectible. These allowances are reviewed periodically and are based on management's estimate of receivables that will not be realized in subsequent periods. We also maintain an allowance for receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history, current credit status and if the tenant is currently occupying the space in developing these estimates. The allowance against our straight-line rent receivable is based on historical experience with early lease terminations, as well as specific review of significant tenants and tenants that are having known financial difficulties.

The following table summarizes the changes in allowance for doubtful accounts against our accounts receivables:

	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Balance as of January 1	$	8,914		$	8,496		$	10,966
Change in provision *		2,008			1,224			(235	)
Write-offs		(3,532	)		(806	)		(2,235	)
Balance as of December 31	$	7,390		$	8,914		$	8,496

Municipal Utility District receivables

Municipal Utility District receivables

In Houston, Texas, certain development costs are reimbursable through the creation of Municipal Utility District ("MUDs", also known as Water Control and Improvement Districts) receivables, which are separate political subdivisions authorized by Article 16, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution and governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ"). MUDs are formed to provide municipal water, waste water, drainage services, recreational facilities and roads to those areas where they are currently unavailable through the regular city services. Typically, the developer advances funds for the creation of the facilities, which must be designed, bid and constructed in accordance with the City of Houston's and TCEQ requirements.

The developer initiates the MUD process by filing the applications for the formation of the MUD, and once the applications have been approved, a board of directors is elected for the MUD and given the authority to issue ad valorem tax bonds and the authority to tax residents. The MUD Board authorizes and approves all MUD development contracts and pay requests. MUD bond sale proceeds are used to reimburse the developer for its construction costs, including interest. MUD taxes are used to pay the debt service on the bonds and the operating expenses of the MUD. The Company estimates the costs it believes will be eligible for reimbursement as MUD receivables. MUD receivables are pledged as security to creditors under the Bridgeland and TWL facilities. MUD receivables are shown net of an allowance of $5.3 million as of both December 31, 2013 and 2012, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable includes amounts due from builders for previously sold lots, primarily at our Maryland Master Planned Community and a note from GGP received at the Effective Date in connection with the Plan. The GGP note, also known as the Arizona II lease, had a balance of $13.2 million and $19.3 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The GGP note is fully amortizing, carries an interest rate of 4.41%, and cash payments under the note are approximately $6.9 million per year through the end of 2015. Also included in Notes receivable are notes receivable from various tenants, net of an allowance for uncollectible notes receivable, of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2012.

We estimate the allowance for uncollectible notes receivable based on our assessment of expected receipts of future cash flows with consideration given to any collateral securing the respective note.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates currently in effect. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

A valuation allowance is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. An increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances, and which causes a change in our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset, is included in the deferred tax provision. There are events or circumstances that could occur in the future that could limit the benefit of deferred tax assets. In addition, we recognize and report interest and penalties, if necessary, related to uncertain tax positions within our provision for income tax expense.

In two of our Master Planned Communities, gains with respect to sales of land for commercial use are reported for tax purposes on the percentage of completion method. Under the percentage of completion method, a gain is recognized for tax purposes as costs are incurred in satisfaction of contractual obligations. The method used for determining the percentage complete for income tax purposes is different than that used for financial statement purposes. In addition, the same two Master Planned Communities report gains with respect to sales of land for single family residences using the completed contract method. Under the completed contract method, a gain is recognized for tax purposes when 95% of the costs of our contractual obligations are incurred or the contractual obligation is transferred.

Tax Indemnity Receivable

Tax Indemnity Receivable

As further described in Note 9 "Income Taxes", GGP has indemnified us from and against a portion of taxes related to sales of certain assets in our Master Planned Communities segment as well as any interest or penalties assessed by the Internal Revenue Service that are attributable to those taxes. We recognize a tax indemnity receivable for an amount equal to the indemnified liability we have recorded, including interest and penalties, reduced for our cumulative utilization of certain of our tax assets that contractually limits the amount we can receive pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement. Interest income related to the tax indemnity receivable is recognized as interest income in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Reductions to the tax indemnity receivable attributable to a corresponding indemnified liability or recognition of contractual limitations incurred are recorded as Reduction in tax indemnity receivable in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Deferred Expenses

Deferred Expenses

Deferred expenses consist principally of financing fees and leasing costs and commissions. Deferred financing fees are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method (or other methods which approximate the effective interest method) over the terms of the respective financing agreements. Deferred leasing costs and commissions are amortized using the straight-line method over periods that approximate the related lease terms. Deferred expenses in our Consolidated Balance Sheets are shown at cost, net of accumulated amortization, of $36.6 million and $12.9 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Warrants

Warrants

The valuation of our Sponsors and Management warrants require significant judgment and complex valuation. The fair values were estimated using an option pricing model and Level 3 inputs due to the unavailability of comparable market data, as further discussed in Note 7 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Decreases and increases in the fair value of the Sponsors Warrants and the Management Warrants are recognized as either warrant liability gains or losses, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock Plans

Stock Plans

We apply the provisions of ASC 718 ("ASC 718") Stock Compensation in our accounting and reporting for stock-based compensation. ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. All unvested options outstanding under our option plans have grant prices equal to the market price of the Company's stock on the dates of grant. Compensation cost for restricted stock is determined based on the fair market value of the Company's stock at the date of grant.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed after adjusting the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation for the effects of all potentially dilutive common shares. The dilutive effect of options and nonvested stock issued under stock-based compensation plans is computed using the "treasury stock" method. The dilutive effect of the Sponsors Warrants and Management Warrants is computed using the if-converted method. Gains associated with the Sponsors Warrants and Management Warrants are excluded from the numerator in computing diluted earnings per share because inclusion of such gains in the computation would be anti-dilutive.

Information related to our EPS calculations is summarized as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic EPS:
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	(73,695	)	$	(127,543	)	$	148,470
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(95	)		(745	)		(1,290	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(73,790	)	$	(128,288	)	$	147,180
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		39,449			38,127			37,908
Diluted EPS:
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(73,790	)	$	(128,288	)	$	147,180
Less: Warrant liability gain		—			—			(101,584	)
Adjusted net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(73,790	)	$	(128,288	)	$	45,596
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		39,449			38,127			37,908
Warrants		—			—			1,074
Weighted average diluted common shares oustanding		39,449			38,127			38,982
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(1.87	)	$	(3.36	)	$	3.88
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(1.87	)	$	(3.36	)	$	1.17

The diluted EPS computations as of December 31, 2013 exclude 965,440 stock options, 122,334 shares of restricted stock, 1,916,667 shares of common stock underlying the Sponsor Warrants and 2,862,687 shares of common stock underlying the Management Warrants because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Additionally, stock options of 861,940, restricted stock of 57,933, 1,916,667 shares of common stock underlying the Sponsor Warrants, and 2,862,687 shares of common stock underlying the Management Warrants were not included in the computation of diluted EPS above as of December 31, 2012 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Additionally, stock options of 715,137 and restricted stock of 42,553 were not included in the computation of diluted EPS above as of December 31, 2011 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect. These pronouncements did not have any material impact on the financial statements unless otherwise disclosed, and we do not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.